Association of Lycopene and Male Reproductive Health: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

2025-07-25
International journal of molecular sciences 26(15)
- Isabel Viña
- Juan R Viña

PubMed: 40806357
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26157224

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 151
Population: men
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published until February 2025 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline databases

Rigorous Journal

Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and watermelon, has been investigated for its potential to improve male fertility through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, evidence of its effectiveness remains inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published until February 2025 in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline databases. Clinical studies evaluating lycopene supplementation in relation to male fertility outcomes were included in this review. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for the key outcomes. Four clinical studies involving 151 participants were included. Lycopene supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration (SMD 0.33, 95% CI [0.02-0.65], p = 0.037) and nonprogressive motility (SMD 0.45, 95% CI [0.04-0.87], p = 0.032). No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage. Sensitivity analyses showed that the findings were generally robust, although publication bias and methodological heterogeneity were noted. Lycopene supplementation may offer modest benefits in improving sperm concentration and nonprogressive motility in men. However, evidence for other fertility-related outcomes is inconclusive. Larger, high-quality randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and clarify the role of lycopene in male reproductive health.

Research Insights

Blood Orange→Improved Progressive Motility
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Blood Orange→Improved Semen Volume
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Blood Orange→Improved Sperm Concentration
Lycopene supplementation significantly improved sperm concentration (SMD 0.33, 95% CI [0.02-0.65], p = 0.037)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Blood Orange→Improved Sperm Morphology
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Blood Orange→Improved Sperm Motility
nonprogressive motility (SMD 0.45, 95% CI [0.04-0.87], p = 0.032)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Blood Orange→Improved Total Motility
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Blood Orange→Reduced Abnormal Morphology
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Blood Orange→Reduced DNA Damage
No statistically significant effects were observed on total motility, progressive motility, normal or abnormal morphology, semen volume, or DNA damage.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small