As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have investigated a variety of nutritional and therapeutic approaches to support immunity and reduce inflammation. A 2022 review titled “Lycopene: a therapeutic strategy against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)” argues that lycopene, the natural pigment abundant in tomatoes and tomato-based products, may offer benefits in mitigating the harmful inflammatory responses associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

How COVID-19 causes damage?

Severe COVID-19 cases often involve overactive immune responses: a “cytokine storm” — excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-6, CRP, etc.) — leading to widespread inflammation, lung damage (ARDS), and potentially multi-organ failure.

Why lycopene may help?

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory properties: Lycopene is well known for its strong antioxidant effect, capable of neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in cells and tissues.

Immune modulation: The review notes that lycopene can influence immune function — potentially helping maintain a healthier balance of immune cells (e.g., lymphocytes) — which often are dysregulated in COVID-19.

Potential to mitigate “cytokine storm”: Because many of the worst outcomes in COVID-19 are driven by excessive inflammation rather than just the virus itself, compounds like lycopene that suppress inflammatory mediators might help reduce disease severity.

Limitations & What We Don’t Know

The article is a review, summarizing existing biochemical, experimental, and theoretical evidence — but does not present a large-scale clinical trial proving that lycopene prevents or cures COVID-19.

Authors themselves call for further clinical research and caution that lycopene should not be considered a replacement for established medical treatments.

As with many nutraceuticals, the effect size may be modest, and benefits likely depend on overall diet and health context.

Implications for Diet and Public Health

While lycopene is not a cure or a guarantee against COVID-19, this review suggests that regular consumption of lycopene-rich foods (such as tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste) may support the body’s antioxidant defenses and help modulate immune response — potentially contributing to lower risk of severe inflammation if infection occurs. In a broader public-health or dietary-supplement context, including tomato-based foods as part of a balanced diet can be considered one of many supportive measures.