The carotenoid content, antioxidant and cell growth activities of tomato waste extracts, obtained from
five different tomato genotypes, was investigated. High performance liquid chromatography was used
to identify and quantify the main carotenoids present in tomato waste extracts. The antioxidant activity
of tomato waste extracts was tested using spectrophotometric methods, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay. The highest DPPH scavenging activity
(IC50 = 0.057 mg/ml) was obtained for Bac ˇka extract. The Knjaz extract showed the best reducing power
(IC50 = 2.12 mg/ml). Cell growth effects were determined in HeLa, MCF7 and MRC-5 cell lines by sulforhodamine B test. Anti-proliferative effects were observed in all cell lines at higher concentrations
(P0.125 mg/ml). The carotenoid contents exhibited a strong correlation with antioxidant and antiproliferation activity. The results obtained indicated that tomato waste should be regarded as potential
nutraceutic resource and may be used as a functional food ingredient.