Clathrus ruber of the mature fruit bodies have been identified as carotenes, predominantly lycopene and "beta"-carotene—the same compounds responsible for the red and orange colors of tomatoes and carrots, respectively. Lycopene is also the main pigment in the closely related fungus "Clathrus archeri", while "beta"-carotene is the predominant pigment in the Phallaceae species "Mutinus caninus", "M. ravenelii", and "M. elegans". Clathrus ruber Clathrus ruber is a species of fungus in the stinkhorn family, and the type species of the genus "Clathrus". It is commonly known as the latticed stinkhorn, the basket stinkhorn, or the red cage, alluding to the striking fruit bodies
Lycopene pressure, interactions with drugs that affect blood pressure may occur. Lycopene may affect the immune system, the nervous system, sensitivity to sunlight, or drugs used for stomach ailments. Lycopenemia is an orange discoloration of the skin that is observed with high intakes of lycopene. The discoloration is expected to fade after discontinuing excessive lycopene intake. In a review of literature on lycopene and its potential role as a dietary antioxidant, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that evidence was insufficient for lycopene having antioxidant effects in humans, particularly in skin, heart function, or vision protection from ultraviolet light. Although lycopene