A lycogen extract comprising active ingredient of ζ-carotene, neurosporene, spheroidenone and/or methoxyneurosporene is described. A composition comprising the lycogen extract of the present invention and food scientific or pharmaceutical acceptable carrier is also presented. A method for the treatment of disease in need of the lycogen extract which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of lycogen extract of the present invention is further described.