Tomato extract “Lyc-O-Mato” May Help to Control Hypertension in Humans

High blood pressure, which often remains unnoticed by those affected, is crucial for the development of cardiovascular disease. Among the carotenoids found in plant foods, lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant in vitro. As shown by Paran and colleagues, lycopene-rich tomatoe extract (Lyc-O-Mato) – when tested in a double blind cross-over study over 6 weeks versus placebo – may help to better control hypertension in patients receiving standard low-dose medication (such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers).

“The benefits of our study are in the use of an effective concentration of antioxidants in their natural formulation, tomato extract with all the nutrients of the tomato included, extracted in natural tomato oil.”

“The core findings from this study are:

(1) a significant decline both in systolic and diastolic blood pressures with tomato extract therapy

(2) a significant increase in serum lycopene level after tomato extract therapy

(3) a significant increase in serum nitrate level after tomato extract therapy.”

Whether tomato extract alone is able to lower high blood pressure is currently unknown; the present data, however, are encouraging as they possibly offer means to reduce the daily intake of standard drugs for controlling hypertension in humans.

The full text article was published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy on December 4, 2008.

Photo Credit: freestuf