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Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract

Also known as: Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract, STE, Tomato Extract, Fruitflow®, Solanum lycopersicum

Overview

Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) is a concentrated preparation derived from ripe tomato fruits, specifically Solanum lycopersicum. It is distinguished from raw tomatoes or isolated lycopene by its standardization to contain a synergistic blend of bioactive compounds, including nucleoside derivatives, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Primarily utilized as a botanical dietary supplement, STE is recognized for its cardiovascular health benefits, particularly its antiplatelet, blood pressure-lowering, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research on STE's efficacy is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting its cardiovascular effects. It is often standardized to ensure consistent potency and efficacy, making it a reliable nutraceutical for individuals seeking to support heart health.

Benefits

STE offers significant cardiovascular benefits, primarily in blood pressure reduction and antiplatelet activity. A network meta-analysis demonstrated that STE significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to placebo, especially in hypertensive patients, a benefit not observed with other tomato forms or isolated lycopene. Clinical trials have shown STE effectively reduces platelet aggregation, with effects comparable to low-dose aspirin in high-risk hypertensive patients. These antiplatelet effects contribute to a reduced risk of thrombotic events. Secondary benefits include a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and coagulation markers, particularly after intense physical activity. While some animal and limited human data suggest improvements in lipid profiles and antioxidant status, the most robust evidence supports its use in hypertensive individuals and those at high cardiovascular risk. Benefits on blood pressure and platelet function are typically observed within four weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) exerts its cardiovascular benefits primarily through its multi-compound composition. It inhibits platelet aggregation by interfering with various pathways, including those induced by ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, and thrombin. This action helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Additionally, STE modulates endothelial function, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure. The synergistic action of its bioactive compounds, including nucleoside derivatives, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, contributes to its overall efficacy. These compounds interact with platelet activation receptors and enzymes involved in coagulation, as well as engaging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby improving vascular function and reducing platelet hyperactivity within the cardiovascular system.

Side effects

Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) is generally well-tolerated and exhibits a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects are minimal, with no significant adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials using doses around 150-213 mg/day. Uncommon or rare side effects are not well-documented, and no serious adverse effects have been reported to date. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants or other antiplatelet medications, due to STE's own antiplatelet effects. Concomitant use may lead to additive effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. Therefore, patients on such medications should consult their healthcare providers before initiating STE supplementation. Contraindications include individuals on anticoagulant therapy. Data on the safety and efficacy of STE in special populations, such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with severe comorbidities, are limited.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) has been demonstrated to be approximately 150 mg/day, showing efficacy in both blood pressure reduction and platelet function studies. Optimal dosage ranges observed in clinical trials with positive outcomes typically fall between 150-213 mg/day. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 213 mg/day have appeared safe in research settings. STE is generally recommended for once-daily administration, often in the morning. For consistent efficacy, it is important to use standardized extracts, such as Fruitflow®, which ensure a reliable content of bioactive compounds. While co-administration with food may enhance absorption, no specific cofactors are required to optimize its bioavailability.

FAQs

Is STE safe to take with aspirin?

STE has antiplatelet effects and may potentiate the effects of aspirin. It is strongly recommended to consult a medical professional before combining STE with aspirin or other antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications.

How soon can benefits be expected from STE?

Improvements in blood pressure and platelet function have typically been observed within four weeks of consistent daily supplementation with Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract.

Does STE reduce cancer risk?

While tomatoes contain beneficial compounds, the current evidence for Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract specifically reducing cancer risk is inconsistent and insufficient to support such claims.

Is STE the same as lycopene?

No, STE is not the same as lycopene. STE contains multiple bioactive compounds beyond just lycopene, and these compounds work synergistically. Isolated lycopene alone has not shown the same cardiovascular benefits as STE.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33676812/ – This network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of various tomato products on blood pressure. It concluded that Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared to placebo, particularly in hypertensive patients, while other tomato forms or isolated lycopene did not show significant effects. The study highlights STE's unique efficacy but notes heterogeneity in study populations and moderate quality of evidence.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03206944 – This clinical trial investigated the effects of Standardized Tomato Fruit Extract (STE) on platelet aggregation and blood pressure in 32 hypertensive patients at high cardiovascular risk. The study found that 213 mg/day of STE for 4 weeks significantly reduced platelet aggregation and blood pressure, with antiplatelet effects comparable to low-dose aspirin. Limitations include the small sample size and short duration.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.849841/full – This randomized controlled trial explored the effects of Fruitflow® (a branded STE) in healthy volunteers. It demonstrated that supplementation reduced markers of platelet activation, particularly after intense exercise, suggesting anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic benefits. The study's limitations include a small sample size and its focus on acute intervention rather than long-term effects.