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Tomato Fruit Extract

Q: Is tomato fruit extract safe?

Tomato fruit extract is generally safe, but individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution due to its effects on platelet aggregation.

Q: When should I take tomato fruit extract?

There are no specific timing recommendations, but consistency in daily intake is advised to maintain stable levels of the active compounds in the body.

Q: What benefits can I expect from taking tomato fruit extract?

Users may experience potential benefits in cardiovascular health, including reduced blood pressure and platelet aggregation, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.

Q: Is tomato fruit extract a cure for cardiovascular diseases?

No, tomato fruit extract is not a cure for cardiovascular diseases. It is a supplement that may contribute to overall cardiovascular health when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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

Overview

Tomato fruit extract is a plant-based dietary supplement derived from tomatoes (*Solanum lycopersicum*). It is rich in bioactive compounds such as lycopene, nucleoside derivatives, conjugated phenolic compounds, and flavonoid derivatives. The extract is primarily used for its potential cardiovascular health benefits, including reducing blood pressure and inhibiting platelet aggregation, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research suggests that standardized tomato extract can significantly decrease systolic blood pressure. The bioavailability of certain compounds, like lycopene, can be enhanced through cooking and processing. Tomato fruit extract is available in various forms, including capsules and as an ingredient in food products. The research on tomato fruit extract is moderately mature, with several systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its effects.

Benefits

Tomato fruit extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to cardiovascular health. A systematic review and network meta-analysis showed that standardized tomato extract significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Daily supplementation with Fruitflow® tomato extract has been shown to reduce platelet aggregation in response to various cofactors, particularly in untrained individuals before intense physical activity (p < 0.05). Clinical trials have demonstrated that 150 mg/day of concentrated tomato extract (WSTC) can reduce blood pressure and platelet aggregation in prehypertensive patients within 24 hours. Another study showed a significant hypotensive effect with 213 mg/day of standardized tomato extract over 4 weeks. These benefits are generally applicable to the adult population, including those with high cardiovascular risk.

How it works

Tomato fruit extract exerts its effects through multiple biological pathways. It inhibits platelet aggregation by targeting molecules involved in platelet activation, such as ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, and thrombin. The bioactive compounds, including lycopene, nucleoside derivatives, and flavonoid derivatives, play key roles in these processes. The extract interacts with the cardiovascular system by reducing platelet aggregation and blood pressure, thereby contributing to healthy blood flow and reduced cardiovascular risk. Lycopene, a lipophilic molecule found in tomatoes, has enhanced bioavailability when cooked. These mechanisms collectively contribute to the observed cardiovascular benefits of tomato fruit extract.

Side effects

Tomato fruit extract is generally considered safe for consumption, with limited evidence of significant side effects. Common side effects are rare, and no significant uncommon or rare side effects have been consistently reported in the literature. However, due to its effect on platelet aggregation, there is a potential for interaction with anticoagulant medications, warranting caution for individuals taking such drugs. No specific contraindications are noted, but individuals with bleeding disorders should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using any new supplements. While generally well-tolerated, monitoring for potential interactions with blood-thinning medications is advisable.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of tomato fruit extract for cardiovascular benefits is approximately 150 mg/day of concentrated tomato extract (WSTC). Optimal dosages range from 150 mg to 213 mg per day of standardized tomato extract. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 213 mg/day have not been extensively studied. No specific timing recommendations are available, but consistent daily intake is advised. The extract can be taken in various forms, including capsules or as part of food products. Fruitflow® is a patented form that has been studied extensively. Cooking and processing can enhance the bioavailability of certain compounds like lycopene. No specific cofactors are required for the absorption of tomato fruit extract.

FAQs

Is tomato fruit extract safe?

Tomato fruit extract is generally safe, but individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution due to its effects on platelet aggregation.

When should I take tomato fruit extract?

There are no specific timing recommendations, but consistency in daily intake is advised to maintain stable levels of the active compounds in the body.

What benefits can I expect from taking tomato fruit extract?

Users may experience potential benefits in cardiovascular health, including reduced blood pressure and platelet aggregation, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.

Is tomato fruit extract a cure for cardiovascular diseases?

No, tomato fruit extract is not a cure for cardiovascular diseases. It is a supplement that may contribute to overall cardiovascular health when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1232229/pdf – This systematic review and network meta-analysis, encompassing 617 individuals, found that standardized tomato extract significantly decreased systolic blood pressure and inhibited platelet aggregation. The study highlights the potential of tomato extract in improving cardiovascular health, although moderate heterogeneity between studies was noted due to different forms of tomato products used.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008552.pub7/appendices – This Cochrane review assesses the effects of lycopene on cardiovascular disease. While the review itself doesn't provide specific findings on tomato extract, it highlights the importance of lycopene, a key component of tomato extract, in cardiovascular health, and discusses the mixed evidence and influence of bioavailability factors.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1215&context=biomed – This article discusses the role of diet in cardiovascular health, mentioning the benefits of lycopene and other antioxidants found in tomatoes. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for maintaining cardiovascular wellness, and highlights the potential of tomato-derived compounds in reducing cardiovascular risk.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.849841/full – This study investigates the effects of tomato extract on platelet function. It provides evidence that tomato extract can inhibit platelet aggregation, which is a key factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. The findings support the use of tomato extract as a dietary supplement for promoting cardiovascular health.
https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1750-3841.15833 – This research explores the impact of tomato consumption on various health outcomes. It highlights the potential benefits of tomato-derived products in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The study emphasizes the importance of bioavailability and processing methods in maximizing the health benefits of tomato consumption.