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tomato seed oil

Also known as: Tomato seed oil, TSO, Solanum lycopersicum Seed Oil

Overview

Tomato seed oil is extracted from the seeds of *Solanum lycopersicum* (tomatoes). It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, and is primarily explored as a dietary supplement for its potential health benefits related to lipid metabolism and gut health. Research suggests it may help reduce cholesterol levels and modulate gut microbiota composition. Most studies to date have been conducted in animal models, indicating a need for more human research to confirm these effects. Tomato seed oil is available as an oil supplement and is being investigated for its potential role in supporting cardiovascular health and overall wellness. The quality of available evidence is considered emerging, with limited human studies available. Further research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans.

Benefits

Tomato seed oil has shown potential benefits in animal studies, particularly concerning lipid metabolism and gut microbiota modulation. Studies in mice indicate that tomato seed oil can reduce plasma cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides while increasing HDL-C. Furthermore, it tends to reduce the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increase Lactobacillus abundance, suggesting a positive impact on gut health. These effects may contribute to cardiovascular health benefits. However, it's important to note that human data is limited, and the clinical significance of these findings requires further investigation. The time course of these benefits is not well-documented in human studies.

How it works

Tomato seed oil may exert its effects through several biological pathways. It is suggested to enhance fatty acid β-oxidation, reduce cholesterol absorption, and promote cholesterol efflux. At the molecular level, it may upregulate genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as PPARα, ACADL, CYP7A1, LXRα, ABCA1, and SR-B1. These interactions influence both the cardiovascular system by improving lipid profiles and the gastrointestinal system by modulating gut microbiota composition. However, the absorption and bioavailability of tomato seed oil components in humans are not extensively studied, necessitating further research to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action.

Side effects

The safety profile of tomato seed oil is still under investigation, with limited human data available. Based on animal studies, it is generally considered safe. Common side effects are not well-documented, but potential gastrointestinal disturbances have been suggested. Rare side effects are currently unknown due to the lack of extensive human studies. There is a potential for interactions with lipid-lowering medications. While no specific contraindications have been established, caution is advised for individuals with severe lipid disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before using tomato seed oil. Further research is needed to fully characterize its safety profile in humans.

Dosage

Due to the limited human research, minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose of tomato seed oil are not yet established. There are no specific timing recommendations for its use. It is typically used as an oil supplement, but absorption factors are not well-studied. No required cofactors have been identified. Until more data is available, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using tomato seed oil to determine appropriate and safe dosages.

FAQs

Should I consult a healthcare provider before using tomato seed oil?

Yes, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using tomato seed oil, especially if you are taking other medications or have pre-existing health conditions, to ensure it is safe for you.

Is tomato seed oil safe?

While generally safe in animal studies, human safety data is limited. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.

What are the expected results from using tomato seed oil?

Potential benefits include improvements in lipid profiles and gut health, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. Results may vary.

When should I take tomato seed oil?

There are no specific timing recommendations for taking tomato seed oil. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8869745/ – This animal study on C57BL/6J mice investigated the effects of tomato seed oil on weight gain, plasma cholesterol, and gut microbiota. The key findings indicated that tomato seed oil reduced weight gain and plasma cholesterol, and modulated gut microbiota. However, the study's limitations include its animal model and the lack of human data, highlighting the need for further research in human populations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28129549/ – This review article discusses the potential health benefits of tomato seed oil, including its impact on lipid metabolism. The review suggests that tomato seed oil has potential health benefits, including lipid metabolism improvement. However, it also highlights the lack of human intervention studies, emphasizing the need for more research involving human subjects to validate these findings.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0301381 – This in vitro study used human gut microbiota to analyze the effects of tomato seed extract on gut health. The study found that tomato seed extract promotes beneficial changes in gut microbiota. However, the study's limitations include its in vitro nature, which means the results may not directly apply to human supplementation, and requires in vivo confirmation.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/fo/d0fo00133c – This study investigates the composition and potential health benefits of tomato seed oil, focusing on its fatty acid profile and antioxidant properties. The research highlights the presence of bioactive compounds that may contribute to its health-promoting effects. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and clinical relevance of these findings.
https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/8/3/265 – This review provides an overview of the nutritional and health aspects of tomato processing by-products, including tomato seed oil. It discusses the potential applications of tomato seed oil in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. The review emphasizes the need for further research to explore the full potential of tomato seed oil and its derivatives.