Tomato Extract May Help Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

EDINBURGH, United KingdomAn extract from tomato might help ward off heart disease, according to new European research. Ninety healthy individuals with normal platelet function were given either tomato extract-enriched or control supplements; hemostatic function was measured at baseline and three hours after consumption.

At three hours, significant reductions in ex vivo platelet aggregation (induced by ADP and collagen) were observed in the group given tomato extract; no significant effects were seen in the control group. Researchers found a dose response to tomato extract at low levels of platelet stimulation, with inhibition of platelet function highest in a subgroup with highest plasma nomocysteine (P<0.05) and C-reactive protein concentration (P<0.001).

Researchers concluded that, tomato extract, as a functional food or dietary supplement may have a role in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by reducing thrombotic events. The study was published September in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.