Cardiovascular

Seventy-six (76) original research articles were identified investigating the association between tomato/tomato-based foods and or lycopene and cardiovascular disease risk. Main findings are based on results using oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, platelet function and blood pressure as primary or secondary endpoints. The association between tomato/tomato-based foods remains relatively strong for a protective relationship between consumption of these foods and lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as measured by oxidative stress; and in one study, as measured by incidence of first myocardial infarction. Data remain inconclusive on the relationship of tomato/tomato-based foods and modifying inflammation, endothelial function, and blood pressure; however, recent publications are exploring these endpoints. One PC investigation suggests increased vascular risk based on elevated pro-thrombotic factors in higher consumers of tomato/tomato-based foods. These data are in contrast to earlier reports suggesting anti-thrombotic effects of fresh tomato seed (membrane) extracts. Follow up research is required to reconcile these differences.

Plasma/serum lycopene concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk are mixed with both protective and neutral relationships reported. Large prospective cohort investigations support a protective relationship between plasma/serum lycopene concentrations and future coronary events and death due to cardiovascular disease; although this relationship may not extend to stroke. Mixed results are reported for lycopene supplementation on all endpoints, including blood pressure. However, recent work supports testing the hypothesis that combination therapy including lycopene supplementation will have beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation. Additional research is required to understand the therapeutic and preventive opportunities with lycopene supplementation using combination strategies.


Cardiovascular Seventy-six (76) original research articles were identified investigating the association between tomato/tomato-based foods and or lycopene and cardiovascular disease risk. Main findings are based on results using oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial function, platelet function and blood pressure as primary or secondary endpoints. The association between tomato/tomato-based foods remains relatively strong for a protective relationship between consumption of these foods and lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as measured by oxidative stress; and in one study, as measured by incidence of first myocardial infarction. Data remain inconclusive on the relationship of tomato/tomato-based foods and modifying inflammation, endothelial function, and blood pressure; however, recent publications are exploring these endpoints. One PC investigation suggests increased vascular risk based on elevated pro-thrombotic factors in higher consumers of tomato/tomato-based foods. These data are in contrast to earlier reports suggesting anti-thrombotic effects of fresh tomato seed (membrane) extracts. Follow up research is required to reconcile these differences. Plasma/serum lycopene concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk are mixed with both protective and neutral relationships reported. Large prospective cohort investigations support a protective relationship between plasma/serum lycopene concentrations and future coronary events and death due to cardiovascular disease; although this relationship may not extend to stroke. Mixed results are reported for lycopene supplementation on all endpoints, including blood pressure. However, recent work supports testing the hypothesis that combination therapy including lycopene supplementation will have beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation. Additional research is required to understand the therapeutic and preventive opportunities with lycopene supplementation using combination strategies. Dietary Lycopene and Disease Risk Plasma/Serum Lycopene and Disease Risk Lycopene Supplement and Disease Risk Tomato/Tomato-based foods and Disease Risk