Positive Health Online

Abstract

ENGELHARD and others, Hypertension Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Centre, Ben Gurion, University of the Negev, 84101 Beer Sheva, Israel, have conducted a trial of antioxidants from tomato extract for high blood pressure.

Background

Treatment of hypertension can reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Tomato extract contains carotenoids such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which are known as effective antioxidants, which may slow the process of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tomato extract on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and on oxidative stress markers in patients with high blood pressure.

Methodology

In a single-blind, placebo-controlled design, 31 subjects with grade-1 hypertension completed the trial. Subjects entered a 4-week placebo period, then an 8-week treatment period with tomato extract, 250 mg Lyc-O-Mato, and a 4-week control period with placebo.

Results

Systolic blood pressure decreased from 144 to 134 mm Hg (p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 87.4 to 83.4 mm Hg (p < 0.05). No changes in blood pressure were demonstrated during placebo periods. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, a lipid peroxidation products marker, decreased from 4.58 to 3.81 nmol/mg (p < 0.05). No significant changes were found in lipid parameters.

Conclusion

A short-term treatment with antioxidant-rich tomato extract can reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1 hypertension. The continuous effect of this treatment and the long-term beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors still need to be demonstrated.

References

Engelhard YN, Gazer B, Paran E. Natural antioxidants from tomato extract reduce blood pressure in patients with grade-1 hypertension: a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. American Heart Journal 151 (1): 100, Jan 2006.