05.22.09
Indication: Hypertension
Source: Cardiovasc Drugs Ther, April 2009;23(2):107-8.
Research: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding lycopene to the treatment regime of people with moderate hypertension. The source of lycopene used in the study was a standardized tomato extract. The study included 50 subjects with moderate hypertension who were being treated with one or two hypertensive drugs, but still experienced high blood pressure. The participants then entered into two double-blind, crossover treatment periods of 6 weeks each where they received either standardized tomato extract or placebo in addition to their traditional antihypertensive medications.
Results: The results revealed a significant decrease in systolic (more than 10 mmHg) and diastolic (more than 5 mmHg) blood pressure after 6 weeks of tomato extract supplementation. There were no significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in either of the placebo groups. Serum levels of lycopene also increased during tomato extract therapy and there was a significant correlation between systolic blood pressure and lycopene levels. Since no side effects were reported and compliance to treatment was also high, researchers feel lycopene may be a useful addition to some current traditional treatment regimes.