Study unlocks lycopene’s heart health benefits

Furthermore, the apparent benefits extended to a reduction in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). CRP is a marker of inflammation and is reported to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular-related events.

“These results add to the growing literature on potential protective effects of the antioxidant lycopene in atherosclerosis through an anti-inflammatory effect and preserving endothelial function,” wrote the researchers, led by Jong Ho Lee from Yonsei University in South Korea.

Growing science and market for lycopene

Lycopene is an antioxidant that is present in red- and pink-colored fruits and vegetables. It has been shown to have heart, blood pressure, prostate, osteoporosis, skin and other benefits in both natural and synthetic forms.

As well as being used as a food coloring, it has also used for its functional properties in food supplements and some food and beverage products, particularly those targeting the ‘beauty-from-within’ market.

According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), globally there were over 500 global lycopene product launches between 2003 and 2009 in foods, supplements and cosmetics.

Study details

The South Korean researchers recruited 126 health men with an average age of 34 and an average BMI of 24 kg/m2, and randomly assigned them to receive a daily 6 or 15 milligram supplement of lycopene (Lyc-O-Mato, Lycored), or placebo for eight weeks.

At the end of the study the researchers reported that SOD activity increased by 2.37 units per milliliter in the high-dose group, compared with an increase of 1.73 units per milliliter in 6 mg group and a decrease in activity in the placebo group.