Epidemiological evidence has linked increased consumption of tomatoes to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
In particular, WSTC, extracted from ripe tomatoes and often intended for use in fruit juices, fruit-flavoured beverages and yoghurt drinks, has garnered significant interest among researchers due to its composition of adenosine, flavonoids and chlorogenic acid.
To examine the potential impact of WSTC on individuals with elevated cholesterol levels, a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted by Chinese researchers and funded by BYHEALTH Co Ltd.
Sixty participants aged between 35 and 65, who had not undergone prior or recent cholesterol-lowering treatment, were evenly allocated to a treatment group (FFG) and a placebo group (PCG).
The study comprised a 45-day intervention period, followed by a 15-day observational follow-up.
Throughout the intervention phase, the FFG and PCG consumed WSTC and a placebo, respectively, together with meals at a dose of 300mg twice daily.
Each 300mg tablet of WSTC contained 150mg of Fruitflow sourced from DSM (China) Co Ltd. The remaining half of the tablet was made up of excipients, such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate.
There were no significant differences in baseline parameters between the FFG and PCG.
After 45 days of intervention, the FFG exhibited a 4.2% reduction (p < 0.001) in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and a 3.8% decrease (p = 0.015) in diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
The follow-up period showed a 1.5% increase in SBP (p = 0.032), but it remained below the baseline level.
Further stratified analysis revealed significant reductions in SBP among both hypertensive and non-hypertensive FFG participants post-intervention (p < 0.05), with a minor decrease in DBP (p > 0.05). In non-hypertensive FFG participants, SBP was significantly lower than that of the PCG.
In contrast, no substantial changes in SBP and DBP were observed in the PCG during the intervention and follow-up.
Additionally, the FFG showed a significant 6.5% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), along with a marked reduction in weight and body mass index, while levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) did not change significantly.
In the PCG, there were no meaningful changes for these lipid parameters.
Apart from its anti-hypertensive properties, other beneficial effects of WSTC were found. These include decreased levels of homocysteine (Hcy), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) in the FFG, compared to the PCG (p < 0.05).
“Our results indicate that Fruitflow effectively decreased blood pressure levels, particularly SBP, in individuals with high cholesterol, and these lower levels were partially maintained for 15 days post-intervention. Notably, the effect was observed regardless of the presence of hypertension.
“The findings also suggest that WSTC could positively modulate CVD risk factors, presenting a potential non-pharmacological option for enhancing cardiovascular health,” the authors wrote.
Multiple mechanisms
The increasing prevalence of CVD in China correlates with a surge in modifiable risk factors, with investigations highlighting dyslipidemia (blood lipid levels that are too high or low), particularly hypercholesterolemia, as a significant contributor to thrombogenesis.
Thrombogenesis occurs when blood clots block veins or arteries, leading to the development of atherothrombosis, which manifests as heart attack and stroke.
Therefore, reducing cholesterol levels is central to the management of atherosclerotic CVD.
Previous studies have shown that flavonoid-rich plant extracts function as natural inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key component of the renin-angiotensin system, which controls blood pressure by regulating body fluid balance.
Specifically, chlorogenic acid has been demonstrated to inhibit and downregulate ACE and renin expression. This contributes to the synthesis of endothelial nitric oxide (NO), inducing vasodilation and consequently reducing blood pressure.
In addition, adenosine, known for its role in immune and inflammatory pathways, can mitigate various inflammatory disorders and damage caused by inflammation of blood vessels.
After the intervention, there were no abnormalities in the blood clotting, liver and kidney functions of the participants, and no adverse events occurred during the trial period, which validates that Fruitflow is safe for consumption.
“Based on this evidence, we propose that Fruitflow may exert its anti-hypertensive effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and by enhancing endothelial function, increasing NO release, and reducing ACE and renin levels.
“However, the precise underlying mechanisms of these effects warrant further detailed studies with a larger sample size and longer intervention period. This will provide a robust scientific basis for using Fruitflow in hypertension management, and contribute to developing novel approaches for utilising bioactive food components in the prevention and management of CVD.”
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1410420
“The effect of water-soluble tomato concentrate on elevated serum cholesterol in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals”
Authors: Yingxiang Yu, Yifan Wu, Lan Xie, Cuiqing Chang
