Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Tomato powder extract

Also known as: Tomato powder, Dried tomato extract, Lycopene-rich tomato extract, Solanum lycopersicum extract

Overview

Tomato powder extract is a botanical supplement derived from *Solanum lycopersicum* (tomato), primarily valued for its high concentration of lycopene, a potent carotenoid antioxidant. The extract is produced by drying and grinding tomatoes, which concentrates their beneficial nutrients. It is utilized for its antioxidant, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory properties, and potential metabolic benefits. Beyond lycopene, it contains other carotenoids, vitamins, and phenolic compounds. The processing methods, such as oven or spray drying, significantly influence its chemical composition and the bioavailability of its active compounds. Research on tomato powder extract is moderately advanced, with numerous animal studies and human clinical trials, though human data on certain effects, particularly inflammation and metabolic parameters, can be mixed or inconclusive. It is generally regarded as a functional food ingredient and an antioxidant supplement.

Benefits

Tomato powder extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily due to its rich lycopene content. For **cardiovascular health**, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown significant, albeit modest, reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. For instance, consuming 200g of raw tomatoes daily for 8 weeks improved blood pressure in type 2 diabetics. It also shows potential in improving HDL function by increasing ApoA-1 levels and reducing lipid peroxidation in diabetic patients. Regarding **anti-inflammatory effects**, epidemiological data suggest an inverse association between plasma lycopene levels and inflammation markers. However, human intervention studies provide mixed results, indicating that while whole tomato products may have some anti-inflammatory benefits, isolated lycopene alone might not be sufficient. **Metabolic effects** are more consistently observed in animal studies, showing improvements in blood glucose, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress. Human trials are less consistent, though some indicate improved antioxidant status. Populations with low dietary lycopene intake, as well as type 2 diabetics, may particularly benefit from its cardiovascular and antioxidant advantages. Benefits typically manifest after 6-8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Tomato powder extract exerts its effects primarily through its potent antioxidant activity, largely attributed to lycopene. Lycopene neutralizes reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. It also modulates inflammatory pathways, specifically influencing NF-κB signaling and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This action contributes to its potential anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the extract improves endothelial function, which is crucial for cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. Its interaction with the cardiovascular system helps regulate blood pressure, while its influence on the metabolic system contributes to potential improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism. The bioavailability of lycopene is enhanced by heat processing and the presence of dietary fats, as these factors improve its absorption and utilization by the body.

Side effects

Tomato powder extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, but mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in some individuals. There are no well-documented uncommon or rare side effects. While no major drug interactions are known, caution is advised when taken with anticoagulants due to a potential mild antiplatelet effect. There are no established contraindications for its use. For special populations, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare providers before use. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood glucose levels, as the extract may influence metabolic parameters, although significant glucose lowering has not been consistently observed in human trials. Overall, the safety profile is favorable, with a low risk of adverse reactions.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of tomato powder extract, based on studies, is equivalent to consuming 200 grams of fresh tomatoes per day, or a lycopene dose ranging from 10 to 45 mg per day. Optimal dosage ranges for lycopene from tomato powder extracts typically fall between 10-30 mg per day in clinical trials. The maximum safe dose of lycopene has been observed to be up to 75 mg per day in studies, with no reported adverse effects. For optimal absorption, tomato powder extract should be taken daily with meals that contain dietary fat, as fat significantly enhances the bioavailability of lycopene. It is recommended that the powder form be derived from pretreated tomatoes to maximize lycopene content and ensure better rehydration properties, which further aids absorption. Heat processing of tomatoes also improves lycopene absorption.

FAQs

Is tomato powder extract effective for lowering blood pressure?

Some evidence suggests modest reductions in blood pressure after 6-8 weeks of supplementation, particularly in individuals with hypertension or type 2 diabetes.

Does it reduce inflammation?

Epidemiological data indicate potential anti-inflammatory effects, but human clinical trials show mixed results, suggesting whole tomato products may be more effective than isolated lycopene.

How long before benefits appear?

Benefits typically become noticeable after consistent daily supplementation for 6-8 weeks.

Is it safe long term?

Yes, tomato powder extract is generally considered safe for long-term use, with no significant safety concerns reported in studies.

Should it be taken with food?

Yes, it is best taken with meals, especially those containing dietary fat, to enhance the absorption and bioavailability of lycopene.

Research Sources

https://www.lidsen.com/journals/rpn/rpn-05-02-013 – This source discusses the processing methods of tomato powder extracts and their impact on lycopene content and bioavailability. It highlights that powder extracts from treated tomatoes show higher lycopene content and better rehydration properties, improving absorption.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1519905/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed clinical trials on tomato consumption and inflammatory markers. It concluded that tomato powder from high-lycopene cultivars retains bioactivity and may improve antioxidant status, but human data on inflammation reduction remain inconsistent due to study heterogeneity.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8869745/ – This randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetic patients found that consuming 200g of raw tomatoes daily for 8 weeks improved blood pressure and ApoA-1 levels. The study was well-controlled and showed statistical significance, though it had a small sample size and lacked long-term follow-up.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/effect-of-tomato-tomatoderived-products-and-lycopene-on-metabolic-inflammation-from-epidemiological-data-to-molecular-mechanisms/2DF4AD06030FD4B2E59D774EE284E22E – This narrative review summarized epidemiological and intervention data on tomato and lycopene effects on metabolic inflammation. It found strong inverse associations between plasma lycopene and inflammation but mixed results in intervention trials, suggesting whole tomato products might be more effective than isolated lycopene.