[wpfilebase tag=file id=106 /]Background: Aqueous extracts from tomatoes display a range of antiplatelet activities in vitro. We previously showed that the active components also alter ex vivo platelet function in persons with a high response to ADP agonist.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the suitability of a tomato extract for use as a dietary supplement to prevent platelet activation.

Design: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted in 90 healthy human subjects selected for normal platelet function. Changes from baseline hemostatic function were measured 3 h after consumption of extract-enriched or control supplements.

Results: Significant reductions in ex vivo platelet aggregation induced byADPand collagen were observed 3 h after supplementation with doses of tomato extract equivalent to 6 (6TE) and 2 (2TE) tomatoes [3
mol ADP/L: 6TE (high dose),
21.3%; 2TE (low dose),
12.7%; P  0.001; 7.5
mol ADP/L: 6TE,
7.8%, 2TE,
7.6%; P0.001; 3 mg collagen/L: 6TE,
17.5%; 2TE,
14.6%; P  0.007]. No significant effects were observed for control supplements. A dose response to tomato extract was found at low levels of platelet stimulation. Inhibition of platelet function was greatest in a subgroup with the highest plasma homocysteine (P  0.05) and C-reactive protein concentrations (P  0.001).

Conclusion: As a functional food or dietary supplement, tomato extract may have a role in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease by reducing platelet activation, which could contribute to a reduction in thrombotic events.