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Lycopene (from Tomatoes) May Decrease Asthma

In a study of 32 asthmatic adults, taking tomato extract rich in lycopene was found to reduce lung inflammation. For the first 10 days of the study, asthmatics were fed a low-antioxidant diet, which worsened their asthma. After this 10 day period, subjects were given 1) placebo, 2) tomato extract containing 45 mg/d lycopene, and 3) tomato juice containing 45 mg/d lycopene—each for a period of 7 days. Results found reductions in lung inflammation with both lycopene supplements. The authors note, "In conclusion, dietary antioxidant consumption modifies clinical asthma outcomes. Changing dietary antioxidant intake may be contributing to rising asthma prevalence. Lycopene-rich supplements should be further investigated as a therapeutic intervention."

References

"Lycopene-rich treatments modify noneosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma: proof of concept," Wood LG, Garg ML, et al, Free Radic Res, 2008; 42(1): 94-102.