Tomato seeds promise new way to fight heart disease more safely

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 21:57

A TOMATO extract has been hailed as a safer alternative to aspirin when used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Scientists in Aberdeen have developed a tomato derivative called Fruitflow which has been shown in trials to reduce the risk of blood clotting.

And the study has discovered the fruit extract helps thin blood, reducing the risk of heart disease in a similar way to aspirin, but without the side effects.

The benefits of aspirins in preventing heart attacks may be outweighed by the risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding.

Yesterday researchers at Aberdeen's Rowett Institute said the results of the latest trials were "statistically significant".

Fruitflow manufacturer Provexis, a spin-off company of the research institute, have just released its findings.

Chief executive Stephen Moon said: "We are delighted with the results of this latest human trial, which highlights the substantial effect that Fruitflow can have, without the associated side effects known to occur with aspirin.

"We have already announced intent to enter into an agreement with DSM Nutritional Products, the world's leading supplier of vitamins, carotenoids and other fine chemicals to feed, food, pharmaceutical and personal care industries."

The trial compared the effects of Fruitflow and aspirin over a seven-month period using 43 people.

The study also showed no ill effects when Fruitflow and aspirin were taken together.

Fruitflow is derived from the gelatine that surrounds tomato seeds and works by smoothing platelets in the blood.

Tshd1 Platelets are essential in blood clotting after injury. They are normally smooth but can become spiky as a result of smoking, high cholesterol or being overweight, leading to blood clots.

The extract is said to begin to work immediately and its benefits are said to last for up to 18 hours.