Tomatoes have natural anti-thrombotic effects

Br J Nutr. 2003 Dec;90(6):1031-8. doi: 10.1079/bjn2003994.

Abstract

The prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has a high priority in developed countries. An inappropriate diet may be an important risk factor for thrombotic events. The daily intake of an anti-thrombotic diet may offer a convenient and effective way of prevention. The aim of the present study was to test tomato extracts for anti-thrombotic effects and to identify those varieties that have such an effect. A shear-induced platelet-function test (haemostatometry) was used to test anti-thrombotic potential in vitro. Extracts from those tomato varieties that showed a significant anti-thrombotic activity in vitro were further assessed in vivo, using a laser-induced thrombosis test in mice. One tomato variety (KG99-4) showed significant anti-thrombotic activity both in vitro and in vivo. KG99-4 inhibited not only platelet-rich thrombus formation but also had a thrombolytic effect. It is concluded that haemostatometry can detect and classify the anti-thrombotic potential of fruits and vegetables and offers a simple way of screening for such effects.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Diet*
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hot Temperature
  • Lasers
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects
  • Platelet Function Tests / methods
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Solanum lycopersicum* / classification
  • Species Specificity
  • Thrombosis / etiology
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Plant Extracts