Lycopene May Benefit Asthmatics

[Harry Hirsute]

In a randomized, crossover trial involving 32 asthmatic adults, intake of tomato extract rich in lycopene was found to reduce airway neutrophil influx and sputum neutrophil elastase activity.

Previous research has found a link between antioxidant-rich diets and reduced prevalence of asthma. In this study, the authors set out to investigate changes in asthma and airway inflammation resulting from a low-antioxidant diet, and furthermore, to investigate the effects of treatment with lycopene-rich supplements.

For the first 10 days of the study, subjects were fed a low-antioxidant diet. On this diet, reductions were found in plasma carotenoid concentrations, %FEV(1) and %FVC, increases were found in %sputum neutrophils, and a worsening of Asthma Control Score was found.

After this 10 day period, subjects were given, in a crossover fashion, 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 airway neutrophil influx with both lycopene supplements. Treatment with the tomato extract was also found to reduce sputum neutrophil elastase activity.

The authors conclude, "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."

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/37195