Lycopene May Help Asthmatics

[Harry Hirsute]

KH: Can you tell us about your study and the basic results?

LW: In this study, asthmatic adults (n=32) consumed a low antioxidant diet for 10 days, then commenced a randomized, cross-over trial involving 3 x 7 day treatment arms [placebo, tomato extract (45mg/day) and tomato juice (45mg/day)]12. The study has produced exciting outcomes, both scientifically and clinically.

Clinically this study has demonstrated that short term consumption of a low antioxidant diet leads to reduced asthma control and worse lung function.

Scientifically this work has directed further research efforts, as we have demonstrated that these clinical effects are associated with increased neutrophilic inflammation in the airways, which can be reversed using lycopene-rich supplements.

KH: Were there any side effects with the lycopene treatment? How was the patient compliance?

LW: No side effects were observed as a result of the lycopene treatment. Compliance was >90% and was monitored by diary cards and pill countback.

KH: What asthmatic patients are candidates for lycopene therapy?

LW: Our data has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene-rich treatments in reducing both neutrophil influx and neutrophil activation. Thus, subjects with airway neutrophilia are likely to benefit from lycopene supplementation.

KH: Do you have any further comments on this very interesting research?

LW: We have established the ability of lycopene to reduce neutrophilic airway inflammation in asthma. We are now undertaking a larger, longer term trial, to establish the clinical efficacy of lycopene-rich supplements inasthma.

http://www.vitasearch.com/CP/experts/p2experts.htm

[Boss]

The only thing here is, that while this shows possible Lycopene benefit, with Asthmatics Lung Function, it doesn't show what benefits dietry Lycopene may exert on such peoples Lung Function.

I would presume there to be some, but ovbviously the quoted material has no specific referances to that.