Tomato (Lycopersion esculentum)
The tomato is a member of the nightshade family, originally native to South America but now widely cultivated worldwide. Tomatoes and many food products derived from them have become integral to Western diets, particularly in Mediterranean cuisine. The red color of tomatoes is attributed to the presence of the compound lycopene, which belongs to the carotenoid group. The aqueous tomato extract Fruitflow® does not contain lycopene but is rich in other bioactive substances such as nucleosides/nucleotides, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
Health claims about Fruitflow® (according to EFSA):
The standardised aqueous tomato extract Fruitflow® promotes normal platelet aggregation and contributes to the regulation of blood flow properties. Reduced blood flow, along with high cholesterol levels and hypertension, is one of the three major risk factors for cardiovascular health. Platelet aggregation, in particular, can be influenced by various mechanisms and is a crucial factor in regulating blood flow. A positive effect on blood flow is achieved with a daily intake of at least 150 mg of Fruitflow®.