Effect of Tomato, Lycopene and Related Products on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.  Rattanavipanon W, Nithiphongwarakul C, Sirisuwansith P, et al. Phytomedicine. Vol. 88 (2021): 1-8.

Key Findings:  This review of 11 different studies examined the effects of various forms of tomato, lycopene, and related products on blood pressure (BP) and found that a standardized tomato extract (STE) containing 10-15 mg/day of lycopene (equivalent to about five fresh tomatoes), significantly reduced systolic BP approximately 5.89% compared to placebo. The effect on diastolic BP was not significant in those without hypertension. However, in hypertensive patients, STE significantly reduced both SBP and DBP, by 8.09% and 4.25%, respectively, from baseline. Other forms of tomato, including different doses of standardized tomato extract, tomato-containing diets, lycopene-free preparations, and synthetic lycopene, did not consistently significantly reduce either SBP or DBP.

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Effect of Tomato Nutrient Complex on Blood Pressure: A Double Blind, Randomized Dose Response Study. Wolak T, Sharoni Y, Levy J, et al. Nutrients. Vol 11 (2019): 1-13.

Key Findings: This study found that a Tomato Nutrient Complex (TNC) containing 15 or 30 mg lycopene  effectively lowered systolic blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, lower doses of TNC or pure lycopene alone didn't have the same effect. Since raw tomatoes only contain about 2.5-4 mg of lycopene per 100 grams, eating tomatoes alone may not provide enough lycopene to reduce blood pressure. Therefore, it's recommended to include other lycopene-rich foods like tomato products or supplements in your daily diet.

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Whole Food Versus Supplement: Comparing the Clinical Evidence of Tomato Intake and Lycopene Supplementation on Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Burton-Freeman, BM, Sesso HD. Advances in Nutrition. Vol 5 (2014): 457–485.

Key Findings: In this review, 3 studies showed that 15 mg/day lycopene for 6–8 weeks decreased both systolic and diastolic BP. The benefits were apparent in individuals with stage 1 hypertension who were otherwise healthy. Two other studies reported no differences in BP after lycopene supplementation at similar doses and duration. Overall, the data for tomato products suggest that a higher initial BP results in more favorable declines in BP, such that those with prehypertension or hypertension may be better indicated for improvements in BP. 

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Effects of Lycopene Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Markers of Endothelial Function in Healthy Men. Kim JY, Paik JK, Kim OY, et al. Atherosclerosis. Vol. 215 (2011): 189-95.

Key Findings: This study examined the effect of 6 or 15 mg lycopene in 126 healthy men daily for 8 weeks.  Those who took 15 mg of lycopene daily had the most improvement. Their blood vessels functioned better, and they had less oxidative stress, which is linked to various health problems. Interestingly, the benefits were greater for those who initially had poorer blood vessel function. Overall, increasing lycopene levels in the blood seemed to improve blood vessel health and reduce oxidative stress, suggesting it could be beneficial for heart health.

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The Effects of Natural Antioxidants from Tomato Extract in Treated but Uncontrolled Hypertensive Patients. Paran E, Novack V, Engelhard YN, et al. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy. Vol. 23 (2009): 145-51.

Key Findings: This study examined the effect of 250 mg Lyc-O-Mato® containing 15 mg lycopene in 54 subjects with hypertension (aged 46-66).  Those who took the tomato extract experienced a significant drop in their systolic blood pressure (13-15 points); diastolic blood pressure decreased by around 4-8 points. This drop in blood pressure was not seen when they took the placebo. Overall, adding tomato extract to the existing medications of people with hypertension resulted in a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure, with no reported side effects and high compliance with the treatment. This suggests that lycopene from tomatoes could play a role in lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension.

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Natural Antioxidants from Tomato Extract Reduce Blood Pressure in Patients with Grade-1 Hypertension: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Engelhard YN, Gazer B, Paran E. American Heart Journal. Vol. 151 (2006): 100.e1-100.e6.Key Findings: In this study, daily oral supplementation of carotenoid-rich tomato extract containing 15 mg lycopene for 8 weeks significantly decreased systolic blood pressure by almost 7% and diastolic blood pressure by more than 4.5%.