RPS assessment of research into effects of lycopene on the risk of heart attack, stroke and cancer

Source: Royal Pharmaceutical Society Area: News The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has featured a report on a small study in which scientists claim a single pill which contains a chemical found in tomato skin (lycopene) could cut the risk of heart attacks, stroke and even slow down the development of cancer.   The two-month study looked at 36 patients with pre-existing heart disease, who were already taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, and 36 healthy volunteers. Tests showed that the natural remedy boosts the elasticity and efficiency of blood vessels; in turn this reduces the hardening of the arteries which occurs with age. RPS Spokesperson Helen Williams said: "While these results are promising it is still early days, the study only involved 36 patients and we don't know if the effects reported in this short study would translate into a reduction in heart attacks and strokes."   Please see link for details.
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news