Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, decreases the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries of animals with atherosclerosis.
See the scientific wording
Lycopene reduces arterial plaque burden in animal models of atherosclerosis.
Unverified — no studies directly back this
We haven't found enough studies to verify this claim yet.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed
Related videos
How Fit Body Science checks a claim
- 1
We isolate the claim
Health advice from videos, articles and studies is broken down into single, testable claims.
- 2
We find the research
Each claim is matched against peer-reviewed studies, with every source cited by DOI.
- 3
We grade the evidence
Studies are scored on methodology, statistical rigor, transparency and publication quality.
The fitness and health internet is full of confident claims. We check them against real research.
Every claim on this site is traced back to peer-reviewed studies, scored on methodology and reporting quality, and given a verdict you can audit yourself — sources, DOIs and all.
- Full evidence breakdown and mechanism chains
- Ask our AI anything about a claim or its studies
- Get notified when new research changes a verdict
Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, decreases the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries of animals with atherosclerosis.
Evidence from Studies
Last searched 2mo ago
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Systematic Review of Lycopene Supplementation on Arterial Plaque in Animal Models
Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled animal studies (RCTs or quasi-RCTs) comparing lycopene intervention to placebo/no treatment, with outcomes including plaque area, volume, or composition.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Lycopene vs Placebo on Atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- Mice
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in genetically susceptible mice (e.g., ApoE-/-), with lycopene administered at a specified dosage for 12–24 weeks, and plaque evaluated histologically or via imaging.
Prospective Cohort Study on Lycopene Intake and Atherosclerosis Progression in Non-Human Primates
Prospective cohort of non-human primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys) fed varying levels of lycopene over several years, with serial imaging to measure plaque progression.
Case-Control Study of Lycopene Levels in Rabbits With and Without Atherosclerotic Plaques
Select rabbits with advanced atherosclerosis (cases) and matched controls without significant disease; measure lycopene concentrations in serum or aortic tissue.
In Vitro Study of Lycopene on Foam Cell Formation in Macrophage Cell Lines
Expose cultured macrophages (e.g., RAW 264.7) to oxidized LDL with and without lycopene; measure foam cell formation, lipid accumulation, and gene expression of scavenger receptors.