Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, reduces the amount of cholesterol-carrying particles in rat blood.
See the scientific wording
Lycopene reduces the concentration of cholesterol-containing lipoproteins in the blood of rats.
There's disagreement
Mixed evidenceThe 3 studies we reviewed point in different directions — there's no clear consensus.
What the research says
3 studies reviewedSupporting (2)
Randomized Controlled TrialAnimal
This study shows that giving pure lycopene to rats makes their bad cholesterol levels go down, supporting the idea that lycopene can reduce cholesterol-carrying particles in rat blood.
Cohort StudyAnimal2025
The study found that giving lycopene to obese rats lowered their bad cholesterol and total cholesterol, meaning it does reduce cholesterol-carrying particles in the blood.
Contradicting (1)
Randomized Controlled TrialAnimal
The study found that lycopene actually increased the 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in rats, which is the opposite of what the claim says—that lycopene reduces cholesterol-carrying particles.
Quality-weighted scoring: we follow the GRADE framework — each study is rated High, Moderate, Low, or Very Low based on study design, methodology rigor, and risk of bias. A single high-quality RCT can outweigh several weaker observational studies.
Scores reflect study quality, not just count.
Lycopene from tomatoes enters the liver and tells it to make less cholesterol and to pull more bad cholesterol out of the blood. At the same time, lycopene protects liver cells from damage and inflammation, so they can work better to keep cholesterol levels healthy.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 2 supporting, 1 contradicting studies
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Lycopene, a compound found in tomatoes, reduces the amount of cholesterol-carrying particles in rat blood.
Mechanism
3 studiesLycopene lowers bad cholesterol in rat blood by telling the liver to make less cholesterol and remove more from blood. It also protects the liver from damage and inflammation, helping it work properly to keep cholesterol low.
Lycopene from tomatoes enters the liver and tells it to make less cholesterol and to pull more bad cholesterol out of the blood. At the same time, lycopene protects liver cells from damage and inflammation, so they can work better to keep cholesterol levels healthy.
Lycopene is absorbed and accumulates in the liver, where it directly inhibits the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme that controls the rate of cholesterol synthesis.
Lycopene upregulates the expression of LDL receptors on liver cells, increasing the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Lycopene reduces the activity of acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT), decreasing the esterification and storage of cholesterol in the liver.
Lycopene decreases cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and increases lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, promoting the maturation of HDL and the reverse transport of cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion.
Lycopene scavenges reactive oxygen species and activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, increasing antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase, thereby reducing oxidative stress.
Lycopene suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, reducing chronic inflammation in the liver.
Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation improve liver function and further support the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, culminating in lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Evidence from Studies
Last searched 2mo ago
Supporting (2)
Community contributions welcome
The Effect of Tomato Extract, Tomato Puree and Lycopene on Lipid Profile of Albino Rats and in Silico Simulation in Human
This study shows that giving pure lycopene to rats makes their bad cholesterol levels go down, supporting the idea that lycopene can reduce cholesterol-carrying particles in rat blood.
The study found that giving lycopene to obese rats lowered their bad cholesterol and total cholesterol, meaning it does reduce cholesterol-carrying particles in the blood.
Contradicting (1)
Community contributions welcome
The study found that lycopene actually increased the 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in rats, which is the opposite of what the claim says—that lycopene reduces cholesterol-carrying particles.
Score Breakdown
No multi-axis breakdown available yet. The overall Pro / Against score above is the best signal.
- No clinical evidence is available; the score reflects mechanistic plausibility only.
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 Effects on Lipoprotein Levels in Rodent Models
Comprehensive search of databases for controlled animal studies evaluating lycopene supplementation versus control, with meta-analysis of lipoprotein outcomes. Include studies assessing dose-response.
Double-Blind RCT of Lycopene Supplementation vs. Placebo in Rats for Lipoprotein Reduction
Randomized, placebo-controlled trial in rats with lycopene (specified dose) vs. placebo, measuring lipoprotein levels at baseline and after intervention period. Blinding of investigators.
Cohort Study of Dietary Lycopene Intake and Lipoprotein Levels in Rats
Prospective cohort study where rats are grouped by lycopene intake levels (e.g., low vs. high) and followed over time to assess lipoprotein changes, controlling for confounders.
Animal Model Study of Lycopene Supplementation in Rats: Lipoprotein Profile Analysis
Controlled laboratory experiment with rats receiving lycopene (specified dose) vs. control, measuring LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol in blood.