Taking lycopene supplements reduces systolic blood pressure by about 5.66 mmHg in adults.
See the scientific wording
Lycopene supplementation is associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure of approximately 5.66 mmHg in adults, based on a meta-analysis of intervention trials.
Backed by science
One low-scoring study supports this claim, so treat this as an early signal rather than settled science.
What the research says
1 study reviewedSupporting (1)
Systematic Review With Meta-AnalysisMeta-analysis2017
The study found that taking lycopene lowered the top number of blood pressure by about 5.66 points, which matches what the claim says.
Contradicting (0)
No contradicting studies found yet
That doesn't mean it's settled — it just means no study has tested the opposite.
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 is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals in the blood. This protects the inner lining of blood vessels, helping them stay flexible and relax more easily. When blood vessels relax, blood pressure drops.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting study
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Taking lycopene supplements reduces systolic blood pressure by about 5.66 mmHg in adults.
Mechanism
1 studyLycopene is a powerful antioxidant that protects blood vessels from damage. By keeping blood vessels healthy, they can relax more easily, which lowers blood pressure.
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals in the blood. This protects the inner lining of blood vessels, helping them stay flexible and relax more easily. When blood vessels relax, blood pressure drops.
Lycopene scavenges reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress in the vascular endothelium.
Reduced oxidative stress preserves nitric oxide bioavailability by preventing its degradation by superoxide radicals.
Increased nitric oxide stimulates soluble guanylyl cyclase in vascular smooth muscle, leading to cyclic GMP-mediated vasodilation.
Vasodilation decreases peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in reduced systolic blood pressure.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
Tomato and lycopene supplementation and cardiovascular risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The study found that taking lycopene lowered the top number of blood pressure by about 5.66 points, which matches what the claim says.
Contradicting (0)
Community contributions welcome
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.
Meta-Analysis of Lycopene Supplementation Effects on Blood Pressure in Adults
Systematic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs in adults with or without hypertension, with lycopene supplementation (any dose) vs placebo, measuring systolic blood pressure at baseline and after intervention (≥4 weeks).
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled RCT of Lycopene Supplementation for Blood Pressure Reduction in Adults
Double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT with 200+ adults (aged 18-70) with prehypertension, randomized to lycopene (e.g., 15 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks; primary outcome: change in systolic blood pressure.
Prospective Cohort Study on Dietary Lycopene Intake and Incident Hypertension
Prospective cohort of 10,000 adults from general population, assessing lycopene intake via food frequency questionnaires and supplement use, followed for 10 years; outcome: development of hypertension or change in systolic blood pressure.
Case-Control Study of Lycopene Supplement Use in Hypertensive vs Normotensive Adults
Compare lycopene supplement use (ever/never, duration) in 500 adults with diagnosed hypertension (cases) vs 500 matched controls without hypertension, from the same population.