Atherosclerosis prevention patent for LycoRed.

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The United States Office of Patents and Trademarks has granted patent protection to LycoRed Ltd (www.lycored.com) for an important invention in the field of cardiovascular health. The invention is based on phytoene and phytofluene, carotenoids found in a natural tomato extract. The phytoene and phytofluene effectively inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis, a serious degenerative disease that affects arterial health. This patent (US 7,351,746 132) marks the continued efforts by LycoRed to develop clinically supported, heart-healthy, natural ingredients with potential applications in dietary supplements and functional foods. Atherosclerosis is the process in which deposits of oxidized LDL cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium and other substances build up in the inner lining of an artery. These deposits, called plaque, can grow large enough to significantly reduce arterial blood flow and/or rupture, forming blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The research supporting this patent demonstrates that phytoene and phytofluene--alone, together and in combination with other natural tomato extract carotenoids--effectively inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the deposition of plaque from oxidized LDL cholesterol. "The investigation into phytoene and phytofluene as effective antioxidants in their own right is a logical progession of LycoRed's extensive research on Lyc-O-Mato--a natural tomato extract whose effectiveness is based upon the synergy between lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, beta-carotene and tocopherols," said Zohar Nir, VP New Product Development and Scientific Affairs for LycoRed. Clinical studies have demonstrated Lyc-O-Mate's role in reducing blood pressure and inhibiting the LDL oxidation that is linked to heart disease. Studies demonstrate that the presence of phytoene and phytofluene in the tomato extract are essential to its efficacy. "This may very well explain," continued Nir, "why synthetic lycopene does not provide the same antioxidant benefit as Lye-O-Mate, a unique whole tomato extract containing a natural balance of phytoene and phytofluene, in addition to lycopene, beta carotene, tocopherols and phytosterols."