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*LycoRed, supplier of natural carotenoids and a wide range of other nutritional and colourant ingredients to the dietary supplement, functional food and cosmetic industries, worldwide, has been granted patent (US 7,351,746 B2) protection by the United States Office of Patents and Trademarks, for an important invention in the field of cardiovascular health. *

The invention is based on phytoene and phytofluene, carotenoids found in natural tomato extract. The phytoene and phytofluene inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis, a serious degenerative disease that affects arterial health. This patent (US 7,351,746 B2) 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 oxidised 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 blood flow through an artery. Plaques can also rupture, forming blood clots that block blood flow causing 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 oxidised LDL cholesterol.

“The investigation into phytoene and phytofluene as effective antioxidants in their own right is a logical outgrowth of LycoRed’s extensive research on Lyc-O-Mato 3/4 a natural tomato extract whose effectiveness is based upon the synergy between lycopene, phytoene, phytofluene, beta-carotene and tocopherols, ” stated Zohar Nir PhD, VP New Product Development & Scientific Affairs for LycoRed.

Clinical studies have demonstrated Lyc-O-Mato’s role in reducing blood pressure and inhibiting the LDL oxidation that is linked to heart disease.