Fruitflow®: the first European Food Safety Authority-approved natural cardio-protective functional ingredient

Abstract

Hyperactive platelets, in addition to their roles in thrombosis, are also important mediators of atherogenesis. Antiplatelet drugs are not suitable for use where risk of a cardiovascular event is relatively low. It is therefore important to find alternative safe antiplatelet inhibitors for the vulnerable population who has hyperactive platelets in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Potent antiplatelet factors were identified in water-soluble tomato extract (Fruitflow®), which significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. Human volunteer studies demonstrated the potency and bioavailability of active compounds in Fruitflow®. Fruitflow® became the first product in Europe to obtain an approved, proprietary health claim under Article 13(5) of the European Health Claims Regulation 1924/2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods. Fruitflow® is now commercially available in different countries worldwide. In addition to its reduction in platelet reactivity, Fruitflow® contains anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme and anti-inflammatory factors, making it an effective and natural cardio-protective functional food.

Fruitflow attenuates human platelet granule secretion through down-regulating Src/PLCγ2/PKC signaling pathway

“…According to the HPLC results, Fruitflow contains three main active ingredients including nucleoside derivatives, phenolic conjugates, and flavonoid derivatives, the most representative among the three components are adenosine, chlorogenic acid, rutin respectively [21]. The three substances can be used to quantify and evaluate the quality of Fruitflow and ensure that Fruitflow is as close to fresh tomatoes as possible.…”

“…Large numbers of trials proved that Fruitflow does not directly affect prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin clotting time (TCT) at any dose tested [50,51]. Unlike many anti-platelet drugs, which irreversibly inhibit platelet function and affected the life span of circulating platelets, the antiplatelet effects of Fruitflow are not irreversible, or cumulative, and does not bring extra bleeding risks [21]. In summary, Fruitflow is safe and reliable as a food supplement.…”

“…Fruitflow, a water-soluble tomato extract, is the European Food Safety Authorityapproved natural cardioprotective functional ingredient [21]. Previous study have shown that Fruitflow inhibited ADP and collagen-induced healthy human platelet aggregation and GPIIb/IIIa expression in vivo and ex vivo [22].…”

Italy's nutraceutical industry: a process and bioeconomy perspective into a key area of the global economy

“…In 2008, the latter company became the major shareholder of the small enterprise, based in Great Britain, which had identified tomato extract's antiplatelet properties, developing the technology to produce a highly stable and water‐soluble tomato extract (Fruitflow), which inhibits platelet aggregation …”

“…In 2008, the latter company became the major shareholder of the small enterprise, based in Great Britain, which had identified tomato extract's antiplatelet properties, developing the technology to produce a highly stable and watersoluble tomato extract (Fruitflow), which inhibits platelet aggregation. 24 The syrup and powder versions of this extract are Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) in the USA and are not regarded as Novel Foods in the EU, enabling their wide use in foods, beverages, and supplements.…”