In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Berries for Wound Healing.

Managing chronic wounds can be challenging and have a major impact on the quality of life, due to the significant financial and psychosocial burden on the affected individuals and their families. The need for safe, effective, and cost-efficient wound healing remedies has led to the identification of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with positive effects on tissue regeneration. Berry fruits are a promising source of such compounds and may therefore prove distinctively beneficial. Here, we present a qualitative review of the available evidence specifically investigating the effects of berry extracts on in vitro and in vivo models of wound healing. The evidence shows that a variety of berry extracts significantly promote wound healing through their antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties as well as their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, re-epithelization, granulation, and vascularization pathways. However, data are still insufficient to pinpoint the differential effect that individual berries may have based on their nutrient and bioactive profile, the type and frequency of application, and the dosage required. Future research is needed in view of translating the available evidence into practice for clinical wound treatment.

The Role of Berry Consumption on Blood Pressure Regulation and Hypertension: An Overview of the Clinical Evidence.

The existence of a relationship between the consumption of dietary berries and blood pressure reduction in humans has been repeatedly hypothesized and documented by an increasing body of epidemiological and clinical evidence that has accumulated in recent years. However, results are mixed and complicated by a number of potentially confounding factors. The objective of this article is to review and summarize the available clinical evidence examining the effects of berry consumption on blood pressure regulation as well as the prevention or treatment of hypertension in humans, providing an overview of the potential contribution of distinctive berry polyphenols (anthocyanins, condensed tannins and ellagic acid), and results of dietary interventions with blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, chokeberries, cherries, blackcurrants and açai berries. We conclude that, while there is insufficient evidence supporting the existence of a direct blood pressure lowering effect, there is stronger evidence for specific types of berries acting indirectly to normalize blood pressure in subjects that are already hypertensive.

Whole Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)-Enriched Diet Is Hepatoprotective in the Obese Zucker Rat, a Model of the Metabolic Syndrome.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a major risk factor of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effect of whole red raspberry (WRR) consumption on lipid metabolism was investigated in the obese Zucker rat (OZR), a model for the MetS. Male OZRs (n = 16) and their lean littermates (lean Zucker rat) (n = 16) at 8 weeks of age were placed on a control or an 8% WRR-enriched diet for 8 weeks. Plasma triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and non-HDL-C levels, and hepatic concentration of TG were measured. The expression of nine genes related to lipid metabolism was evaluated, both in liver and adipose tissue. A WRR-enriched diet reduced plasma cholesterol and HDL-C and increased plasma TG, while it decreased hepatic TG accumulation in the OZR. The OZR assigned to a WRR exhibited upregulation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (Mttp) and downregulation of fatty acid synthase (Fas) expression in the liver. Results showed a decrease in accumulation of liver TG and gene expression modulation of enzymes and transcription factors associated with lipid metabolism, suggesting a possible hepatoprotective role of a WRR-enriched diet.

Potential Factors Influencing the Effects of Anthocyanins on Blood Pressure Regulation in Humans: A Review.

Dietary intake of anthocyanins (ACNs) is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. While the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering effects of ACN consumption have been consistently reported, their effect(s) on blood pressure regulation is less consistent and results from human studies are mixed. The objective of this review is attempting to identify potential patterns which may explain the variability in results related to blood pressure. To do so, we review 66 human intervention trials testing the effects on blood pressure of purified ACN or ACN-rich extracts, or whole berries, berry juices, powders, purees and whole phenolic extracts, from berries that are rich in ACN and have ACNs as predominant bioactives. Several factors appear to be involved on the mixed results reported. In particular, the baseline characteristics of the population in terms of blood pressure and total flavonoid intake, the dose and duration of the intervention, the differential effects of individual ACN and their synergistic effects with other phytochemicals, the ACN content and bioavailability from the food matrix, and individual differences in ACN absorption and metabolism related to genotype and microbiota enterotypes.

Effect of short-term hazelnut consumption on DNA damage and oxidized LDL in children and adolescents with primary hyperlipidemia: a randomized controlled trial.

Children with primary hyperlipidemia are prone to develop premature atherosclerosis, possibly associated with increased oxidative stress. Nutritional therapy is the primary strategy in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and associated conditions. Dietary interventions with bioactive-rich foods, such as nuts, may contribute to the modulation of both lipid profile and the oxidative/antioxidant status. Our study aimed to assess the impact of a dietary intervention with hazelnuts on selected oxidative stress markers in children and adolescents with primary hyperlipidemia. A single-blind, 8-week, randomized, controlled, three-arm, parallel-group study was performed. Children and adolescents diagnosed with primary hyperlipidemia (n=60) received dietary guidelines and were randomized into three groups: group 1 received hazelnuts with skin (HZN+S), and group 2 hazelnuts without skin (HZN-S), at equivalent doses (15-30 g/day, based on body weight); group 3 (controls) received only dietary recommendations (no nuts). At baseline and after 8 weeks, plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) concentrations, oxidative levels of DNA damage in PBMCs and potential correlation with changes in serum lipids were examined. A reduction of endogenous DNA damage by 18.9%±51.3% (P=.002) and 23.1%±47.9% (P=.007) was observed after HZN+S and HZN-S, respectively. Oxidatively induced DNA strand breaks decreased by 16.0%±38.2% (P=.02) following HZN+S treatment. Ox-LDL levels did not change after HZN+S intervention but positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A short-term hazelnut intervention improves cell DNA protection and resistance against oxidative stress but not ox-LDL in hyperlipidemic pediatric patients. The trial was registered at ISRCTN.com, ID no. ISRCTN12261900.

Berry Fruit Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of risk factors which often includes central obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, as well as a pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-thrombotic environment. This leads to a dramatically increased risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death both in the United States and worldwide. Increasing evidence suggests that berry fruit consumption has a significant potential in the prevention and treatment of most risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome and its cardiovascular complications in the human population. This is likely due to the presence of polyphenols with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, such as anthocyanins and/or phenolic acids. The present review summarizes the findings of recent dietary interventions with berry fruits on human subjects with or at risk of Metabolic Syndrome. It also discusses the potential role of berries as part of a dietary strategy which could greatly reduce the need for pharmacotherapy, associated with potentially deleterious side effects and constituting a considerable financial burden.

Wild blueberry consumption attenuates local inflammation in the perivascular adipose tissue of obese Zucker rats.

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been shown to play important roles in regulating vascular tone and linking local and systemic vascular inflammation. We examined the impact of PVAT on phenylephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in the aorta of obese Zucker rats (OZR) and their lean littermates (LZR) by comparing aortic rings with or without PVAT. Subsequently we placed OZR and LZR on a control (C) or an 8% wild blueberry (WB) diet and evaluated the effect of WB consumption on such response. PVAT-released adipokine concentrations were also measured as a function of WB diet. Maximal constrictor force (Fmax) in aortic rings without PVAT was significantly lower in OZR-C compared with LZR-C (0.41 ± 0.05 and 0.71 ± 0.06 g, respectively). Following WB diet, Fmax significantly increased in OZR (0.54 ± 0.06 g). In aortas with intact PVAT, Fmax was significantly lower in all groups (0.31 ± 0.06 OZR-C, 0.30 ± 0.05 OZR-WB, 0.29 ± 0.03 LZR-C, and 0.30 ± 0.04 g LZR-WB), but no difference was observed between treatments. PVAT concentrations of monocyte chemoactractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and adiponectin were significantly higher in OZR compared with LZR (+102%, +108%, and +45%, respectively). Following WB diet, PVAT concentrations of interleukin-8 were significantly lower in both OZR (-37%) and LZR (-30%), while adiponectin concentrations significantly increased in both OZR (+11%) and LZR (+16%). MCP-1 concentrations significantly decreased (-31%) in the PVAT of OZR with the WB diet. WB consumption appears to attenuate local inflammation in PVAT, which may impact systemic vascular inflammation and endothelial function.

Anti-inflammatory effect of anthocyanins via modulation of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades.

Anthocyanins are a group of bioactive compounds present in plant foods. Although they have consistently shown an anti-inflammatory effect both in vitro and in vivo, their mechanisms of action are not fully understood and have only recently begun to be elucidated. The aim of this review is to highlight the anti-inflammatory activity of anthocyanins, including their effect on the expression of several genes involved in inflammation. The available evidence suggests that their anti-inflammatory action can be attributed primarily to their antioxidant properties, which result in downregulation of the redox-sensitive nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. Other pathways at least partly involved in the inflammatory response, particularly the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, also appear to play a role. A discussion is presented on the most effective dose of anthocyanins, the differential contribution of specific compounds, the comparative effects of anthocyanins versus other anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, and the extent to which the observed biological activities are exerted by anthocyanins themselves or their metabolites.

The effects of wild blueberry consumption on plasma markers and gene expression related to glucose metabolism in the obese Zucker rat.

Impaired fasting blood glucose is one of the landmark signs of metabolic syndrome, together with hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and a chronic proinflammatory, pro-oxidative, and prothrombotic environment. This study investigates the effect of wild blueberry (WB) consumption on blood glucose levels and other parameters involved in glucose metabolism in the obese Zucker rat (OZR), an experimental model of metabolic syndrome. Sixteen OZRs and 16 lean littermate controls (lean Zucker rat [LZR]) were fed an 8% enriched WB diet or a control (C) diet for 8 weeks. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin GHbA1c, resistin, and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) were measured. Expression of the resistin, RBP4, and glucose transporter GLUT4 genes was also determined both in the liver and the abdominal adipose tissue (AAT). Plasma glycated hemoglobin HbA1c, RBP4, and resistin concentrations were significantly lower in OZRs following the WB diet (-20%, -22%, and -27%, respectively, compared to C diet, P<.05). Following WB consumption, resistin expression was significantly downregulated in the liver of both OZRs and LZRs (-28% and -61%, respectively, P<.05), while RBP4 expression was significantly downregulated in the AAT of both OZRs and LZRs (-87% and -43%, respectively, P<.05). All other markers were not significantly affected following WB consumption. In conclusion, WB consumption normalizes some markers related to glucose metabolism in the OZR model of metabolic syndrome, but has no effect on fasting blood glucose or insulin concentrations.

Wild blueberry consumption affects aortic vascular function in the obese Zucker rat.

This study evaluates the effect of wild blueberry (WB) consumption on the biomechanical properties of the aorta in the obese Zucker rat (OZR), a model of the metabolic syndrome. Thirty-six OZRs and 36 lean controls (lean Zucker rats) were placed either on a WB-enriched or a control (C) diet for 8 weeks. Phenylephrine (Phe)-mediated vasoconstriction and acetylcholine (Ach)-mediated vasorelaxation in the aortic vessel were investigated, as well as the contribution of the nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways in each of the above responses by using specific inhibitors. Obese Zucker rats exhibited a reduced vasocontstrictor response to Phe and an exaggerated vasorelaxant response to Ach. The WB diet partially restored Phe-induced constrictor responses and attenuated Ach-induced relaxant responses in OZR. Plasma nitric oxide was significantly attenuated (22.1 ± 1.1 µmol·L(-1), WB vs 25.6 ± 1.4 µmol·L(-1), C, p ≤ 0.05) with the WB diet. Thromboxane A2 levels in the aortic effluent were not significantly affected in the WB diet group, while PGI2 concentration significantly increased (766.5 ± 92.2 pg·mg(-1) aorta in the WB vs 571.7 ± 37.8 pg·g(-1) aorta in the C group, p ≤ 0.05). Downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and COX2 expression in the OZR aorta was observed in the WB diet group. In conclusion, WB consumption altered the biomechanical properties of the OZR aorta by partially restoring the impaired Phe-induced constrictor responses and attenuating the exaggerated response to Ach-induced vasorelaxation.

Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)-enriched diet improves dyslipidaemia and modulates the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in obese Zucker rats.

The present study investigated the potential of a wild blueberry (WB)-enriched diet to improve blood lipid profile and modulate the expression of genes related to lipid homeostasis in obese Zucker rats (OZR), a model of the metabolic syndrome with severe dyslipidaemia. For this purpose, twenty OZR and twenty lean Zucker rats (LZR; controls) were placed either on a control (C) or an 8 % WB diet for 8 weeks. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol and TAG concentrations were determined. The relative expression of six genes involved in lipid metabolism was also determined in both the liver and the abdominal adipose tissue (AAT). Plasma TAG and TC concentrations were significantly lower in the OZR following WB consumption (4228 (sem 471) and 2287 (sem 125) mg/l, respectively) than in those on the C diet (5475 (sem 315) and 2631 (sem 129) mg/l, P< 0·05), while there was no change in HDL-cholesterol concentration. No significant effects were observed for plasma lipids in the LZR. Following WB consumption, the expression of the transcription factors PPARα and PPARγ in the OZR was increased in the AAT, while that of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) was decreased in the liver and AAT. The expression of fatty acid synthase was significantly decreased in both the liver and AAT and that of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 was increased in the AAT following WB consumption. In conclusion, WB consumption appears to improve lipid profiles and modulate the expression of key enzymes and transcription factors of lipid metabolism in severely dyslipidaemic rats.

Modulation of plasma antioxidant levels, glutathione S-transferase activity and DNA damage in smokers following a single portion of broccoli: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Broccoli is a rich source of bioactive compounds (i.e. glucosinolates, carotenoids, vitamin C and folate) that may exert an antioxidant effect and reduce oxidative damage. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of broccoli consumption on carotenoids, vitamin C and folate absorption, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and oxidatively induced DNA damage in male smokers. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects consumed a single portion of steamed broccoli (250 g) with cooked pasta. Blood was drawn at baseline and at 3, 6 and 24 h from consumption. RESULTS: Broccoli significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased plasma level of vitamin C and folate (+35% and 70%, respectively) at 3 h, and ß-carotene (+8%) at 6 h. A modulation of GST activity occurred in plasma 6 h after broccoli consumption. A significant (P ≤ 0.01) reduction of the levels of H2O2-induced DNA damage (-18%) was observed in blood mononuclear cells 24 h after broccoli intake in GSTM1 positive, but not in GSTM1 null subjects. CONCLUSION: One portion of broccoli increased plasma antioxidant levels, modulated plasma GST activity and improved cell resistance against H2O2-induced DNA damage in healthy smokers. These results support the importance of consuming fruit and vegetable regularly.

Effect of 10-day broccoli consumption on inflammatory status of young healthy smokers.

This study evaluated the effects of 10-day broccoli (250 g/day) intake on dietary markers and markers of inflammations in young male smokers. A dietary intervention study with a repeated measures crossover design was conducted. Circulating levels of carotenoids, folate, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6sR) and adiponectin were measured. Broccoli intake significantly increased plasma levels of folate (+17%) and lutein (+39%), while no significant effect was observed for TNF-α, IL-6, IL-6sR or adiponectin. Plasma CRP decreased by 48% (post-hoc analysis, p < 0.05) following broccoli diet; this resulted to be independent from the plasma variations in lutein and folate. An inverse correlation between lycopene, TNF-α and IL-6sR was observed at baseline. In conclusion, broccoli consumption may reduce CRP levels in smokers, consistent with epidemiologic observations that fruit and vegetable intake is associated with lower circulating CRP concentrations.

Differential modulation of human intestinal bifidobacterium populations after consumption of a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) drink.

Bifidobacteria are gaining increasing interest as health-promoting bacteria. Nonetheless, the genus comprises several species, which can exert different effects on human host. Previous studies showed that wild blueberry drink consumption could selectively increase intestinal bifidobacteria, suggesting an important role for the polyphenols and fiber present in wild blueberries. This study evaluated the modulation of the most common and abundant bifidobacterial taxonomic groups inhabiting the human gut in the same fecal samples. The analyses carried out showed that B. adolescentis, B. breve, B. catenulatum/pseudocatelulatum, and B. longum subsp. longum were always present in the group of subjects enrolled, whereas B. bifidum and B. longum subsp. infantis were not. Furthermore, it was found that the most predominant bifidobacterial species were B. longum subsp. longum and B. adolescentis. The results obtained revealed a high interindividual variability; however, a significant increase of B. longum subsp. infantis cell concentration was observed in the feces of volunteers after the wild blueberry drink treatment. This bifidobacterial group was shown to possess immunomodulatory abilities and to relieve symptoms and promote the regression of several gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, an increased cell concentration of B. longum subsp. infantis in the human gut could be considered of potential health benefit. In conclusion, wild blueberry consumption resulted in a specific bifidogenic effect that could positively affect certain populations of bifidobacteria with demonstrated health-promoting properties.

Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) consumption improves inflammatory status in the obese Zucker rat model of the metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health problem in the United States. Chronic inflammation is a critical component of the MetS, leading to dramatically increased risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the ability of a wild-blueberry-enriched diet to improve the proinflammatory status associated with MetS in the obese Zucker rat (OZR). Circulating levels of key inflammatory markers and their expression in the liver and abdominal adipose tissue were examined in OZR and its genetic control, the lean Zucker rat (LZR), after feeding a control or an 8% wild blueberry diet (WB) for 8 weeks from age 8 to 16 weeks. In the OZR, WB consumption resulted in decreased plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (-25.6%, P<.05), interleukin (IL)-6 (-14.9%, P<.05) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (-13.1%, P<.05) and increased adiponectin concentration (+21.8%, P<.05). Furthermore, expression of IL-6, TNF-α and nuclear factor (NF)-kB was down-regulated in both the liver (-65%, -59% and -25%, respectively) and the abdominal adipose tissue (-64%, -52% and -65%), while CRP expression was down-regulated only in the liver (-25%). In the abdominal adipose tissue, similar trends were also observed in LZR following WB treatment, with decreased liver expression of NF-kB, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α (-24%, -16%, -21% and -50%) and increased adiponectin expression (+25%). Results of this study suggest that wild blueberry consumption exerts an overall anti-inflammatory effect in the OZR, a model of the metabolic syndrome.

Effect of a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) drink intervention on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function in humans with cardiovascular risk factors.

PURPOSE: Wild blueberries (WB) (Vaccinium angustifolium) are rich sources of polyphenols, such as flavonols, phenolic acids and anthocyanins (ACNs), reported to decrease the risk of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. This study investigated the effect of regular consumption of a WB or a placebo (PL) drink on markers of oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial function in subjects with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Eighteen male volunteers (ages 47.8 ± 9.7 years; body mass index 24.8 ± 2.6 kg/m²) received according to a cross-over design, a WB (25 g freeze-dried powder, providing 375 mg of ACNs) or a PL drink for 6 weeks, spaced by a 6-week wash-out. Endogenous and oxidatively induced DNA damage in blood mononuclear cells, serum interleukin levels, reactive hyperemia index, nitric oxide, soluble vascular adhesion molecule concentration and other variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Wild blueberry drink intake significantly reduced the levels of endogenously oxidized DNA bases (from 12.5 ± 5.6 % to 9.6 ± 3.5 %, p ≤ 0.01) and the levels of H2O2-induced DNA damage (from 45.8 ± 7.9 % to 37.2 ± 9.1 %, p ≤ 0.01), while no effect was found after the PL drink. No significant differences were detected for markers of endothelial function and the other variables under study. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the consumption of the WB drink for 6 weeks significantly reduced the levels of oxidized DNA bases and increased the resistance to oxidatively induced DNA damage. Future studies should address in greater detail the role of WB in endothelial function.

Six-week consumption of a wild blueberry powder drink increases bifidobacteria in the human gut.

Wild blueberries are a rich source of polyphenols and other compounds that are highly metabolized by the intestinal microbiota and may, at the same time, affect the intestinal environment itself. A repeated-measure, crossover dietary intervention on human volunteers was designed to study the effect of six week consumption of a wild blueberry ( Vaccinium angustifolium ) drink, versus a placebo drink, in modulating the intestinal microbiota. Relative to total eubacteria, Bifidobacterium spp. significantly increased following blueberry treatment (P ≤ 0.05), while Lactobacillus acidophilus increased after both treatments (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed for Bacteroides spp., Prevotella spp., Enterococcus spp., and Clostridium coccoides . Bifidobacteria, which have been largely proposed to be of benefit for the host, appeared to be selectively favored suggesting an important role for the polyphenols and fiber present in wild blueberries. Results obtained suggest that regular consumption of a wild blueberry drink can positively modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota.

Improvement of lymphocyte resistance against H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage in Sprague-Dawley rats after eight weeks of a wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)-enriched diet.

The effect of wild-blueberry consumption on the resistance of H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage was evaluated in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Thirty-two, four week-old SD rats were randomly assigned to two groups of sixteen rats each and fed a control diet (C) or a wild-blueberry (WB) diet for four or eight weeks. Following the dietary treatment, plasma antioxidant capacity was assessed by the TRAP assay. Ex vivo protection from H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage was evaluated in lymphocytes by means of the comet assay. No significant effect was detected in plasma antioxidant capacity at four and eight weeks in both dietary groups. In contrast, the level of DNA damage was significantly lower in rats fed the WB diet compared with those on the C diet after eight weeks (11.± 1.0% vs 17.2 ± 2.4% DNA in tail, p ≤ 0.05) but not after four weeks. In conclusion, while WB consumption did not affect plasma antioxidant activity, it improved lymphocyte protection against oxidative damage, but only after eight weeks.

Lycopene absorption in humans after the intake of two different single-dose lycopene formulations.

Lycopene is the main carotenoid present in tomato and its derivatives. It can also be obtained from the fungus Blakeslea trispora and its use as novel food ingredient was recently approved. The aim of the present study was to investigate the absorption of lycopene, in humans, after the intake of a single dose providing 15mg of lycopene from tomato extract (oleoresin 6%) or B. trispora (oil suspension 6%). Twelve female subjects were enrolled and divided into two groups: group 1 was assigned to the sequence tomato lycopene/wash-out/B. trispora lycopene, whereas group 2 followed the sequence B. trispora lycopene/wash-out/tomato lycopene. The formulations were consumed early in the morning with 5mL of sunflower oil, 100g of bread and 150mL of water. Blood was collected before consumption and after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24h. Plasma lycopene concentrations were determined by HPLC analysis. On the whole, statistical analysis of data did not demonstrate a different effect of the type of lycopene source on the carotenoid absorption. The maximum increase in plasma lycopene concentration was about 40nmol/L for both products at 10-12h (p<0.05) post-consumption and decreased to basal values at 24h. A transient higher increase in lycopene concentration at 4-6h (p<0.05) after tomato lycopene with respect to B. trispora lycopene intake was observed. In conclusion, the intake of a single dose of the two liposoluble lycopene formulations revealed a comparable, small, but significant increase in plasma lycopene concentrations.