# Brandywine Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/brandywine-tomato
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Brandywine heirloom tomato, Pink Brandywine, Brandywine beefsteak tomato, Solanum lycopersicum var. Brandywine, Brandywine variety tomato, American Brandywine tomato

## Overview

Brandywine tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an heirloom variety particularly rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that quenches singlet oxygen and inhibits [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling. Its high lycopene and polyphenol content supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by reducing oxidative modification of LDL cholesterol and suppressing TNF-α-mediated inflammatory cascades.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers: Meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (465 participants) showed significant reduction in TNF-α levels (Hedges' g = -0.45, P=0.005) - Strong evidence
• Supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health): RCT demonstrated reduced postprandial [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and OxLDL after high-fat meals in 25 healthy adults - Moderate evidence
• May lower cancer risk: Meta-analysis of 119 prospective cohorts (108,574 cases) linked higher tomato/lycopene intake to reduced total cancer risk and mortality - Strong evidence
• Promotes healthy weight management: 8-week RCT in postmenopausal women showed reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat - Moderate evidence
• Protects skin from UV damage: Meta-analysis of 21 trials demonstrated reduced UV-induced skin damage markers and increased minimal erythema dose - Strong evidence

## Mechanism of Action

Lycopene from Brandywine tomato acts as a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant that scavenges [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and downregulates NF-κB signaling, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α and IL-6. Lycopene also inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity and suppresses oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein by chelating free radicals within the LDL particle. Additionally, chlorogenic acid and quercetin present in the tomato skin modulate Nrf2/ARE pathway activation, upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) peroxidase.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials encompassing 465 participants demonstrated that lycopene-rich tomato supplementation produced a significant reduction in TNF-α levels (Hedges' g = -0.45, P=0.005), representing strong evidence for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) efficacy. A separate RCT in 25 healthy adults showed that tomato consumption reduced postprandial [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers and circulating oxidized LDL following high-fat meals, supporting cardiovascular benefit under acute metabolic challenge. Evidence for long-term cardiovascular endpoints such as arterial stiffness and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) remains preliminary, largely derived from smaller trials with short follow-up durations. Overall, the evidence base is moderate-to-strong for acute biomarker outcomes but requires larger, longer trials to confirm clinical disease endpoints.

## Nutritional Profile

Brandywine Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) per 100g fresh weight: Macronutrients — Calories: ~18 kcal; Carbohydrates: 3.9g (sugars ~2.6g); Protein: 0.9g; Fat: 0.2g; Fiber: 1.2g. Micronutrients — Vitamin C: 19–23mg (21–26% DV, higher than many commercial varieties due to heirloom genetics); Vitamin K1: 7.9mcg; Folate: 15mcg; Potassium: 237mg; Phosphorus: 24mg; Magnesium: 11mg; Calcium: 10mg; Iron: 0.27mg. Bioactive Compounds — Lycopene: 3.0–5.5mg per 100g (Brandywine tends toward moderate lycopene vs. red hybrids; bioavailability increases 2.5–3x when consumed with dietary fat or cooked, as lycopene is lipophilic); Beta-carotene: 0.45–0.62mg; Lutein + zeaxanthin: ~0.12mg; Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E): 0.54mg; Quercetin: ~0.008mg; Naringenin: ~0.28mg; Chlorogenic acid: ~0.16mg; Rutin: trace amounts. Sugar profile: predominantly fructose and glucose in roughly equal ratio (~1.3g each), contributing to Brandywine's noted sweetness. Bioavailability notes: Lycopene in raw tomatoes is primarily in the all-trans form (~97%), with cis-isomers (more bioavailable) increasing upon heating; consuming with olive oil enhances lycopene absorption by up to 400%. Vitamin C content is heat-sensitive and best preserved in raw consumption. As an heirloom variety, Brandywine may contain modestly higher polyphenol concentrations compared to commercial hybrid cultivars due to less selective breeding pressure on [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) reduction.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies used 100-200g fresh tomatoes or equivalent processed products daily, providing approximately 10-30mg lycopene. An 8-week intervention successfully used fresh tomatoes for weight management. No specific dosing established for Brandywine cultivar. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Brandywine tomato is generally recognized as safe for most adults, though excessive consumption can cause lycopenodermia, a benign orange skin discoloration resulting from lycopene deposition in adipose tissue. Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may experience symptom exacerbation due to the tomato's acidic pH and salicylate content. Tomato-derived compounds may modestly potentiate antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications such as warfarin due to polyphenol-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation, warranting caution in patients on blood thinners. Pregnancy safety at normal dietary intake levels is considered acceptable, but concentrated lycopene supplements have insufficient safety data for use during pregnancy or lactation.

## Scientific Research

While no clinical trials specifically studied Brandywine Tomato, extensive research on tomato cultivars provides relevant evidence. A 2022 meta-analysis of 7 RCTs found tomatoes significantly reduced [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers, and a 2025 meta-analysis of 119 cohorts linked tomato consumption to lower cancer risk. Additional RCTs demonstrated benefits for [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) (NCT00966550), weight management in postmenopausal women, and UV skin protection.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No evidence exists for Brandywine Tomato or tomatoes generally in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda or TCM. Tomatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century as a food crop, with modern breeding like Brandywine focused on enhancing culinary qualities rather than medicinal applications.

## Synergistic Combinations

Olive oil, vitamin E, selenium, green tea extract, resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much lycopene does a Brandywine tomato contain?

Brandywine tomatoes contain approximately 4–7 mg of lycopene per 100 g of fresh fruit, which is comparable to or slightly lower than intensely red commercial varieties, though their high flesh-to-skin ratio concentrates lycopene in bioavailable form. Cooking or processing with a small amount of oil significantly increases lycopene bioavailability by breaking down cell walls and facilitating absorption via the lymphatic system.

### Can Brandywine tomato reduce inflammation?

Yes, clinical evidence supports an anti-inflammatory effect: a meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (465 participants) found that lycopene-rich tomato supplementation significantly reduced TNF-α levels with a Hedges' g effect size of -0.45 (P=0.005). The primary mechanism involves lycopene and polyphenols suppressing NF-κB nuclear translocation, which reduces downstream transcription of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

### Is Brandywine tomato good for heart health?

An RCT in 25 healthy adults demonstrated that consuming Brandywine-type tomatoes reduced postprandial oxidized LDL and oxidative stress markers following a high-fat meal, suggesting cardioprotective activity under lipid-challenge conditions. Lycopene's ability to inhibit LDL oxidation and modestly suppress HMG-CoA reductase activity may contribute to long-term cardiovascular risk reduction, though large-scale endpoint trials are still needed.

### What is the difference between Brandywine tomato and regular tomato supplements?

Brandywine is an heirloom variety with a distinct polyphenol profile that includes higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid and quercetin compared to many hybrid commercial varieties, potentially offering broader antioxidant activity beyond lycopene alone. Standard lycopene supplements are typically derived from Lycopersicon esculentum extract standardized to 6–15% lycopene, whereas whole Brandywine tomato products retain the synergistic matrix of carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamin C that may enhance overall bioactivity.

### Who should avoid Brandywine tomato supplements?

Individuals with GERD, peptic ulcers, or salicylate sensitivity should limit intake due to the tomato's organic acid content and naturally occurring salicylates, which can trigger gastrointestinal irritation or allergic-type reactions. Patients on anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin should consult a physician before using concentrated tomato extracts, as quercetin and other polyphenols may inhibit CYP2C9 enzyme activity, potentially altering drug metabolism and increasing bleeding risk.

### What is the bioavailability of lycopene in Brandywine tomato supplements compared to fresh tomatoes?

Lycopene bioavailability is significantly enhanced in processed or cooked tomato products due to heat-induced isomerization from cis to trans forms, which are more readily absorbed. Brandywine tomato supplements typically concentrate lycopene content and pair it with fat for optimal absorption, making them more bioavailable than raw fresh Brandywine tomatoes. However, fresh Brandywine tomatoes still provide substantial lycopene when consumed with dietary fat sources like olive oil.

### How does Brandywine tomato supplementation interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin?

Brandywine tomato supplements contain vitamin K, which can potentially interfere with warfarin and other anticoagulant medications by reducing their effectiveness. Individuals taking blood thinners should maintain consistent intake of Brandywine tomato products and inform their healthcare provider before starting supplementation. Clinical monitoring of INR levels may be necessary to ensure proper anticoagulant dosing.

### What is the recommended daily dosage of Brandywine tomato extract for cardiovascular benefits?

Based on clinical evidence, cardiovascular benefits have been observed with lycopene doses ranging from 10–15 mg daily, typically delivered through standardized tomato extract supplements. Optimal dosing for Brandywine tomato specifically has not been definitively established in human trials; most studies use concentrated lycopene equivalents rather than whole-fruit dosing. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to determine appropriate dosage based on individual health status and dietary intake.

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