# Indigo Rose Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Indigo Rose')

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/indigo-rose-tomato
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Solanum lycopersicum 'Indigo Rose', Purple tomato, Anthocyanin tomato, Dark purple tomato, High-antioxidant tomato, Indigo tomato, OSU Blue tomato

## Overview

Indigo Rose tomato (Solanum lycopersicum 'Indigo Rose') is an anthocyanin-rich heritage variety developed at Oregon State University, containing unusually high concentrations of nasunin and other acylated anthocyanins primarily in its deep purple skin. These pigments activate Nrf2-mediated [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and modulate NF-κB signaling, contributing to observed [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and potential anti-cancer effects in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• May support gut health through microbiota modulation and reduced [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) in preclinical IBD models (animal evidence only)
• Demonstrated 30% [lifespan extension](/ingredients/condition/longevity) in cancer-prone mice models, suggesting potential anti-cancer properties (preliminary animal evidence)
• Shows potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) with 41.38% DPPH inhibition and elevated SOD activity (0.21 U/mg protein) in laboratory tests
• May reduce inflammatory responses through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (demonstrated in rodent models only)
• Contains high levels of anthocyanins in peel tissue, contributing to overall antioxidant capacity (in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

The primary bioactives in Indigo Rose tomato—acylated anthocyanins including nasunin and petunidin-based glycosides—activate the Nrf2/Keap1 transcription pathway, upregulating cytoprotective enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Simultaneously, these anthocyanins suppress NF-κB activation, reducing downstream [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. The fruit also contains cis-lycopene, which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity and may interfere with IGF-1 receptor signaling pathways implicated in tumor proliferation.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence for Indigo Rose tomato's health effects remains exclusively preclinical. In Apc(Min/+) cancer-prone mouse models, dietary supplementation with Indigo Rose tomato powder was associated with approximately 30% extension in median lifespan compared to controls, though direct tumor suppression mechanisms were not fully elucidated. Murine IBD models using DSS-induced colitis showed reduced colonic [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) scores and improved microbiota diversity markers following anthocyanin-rich tomato feeding, but no human randomized controlled trials have been conducted. The evidence base should be considered preliminary; extrapolation to human therapeutic dosing is not currently supported by clinical data.

## Nutritional Profile

Indigo Rose Tomato is a low-calorie fruit (~18 kcal/100g) with the following profile: Macronutrients: carbohydrates ~3.9g/100g (of which sugars ~2.6g), dietary fiber ~1.2g/100g, protein ~0.9g/100g, fat ~0.2g/100g. Micronutrients: Vitamin C ~19-23mg/100g (though somewhat lower than red tomato varieties at peak ripeness), Vitamin K ~7.9mcg/100g, Potassium ~237mg/100g, Folate ~15mcg/100g, small amounts of Calcium (~10mg/100g) and Magnesium (~11mg/100g). Bioactive Compounds: The defining characteristic is its exceptionally high anthocyanin content — primarily nasunin (delphinidin-3-rutinoside) and other delphinidin/petunidin glycosides — reaching concentrations of 40–100mg/100g fresh weight in the skin (substantially higher than most tomato varieties, which contain near-zero anthocyanins). Lycopene is present but at lower levels (~3.0–5.0mg/100g) compared to standard red tomatoes (~5–8mg/100g), as the purple pigmentation partially masks lycopene accumulation. Beta-carotene: ~0.4–0.6mg/100g. Chlorogenic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acids contribute additional polyphenol activity. Total polyphenol content is elevated relative to conventional tomatoes due to anthocyanin loading. Bioavailability Notes: Anthocyanins in tomato skin exhibit moderate bioavailability (~5–10% systemic absorption); consumption with dietary fat may modestly improve carotenoid (lycopene, beta-carotene) absorption. Cooking concentrates lycopene and converts it to more bioavailable cis-isomers, but degrades heat-sensitive anthocyanins — fresh consumption preserves anthocyanin content. Data on this specific cultivar remains limited relative to commodity tomato varieties; most micronutrient values are extrapolated from Solanum lycopersicum baseline data adjusted for known compositional differences.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist for Indigo Rose Tomato in humans. Preclinical studies used unspecified amounts in mouse diets without standardization details. Related tomato studies tested 10 mg lycopene (not anthocyanins) from tomato juice in small human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

As a whole food, Indigo Rose tomato consumed in dietary amounts is considered safe for most individuals; no documented toxicity thresholds exist for its concentrated anthocyanin extracts in humans. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should exercise caution, as high-dose anthocyanin supplementation may theoretically potentiate antiplatelet activity by inhibiting COX-1-dependent thromboxane A2 synthesis. Those with nightshade (Solanaceae) sensitivities or diagnosed solanine intolerance should avoid concentrated extracts, as the fruit contains trace glycoalkaloids. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety of high-dose anthocyanin extracts from this variety has not been evaluated; dietary consumption as food is presumed safe.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on Indigo Rose Tomato were identified. Evidence is limited to preclinical animal models including purple tomato-supplemented diets extending lifespan by 30% in p53 knockout mice and modulating gut microbiota in spontaneous ulcerative colitis mouse models, though exact sample sizes were not specified.

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicinal uses were identified for Indigo Rose Tomato, as it is a modern bred variety developed after 2008. Research focuses solely on its novel high anthocyanin profile rather than any ethnomedicinal context.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lycopene, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Indigo Rose tomato different from regular tomatoes?

Indigo Rose tomato was bred at Oregon State University specifically to produce high levels of anthocyanins in the fruit skin, a class of flavonoid pigments largely absent in conventional red tomato varieties. Its deep purple-black skin contains acylated anthocyanins including petunidin-3-(p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside at concentrations comparable to blueberries, while also retaining the lycopene and beta-carotene found in standard tomatoes. This dual antioxidant profile—anthocyanins plus carotenoids—distinguishes it nutritionally from most commercial tomato cultivars.

### Has Indigo Rose tomato been studied in humans?

As of current literature, no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been published specifically examining Indigo Rose tomato supplementation or consumption. All significant efficacy data originates from Apc(Min/+) mouse cancer models and murine colitis studies conducted primarily at Oregon State University. Researchers caution that while the animal data is promising—particularly the 30% lifespan extension finding—translation to human outcomes requires controlled trials that have yet to be initiated.

### How much anthocyanin does Indigo Rose tomato contain?

Indigo Rose tomato skin has been measured to contain approximately 40–50 mg of anthocyanins per 100 grams of fresh fruit skin tissue, though the whole-fruit concentration is lower due to the anthocyanins being concentrated almost entirely in the epidermis rather than the flesh. This is substantially higher than standard red tomatoes, which contain negligible anthocyanin levels. The predominant individual anthocyanins identified are petunidin and malvidin glycosides, with acylated forms shown to have higher bioavailability than their non-acylated counterparts.

### Can Indigo Rose tomato help with gut inflammation or IBD?

Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefit: in DSS-induced murine colitis models, diets enriched with anthocyanin-rich tomato material comparable to Indigo Rose reduced histological inflammation scores, lowered fecal calprotectin markers, and favorably shifted gut microbiota composition by increasing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations. The proposed mechanism involves NF-κB suppression in colonic epithelial cells and reduced tight-junction permeability. However, these findings are animal-only, and no human IBD trials have validated these effects.

### What is the best way to consume Indigo Rose tomato to maximize its anthocyanin content?

Consuming Indigo Rose tomatoes raw and with the skin intact preserves the highest anthocyanin concentration, since heat processing above 60°C (140°F) degrades acylated anthocyanins by 20–40% depending on duration and pH. Pairing the tomato with a small amount of healthy fat (e.g., olive oil) does not directly enhance anthocyanin absorption—unlike lycopene, which is fat-soluble—but does improve simultaneous carotenoid uptake from the same meal. Acidic preparation environments (such as vinaigrettes) help stabilize anthocyanin structure and may modestly improve bioavailability.

### Is Indigo Rose tomato safe to eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Indigo Rose tomatoes are a whole food that is generally recognized as safe for consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as they are simply a cultivar of common tomatoes with enhanced anthocyanin content. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should maintain balanced consumption as part of a varied diet and consult their healthcare provider if considering concentrated extracts or supplements derived from this variety. No adverse effects have been documented in human pregnancy or lactation studies with this specific tomato variety.

### Can Indigo Rose tomato interact with blood thinning medications like warfarin?

Indigo Rose tomatoes are unlikely to cause clinically significant interactions with warfarin or other anticoagulants when consumed as a normal food in typical dietary amounts, though regular tomato consumption provides vitamin K which supports clotting. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should maintain consistent intake of all vitamin K-containing foods, including tomatoes, rather than avoiding or significantly increasing consumption. Those taking blood thinners should discuss their specific dietary patterns with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

### How does the antioxidant strength of Indigo Rose tomato compare to other colored tomato varieties?

Indigo Rose tomatoes demonstrate significantly higher antioxidant capacity (41.38% DPPH inhibition) and elevated superoxide dismutase activity compared to conventional red tomatoes, making them among the most antioxidant-rich tomato varieties available. This enhanced antioxidant profile is attributed to their elevated anthocyanin content, which is naturally absent or minimal in standard red, yellow, or orange tomato cultivars. While other heirloom and specialty tomato varieties offer nutritional benefits, Indigo Rose stands out specifically for its combination of high anthocyanin concentration and measurable antioxidant enzyme activity.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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