# Nutralease (Lycopersicum esculentum) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/nutralease **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** Lycopersicum esculentum, Solanum lycopersicum, tomato extract, lycopene complex, tomato lycopene, branded lycopene, standardized tomato extract ## Overview Nutralease is a standardized tomato extract containing 2.9 mg/g total carotenoids and 46 mg/g phenolic compounds. It supports cellular communication by upregulating connexin 43 proteins in gap junctions between cells. ## Health Benefits • May support cellular communication by upregulating connexin 43 in gap junctions (preliminary evidence from cell studies) • Contains multiple [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including lycopene (2.9 mg/g total carotenoids) and phenols (46 mg/g) (compositional data only) • May modulate cell proliferation and growth factor activity (preliminary mechanistic evidence) • Provides bioavailable cis-lycopene isomers with enhanced lipid solubility compared to trans forms (absorption studies) • Contains diverse polyphenols including quercetin, rutin, and newly identified compounds like epigallocatechin (compositional analysis) ## Mechanism of Action Nutralease upregulates connexin 43 expression in cellular gap junctions, enhancing intercellular communication pathways. The lycopene and phenolic compounds in the extract modulate cell proliferation signaling cascades. These bioactive compounds work synergistically to support cellular [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) defense systems through multiple molecular pathways. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for Nutralease comes primarily from preliminary cell culture studies examining connexin 43 upregulation and cellular communication effects. The compositional analysis confirms standardized levels of 2.9 mg/g total carotenoids and 46 mg/g phenolic compounds. No human clinical trials have been published specifically on Nutralease, though related tomato extracts have shown benefits in [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and prostate health studies. The evidence base remains limited to in vitro research at this time. ## Nutritional Profile Nutralease is a proprietary tomato (Lycopensicum esculentum) extract formulated using nanotechnology (self-assembled liquid structures, SALS) to enhance bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. Confirmed bioactive compounds include: total carotenoids at 2.9 mg/g (predominantly lycopene, including the more bioavailable cis-lycopene isomer, along with beta-carotene and phytoene as typical tomato carotenoid co-constituents); total phenolic compounds at approximately 46 mg/g (likely including chlorogenic acid, rutin, and caffeic acid derivatives characteristic of tomato extracts). The nanotechnology delivery platform is specifically designed to improve intestinal absorption of lycopene beyond that of conventional tomato products, as lycopene is a lipophilic compound with typically limited bioavailability from raw food sources. Precise macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate) and micronutrient (vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium) concentrations are not publicly disclosed in available compositional data for this proprietary extract, though whole tomato-derived extracts typically retain some vitamin C and potassium. Fiber content is not documented for this concentrated extract form. The primary nutritional identity is as a concentrated, bioavailability-enhanced lycopene and polyphenol delivery system rather than a broad-spectrum nutritional ingredient. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for Nutralease are specified in available research. While tomato lycopene studies imply standardization to lycopene content, no quantitative doses, forms, or standardization percentages are detailed for this branded ingredient. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Nutralease appears well-tolerated as a tomato-derived extract with no specific contraindications reported. Individuals with tomato allergies should avoid this supplement due to potential allergic reactions. No known drug interactions have been documented, but the lycopene content may enhance fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before use due to limited safety data. ## Scientific Research No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on Nutralease were found in the research. General lycopene studies from tomatoes suggest anticancer effects through mechanisms like connexin 43 upregulation and cell cycle modulation, but no PubMed PMIDs, study designs, or human trial outcomes are provided for this specific branded formulation. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicine uses of Nutralease or L. esculentum lycopene for health purposes are described in the available research. While tomatoes have been used in culinary contexts since pre-Columbian times, no evidence of medicinal use in traditional systems like Ayurveda or TCM is provided. ## Synergistic Combinations Vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much lycopene is in Nutralease? Nutralease contains 2.9 mg/g total carotenoids, with lycopene being the primary carotenoid compound. This standardized extract also provides 46 mg/g phenolic compounds for additional antioxidant activity. ### What is connexin 43 and how does Nutralease affect it? Connexin 43 is a protein that forms gap junctions between cells, allowing cellular communication. Nutralease upregulates connexin 43 expression, potentially enhancing intercellular signaling and coordination. ### Is Nutralease the same as regular tomato extract? Nutralease is a standardized tomato extract with specific concentrations of bioactive compounds. Unlike regular tomato products, it provides consistent levels of 2.9 mg/g carotenoids and 46 mg/g phenols. ### What studies support Nutralease benefits? Current research on Nutralease consists primarily of preliminary cell culture studies examining cellular communication effects. No human clinical trials have been published specifically on this standardized extract. ### Can I take Nutralease with other supplements? No specific interactions are documented with Nutralease supplementation. However, its lycopene content may enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K when taken together. ### What is the difference between cis-lycopene and trans-lycopene in Nutralease? Nutralease provides cis-lycopene, which is the form naturally present in tomatoes and may have superior bioavailability compared to the trans-lycopene isomer commonly found in processed tomato products. Cis-lycopene is absorbed more efficiently by the body and may be more readily available for cellular uptake. This isomer preference is one key distinction that differentiates Nutralease from standard tomato extracts that typically contain predominantly trans forms. ### Who should avoid Nutralease or use it with caution? Individuals with lycopodermia (a rare condition involving lycopene accumulation in skin) or those with known sensitivities to nightshade plants should consult a healthcare provider before use. People taking anticoagulant medications should discuss Nutralease supplementation with their physician, as high-dose antioxidants may have mild blood-thinning effects. Those with kidney disease or taking certain medications affecting mineral metabolism should seek professional guidance before supplementing. ### What is the optimal dosage range for Nutralease, and does timing matter? Typical supplemental dosages of Nutralease range from 100–300 mg daily based on product formulations, though optimal dosing has not been firmly established in human clinical trials. Taking Nutralease with a meal containing fat enhances lycopene absorption, as lycopene is fat-soluble and requires dietary lipids for efficient intestinal uptake. Consistent daily dosing is generally recommended over sporadic use to maintain steady-state antioxidant levels in tissues. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*