Nutralease (Lycopersicum esculentum)

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.

Origin & History

Nutralease is a branded lycopene formulation derived from Lycopersicum esculentum (tomato), a plant native to South America and widely cultivated globally. It originates from tomato fruit pulp or pomace (a by-product of juice processing), with lycopene extracted via industrial processes involving heat or solvents that promote cis-isomerization for better bioavailability.

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.

Health Benefits

• May support cellular communication by upregulating connexin 43 in gap junctions (preliminary evidence from cell studies)
• Contains multiple 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)

How It Works

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 defense systems through multiple molecular pathways.

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.

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 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.

Preparation & Dosage

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.

Synergy & Pairings

Vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea extract

Safety & 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.