a b s t r a c t
The bioaccessibility, antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory activities of phytochemicals in a purple
tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) V118 was studied using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion model,
chemical and cell based antioxidant assays. The total phenolic and carotenoid contents and the antioxidant
activities were significantly lowered (37–72%) and degradation seemed to have occurred during the
in vitro digestion. Results indicated that these phytochemicals were bioavailable to the cells as demonstrated
by the cell based antioxidant assay. Extracts from the purple tomato showed significant and dose
dependent anti-inflammatory effect in the in vivo carrageenan-induced paw oedema rat study (oedematous
inhibition: 7.48% and 13.8%), suggesting that anthocyanins may play a role in the anti-inflammatory
effect. Direct antioxidant actions as indicated by reduced MDA and NO production and indirect actions as
shown in increased GPx and SOD activities in oedematous tissue support the conclusion that tomatoes
containing anthocyanins can potentially provide better protection against oxidative stress related chronic
diseases of humans.