ABSTRACT
The importance of natural compounds in health and disease has been well recognised for a long time, although naturally derived compounds have taken a secondary role in drug development. Cardiovascular diseases involves two main pathophysiological processes such as atherosclerosis and thrombotic events. This chapter discusses the development of cardioprotective factors, and the clinical trials and efficacy of the antiplatelet factors isolated from tomatoes and kiwi fruit. Antiplatelet agents are emerging as some of the newest agents that seem to have cardioprotective capabilities by modulating platelet function, blood flow and vascular integrity. Consumption of fruit or fruit extracts is responsible for several health-promoting properties. Both tomatoes and kiwi fruit are widely consumed worldwide. In 2006, the European Union (EU) adopted a regulation on the use of nutrition and health claims for foods, which set down harmonised EU-wide rules for the use of health or nutritional claims on foodstuffs.
