EXTRACTION OF TOMATO LYCOPENE AND ITS EFFECTS ON ELECTROLYTE BALANCE, KIDNEY AND LIVER FUNCTION OF RABBIT BUCKS

Abstract

Lycopene is an antioxidant carotenoid compound occurring in plants and is responsible for the red coloured pigment of tomato, watermelon and other fruits mostly red coloured. In this study lycopene was extracted from tomato using acetone and dichloromethane as extraction solvents. Identification of lycopene was carried out using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. It was further fed to 15 mongrel rabbit Bucks in five graded levels at 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 gram using a completely randomized design for a period of 8 weeks (56days) to determine its effects on electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate), kidney function (uric acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine) and liverfunction (total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase). The results showed that the peaks of lycopene in UVVisible spectrophotometer were found at 475nm and 470.5nm in chloroform and hexane respectively. Also, all parameters tested for electrolyte balance, kidney and liver function were within the normal range. From the results of this study it was concluded that lycopene did not have any adverse effects on electrolyte balance, kidney and liver function but it was well tolerated by these delicate organs. This study therefore recommends that lycopene can be used an antioxidant in rabbit Bucks to reduce oxidative stress.