Potential health effects of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum) juice and hypoglycemic amelioration in the atherogenic indices between diabetic animal models

This study aimed firstly to evaluate the antioxidants levels (Lycopene & Beta-carotene) within fresh tomato juice (FTJ) and its health effects on atherogenic indices in association to lipid profiles and kidney functions between diabetic animal models. Rats (thirty-two; 180 +/- 5 g) were randomly divided to groups; control negative (G1; non-diabetic), control positive (G2; fed standard basil diet), and three diabetic groups induced by single dose of streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg body weight). Groups of diabetic G3 & G4 (given FTJ by gavages at 2 and 4 mL/day respectively). Glucose, lipid profile (Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL.c, HDL.c and VLDL.c), kidney functions with atherogenic indices; the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH.Px), glutathione reduced (GSH.Rd) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Results expressed data indicated that fresh tomato juice antioxidant activities presented at 72.83 +/- 2.62 while Lycopene and beta-carotene levels were 10.37 +/- 1.36 and 3.91 +/- 0.22 mg/100 mL respectively. Also, FTJ administration at 4 mL/day was the best effective dose; glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL.c. However, an elevation in the HDL.c, GSH.Px, GSH.Rd, and SOD were seen compared to G2. In conclusion, fresh tomato juice had hypoglycemic and positive atherogenic indices/effects that enhanced the model lipid profile to nearly the normal levels between diabetic rats especially at 4 mL/day.

Automated summary

This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidants levels in fresh tomato juice and its effects on atherogenic indices, lipid profiles, and kidney functions in diabetic animal models.