Phytochemical and hypoglycemia effect of tomato lycopene extract (TLE)

Background: High blood glucose level is one of the Diabetes Mellitus (DM) symptoms. DM type 2 occurs when the body's cells experience insulin resistance. Insulin resistance caused by an increase of lipids in the body, so insulin can not be used properly. Objective: To determine the effect of giving tomato lycopene extract (TLE) to reduce levels of rat blood glucose induced by hyperglycemia. Method: Tomato skin extracted with four kinds of solvents, namely acetone, ethanol, n-hexane, and a combination of n-hexane: acetone: ethanol 96% (1: 2: 1). The identification of lycopene compounds was carried out by the TLC derivatization method. Hyperglycemia rats were induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 30 days and dexamethasone 1 mg/kg BW (i.p). Blood glucose levels were measured before and after the administration of the extract. TLE 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg BW given for 14 days. Results: The combination of n-hexane: acetone: ethanol 96% (1: 2: 1) produces the most lycopene content. This extract contains the fewest phenol and flavonoid compounds, so it is called a tomato lycopene extract (TLE). LTE 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg BW can reduce blood glucose levels. On the 7th and 14th day, the rat blood glucose level of the treatment group was not statistically different from the normal group. Conclusion: The hyperglycemic rat pancreas did not show any significant difference to the pancreas of normal rats. TLE 5, 15, and 50 mg/kg BW can reduce blood glucose levels.