Study on Antihyperglycemic Effect of Lycopene in Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Rats

IntroductionDiabetes affects million people world-wide, and is on the increase. Oxidative stress is also one of the etiological factor for developing diabetes. lycopene is considered to be a potent antioxidant. The present study was done to explore the antihyperglycemic effect of Lycopene against alloxan induced diabetes in rats. Methodology36adult male rats of Wistar strain were divided into six groups of six animal in each GROUP I (n=6) Normal control. GROUP II (n=6) Diabetic rats GROUP III (n=6) Diabetic rats treated with protamine zinc insulin 0.9 U per 100 gms along with normal diet. GROUP IV (n=6) Treated with Lycopen 2.5 mg/kg orally 2weeks before and 3weeks after induction of diabetes mellitus. GROUP V (n=6) Treated with Lycopene 5mg/kg orally 2 weeks before and3 weeks after induction of diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c were estimated. ResultsLycopene (2.5mg/kg and 5mg/kg) before and after induction of diabetes showed significant reduction in blood glucose level. The reduction in blood glucose level was significantly higher in rats with Lycopene (5mg/kg). The HbA1c level was also significantly lower in Lycopene treated rats when compared to untreated diabetic rats. Conclusionthe present study offer a conclusive evidence that Lycopene has antidiabetic activity