Haji Khamis1*, Kituyi Lusweti2, Haji Mwevura3
1,2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, P.0.Box 1125-30100, University of Eldoret, Chepkoilel, Kenya
3The State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), P. O. Box 146, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Corresponding author: Haji Khamis Email : khamish03@yahoo.com
Abstract
Tomatoes contain lycopene and β-carotene which have important health benefits. Different varieties are available in Zanzibar Islands and used in daily meal. However, there is little information in Zanzibar about quantity of all trans-lycopene, cis-lycopene and βcarotene available in those tomato varieties. The objective of this study was to quantify all trans-lycopene, cis-lycopene and βcarotene from tomato varieties. Samples were collected and extracted using hexane/acetone/ethyl acetate (4:2:1 v/v/v). Extracts were filtered and lycopene layer separated, washed, dried, dissolved in hexane and fractionated by silica gel column. Fractions were collected, dried by blowing with a stream of nitrogen gas and measured their masses by electronic balance. Results showed that mass (in g/g) of all trans-lycopene varied from 316 to 827 and from 136 to 931, cis-lycopene from 60 to 528 and from 35 to 845, βcarotene from 41 to 405 and from 44.1 to 573, from Lycopersicon esculentum and Solanum quitoense respectively.Tomatoes contain valuable quantities of lycopene and β-carotene necessary for human nutrients. Best growing conditions which facilitate highest possible quantity of lycopeneand β-carotene should be investigated and used during tomato cultivation.
Keywords:
lycopene, quantify, β-carotene, Lycopersicon esculentum, Solanum quitoense
