摘要

The anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant activities of lycopene, the most abundant carotenoid in tomato, were evaluated using mouse models. Lycopene was provided in the form of oleoresin. The croton oil-induced mouse ear oedema model was used to study the anti-inflammatory activity, while the glass slide method was used to evaluate the anti-coagulant activity. Administration of lycopene for four days was associated with decreased swelling of the treated ear with an efficiency comparable to that of amoxycillin, a well-known anti-inflammatory agent. In addition, lycopene increased the coagulation time (CT). These preliminary results suggested that the health-promoting roles of lycopene could be associated with its anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant activities.