−
Lycopene content was determined as per the protocol described
by Ranganna (1994). In brief, 2 g sample repeatedly ground with
acetone until residue turned colorless. Acetone extract mixed
with petroleum ether and lower phase (acetone) transferred separately
than upper phase (petroleum ether extract). Anhydrous
sodium sulfate added to petroleum ether extract and diluted to
50 ml in a volumetric flask. Dilute 2 ml aliquot to 50 ml with
petroleum ether and measured absorbance at 503 nm in UV
spectrophotometer. The content was determined using the fol-
lowing formula: lycopene (mg 100 g
−1
) = (3.1206 ×A
×sample
volume ×dilution ×100)/sample weight ×1000.
503