The samples were extracted using the method reported previously with some modifications (Olives Barba et al., 2006). A sample (5 ml) was mixed with 100 ml of extraction solvent containing hexane/ acetone/ ethanol: 50:25:25 (v/v/v). The mixture was magnetically stirred during 10 min. Then 15 ml of distilled water were added. The upper layer was collected and placed in a round-bottomed flask. The solvent was removed by
using rotary evaporator. Hexane was added to the sample. The absorbance was measured at 450 and 470 nm for beta-carotene and lycopene determination, respectively. The quantities of beta-carotene and lycopene were calculated using extinction coefficient of 2560 M-1cm-1 for beta-carotene and 3450 M-1cm-1 for lycopene