Narayanasamy S

This study attempt to evaluate the antioxidant activities of oral β-Carotene and topical lycopene on burn wounds healing in rat model, partial thickness thermal burn wounds were inflicted in all groups of animals. Group I was assigned as Control, Group II was received beta carotene (oral), Group III was received  Lycopene( topical) and Group IV was received beta carotene orally plus topically applied Lycopene. The parameters observed were epithelization period, percentage of wound contraction and TBARS levels and SOD levels as indicative of the process of healing. The mean values of the epithelization period was significantly reduced in beta carotene plus lycopene topically applied group of rats as compared to control group of rats. The mean values of the epithelization period was slightly decrease in beta carotene treated rats and topically applied lycopene treated rats when compared to control group of rats. The percentage of wound contraction was significantly increased in beta carotene plus topically applied lycopene group of rats when compared to control group of rats. The percentage of wound contraction was slightly increased in beta carotene treated rats and as well as only topically applied lycopene when compared to control group of rats. The serum TBARS levels were significantly increased in burn induced control group of rats (group I) compared to the normal or healthy rats. Administration of beta carotene plus topically applied lycopene rats were significantly decreased the levels of serum TBARS as compared with control  rats (groupI). The serum SOD levels were significantly reduced in burn induced rats(group I) as compared with healthy rats. Administration of beta carotene plus topically applied lycopene in rats were significantly increase the SOD levels on 21st day in comparision with burn induced group of rats (group I). The conclusion clearly shows the beneficial effect of the beta carotene plus topically applied lycopene treatment to enhance the wound healing  in burn. Key words:  Epithelization, Beta carotene, Lycopene, Wound contraction