Abstract:
Background and Objective: Menopause is characterized by a loss in reproductive ability. Aging is a progressive loss of biochemical and physiological processes after the reproductive phase, which is affected by oxidative stress and free radicals. Tomatoes contain antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of tomato juice on serum malondialdehyde levels in menopausal rats. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study. Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The negative control was a group of sham procedure rats that were treated with distilled water. The positive control was a group of bilateral ovariectomized rats that were treated with distilled water. The first treatment was a group of bilateral ovariectomized rats that were treated with tomato juice at the dosage of 11 g/200 g body weight day–1. The second treatment was a group of bilateral ovariectomized rats that were treated with tomato juice at the dosage of 15 g/200 g body weight day–1. Treatment was given for 28 days. Results: The highest serum malondialdehyde level was found in the positive control group (126.70±24.76 ng mL–1). The serum malondialdehyde level in the first treatment group (120.40±39.81 ng mL–1) was lower than that in the positive control group (126.70±24.76 ng mL–1). The lowest serum malondialdehyde level was in the second treatment group (81.33±10.51 ng mL–1). There was a negative correlation between the amount of tomato juice and the serum malondialdehyde level (b = -0.573). Conclusion: Tomato juice, as an antioxidant, can reduce serum malondialdehyde levels in menopausal rats. The higher the dose of tomato juice, the lower the serum malondialdehyde level.