Abstract
Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all samples, whereas kampferol was only present in two samples. Physicochemical parameters and total phenolic content were also determined. Entire honey that recorded the highest rate of phenols was sample M6 (E. resinifera) = 69.25 mg GAE/100 g. On the other hand, the phenolic extracts had better antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities than the entire honeys, regardless the monofloral honey type. In conclusion, the studied Euphorbia honeys may have a great potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase sources for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Highlights
The Green Morocco Plan has permitted a sustainable development of the agricultural sector of this country contributing to increase its added value
The plant species is not provided three monofloral Euphorbia honeys can be found in Morocco: E. officinarum subsp. echinus, E. regis-jubae, and E. resinifera
The mineral analyses showed that the main dominant mineral element in the two Euphorbia honey types is potassium (K)
Summary
The Green Morocco Plan has permitted a sustainable development of the agricultural sector of this country contributing to increase its added value. The country has established programs in order to leave the subsistence farming, focusing on the promotion of the specific products of the territories, identifying hundred of local products and, labeling them under Geographical Indications, Designations of Origin or Agricultural Labels These labeled products include fresh and dried fruits, medicinal and aromatic plants, olive and argan oils and animal origin products such as honey [1]. The organoleptic characteristics for the former are the color dark amber, dry herbal, wax and spicy taste, and a permanent, intense and prickly aftertaste; and for the last one the color is dark golden, bitter and peppery at the throat taste [2] In both cases, the plant species is not provided three monofloral Euphorbia honeys can be found in Morocco: E. officinarum subsp. E. resinifera is an endemic species of Morocco mainly distributed in Azilal and Beni Mellal regions (Middle Atlas), whereas Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus and Euphorbia regis-jubae can be found in the south-western region [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call