Composition and Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of the Different Floral Honeys Form Korea

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium incriminated in gastroduodenal ulcers, and mucosaassociated lymphoid tissue lymphoma imposing a major burden on health care systems worldwide. Honeys have been shown to have antibacterial activity and suitable for use in ulcers, infected wounds and burns. The aim of this study was to screen selected Korean honeys for their anti-H. pylori activity. Acacia, chestnut, linden tree, mandarin orange, and snowbell honeys from Korea were characterized by traditional physiochemical parameters, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The contents of moisture (17.2~19.6g/100g of honeys), ash (0.04~0.72g/100g of honey), total protein (0.13~0.46g/100g of honey), and total lipid (0.01~0.03g/100g of honey) were distinctly different by floral origin. The values of fructose (38.78~44.07g/100g of honey), glucose (22.74~32.5g/100g of honey), and fructose/glucose ratio (1.19~1.83) were a little different by floral origin. All five honey samples detected only vitamin B1, B2, and niacin. Presences of 17 kinds of the amino acids were detected in all honey samples analyzed. The highest concentration among the amino acid observed in our study was proline. Variation in trace element content in different honey types is primarily due to botanical origin rather than geographical and environmental exposition of nectar sources. Contents of Ca and K were high in chestnut and linden tree honey. All the five honey varieties exhibited anti-H. pylori activity. The strongest inhibitory activity was demonstrated by chestnut honey at a concentraion of 10% v/v. However, treatment of honey with catalase did not have H. pylori inhibitory effect as compared to honey alone. These honeys from Korea may contain compounds with therapeutic potential against H. pylori.