Determination of physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds in samples of pollen, geopropolis and honey from Melipona Scutellaris bee species

Abstract

The interest in other products from the meliponids, such as pollen and the geopropolis, has provided a growing demand in the market due to their chemical composition and pharmacological activities. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds in honey, geopropolis and pollen of the bee species - Melipona scutellaris . Moisture, ashes, water activity and pH were evaluated, averaging 25%; 0.25%; 0.724; 5.52 for honey; 4.49%; 73.68%; 0.931; 3.55 for geopropolis and 49.61%; 2.31%; 0.931, 3.55 for pollen, respectively . Regarding the bioactive compounds, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids and antioxidant activity (DPPH) were evaluated, with mean values of respectively 243.6 0 mgGAE / 100g; 22.75 mgEQ / 100g; 0.48 mg β-carotene / 100 g; 10.72% for honey, 14.1 0 mgGAE / g; 6.91 mgEQ / g; 1.55 mg β-carotene / g; 43.48% for geopropolis and 21.21 mgGAE / g; 8.52 mgEQ / g; 3.62 mg β-carotene / g and 45.92% for pollen. It is concluded that variations of these parameters suffer influence of flowering season, geographic location and bee type. The content of bioactive compounds is relevant and can represent functional properties for consumers, and may add value not only to honey but to other products.