Physicochemical and bioactive properties of six honey samples from various floral origins from Tunisia

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the physicochemical, biochemical, and antioxidant activities of Tunisian honey samples. All the extracted honey samples appeared to conform to the European Legislation (EC Directive 2001/110) for all parameters. Mint honey, for instance, possesses significant pH value (p<0.05), invertase activity, water, and protein contents. In addition, this study demonstrates that the color of the Tunisian honeys is highly variable and ranges from pale yellow to dark brown. The total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid contents significantly vary (p<0.05). The highest values were found in mint honey, which has a very dark color. Correlations between the analyzed parameters are statistically significant (p<0.05). The DPPH radical scavenging activity of rosemary honey was determined as lower (p<0.05) than the other analyzed honey samples. Yet, the highest activity was detected in mint honey. The results suggest that Tunisian honeys could be beneficially used as a functional or nutraceutical substance as they prevent or moderate oxidative stress-related diseases.