Physicochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Sidr Honey Produced by Dwarf Honey Bees (Apis florea F.)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical properties and the antimicrobial activity of sidr honey produced by dwarf honey bees, Apis florea F. Three sidr honey combs presents three samples from Ziziphus trees (Ziziphus spinchristis L.) were collected during the blooming period (September and October, 2017) from Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Apis florea (A. f.) sidr honey had a high water content value (23.9%). The average results of pH no (4.52), free acidity (49.5 meq/kg), Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (1.7 mg/kg), Ash content (0.95 %) and electrical conductivity (EC) (1.79 mS/cm) for Apis florea sidr honey, respectively. The average sugar composition was (25.39, 39.47 and 3.29%) for Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose, respectively. Vitamins B3, B6, B12 and Ascorbic acids were detected in sidr honey. Vitamin B6 was the superior (7.87 mg/kg) of all tested vitamins followed by Ascorbic acid giving 4.04 mg/kg. The results suggested that Apis florea sidr honey is a good source of antioxidants and Vitamins. The antimicrobial activity of Apis florea sidr honey was tested for fungus (Rhizoctonia solani & Fusarium solani) and bacteria (Ralstonia solanacearum & Agrobacterium rhizogenes). There were positive results with the bacteria mentioned in each of the concentrations (15 - 50 - 100% with Ralstonia solanacearum) while the concentration 100% gave a positive result with the bacteria (Agrobacterium rhizogenes). Honey did not show antifungal activity. In addition, further studies are needed in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of sidr honey produced by Apis florea honey bees.