Physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, microbial contamination and antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus honey from the Andean region of Ecuador

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the pollen profile, physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, microbial contamination and antimicrobial activity of Eucalyptus honey from the Andean region of Ecuador. Aerobic mesophiles, molds and yeasts, fecal coliforms and sulfite-reducing clostridia contamination were also assessed. All honey samples met the quality standards required by international legislation, except for hydroxymethylfurfural, for which three samples did not satisfy international standards. Apparent phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as free amino acid and protein content fell within the ranges previously reported for other types of honey of distinct floral and geographical origins. No microbial contamination was observed, while total antioxidant capacity showed evidence of the Eucalyptus honey’s ability to reduce Fe3+ to Fe2+ as well as to verify the superoxide radical scavenging activity and metal ion chelating capacity. Eucalyptus honey was able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, but was not effective against Candida albicans.