Phytochemical test and physical chemical properties of rubber honey from three types of bees (Apis mellifera, Apis dorsata and Trigona Itama)

Abstract

The rubber plant is one type of plant as a source of nectar for honey bees. This study aims to determine the characteristics of rubber honey from Apis melifera, Apis dorsata, and Trigona itama bees based on phytochemical screening and honey’s physicochemical properties. The observed variables consisted of active compound content, water content, honey color, pH value, acidity, Hydroxyl Methyl Furfural (HMF) and reducing sugars. Rubber honey samples were taken by purposive sampling from A. mellifera honey beekeepers in Jepara Regency, Central Java Province, T. itama honey beekeepers in Tapin District, South Kalimantan Province and A. dorsata honey beekeepers in West Bangka Regency, Bangka-Belitung Province. The results showed that rubber honey from the three types of bees met the honey quality standard based on SNI 8664-2018, except for the water content. There are differences in honey’s Physico chemical characteristics from the three types of bees, which include differences in the value of color intensity, acidity, HMF levels, and reducing sugar levels. All honey samples contain active compounds saponins, flavonoids, and phenols but do not contain alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids, and steroids. The need for post-harvest honey treatment reduces the water content of honey with a dehumidifier tool to comply with SNI standards.