Pollen profiles, physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant activities of two honey samples from Jijel City (Algeria)

Abstract

Honey is a sweet and flavorful animal product that comes from nectar and/or honeydew. It is used in different nutritional and therapeutic fields. This study aimed at the determination of the botanical origin, the physicochemical characteristics, and the antioxidant activities of two honey samples from two locations in Jijel City (Algeria). The analyzed honey complies with the standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Pollen analysis showed that honey sample H1 was polyfloral and honey sample H2 was monofloral. Quality parameter analysis revealed that moisture content varied from 13.21 to 16.44%. The average pH was 4.34, and the electrical conductivity was 0.56 mS/cm. Protein, proline, and HMF contents were 32.08 mg EBSA/ 100 g, 435.47 mg/kg, and 3.49 mg/kg, respectively. Both analyzed kinds of honey were levorotatory. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids were found to be higher in honey H1 with 60.93 mg of EAG/100g and 20.92 mg of EC/100g, respectively. Results of antioxidant activities showed that honey H1 was much more effective in reducing iron and copper than honey H2 and gave the best total antioxidant capacity. In addition, the study of the antiradical activity against DPPH and ABTS revealed that honey H1 was able to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals with 48.88 and 18.21 %, respectively.