Preliminary studies regarding antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity for different types of Romanian honeys.

Abstract

Different types of Romanian honeys were evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Total polyphenols, total fl avonoids and two colorimetric methods for radical scavenging activity and the total antioxidant power showed different amounts of biologically active compounds in tested honey samples. Antibacterial ac tivity was tested against Escherichia coli and Paenibacillus larvae , the first a model organism for bacteria and other a pathogenic bacterium causing American foul brood disease in Apis melliefra . Heather and honeydew honey had the highest content of total polyphenols (127.35 and 123.28 mgGAE/100 g and), while sunflower honey together with honeydew honey show the highest content of total fl avonoids (64.25 and 65.98 mgQE/100 g honey). The most effective in antibacterial activity for P.larvae was found in sunflower honey whereas multifloral honey showed highest activity against E.coli .