Algerian Honey Research Articles

Safety Assessment of Honeys from Northern and Southern Algerian Regions

Although the EU is a major producer of honey, commercial production is often insufficient to meet market demand and, as a result, honey is often imported into the EU from extra-EU countries that lack regulatory standards for food safety and quality. Since honey is a matrix highly susceptible to contamination, monitoring the quality and safety of extra-EU honey is of significant importance to show potential safety gaps. Hence, aim of the study was to monitor the mineral profile of monofloral and multifloral honeys from different regions of North (provinces of Tiaret and Laghouat) and South Algeria (province of Tindouf). In almost all the samples, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb were found at levels exceeding the limits set for honey by the Codex Alimentarius and European Regulation 915/2023. In addition, a PCA analysis pointed out that the analysis of the element profile was useful to discriminate Algerian honeys more on the basis of geographical than botanical origin. The dietary exposure assessment indicates that the investigated honeys can be safely consumed in quantities comparable to those considered in Europe (1.8 g/day) and North Africa (0.3 g/day). Hopefully, data from this study may solicit the Algerian government to set regulatory limits on inorganic elements in honey and align with other international standards, to create a harmonized network able to improve the safety of this food.

New COI-COII mtDNA Region Haplotypes in the Endemic Honey Bees Apis mellifera intermissa and Apis mellifera sahariensis (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Algeria.

The practice of beekeeping in Algeria is of great cultural, social, and economic importance. However, the importation of non-local subspecies reported by beekeepers has disrupted the natural geographical distribution area and the genetic diversity of the native honey bees. To assess the genetic diversity of A. m. intermissa and A. m. sahariensis, and their relationships with African and European subspecies, the COI-COII intergenic region was analyzed in 335 individuals, 68 sampled in Algeria, 71 in Europe, Madagascar, and the South West Indian Ocean archipelagos, and 196 sequences recovered from GenBank. The results show the presence of the A lineage exclusively in Algerian samples with the identification of 24 haplotypes of which 16 are described for the first time. These haplotypes were found to be shared by both subspecies, with A74 being the most common haplotype in the population studied. The sequence comparison indicates the existence of three polymorphisms of the COI-COII marker: P0Q, P0QQ, and P0QQQ. One new haplotype was identified in the M lineage in samples from France. No evidence of genetic introgression within the Algerian honey bee population was detected. These data enhance our knowledge of the genetic diversity and emphasize the importance of protecting these local subspecies.

Global assessment of Algerian honeys quality by palynological, physicochemical analyses, trace elements and potentially toxic elements screenin

The quality of twenty Algerian honeys was assessed based on their palynological and physicochemical properties, and their trace and toxic elements composition. A qualitative pollen analysis was conducted to estimate the botanical origin. The physicochemical analyses included moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), colour, and the content of 3 sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose). The analysis of mineral and heavy metals included Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and As. The pollen spectrum showed a great diversity with 60 taxa identified. The palynological analyses revealed the presence of 15 honeys with pollen dominance (unifloral): Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., Sinapis arvensis L., Dorycnium sp., Bupleurum sp., Echium sp., Lotus sp., and 5 honeys without pollen dominance (polyfloral). The physicochemical results showed that the samples conform to international quality standards, with few exceptions related to HMF, mainly due to beekeeping practices. The colour was from water white to dark amber. Pb and Cd concentrations were found to be below the maximum residue limits set by the European Directive with which the toxic elements were compared. These results would contribute to the assessment of Algerian honey and provide a database for the regulation of honey trade and consumer protection.

Study of Physicochemical Quality and Organic Contamination in Algerian Honey.

Honey is a natural product extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honey from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat, and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of the honey and its safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (metalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as a banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honey shows traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP, and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, according to the dietary exposure assessment, a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, the data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonising with international legislation.

Assessment of Efficacy of Algerian Propolis against the Parasitic Mite Varroa destructor and Safety for Honey Bees by Spray Treatment.

Varroa destructor is an ectoparasitic mite and is considered one of the most important causes of honey bee population loss. In the last years, substances of botanical origin have emerged as natural alternatives to diminish the mite population levels. Propolis is a natural product and is used by honey bees for multiple tasks, including protection from pathogens and parasites, and varroacidal activity of propolis extracts has been shown. In this study, we investigated the potential of propolis, collected by native Algerian honey bee subspecies (Apis mellifera intermissa and A. m. sahariensis) in different locations in Algeria and extracted by ultrasound, to control mites of V. destructor and tested the safety for the honey bees. The most important results were that the best propolis extracts at 10% killed 100% of the Varroa mites within 3-4 h in a Petri dish assay. In addition, when we sprayed A. m. intermissa bees infested with Varroa mites with a 10% concentration in a mini-hive setup, we scored a high mite mortality of 85-87% with the best propolis extracts, and importantly, there was no mortality in the bees. Our data demonstrated that propolis extracts in Algeria could be used in honey bee colonies by spraying against Varroa mite infestations, which may develop as an easy method for local beekeepers to control Varroa in their hives. Further research should investigate the mechanism of action.

Natural clines and human management impact the genetic structure of Algerian honey bee populations

BackgroundThe Algerian honey bee population is composed of two described subspecies A. m. intermissa and A. m. sahariensis, of which little is known regarding population genomics, both in terms of genetic differentiation and of possible contamination by exogenous stock. Moreover, the phenotypic differences between the two subspecies are expected to translate into genetic differences and possible adaptation to heat and drought in A. m. sahariensis. To shed light on the structure of this population and to integrate these two subspecies in the growing dataset of available haploid drone sequences, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 151 haploid drones.ResultsIntegrated analysis of our drone sequences with a similar dataset of European reference populations did not detect any significant admixture in the Algerian honey bees. Interestingly, most of the genetic variation was not found between the A. m. intermissa and A. m. sahariensis subspecies; instead, two main genetic clusters were found along an East–West axis. We found that the correlation between genetic and geographic distances was higher in the Western cluster and that close-family relationships were mostly detected in the Eastern cluster, sometimes at long distances. In addition, we selected a panel of 96 ancestry-informative markers to decide whether a sampled bee is Algerian or not, and tested this panel in simulated cases of admixture.ConclusionsThe differences between the two main genetic clusters suggest differential breeding management between eastern and western Algeria, with greater exchange of genetic material over long distances in the east. The lack of detected admixture events suggests that, unlike what is seen in many places worldwide, imports of queens from foreign countries do not seem to have occurred on a large scale in Algeria, a finding that is relevant for conservation purposes. In addition, the proposed panel of 96 markers was found effective to distinguish Algerian from European honey bees. Therefore, we conclude that applying this approach to other taxa is promising, in particular when genetic differentiation is difficult to capture.

Physicochemical and Melissopalynological Study of Some Honey Samples from the Algerian East Region

The quantitative and qualitative analysis of honey components is the object of this study. These analyses are considered a physicochemical and melissopalynological tool that allows the study of some characteristics of honey. The analysis of ten (10) samples of Algerian honey is carried out to determine the pH, water content, electrical conductivity, ash content, acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, proteins, and sugar content. According to the obtained results, the physico-chemical parameters of the studied honeys comply with the European and international standards. The pollen spectrum indicated the presence of 23 plant families, mainly Fabaceae, encompassing a total of 65 honey species visited by foragers. Of the 10 honeys sampled and analyzed, six were monofloral, with the remainder showing no apparent dominance of any honey type. The most frequent plant species were eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Italian sainfoin (Hedysarum coronarium), and chickweed (Lathyrus sp.). Furthermore, the results obtained indicate that all honey (monofloral and polyfloral) showed a high degree of variability in the number of pollen grains.

Comparative Study of the Antibacterial Activity of Algerian Honeys and Manuka Honey Toward Pathogenic Bacteria from Burn Wound Infections

Objective. Honey is an extremely promising agent in the treatment of infected wounds of burned patients. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 14 Algerian honey samples in comparison to Manuka honey towards pathogenic bacteria isolated from burn wound infections. Methods. The antibacterial effect of 14 Algerian honey samples and the Manuka honey was assessed against six multidrug-resistant bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Well agar diffusion, microdilution broth assay, and time-kill assay were used to evaluate the effects of honey samples on the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Results. The results obtained show that all tested honey samples have good antibacterial effects and there is no significant difference between Algerian honey samples and Manuka honey, except honey samples H12 and H13. The Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to honey samples than Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory diameters were between 14 to 38 mm for Gram-positive bacteria and from 8 to 28 mm for Gram-negative bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentration of Algerian honey was between 5 and 80% (v/v) and minimal bactericidal concentration was between 10 and 80 % (v/v). However, the minimal inhibitory concentration of Manuka honey was between 5 and 40% (v/v) and minimal bactericidal concentration was between 10 and 80% (v/v). The MBC/MIC ratio was from 1 to 2, which proves that both Algeria honeys and Manuka honey have a bactericidal effect rather than a bacteriostatic effect. A time-kill assay showed that the inhibition effect of honey samples started after the first 3 hours of incubation. Honey samples 3 and 7 inhibited the growth of S. aureus and S. saprophyticus in 15 hours; however, they inhibited the growth of the other pathogenic bacteria in 18 hours. Conclusions. This study proposes honey as an extremely promising treatment against multidrug-resistant bacteria from burn infections.

Evaluation of Polyphenols, Vitamin C Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Two Types of Algerian Honey

This study aimed to estimate two different types of Algerian honey: antioxidant contents (total phenols and vitamin C), and levels of antioxidant (DPPH assay) and reducing activity (FRAP assay). Honey samples were characterized by high content of total phenols (314.231 ± 281.346 – 394.231 ± 155.835 mg AG 100 g-1) and low vitamin C values (0.25 ± 0.05 – 0.35 ± 0.05 mg 100 g-1). As a result, the antioxidant activity and reducing capacity values were found to be 9.578 ± 3.157 and 11.255 ± 2.668% for DPPH and 15.240 ± 4.578 to 17.794 ± 8.179 µg 100 g-1 for the FRAP assay. Our data showed that dark honey contains bioactive compounds with significant antioxidant activity.

THE ANTIMUTAGENIC EFFECT OF MULTIFLORAL HONEY IN SALMONELLA/ MICROSOMAL ASSAY AND ITS CORRELATION WITH THE TOTAL POLYPHENOLIC CONTENT

The objective of this study is to determine the antimutagenic effect of honey and its correlation with the concentration of the total polyphenolic content. Seven honey samples were collected from different regions of Algeria. The total polyphenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. The antimutagenic effect was carried out by the AMES Salmonella/ microsome mutagenicity assay against three known mutagenic substances (4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine, sodium azide, and mitomycin C), using Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, and TA102 strains. The results obtained revealed that Algerian honey contains high polyphenol content, which varied significantly between 38.04 and 286.28 µg of GAE/100 mg of honey. This variation is due to their different botanical and regional origins. In addition, all tested honey exhibited an antimutagenic effect against mutagenic substances; honey is effective to inhibit between 29.18±11.11 % and 73.14±11.14 % of mutagenic activity of chemical substances. There is a strong positive correlation between the total polyphenolic content and the antimutagenic proprieties of honey against the mutagenic substances. The results obtained suggest that honey is effective as an antimutagenic agent; it can play an important role in the protection of the mutagenic effect of DNA caused by chemical substances.

From the Beehives: Identification and Comparison of Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Honey

In this study, the authors aimed at characterizing 11 Algerian kinds of honey taken from various geographical locations (beehives located at Djelfa (Medjbara and Dzaira), Laghouat, Aflou, Medea, Tiaret, Sidi bel-Abbes, Tiaret, Ain-Safra, Mostaganem, El Bayadh, and Ghardïa). The authors investigated the physicochemical parameters of these honey samples, including density, water content, electrical conductivity, ash content, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, free acidity, and color. The physicochemical parameters obtained were found to be within acceptable ranges according to the international standards (Codex Alimentarius) for 9 out of 11 analyzed samples: density 1.38–1.50 g/cm3 (the same as kg/L, as commonly used for honey), water content 14.03–18.80%, electrical conductivity 0.38 × 10−1 − 6.41 × 10−1 mS/cm, ash content 0.06–0.48%, pH 3.50–4.50, free acidity 11–47 meq/kg, and color 1.1–9.2 Pfund index. Analysis of HMF content showed that only two honey samples have high values (117.7 and 90.0 meq/kg). Most samples of Algerian honey are of suitable quality according to international standards.

Multivariate analysis of physico-chemical, bioactive, microbial and spectral data characterisation of Algerian honey

Algeria is a country rich in natural resources; however, exports towards industrial countries required high food quality standards, which demand progresses within industry’s food control systems. This work was lead to evaluate the quality of 12 purchased honey samples from different origins from Algeria. Physicochemical properties, total flavonoid contents, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities by a spectrophotometric method and spectral print of honey by Raman microscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results obtained indicate a good quality level and good maturity. The discrimination between honey types was achieved by multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis). This study provides for the first time the Quantitative Spectrometric Variety-Activity Relationships (QSV-ARs) developed for predicting the antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS).

Royal jelly alleviates the detrimental effects of aging on immune functions by enhancing the in vitro cellular proliferation, cytokines, and nitric oxide release in aged human PBMCS

Aging strongly delays the immunity. Our research aims to assess the in vitro effects of royal jelly (RJ) on the immune function of aged PBMCs. PBMCs were obtained from 10 healthy aged and young donors by the gradient density centrifugation method and further cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with or without RJ in the presence of Con A. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay along with the measurement of interleukins, Nitric oxide (NO), Glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehydes (MDA). Our results showed that RJ improved PBMCs proliferation significantly in the elderly subjects, accompanied by the increase in NO (p=.001) and the release of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 cytokines. RJ also increased the intracellular GSH (p= .001) and MDA (p=.001) levels in aged PBMCs. In young subjects, RJ enhanced PBMCs proliferation potency, IL-4, IL-6, GSH, and intracellular MDA levels but with a concomitant decrease in NO and IL-2 cytokine secretion as compared with non RJ-treated cells. In conclusion, RJ restored functions of the aged PBMCs as well as the young control subjects, indicating a beneficial effect on immune status during the aging process. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Royal jelly is a well-known edible dietary compound, used traditionally to treat many diseases throughout the world. Since antiquity, it was shown to have medicinal importance. The immuno-enhancing potential of this food was largely and scientifically established by the lipid and protein fractions. The present study illustrates the anti-aging and stimulatory effects of the fresh RJ whole extract, from local Algerian honey bee: Apis mellifera intermissa, on the immunity of aged men. This study provides the experimental evidence supporting anti-immunosenesence effects of royal jelly. RJ supplementation can be used in the old age management and human age-related complications, especially, associated with the weaknesses of the immune response.

Physico-chemical Properties and Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Two Varieties of Honey from Algerian Steppe

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectars of plant flowers or tree exudates. Natural honey has been valued in traditional medicine having demonstrated many antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The present study aimed to evaluate physicochemical characteristics and the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of two varieties of honey from Algerian steppe. Physicochemical parameters, such as pH, moisture content, electrical conductivity (EC), total acidity, ree acidity,ash and HMF were measured. The antibacterial activity was examined against the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33862 by using the agar incorporation technique method and the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).The antioxidant activity was assessed by using the 2,2 diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the fer reduction antixydant power (FRAP). Physico-chemical analysis of honey samples confirmed good quality of honey according to the standards set by European Union Commission and Codex Alimentarius Commission. All samples had ability to scavenge DPPH. radicals and showed reducing potential analyzed by FRAP methods, with the highest performance obtained in Euphorbia cheridenia honey. The result of the antibacterial effect of this study revealed that our honey samples have showed an important antibacterial activity against all the bacterial tested strains, Noeae mucronata honey has the better antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study may suggest that Algerian honey possess natural compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant properties which can be used as natural agents in new drugs for therapy of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and oxidative stress.

Quality Attributes of Local and Imported Honeys Commercialized in Algeria

Abstract This study was aimed to assess quality, authentication parameters and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of Algerian and imported honeys sold in Algerian markets. Results indicated that 80% Algerian samples fulfilled international standards, whereas only 21.4% imported honeys were in agreement with the current regulations. 13.3% Algerian samples and 7.1% imported honeys showed values of proline lower than 180 mg/kg, which is the recommended limit for authentic honeys. Comparing Algerian and imported honeys, electrical conductivity, degrees Brix, diastase activities and proline contents were higher in Algerian honeys, in contrast to moisture percentages, hydroxymethylfurfural contents and acid phospatase activities that were higher in imported honeys. Methanolic extracts of Algerian samples were richer both in total phenolics and flavonoids determined in alkaline medium. There were not significant differences between Algerian and imported samples concerning pH, free acid, invertase, total carotenoid, total phenolics of raw honeys and TEAC, as well as regarding total flavonoids determined in neutral medium and o-diphenols of honeys’ methanolic extracts. Principal components analysis showed a good separation between Algerian and imported samples, only one multifloral Algerian honey being misclassified. Our research showed that a legal frame for Algerian honeys is of utmost importance. Spurge-labeled honeys were grouped, showing interesting common features that should be taken into account in a future regulation, in which a protected designation of origin for spurge honeys could be considered.

Botanical Origin, Pollen Profile, and Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Honey from Different Bioclimatic Areas.

The palynological and physicochemical analysis of 62 honey samples produced in different biogeographical areas of Algeria was conducted. Results showed high variety in the botanical origin of samples and their physicochemical profile. Twenty-six samples were polyfloral honey, 30 were unifloral honey from different botanical sources such as Eucalyptus, Citrus, Apiaceae, Punica, Erica, Rosmarinus, Eriobotrya, or Hedysarum, and 6 were characterized as honeydew honey. Pollen analysis allowed the identification of 104 pollen types belonging to 51 botanical families, whereas the physicochemical profile showed important variations between samples. Multivariate techniques were used to compare the characteristics of samples from different biogeographical areas, showing significant differences between humid-area samples, located in the northeast of the country, and samples taken in semiarid, subhumid, and arid zones. Principal-component analysis (PCA) extracted nine components explaining 72% of data variance, being 30%, the sum of Component 1 and Component 2. The plot of both components showed samples grouped upon botanical and geographical origin. The results of this paper highlighted the great variability in honey production of Algeria, evidencing the importance of honey characterization to guarantee authenticity and to valorize local production.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Honeybee Products From Algeria

Introduction: In the current study, the microscopic and chemical analysis of Algerian honey, pollen, and propolis were investigated. Materials and Methods: The chemical composition of the ethanolic extracts of honeybee products was determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Furthermore, their in vitro anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated. Anticancer activities were assessed using the MTT assay while the antimicrobial potential was studied using the microdilution method. The antioxidant activities were investigated using the 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (H2O2) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The TPC and TFC were evaluated via Folin-Ciocalteu’s and AlCl3 assays, respectively. Results: In the GC-MS analyses, 36 compounds were identified in the ethanol extract of pollen accounting for 92.73% of the total extract; linolenic acid was the most abundant compound (21.28%). Also, 23 compounds were identified in the ethanol extract of propolis representing 29.91% of the total extract; Z-nerolidol was the most abundant compound (8.96%). Moreover, 17 compounds were identified in the ethanol extract of honey representing 99.40% of the total extract while glyceraldehyde (27.07%) was the major abundant compound. The ethanol extract from pollen yielded the highest TPC with 1169.33 mg Gallic acid equivalent/g dry extract. In the DPPH assay, the SC50 values ranged from 50.74 to 53.05 μg/mL. Significant antimicrobial activities were associated with propolis with Gram-positive bacteria as the most sensitive microorganisms. In addition, remarkable anticancer activities were observed for propolis against five human cancer cell lines with LD50 values in the range of 3-160 μg/mL. Conclusions: Algerian Honeybee products, especially propolis, may be a potential source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds for the treatment of oxidative stress and cancer diseases.

Profile Analysis of Major and Minor Honey Contents from Different African Countries

This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the quality of some African honey types and ruling on their suitability for export. Numbers of 22 honey samples were analyzed from five African countries, namely Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe. Results showed that the total sugar content of honey samples varies between (51.59 %, sample 10), and (75.27 %, sample 19). Honey samples from Zimbabwe had significantly the highest value of fructose (39.33±0.19 %) followed by Libyan honey (38.91±0.52 %). On the other hand, sample (1) from Egypt gave the least value of fructose sugar content represented (26.73±0.42 %). All the honey samples from Algeria, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe did not exceed the standard limit of sucrose content (5 %) indicates that the bees were not artificially fed with sugar. Samples (17 and 18) from Zimbabwe were significantly the inferior of sucrose sugar content with averages (0.58±0.04 % and 0.58±0.01 %), respectively. In addition, sample (9) from Algeria was significantly superior of all honey samples in diastase number giving (35.2±0.46 µ/g). It is clear that two honey samples from each Algeria, Cameroon, and Zimbabwe were in an acceptable range of diastase number represented (35.2, 18.2 µ/g), (26.8, 17.52 µ/g) and (14.0, 13.9 µ/g), respectively. On the other hand, diastase number DN of all honey samples from Egypt and Libya was below the proposed standard limit. Libyan honey samples had significantly the highest HMF content ranged from (418.9±5.77 to 684.0±2.30 mg/kg). On the contrary, Algerian honey samples had the least significantly HMF content of all tested samples with range (5.10±0.57 to 19.9±0.26 mg/kg). For proline amino acid, all the honey samples from Cameroon, Libya, and Algeria contain higher proline content than the standard limit. The mean flavonoid content of the African honey samples was ranged from (0.02± 0.005 g/100g, sample 1) to (0.31±0.005 g/100g, samples 4 and 16), respectively. The results suggested that measuring flavonoids levels and proline amino acid could be used to study honey’s floral and geographical origins.

Characterization of Galactomannan Isolated from Algerian Gleditsia triacanthos L. Seeds

Background: The galactomannans are water-soluble carbohydrates widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic, textile and paper industries. Recently, a need for an alternative industrial source of galactomannans has arisen; one possible source is Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), which is abundant in Algeria. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and rheological properties of Water-Soluble Galactomannan (WSG) purified from the seeds of Algerian Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.). Methods: The galactomannan was purified from the seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos and was structurally characterized by chromatographic (HPAEC, HPSEC-RID-MALLS) and spectroscopic (FT-IR, 1H, 13C NMR) methods. Results: The Honey locust seed contains a high level of WSG (yield, 10%), and the molecular weight of its WSG was approximately 871.9 kDa. A highly viscous solution was obtained and had an intrinsic viscosity [η] of 7.14-7.25 dL/g and an optical activity [α]D of +38.7°. Chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses indicated the presence of β-D-mannopyranose and α-D-galactopyranose in the heteropolysaccharide at a molar ratio of 2.86:1. The linear backbone of its macromolecule has a central core composed of 4-linked β-mannose units, with branches of galactose, linked to the carbohydrate core through α(1-6) linkage. Conclusion: These results lead to the conclusion that galactomannan presents the desirable physicochemical characteristics suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to GC/MS for the Analysis of Volatiles of Honeys from Arid and Mediterranean Areas of Algeria.

The volatile composition of seven honey samples collected from various regions of Algeria and feeding on different plants have been determined. The Headspace Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (HS-SPME) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to achieve the purpose. In this work, different parameters of the HS-SPME analytical method were investigated in order to reach maximal sensitivity, and thus to obtain maximum information about the volatile profile of Algerian honey. These parameters include saline medium, HS extraction temperature, and the nature of the fiber used. The results showed a great diversity in the chemical composition, in total 124 compounds from different chemical classes were identified, including compounds found for the first time in honey. The Ascending Hierarchical Classification (AHC) demonstrated the importance of choosing SPME extraction conditions to find volatile compounds, which could be as specific markers of the floral or geographical origin of honey, the latter was optimized in the parameter PDMS-55 °C.