Concentrations Of Honey Research Articles

Nutrition marketing of honey: chemical, microbiological, antioxidant and antimicrobial profile

Honey and all bee products have very good biological and chemical properties. They have been used in medicine for a long time. In our study we evaluated twenty polyfloral honey samples, the first ten were commercial honeys from a selected supermarkets with country of origin indicated "blend of EU and non-EU honeys" and represented imported honey. The second ten honeys were from a local beekeepers (Nitra region) and represented the Slovak origin. The aim of the study were to analyze chemical, microbiological, antioxidant, antimicrobial profile of honey and recommend marketing strategies for honey producers by applying nutrition marketing. From chemical point of view, the study examined mineral profile of honeys, antioxidant properties as antioxidant activity, total polyphenols, flavonoid and phenolic acid content and from microbiological view the study evaluated a total count bacteria, coliform bacteria and microscopic filamentous fungi. Results of minerals showed that the most dominant element in commercial honeys is sodium (30 mg.100g-1) followed by calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. Iron, arsenic and selenium are present only in trace amounts. In local honeys the most dominant element is potassium (84.181 mg.100g-1) followed by calcium, phosphorus, sulfur and magnesium. The presence of hazardous heavy metals (cadmium, lead and chrome) was not detected in either of the samples. Moreover, antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH method was slightly higher in local polyfloral honeys and vice versa the content of total polyphenol, flavonoid and the phenolic acid content was slightly higher in commercial polyfloral honeys. From the microbiological point of view, the total count of bacteria was found only in commercial polyfloral honeys while local honeys were without detectable microorganisms. The best antimicrobial activity was found against gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli in both concentrations of honeys, and the local honeys reached better antimicrobial activity. All in all, honey has very good biological properties and mineral composition which opens opportunities for beekeepers to apply nutrition marketing and target new segments of consumers, e.g. sportsmen, people in convalescence, consumers following healthier lifestyle or seeking functional food. Moreover, educating consumers from a nutritional point of view will foster daily intake of honey and will increase annual consumption of honey in the future.

Antifungal Effect of Three Local Malaysian Honeys on Selected Pathogenic Fungi of Otomycosis: An in vitro Evaluation

Background: Otomycosis has been reported to be prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The causative pathogens causing otomycosis include Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, for which the antifungal treatment regime has not been clearly standardized. Honey is a natural product which has been widely studied for various properties, including antimicrobial properties. This study was aimed at determining the antifungal activities of three types of Malaysian honey; Tualang, Acacia and Kelulut honey, against fungal pathogens of otomycosis. Methods: The honey samples were examined for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Honey was incorporated into Sabouraud dextrose agar at concentrations of 5% (v/v), 10% (v/v), 20% (v/v) and 25% (v/v). Conidial suspension was inoculated and spread onto honey-SDA agar plates. After incubation colony counts were determined. Results: The honey samples demonstrated varying levels of inhibitory activity at various concentrations against the fungi tested with colony count reducing with increasing honey concentration. All three honeys showed total growth inhibition at 25% (v/v) concentration. Comparing the three types of honey, Kelulut honey was shown to be the most active against the tested fungi. Conclusion: The three honeys used in the study showed promising antifungal activity. Malaysian honeys have shown potential as antifungal substances for possible development of antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal infections such as otomycosis. Key words: Malaysia, Honey, Otomycosis, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans.

Modelling Electrical Conductivity of the Dilution of Bulgarian Linden Honey

Linden honey is among the most common monofloral types of honey in the region of Bulgaria, and it has no reference values for its electrical conductivity (EC) in the international and national standards. Three variants of a model of the EC dependence on the concentration of linden honey (Gaussian, quadratic and cubic function based ones) are proposed. A standard temperature-compensated (at 250C) EC meter is used to capture experimental data. Then the EC readings are calculated to that temperature specified in the honey standard (200C) using a linear temperature compensation coefficient related to honey (2.6 %/ 0C). Verification of the proposed models and their statistical evaluation is done in MATLAB environment. The models can be further developed, summarized and used as an additional tool for the classification of honey on the basis of its botanical and/or geographical origin.

Authenticity and geographic origin of global honeys determined using carbon isotope ratios and trace elements

Honey is the world’s third most adulterated food. The addition of cane sugar or corn syrup and the mislabelling of geographic origin are common fraudulent practices in honey markets. This study examined 100 honey samples from Australia (mainland and Tasmania) along with 18 other countries covering Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Carbon isotopic analyses of honey and protein showed that 27% of commercial honey samples tested were of questionable authenticity. The remaining 69 authentic samples were subject to trace element analysis for geographic determination. One-way ANOVA analysis showed a statistical difference (p < 0.05) in trace element concentrations of honey from Australian regions and different continents. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) coupled with C5.0 classification modelling of honey carbon isotopes and trace element concentrations showed distinct clusters according to their geographic origin. The C5.0 model revealed trace elements Sr, P, Mn and K can be used to differentiate honey according to its geographic origin. The findings show the common and prevalent issues of honey authenticity and the mislabelling of its geographic origin can be identified using a combination of stable carbon isotopes and trace element concentrations.

WEST GEORGIAN HONEY CATIONS

The present study was conducted to determine the content of four mineral elements in honeys originating from different regions of West Georgia. Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and Ammonium (NH4+) were analyzed by HPLC-Conductivity, column “Cation” (3.9x150mm) solvent 0.1 mM EDTA 3mM HNO3, following the microwave digestion of the honey. High mineral contents were observed in the investigated honeys with K, Na, Ca and Mg being the most abundant elements with mean concentrations in Chestnut honey 5000-7000 ppm, 56-150 ppm, 40-230 ppm, 25-130 ppm, respectively. In Lime (Tilia) honey - 2400-2600 ppm, 30-50 ppm, 160-180 ppm, 45-60 ppm, Acacia honey 300-500 ppm, 35-45 ppm, 85-95 ppm, 15-25 ppm, Field honey -750-930 ppm, 35-45 ppm, 75-130 ppm, 25-35 ppm, Spring polyflora honey - 630-650 ppm, 45-50 ppm, 280-300 ppm, 25-35 ppm, Autumn polyflora Honey – 2500-3000 ppm, 80-100 ppm, 250-300 ppm, 80-100 ppm respectively. The correlation dependence was between the content of cations in the honey and conductivity (Chestnut honey 1.4 µs/cm, Lime (Tilia), honey 0.5 µs/cm, Acacia honey 0.16 µs/cm, Field honey 0.55 µs/cm, Spring polyflora honey 1.2 µs/cm, Autumn polyflora Honey 1.3 µs/cm)

UJI EFEKTIVITAS AIR PERASAN JERUK NIPIS (Citrus aurantifolia) DAN MADU RANDU DALAM MENGHAMBAT PERTUMBUHAN BAKTERI Propionibacterium acnes

Acne is one of the diseases that occurs in the skin due to inflammation caused by bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes is a main bacterium causes acne that forms part of the normal flora of the skin and only live in normal-alkaline pH. Lime juice and honey are the most commonly used by the community to overcome the problem of acne to avoid the side effects of acne medications in the form of antibiotics. Lime juice and honey have a low pH value so that it can be used as an antibacterial by inhibiting bacterial growth, even killing bacterial cells that are not acid resistant. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of lime juice and Randu honey in inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The study was conducted using the disk diffusion method with 4 variations of concentration; 25% v/v, 50% v/v, 75% v/v and 100% v/v in 4 repetitions incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C. The results of this study are in the form of clear zones around the disc paper which are considered as an inhibitory zones. The formation of inhibitory zones shows the potential of lime juice and honey randu (Randu honey) against the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria as antibacterial. Lime juice and Randu honey each with a concentration of 25% v/v, 50% v/v, 75% v/v and 100% v/v has the potential as an antibacterial against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. It is concluded that the optimal concentration of lime juice and Randu honey in inhibiting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes were at a concentration of 100% v/v with a inhibition zone of 9.11 mm for lime juice and 28.10 mm for honey randu (Randu honey).

Optimization of process conditions for chitosan-manuka honey film as wound contact layer for wound dressings

Abstract Manuka honey, as a healer for vast variety of wounds, stimulated this present study and the advantages of chitosan and honey in wound healing is combined together to develop a chitosan-honey film wound contact layer. In this study, using solvent evaporation technique, chitosan-honey films were developed and the process parameters like concentration of chitosan, honey and glycerol were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) against the responses like Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR), swelling ratio, antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, tensile strength and elongation. The effects of individual responses were discussed against all the variables using contour plots. The responses are optimized and the process parameters for achieving optimum responses to be used as a wound contact layers are chitosan concentration of 2%, honey concentration of 13% and glycerol concentration of 15%.

Propiedad antifúngica de mieles sobre el desarrollo in vitro de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

&lt;p&gt;Aunado a la alta toxicidad de los productos químicos para el control fitosanitario de las enfermedades fúngicas a nivel de campo, el microorgansimso causante de enfermedad no es completamente eliminado, por lo que, productos de origen natural tanto vegetal como animal han generado interés para el control de plagas y enfermedades en las plantas. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal evaluar la actividad antifúngica de mieles de abeja en el crecimiento&lt;em&gt; in vitro&lt;/em&gt; de &lt;em&gt;Colletotrichum gloeosporioides&lt;/em&gt;. Se evaluaron nueve muestras de mieles, correspondientes a tres especies de abejas: &lt;em&gt;Melipona solani&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;M. beecheii y Scaptotrigona mexicana&lt;/em&gt;. Se encontró que el diámetro de la colonia de &lt;em&gt;C&lt;/em&gt;. &lt;em&gt;gloeosporioides&lt;/em&gt; fue menor a mayor concentración de miel, con un 40% menos crecimiento de la colonia respecto al tratamiento testigo a los 12 días de incubación. En general la tasa de crecimiento de la colonia del hongo en las mieles correspondientes a los tres tipos de abeja fue en promedio de 40% menos que el testigo. El valor de porcentaje de inhibición observada en las mieles de abeja fue 70% mayor a lo obtenido con el fungicida Clorotalonil.&lt;/p&gt;

Glyphosate residue concentrations in honey attributed through geospatial analysis to proximity of large-scale agriculture and transfer off-site by bees.

Honey taken directly from 59 bee hives on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʽi was analyzed for glyphosate residue using ELISA techniques. Glyphosate residue was detected (> LOQ) in 27% of honey samples, at concentrations up to 342 ppb, with a mean = 118 ppb, S.E.M. 24 ppb. Of 15 honey samples store-purchased on Kauaʽi, glyphosate was detected in 33%, with a mean concentration of 41 ppb, S.E.M. 14. Glyphosate residue was not detected in two samples from the island of Molokai but was in one of four samples from the island of Hawaiʽi. Presence and concentration of glyphosate residues were geospatially mapped with respect to Hawaiian land divisions. Mapping showed higher occurrence of glyphosate that was over LOQ (48%) and concentrations of glyphosate (mean = 125 ppb, S.E.M. 25 ppb; N = 15) in honey from the western, predominantly agricultural, half of Kauaʽi versus the eastern half (4%, mean = 15 ppb; N = 1). Geographic Information System analysis of land use percentage was performed within a circular zone of 1 Km radius around each hive. Various land use types within each circular zone were transcribed into polygons and percent land use calculated. Only agriculture land use showed a strong positive correlation with glyphosate concentration. High glyphosate concentrations were also detected when extensive golf courses and/or highways were nearby. This suggests herbicide migration from the site of use into other areas by bees. Best management practices in use for curtailing pesticide migration are not effective and must be carefully re-assessed.

Honey reduces the metastatic characteristics of prostate cancer cell lines by promoting a loss of adhesion.

Honey has been shown to have a range of therapeutic effects in humans, with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects among those previously characterised. Here, we examine the possibility of New Zealand thyme, manuka and honeydew honeys, and their major sugar and phenolic components, reducing the development of metastatic cancer. Their activity was examined in vitro, in PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines, through measuring the compounds’ effects on the metastatic characteristics of migration, invasion and adhesion. First, the phenolic compounds gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and chrysin were quantified in the honeys using high performance liquid chromatography, and found in nanomolar concentrations. In a Boyden chamber-based migration assay, non-toxic concentrations of thyme and honeydew honeys reduced cell migration by 20%, and all phenolic compounds except caffeic acid also lowered migration, although a mixture of only the sugars found in honey had no effect. All of the honeys, phenolics and the sugar-only mixture reduced invasive movement of cells through extracellular matrix by up to 75%. Most notably, each of the three honeys and the sugar-only mixture reduced cell adhesion to collagen I by 90%. With the exception of quercetin, phenolic compounds did not reduce adhesion. Therefore, honey and its sugar and phenolic components can lower the metastatic properties of cancer cells, and may do this by preventing effective cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. The sugars and phenol compounds of honey are much more effective in combination than individually.

Tracing natural and industrial contamination and lead isotopic compositions in an Australian native bee species

This study investigates trace element concentrations (arsenic (As), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)) and Pb isotopic compositions in an Australian native bee species, Tetragonula carbonaria, and its products of honey and wax. Co-located soil and dust samples were simultaneously analysed with the objective of determining if the bees or their products had potential application as a proxy for monitoring environmental contamination. The most significant relationships were found between Pb concentrations in honey (r = 0.814, p = 0.014) and wax (r = 0.883, p = 0.004) and those in co-located dust samples. In addition, Zn concentrations in honey and soil were significantly associated (r = 0.709, p = 0.049). Lead isotopic compositions of native bee products collected from background sites adjacent to Sydney national parks (206Pb/207Pb = 1.144, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.437) corresponded to local geogenic rock and soil values (206Pb/207Pb = 1.123–1.176, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.413–2.500). By contrast, inner Sydney metropolitan samples, including native bees and wax (206Pb/207Pb = 1.072–1.121, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.348–2.409), co-located soil and dust (206Pb/207Pb = 1.090–1.122, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.368–2.403), corresponded most closely to aerosols collected during the period of leaded petrol use (206Pb/207Pb = 1.067–1.148, 208Pb/207Pb = 2.341–2.410). A large range of Pb isotopic compositions in beehive samples suggests that other legacy sources, such as Pb-based paints and industrials, may have also contributed to Pb contamination in beehive samples. Native bee data were compared to corresponding samples from the more common European honey bee (Apis mellifera). Although Pb isotopic compositions were similar in both species, significant differences in trace element concentrations were evident across the trace element suite, the bees and their products. The statistical association between T. carbonaria and co-located environmental contaminant concentrations were stronger than those in European honey bees, which may be attributable to its smaller foraging distance (0.3–0.7 km versus 5–9 km, respectively). This implies that T. carbonaria may be more suitable for assessing small spatial scale variations of trace element concentrations than European honey bees.

Magnetodielectric effects in membranes based on magnetorheological bio-suspensions

Controlled release of bio-active components in systems based on magnetorheological suspensions (MRSs) can be achieved by exploiting the magnetodielectric effects aimed at investigating the time dependence of electrical conductivity in the presence of a magnetic field for similar membranes, and where membranes with stable physical properties in time have been manufactured. Here, magnetorheological bio-suspensions (MRBSs) are prepared using a microfiber cloth soaked with carbonyl iron and various concentrations of honey and turmeric powder. Plane capacitors are manufactured having MRSs as dielectric materials. We build and describe an experimental setup for measuring the electrical resistance and the quality factor of the capacitors in a static magnetic field superimposed on an alternating electric field. The measured quantities are then used to obtain the electrical conductivity and dispersion curves of MRSs-based membranes. The results show that the obtained quantities are sensibly influenced by the electric field frequency, magnetic flux density as well as by the ration between honey and turmeric powder concentrations.

Histopathological Study of Protective Effects of Honey on Subacute Toxicity of Acrylamide-Induced Tissue Lesions in Rats’ Brain and Liver

Background: The therapeutic potential of honey is related to antioxidant activity against reactive oxygen species because it contains compounds such as polyphenols; therefore, we evaluated the potential protective effect of honey on subacute toxicity of ACR by histopathologic study on tissue lesions in rat. Methods: In Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran, 2016, male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups. To induce toxicity, ACR was injected (50 mg/kg for 11 d) to rats in 5 groups. In treatment groups, rats received three doses of honey 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/kg in addition to the ACR. The two remaining groups received vitamin E (200 IU/kg) and normal saline as positive and negative control respectively. On the last day, after necropsy, tissue specimens from brain and liver were collected for histopathological studies. Results: Receiving of ACR caused tissue injuries including degeneration, necrosis, hyperemia, hemorrhage and inflammation in liver; ischemic cell change, hyperemia, hemorrhage and edema in brain tissue. Administration of honey considerably reduced tissue damages caused by ACR, particularly with dosage 5 g/kg. Conclusion: The severity of tissue lesions caused by the ACR can be reduced by honey, likely through its antioxidant activity. Increasing concentrations of honey will enhance its effectiveness.

Biosynthesis and production of quercitols and their application in the production of pharmaceuticals: current status and prospects.

(-)-vibo-Quercitol is a deoxyinositol (1L-1,2,4/3,5-cyclohexanepentol) that occurs naturally in low concentrations in oak species, honeydew honey, and Gymnema sylvestre. The author's research group recently reported that (-)-vibo-quercitol and scyllo-quercitol (2-deoxy-myo-inositol, 1,3,5/2,4-cyclohexanepentol), a stereoisomer of (-)-vibo-quercitol, are stereoselectively synthesized from 2-deoxy-scyllo-inosose by the reductive reaction of a novel (-)-vibo-quercitol 1-dehydrogenase in Burkholderia terrae and of a known scyllo-inositol dehydrogenase in Bacillus subtilis, respectively. The author's research group therefore identified two enzymes capable of producing both stereoisomers of deoxyinositols, which are rare in nature. (-)-vibo-Quercitol and scyllo-quercitol are potential intermediates for pharmaceuticals. In this review, the author describes the biosynthesis and enzymatic production of quercitols and myo-inositol stereoisomers and their application in the production of potential pharmaceuticals.

Detection of adulterated honey by surface plasmon resonance optical sensor

In this study, surface plasmon resonance based on Kretschmann configuration is employed as an alternative method to detect adulteration of pure honey. The adulterated honey was prepared by diluting three types of sugar adulterants (fructose, glucose and sucrose) into pure honey. The concentration of each adulterant is tested from 2% until 10% adulteration with 0% adulteration represents the reference for pure honey. All the resonance angles of adulterated honey demonstrated similar behavior by shifting to smaller angle than pure honey. The measured sensitivities are 0.1266°/%, 0.1065°/%, and 0.0988°/% for fructose, glucose and sucrose adulterants, respectively. The shift of resonance angle as a function of adulterants concentration in pure honey was plotted with linear regression greater than 0.95 for all samples. The outcome has disclosed a real-time, rapid and non-destructive sensor to be promoted as well-developed honey sensor.

The Antibacterial Activity of Libyan Honey against Gram Negative Bacilli: Potential Treatment Agent for Infectious Diseases?

Aims: Honey has is a rich source of many compounds that exhibit anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic properties. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in a wide variety of bacterial pathogens has generated renewed interest in natural antimicrobials. The aim of the present study was to assess the antibacterial activity of Libyan honey in vitro.Methodology: The antibacterial activities of selected Libyan origin honey including Libyan Spring, AL-Sader, Thyme and Al-Hanone (at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100 % (w/v)) were tested against Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis using agar well-diffusion assay. The measurement of exponential bacterial growth curves was used to determine the effects on the microbial growth pattern spectrophotometrically at 600 nm. In addition, plate count methods were used to enumerate the effects of honey on the viable bacterial count.Results and Discussion: Honey progressively inhibited bacterial growth at higher concentrations. This effect was variable depending on the honey type. For example, Al Sader honey showed the highest inhibition zones 21.3 mm ±0.8 against P. mirabilis followed by Thyme (21 mm ±0.5) and spring (20 mm ±0.5). Al-Hanone honey only exhibited effects against E. coli (14 mm ±0.5 and 8 mm ±0.4 at 100% w/v and 75% w/v, respectively). The Al Sader, spring and Thyme honey significantly reduced the Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria growth curve (p<0.05). All tested honey significant reduced E. coli growth from 5hrs compared to the control samples (p<0.05).Conclusion: All honey tested showed inhibition of bacterial growth. Concentrated honeys were more effective against Yersinia enterocolitica, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. The efficacy of different types of honey was dependent on the honey concentration and origin.

Manuka Honey: A Potent Cariostatic Agent–Anin vitroStudy

AimThe aim of the study was to test the antibacterial activity of manuka honey and compare its efficacy with another commercially available honey (Dabur honey) on the cariogenic bacteria on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus.Materials and methodsAn in vitro study was carried out on 40 agar specimens; the samples were divided into two groups of 20 samples consisting of S. mutans and Lactobacil-lus respectively. The 20 samples in each group were further subdivided into four groups of five each, which were tested with 25% manuka honey, 100% manuka honey, 25% Dabur honey, and 100% Dabur honey for both Lactobacillus and S. mutans groups. The antibacterial activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method against S. mutans and Lacto-bacillus. Antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of inhibition of zones surrounding the wells. The results obtained were statistically analyzed (one-way analysis of variance test, p-value).ResultsThe results showed that 25% of manuka honey has statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 25% of Dabur honey on both Streptococcus and Lactobacillus species, and manuka honey with 100% concentration showed a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 100% Dabur honey on the same species of bacteria. 100% of both the honeys showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 25% concentrations of the same on S. mutans and Lactobacillus.ConclusionManuka honey had more antibacterial activity than Dabur honey on S. mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria in the in vitro study. This effect was dependent on the concentration of honey used.How to cite this article: Beena JP, Sahoo P, Konde S, Raj SN, Kumar NC, Agarwal M. Manuka Honey: A Potent Cariostatic Agent—An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):105-109.

Method to mix tea with honey and use of transient light attenuation as an indicator of homogeneity

We built a magnetic stirrer to mix tea and honey and developed a method to determine the homogeneity of the mixture based on the variation of light intensity of a laser beam with time due to its scattering by the mixture. The addressed problem was that of mixing tea and honey as fast as possible with a power limitation of one single 1.5 V battery, following the statement of Problem 15 of the 9th International Physicists’ Tournament. The influence of temperature and honey concentration on the total time of mixing was studied through the performance of several experiments reported here. In the best configuration of parameters, the total mixture occurs in less than 2 s, while in the worst configuration, the time necessary reaches 10 s. Results validate the magnetic stirrer as a proper device for mixing tea with honey and light attenuation as an excellent physical property for investigating the homogeneity of the mixture of the honey in tea. Supplementary investigations were made exploring the influence of adding sugar and or a slice of lemon to the tea.

Ảnh hưởng các nguồn thức ăn từ hoa đến tuổi thọ và khả năng ký sinh của ong ký sinh Cotesia vestalis (Haliday) (Hymenoptera:Braconidae)

The study is to investigate the suitable host plant for Plutella xylostella and the resutls showed that Brassica integrifolia was the best host plant for the development of Plutella xylostella compared to Brassica juncea and Brassica oleracea, respectively. For Cotesia vestalis, 30% of concentration of honey yielded the highest longevity of Cotesia vestalis at 4.33 ± 0.13 days for male and 7.00 ± 0.03 days for female parasitoid compared to water as the control. Nutrition resources from yellow cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) also significantly increased the longevity of C. vestalis in comparison with that in the water (P

Antifungal Effect of Malaysian Honey Pathogenic Fungi of OtomycosisZubaidah

Background: Otomycosis has been reported to be prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The causative pathogens causing otomycosis include Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans , for which the antifungal treatment regime has not been clearly standardized. Honey is a natural product which has been widely studied for various properties, including antimicrobial properties. This study was aimed at determining the antifungal activities of three types of Malaysian honey; Tualang, Acacia and Kelulut honey, against fungal pathogens of otomycosis. Methods: The honey samples were examined for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans . Honey was incorporated into Sabouraud dextrose agar at concentrations of 5% (v/v), 10% (v/v), 20% (v/v) and 25% (v/v). Conidial suspension was inoculated and spread onto honey-SDA agar plates. After incubation colony counts were determined. Results: The honey samples demonstrated varying levels of inhibitory activity at various concentrations against the fungi tested with colony count reducing with increasing honey concentration. All three honeys showed total growth inhibition at 25% (v/v) concentration. Comparing the three types of honey, Kelulut honey was shown to be the most active against the tested fungi. Conclusion: The three honeys used in the study showed promising antifungal activity. Malaysian honeys have shown potential as antifungal substances for possible development of antifungal drugs for the treatment of fungal infections such as otomycosis. Key words : Malaysia, Honey, Otomycosis, Aspergillus niger , Candida albicans