Dark Honey Research Articles

Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Color of Selected Polish Honeys and Manuka Honey.

The antioxidant capacity and nutritional value of honey are significantly dependent on the content of phenolic compounds. The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant properties and color of selected honeys and manuka honeys available in the Polish market. The results showed quantitative differences in phenolic acids, phenolic content and antioxidant activity between the honeys, indicating the influence of floral sources. Dark honeys, including buckwheat honey, showed increased phenolic content and superior antioxidant properties. The study revealed remarkable correlations between phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and color. Buckwheat honey showed higher antioxidant properties compared to manuka honey, which is highly valued in the current market. These results highlight the importance of further research into Polish buckwheat honey and advocate its wider consumption due to its high nutritional value and remarkable bioactive properties. In addition, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of honey diversity and highlights the potential importance of regional honey varieties in promoting health.

The dark European honey bee Apis mellifera mellifera in Lithuania: data on mitotype diversity of native bee population

In Europe, the population of the dark European honey bee Apis mellifera mellifera L. has been significantly affected by the introduction and propagation of non-indigenous subspecies of honey bees. For a long time, the status of the native Lithuanian A. m. mellifera bees was unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the current distribution of the subspecies population in Lithuania and the diversity of its mitotypes. A total of 598 honey bee colonies from traditionally managed apiaries were studied to determine their maternal ancestry using the COI–COII intergenic spacer sequences of mtDNA. The results revealed that 52% of the maternal lines investigated belonged to A. m. mellifera. They represented 20 unique COI–COII intergenic spacer mitotypes, 11 of which were detected for the first time. We hypothesised that a small proportion of ancestral A lineage mitotypes among the dominant M lineage mitotypes could be the relict of the maternal line.

Başkortostan Cumhuriyeti Toratau Jeoparki Bal Arısı (Apis mellifera) Popülasyonunda Tergit Rengi Değişimi

A phenetic analysis of the honey bee population of the Toratau Geopark (Russia) was performed. Over 1,000 worker and drone bee samples were collected from 250 colonies in 59 apiaries on the territory of the Toratau Geopark (Gafuriysky, Ishimbaysky, Meleuzovsky, and Sterlitamaksky districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan). Six phenes in worker bees and four phenes in drone bees were recognized. The phenes E, 1R, 2R, and 3R in workers and Is, I, and O-gray in drones were predominant in the honey bee population of the Toratau Geopark, which were associated with subspecies of the C-lineage. These phenes can be used as indicators of introgressive hybridization in the local dark European honey bee population. The phenes allow for quick evaluation of certain honey bee colonies hybridization states.

Sweeteners World Trade and Behaviour in the Pandemic. Evidence from Honey Remedies Nexus Mountain Apis Mellifera Product.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12355-023-01243-6.

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.

EVALUATE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, PHENOLIC CONTENT AND COLOUR OF INDONESIAN STINGLESS BEE HONEY AND STING BEE HONEY CULTIVATED IN INDONESIA

ABSTRACT
 Objective: This study's objective was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and colour of Indonesian stingless and sting bee honey and to assess the correlation between antioxidant, phenolic content, and colour.
 Methods: The Indonesian bee honey sample's antioxidant activity was measured using d 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) was used to determine the phenolic content. The colour was determined using a colourimeter.
 Results: The values of antioxidant activity (IC50) ranged between 3.58 ± 0.03 µg/ml - 64.27 ± 0.13 µg /ml .H.itama sample from South Sumatra has the highest antioxidant activity, followed by A.dorsata from Bangka Belitung , A. cerana from North Sumatra, T. fuscobalteata from West Nusa Tenggara, and T. biroi South Sulawesi. The total phenolic content of samples ranged from 0.0543 ± 0.003 to 0.1760 ± 0.002 mg GAE/g of honey. The samples A. cerana from North Sumatra, T. biroi from South Sulawesi, A.dorsata from Bangka Belitung, and T. fuscobalteata from West Nusa Tenggara presented the highest quantities of total phenolic contents. The L⁎, a⁎ and b⁎ values ranged (3.08 ± 0.1- 56.19 ± 1.2, 0.845 ± 0.03 - 28.57 ± 0.42 and 1.19 ± 0.22 - 56.51 ± 0.9) respectively. Significant correlation between antioxidant activity, colour, and phenolic content, and of Indonesian bee honey.
 Conclusion: Indonesian bee honey has a different value of antioxidant activity and phenolic content. Differences between Indonesian bee honey samples in terms of type and regions. The dark honey has higher antioxidant activity than light honey.
 Keywords: Antioxidant, Stingless Bee Honey, Sting Bee Honey, Phenolic, Colour.

Montero (Call Me by Your Name)

Montero (Call Me by Your Name)

Short Breaks Are for Hot Chocolate, Long Breaks Are for Salads, Weekends Are for Baking

Short Breaks Are for Hot Chocolate, Long Breaks Are for Salads, Weekends Are for Baking

Influencia del color en compuestos fenólicos y propiedades bioactivas de la miel de Guerrero, México

Honey is mainly composed of glucose and fructose between 80 and 85 %, which come from the nectar collected by the bees; therefore, it is considered a great caloric source. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of color, on chemical composition and bioactive properties of polyfloral honey collected in different geographical regions of Guerrero state, Mexico. The honey samples were from the 2018 harvest and honeys were analyzed to determine their total phenolic and flavonoids content, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The phenolic and flavonoids content varied considerably, and the highest values were obtained for dark amber honeys. Similarly, dark amber honeys showed higher antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria; also, results indicated that fungi were less susceptible than bacteria. A positive correlation between color and antioxidant capacity was found. Correlation existed also between color vs phenolics content, vs flavonoid content or between phenolic vs flavonoid. Principal component analysis (PCA) on bioactive results was a useful tool to characterize different types of honey based on the variables of each group in relation to the similarity between the samples.

Physicochemical and sensory analysis of honeys from eastern Formosa province (Argentina) and its relationship with their botanical origin

This study aimed to analyze honeys from eastern Formosa province, Argentina. Honey samples (n = 96) were collected between 2009 and 2012 and stored in plastic jars until analysis. Pollen and physicochemical analyses were performed taking into account the methodology of Louveaux et al. (1978) and AOAC (1990). A sensory analysis was also carried out by a group of semitrained panelists. The predominant color of the honeys evaluated was amber and light amber, associated with the pollen diversity of the native flora. Honeys from pollen of Schinopsis balansae and Copernicia alba presented high levels of mineral cations. Dark honeys presented higher intensity of the floral fresh fruity and woody aromas, whereas amber honeys presented higher intensity of the vegetal aroma. Honeys from pollen of Eugenia uniflora, Schinopsis balansae, Astronium balansae and Prosopis sp. presented fresh aroma with the licorice descriptor.

Gene pool hybridisation in the burzyan population of the dark forest honey bee in the state natural biosphere reserve "Shulgan-tash"

Gene pool hybridisation in the burzyan population of the dark forest honey bee in the state natural biosphere reserve "Shulgan-tash"

Highly selective magnetic dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer for simultaneous removal and clean-up of nitenpyram and imidacloprid from light and dark honey

ABSTRACT This study presents a newly developed selective and sensitive dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIPs) for simultaneous removal and clean up of nitenpyram (NIT) and imidacloprid (IMI) pesticide residues from light and dark honey samples. Determination and quantification of both pesticides were performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, UHPLC-MS/MS. The sorbent MIPs best recoveries were obtained with 60 mg of sorbent MIPs, adsorption time of 20 min, and sample pH of 7. Low method limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were achieved, ranging from 0.03 to 0.09 µg L−1 and 0.06 to 0.12 µg L−1, respectively. Intra-day precision and inter-day precision (RSD) varied between 0.6% and 2.0% and 5.0% to 13.0%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to honey samples with obtained mean recoveries in the range of 95.2% to 108% and 94.3% to 105% for NIT and IMI.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Algerian honeys

Twenty-six samples of Algerian honeys were analyzed to determine their color intensity, content of bioactive compounds using colorimetric methods and phenolic profile using a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) analysis. The antioxidant activities of the samples were estimated using 6 methods (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrilhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free radicals scavenging, reducing power, chelating ferrous activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and β-carotene bleaching) and the antibacterial power was determined in vitro using agar diffusion tests and measuring minimal inhibitory concentration. The color of honeys ranged from light yellow to dark amber with an intensity ranging from 350 to 1510 mAU. The highest content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C and the best antioxidant activity was obtained from dark honeys. Sixteen phenolic compounds (8 phenolic acids and 8 flavonoids) were quantified. The antibacterial tests showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive strain compared to Salmonella typhi. The results allowed establishing a quantitative phenolic profile of Algerian honeys. The bioactive compounds, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities, of honey did not depend on its monofloral or polyfloral nature, but rather on the type of flowers foraged by the bees and its geographical origin. The dark color of honey is a good indicator of a higher antioxidant content and the best biological properties.

Krajowe miody odmianowe w profilaktyce i lecznictwie

The paper presents the characteristics of domestic varietal honeys, taking into account their formation, organoleptic properties, and characteristic ingredients – the chemical markers, biological, prophylactic and therapeutic properties. Light honeys (rapeseed, acacia, multiflower) showed weak or medium level of biological activity, which is low antibiotic and enzymatic activity. Dark honeys, from high summer or late summer (linden, buckwheat, heather, honeydew) were characterized by a stronger biological effect, which translated into higher antibiotic and enzymatic activity.

Changes in the antioxidative properties of honeys during their fermentation

Abstract The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether the fermentation process affects the antioxidative properties of honeys. Therefore, the total antioxidant potential (TAP) of eleven meads was examined. TAPs were estimated using DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and amperometric measurements in the flow-through HPLC system. The results were correlated with the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Additionally, the concentrations of ethanol, sugars, and hydrogen peroxide were measured. The influence of side reactions and the presence of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, ethanol, and anthocyanins on the free radicals generation were also tested. The use of HPLC electrochemical detection for TAP measurements is particularly preferred. Depending on the potential used, different antioxidants can be measured. It turned out that fruit and species meads are characterized by much higher TAPs measured at high potential of the working electrode than at lower potential due to the high concentration of weak antioxidants which do not provide signals at low potentials. It was found that dark honeys (buckwheat, honeydew) are characterized by much higher TAP values than light ones (acacia, linden, multi-floral). The concentration of anthocyanins decreased during fermentation. They are removed together with the sediment.

Quality Evaluation of Light- and Dark-Colored Hungarian Honeys, Focusing on Botanical Origin, Antioxidant Capacity and Mineral Content.

Melissopalynology, antioxidant capacity and mineral and toxic element contents were analyzed in eight types of Hungarian honeys. Based on color, two groups were distinguished: light honeys comprised acacia, amorpha, phacelia and linden honeys; while dark honeys included sunflower, chestnut, fennel and sage honeys, with 100 to 300 and 700 to 1500 mAU, respectively. The unifloral origin of each sample was supported using pollen analysis. The absorbance of honey correlated positively with antioxidant capacity determined by three different methods (TRC, DPPH, ORAC), and also with mineral content. The exception was the light amber linden honey with significantly higher K content and antiradical activity than other light honeys. The Mn, Zn and Fe contents were the highest in chestnut, sunflower and fennel honeys, respectively. The black meadow sage honey performed best regarding the content of other elements and antioxidant activity. The concentrations of several toxic elements were below the detection limit in the samples, indicating their good quality. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed correlations between different antioxidant assays and minerals, and furthermore, confirmed the botanical authentication of the honeys based on the studied parameters. To our best knowledge, the present study is the first to provide a complex analysis of quality parameters of eight unifloral Hungarian honeys.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for the extraction and clean-up of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid in light and dark honey

In this work, new selective and sensitive dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIPs) were synthesized and characterized. Sorbent MIPs were investigated for simultaneous extraction and clean-up of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid from light and dark honey samples. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry triple-quadrupole (UHPLC-MS/MS) (QQQ) was used to detect and quantify the pesticides. The kinetic model with adsorption kinetics of sorbent was investigated. The optimal adsorption conditions were 80 mg of polymer MIPs, a 30-min extraction time, and a pH of 7. The detection limit (LOD) and the quantification limit (LOQ) varied from 0.045 to 0.070 µg kg−1 and from 0.07 to 0.10 µg kg−1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precision (RSD, %) ranged from 1.3 to 2.0% and from 8.2 to 12.0%, respectively. The recovery of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid ranged from 96.8 to 106.5% and 95.3 to 104.4%, respectively, in light and dark honey samples.

Physicochemical, antioxidant capacity and color analysis of six honeys from different origin

Six honey samples from different origin were examined and compared for their physicochemical proprieties (pH, moisture content, TSS, water activity, amino acid and refractive index), antioxidant activity (total phenolic and total flavonoids) and antioxidant content. In addition, colore intensity ABS635, Hunter color values, lycopene, β – carotene and HMF were also studed. (Clover honey, Egypt) was the most acidic (pH 3.26). (Sider honey, Yemen) and (Sider, Saudi) showed the lowest moisture content (16.81 and 16.91) respectively. Among all the samples, acacia honey showed the lowest HMF content (3.6 mg/kg) while sider honey-Saudi recorded the highest HMF content (22.47 mg/kg). All the tested samples showed high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Out of the six tested honey, Sider-Saudi honey recorded the highest phenolic and flavonoid content and color intensity flowed by pine honey, Germany). The results of the antioxidant proprieties of the different honey samples as assed by DPPH method showed strong positive correlation between the antioxidant activity, the polyphenolic content and the color of the honey. The darker honeys (sider honey, Saudi and pine honey, Germany) recorded higher antioxidant activity.

Diversification of Morphological Features of the Dark European Honey Bee of the ‘Augustow M’ Line

Simple SummaryThe necessity of protecting the Dark European honey bee (Apis m. mellifera) in Poland was realized in the 1970s. This was a consequence of the displacement of native bees caused mainly by the mass importation of queen bees of foreign species. Today, we have four programs for the conservation of the following lines of our Dark European honey bee: Augustow M, Kampinos M, Asta M and Northern M. These programs aim to keep the bee gene pool as rich as possible and to preserve the phenotypic and behavioral features characteristic of the Apis m. mellifera species. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversification of morphological features of the Dark European honey bee of the Augustow M line. The authors have demonstrated that the morphological features of the Augustow M line—crucial for identifying the species affiliation, determined as part of the authors’ research—are consistent with the corresponding features described by relevant Polish references used for the conservation of native bee lines.The aim of this study was to investigate the diversification of morphological features of the Dark European honey bee of the Augustow M line. The authors studied the proboscis length and cubital index, as features determining the affiliation to the species; the width of tergite 4 and the sum of widths of tergites 3 + 4, as indicators of the bee body size; and the length and width of the right forewing. They compared bees sampled from (1) the “lead apiary”, (2) “associate apiaries” and (3) “conservation area apiaries”—apiaries situated in the conservation area established by the national program for the conservation of genetic resources of this bee line. The conclusion was that it is possible to protect bees of the Augustow M line under the existing program, based on resources available to the lead, associate and conservation area apiaries. The bees studied have the essential features of the Dark European honey bee and the values of parameters tested are consistent with the morphological feature references valid for Apis m. mellifera. On the other hand, based on the authors’ research and on other studies described in literature of 1960s, there is a dwarfing trend in the Dark European honey bee of the Augustow M line.

Protective Effect of Thyme Honey against Valproic Acid Hepatotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Introduction Valproic acid is a medication most commonly used in the treatment of emotional and neurological depression, psychological imbalances, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. Dark honey, like thyme honey, contains more antioxidant compounds than other samples. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thyme honey on the potential hepatic effects of valproic acid. Methods In this study, 48 male rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 6): G1 (control): healthy rats (normal saline 0.9%), G2: thyme honey (1 g/kg), G3: thyme honey (2 g/kg dose), G4: thyme honey (3 g/kg dose), G5: VPA (500 mg/kg), G6: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (1 g/kg), G7: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (2 g/kg dose), and G8: VPA (500 mg/kg) and thyme honey (3 g/kg dose). Groups G1 to G5 received the drug for 28 days. On day 14, administration of thyme honey for G6 to G8 groups was carried out using gavage until day 28. VPA was administered one hour after honey. To carry out the biochemical evaluation, blood samples were collected from all the groups and their serums were used for MDA, TAC, and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, and GGT). Tissue samples of each rat were also removed for histological studies with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Results The use of thyme honey significantly improved the histopathological parameters of the liver tissue, including hypertrophic degeneration and nucleus alteration, expansion of sinusoids, fibrosis and hepatic necrosis, and inflammation as well as hypertrophy of Kupffer cells. In the groups receiving VPA, the rate of lipid peroxidation increased, which indicates the destruction of the liver cell membrane due to drug consumption. TAC levels also increased following increase in thyme honey dosage (p ≤ 0.05). The results of liver enzyme analysis showed a decrease in AST and ALT levels in the G6 group and a decrease in GGT level in the G8 group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, it seems that high percentage of antioxidants in thyme honey enabled it to improve hepatic complications and reduce the rate of hepatocellular destruction.