Bee Enzymes Research Articles

Effects of MIND diet and propolis supplementation on metabolic syndrome indices and cognitive function among patients with metabolic syndrome in Isfahan, Iran, 2024. A rationale and study protocol for randomized controlled trial.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the main general and clinical health challenge worldwide. Based on the National Cholesterol Education Program, if the person has three or more indices containing: elevated fasting blood sugar, high levels of triglycerides, hypertension, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and central obesity, he suffers MetS. The Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet is a novel diet that with the specific aim of safeguarding cognitive function. Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees from the combination of buds and secretions of plants with saliva and bee enzymes. After propolis supplementation, a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels and lipid profiles has been observed. Considering the importance of chronic diseases like MetS on health, the role of the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and propolis supplement that will improve blood sugar, blood lipid, anthropometric indicators, blood pressure, and cognitive function, and limited contradictory studies, we decided to conduct this study. This study, which is a randomized controlled clinical trial study, will be conducted on adults with MetS who will visit Hazrat Ali Health Center in Isfahan. Participants must provide informed consent before engaging in the study. Demographic data such as age, gender, and medical history will be recorded. Then, anthropometric indices, MetS indices, and cognitive function will be measured in all subjects. The study participants will be divided into three groups and will be controlled for 12 weeks. We will have a MIND diet + placebo group, a MIND diet + propolis supplement group, and a control group that will receive a microcrystalline cellulose placebo and usual dietary advice. At the end of the intervention, all indices will be assessed again. The data obtained in the study will be analyzed at descriptive and analytical levels by the statistical software SPSS26. The present study's protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) on 3/28/2023 and a registration reference is IRCT20230105057054N1.

Functional value of biologically active honey components

The article shows data on diastase activity and pollen analysis of honey from apiaries in the south of the Tyumen region. The research was conducted in the period 2017-2022. Honey maturation is a complex biochemical process in which biologically active substances, which include lysozyme and amylase, formed in the digestive glands of worker bees, play a significant role. They provide honey with high biological properties. Lysozyme is an antibacterial enzyme produced in the body of animals that prevents the penetration of microbes, viruses and fungi into honey. Amylase - breaks down the complex carbohydrates of nectar, converting them into glucose and fructose. These enzymes in bees are formed to a greater extent in the maxillary and pharyngeal glands. These are the high biological properties of honey. During the work on the pollen analysis of honey, it was revealed that the honey of apiaries in the south of the Tyumen region is polyphlorous, since pollen grains of various honey plants were identified in the studied honey samples, which included linden, sweet clover, rapeseed, esparcet, winter cress, dandelion, clover, sow thistle. The results of diastase activity determination showed that in experimental honey samples the diastase number was in the range from 8.0 to 23.8%, high diastase activity characterizes the quality of honey, since it, undergoing prolonged biochemical treatment, is more saturated with enzymes and biologically active substances. According to the research results, honey with high diastase activity includes samples from apiaries of Yalutorovsky and Isetsky districts.

Zymography of proteases in honey bees (Apis Mellifera) infected with Nosema ceranae

Nosemosis is one of the most important honey bee diseases and is caused by two fungal species of the genus Nosema, i.e., Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Evidence suggests that in the coming years, Nosema ceranae, which is less sensitive to fumagillin, could replace Nosema apis as the predominant pathogenic Nosema. Identifying and developing drugs that target these microsporidia without having serious effects on host bee physiology is essential for controlling nosemosis, and this requires information about bee enzymes. Serine proteases, the major protease enzymes in insects, play an important role in the insect immune system. In the present study, some proteases of honey bees infected with N. ceranae were studied by zymography. PCR tests showed that all honey bee samples were infected with N. ceranae. Also, the protein pattern of infected honey bee tissue extracts was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Bands with molecular weights of 25, 35, 48, 63, 75, and 100 kDa were observed. Subsequently, the serine proteases in the bees? digestive tracts ranged in molecular weight between 23-35 kDa, and the molecular weight of cathepsins was 25 kDa by gelatin zymography. Investigation of bee proteases might be useful for acquiring more knowledge about the interaction between host and parasite and to access an effective and low-risk compound for nosemosis treatment.

Chemical Content by LC–MS/MS, Antiglaucoma, and Antioxidant Activity of Propolis Samples From Different Regions of Türkiye

Propolis is a sticky substance produced by bees because of the reaction of beeswax, pollen, and bee enzymes. Particularly, their biological activity and chemical content attract attention. Thus, in this study, the total amount of phenolic and flavonoid substances, Fe3+‐Fe2+, Cu2+ (cupric ions reducing activity [CUPRAC]), and Fe3+‐TPTZ (ferric ions reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) reducing, and DPPH• and ABTS•+ scavenging assays in vitro antioxidant properties of propolis samples obtained from four different provinces of Türkiye were determined. In addition, the chemical content of propolis samples was quantitatively determined by LC–MS/MS, and the antiglaucoma property was revealed by hCAII enzyme inhibition. Propolis samples from Ordu presented the highest amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid content (492.3 ± 5.8 and 96.1 ± 2.1, respectively) and also highest antioxidant activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+ IC50 [μg/mL]: 8.884 ± 0.84 and 4.589 ± 0.80, respectively; Fe+3, CUPRAC, and FRAP: 1.051 ± 0.012, 1.021 ± 0.008, and 0.957 ± 0.007 μg/mL, respectively). hCAII enzyme inhibition was highest in Muş propolis (IC50 [μg/mL]: 8.6) as determined. By LC–MS/MS, 53 different components were screened and 35 bioactive components were determined. According to the results, propolis was found to be a raw material because it contains high concentrations of acacetin, chrysin, caffeic acid, and quinic acid (123.824, 24.759, 47.779, and 16.32 mg analyte/g extract, respectively).

Multi-Angle Swirling Fluidized Bed Drying Of Stingless Bees Pot-Pollen

Pot-pollen is another stingless bee product, a mixture of pollen, honey, and bee enzyme stored in cerumen pots. Pot-pollen is protein rich and have therapeutic properties. However, they contain high moisture rendering them susceptible to microbial and fungi growth which will lead to spoilage without proper storage. Conventional methods to remove moisture includes sun drying, oven drying, and food dehydrators. However, they can be unhygienic, reduce pot-pollen quality, and lengthy drying time. Swirling fluidized bed dryer (SFBD) is a promising alternative as they have rapid drying time without damaging the nutrients. The addition of multi-angle swirling distributor (MASD) has the potential to improve drying performance without additional energy input. The current study aim to investigate the drying performance of swirling fluidized bed dryer with multi-angle distributor. Raw pot-pollen is dried in a lab scale SFBD at 3.0 m/s using single angle and multi-angle swirling distributors, 6767, 6730, and 6745. The results shown that the multi-angle swirling distributors 6730 and 6745 improved the drying performance of SFBD, by 17.1 % and 6.5 %, respectively. The best drying performance is shown by the 6730 distributor. Thus, multi-angle SFBD is able to rapidly dry the heat-sensitive stingless bee pot-pollen and represented significant improvement from single angle SFBD.

Unexpected Value of Honey Color for Prediction of a Non-Enzymatic H2O2 Production and Honey Antibacterial Activity: A Perspective.

Hydrogen peroxide is the principal antibacterial compound of honey and its concentration determines honey bacteriostatic (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) potencies. Levels of H2O2 produced are highly relevant to honey therapeutic potential, but they vary extensively among honey with reasons not immediately apparent. According to a traditional view, H2O2 is produced as a by-product of glucose oxidation by the honey bee enzyme, glucose oxidase; however, significant levels of H2O2 could be produced in a non-enzymatic way via polyphenol autooxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for such an alternative pathway by re-examining evidence from many experimental and correlative studies in order to identify factors and compounds required for pro-oxidant activity. Unexpectedly, the color intensity was found to be the main indicator separating honey varieties based on the quantitative differences in the polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity and the content of transition metals, Fe, Cu and Mn, the main factors required for pro-oxidant effects. The color-impeding polyphenolics and their oxidation products (semiquinones and quinones) further contributed to color development through multiple chemical conjugations with proteins, phenolic oxidative polymerization, chelation or the reduction of metal ions. Moreover, quinones, as an intrinsic part of polyphenol redox activity, play an active role in the formation of higher-order structures, melanoidins and colloids in honey. The latter structures are also known to chelate metal ions, potentially contributing to H2O2 production. Thus, the color intensity appears as a major parameter that integrates polyphenol-dependent pro-oxidant reactions resulting in H2O2 generation.

The Active Site of the Enzyme 10-Formyl-THFDH in the Honey Bee Apis mellifera-A Key Player in Formic Acid Detoxification.

Honey bees are important managed pollinators that fulfill important ecological and economic functions. In recent decades, the obligate ectoparasite Varroa destructor severely affected the survival of honey bees, as it weakened them by different means. A common treatment against V. destructor is formic acid fumigation, which has been used for decades by beekeepers across the world. This treatment is known to be effective, but many beekeepers report adverse effects of formic acid on bees, which include damage to the brood, worker bee mortality, and queen loss. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of formic acid detoxification in honey bees. Recently, we reported upregulation of the bee enzyme, 10-formyl-THFDH, under formic acid fumigation. Here, the active site of this enzyme is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach combining homology modeling and protein mutagenesis. In addition, the limitations of the 3D protein structure prediction program AlphaFold2 are shown in regard to docking studies. This study provides a more thorough understanding of the molecular detoxification mechanisms of formic acid in Apis mellifera.

Molecular Insights into the Antistress Potentials of Brazilian Green Propolis Extract and Its Constituent Artepillin C.

Propolis, also known as bee-glue, is a resinous substance produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants they visit. It contains mixtures of wax and bee enzymes and is used by bees as a building material in their hives and by humans for different purposes in traditional healthcare practices. Although the composition of propolis has been shown to depend on its geographic location, climatic zone, and local flora; two largely studied types of propolis: (i) New Zealand and (ii) Brazilian green propolis have been shown to possess Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC) as the main bioactive constituents, respectively. We have earlier reported that CAPE and ARC possess anticancer activities, mediated by abrogation of mortalin-p53 complex and reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor function. Like CAPE, Artepillin C (ARC) and the supercritical extract of green propolis (GPSE) showed potent anticancer activity. In this study, we recruited low doses of GPSE and ARC (that did not affect either cancer cell proliferation or migration) to investigate their antistress potential using in vitro cell based assays. We report that both GPSE and ARC have the capability to disaggregate metal- and heat-induced aggregated proteins. Metal-induced aggregation of GFP was reduced by fourfold in GPSE- as well as ARC-treated cells. Similarly, whereas heat-induced misfolding of luciferase protein showed 80% loss of activity, the cells treated with either GPSE or ARC showed 60–80% recovery. Furthermore, we demonstrate their pro-hypoxia (marked by the upregulation of HIF-1α) and neuro-differentiation (marked by differentiation morphology and upregulation of expression of GFAP, β-tubulin III, and MAP2). Both GPSE and ARC also offered significant protection against oxidative stress and, hence, may be useful in the treatment of old age-related brain pathologies.

Experimental Evidence for Therapeutic Potentials of Propolis.

Propolis is produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants they visit. It is a resinous material having mixtures of wax and bee enzymes. Propolis is also known as bee glue and used by bees as a building material in their hives, for blocking holes and cracks, repairing the combs and strengthening their thin borders. It has been extensively used since ancient times for different purposes in traditional human healthcare practices. The quality and composition of propolis depend on its geographic location, climatic zone and local flora. The New Zealand and Brazilian green propolis are the two main kinds that have been extensively studied in recent years. Their bioactive components have been found to possess a variety of therapeutic potentials. It was found that Brazilian green propolis improves the cognitive functions of mild cognitive impairments in patients living at high altitude and protects them from neurodegenerative damage through its antioxidant properties. It possesses artepillin C (ARC) as the key component, also known to possess anticancer potential. The New Zealand propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) as the main bioactive with multiple therapeutic potentials. Our lab performed in vitro and in vivo assays on the extracts prepared from New Zealand and Brazilian propolis and their active ingredients. We provided experimental evidence that these extracts possess anticancer, antistress and hypoxia-modulating activities. Furthermore, their conjugation with γCD proved to be more effective. In the present review, we portray the experimental evidence showing that propolis has the potential to be a candidate drug for different ailments and improve the quality of life.

Protective Effect of Propolis against Aluminium Chloride Reproductive Toxicity Histopathological and Ultrastruchtural Study

Human impact on the environment was steadily increasing the amounts of aluminum in the ecosystems. This element accumulated in plants and water. Potentially increased its harmful effect; particularly, it induced free radical-mediated cytotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Propolis was a resinous material collected by bees from bud and exudates of the plants, mixed with bee enzymes, pollen, and wax. Due to its waxy nature and mechanical properties, bees used propolis in the construction and repair of their hives, and as a protective barrier against external invaders, or weathering threats, Current antimicrobial properties of propolis, was helping for wound healing, treatment of burns, herpes simplex and genital herpes. The present work studied the protective effect of propolis against the reproductive toxicity of aluminum chloride in male rats.

Determination of Organic Acids in Honey by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Organic acids in honeys are currently quantified by enzymatic, capillary zone electrophoresis, and chromatographic methods; however, these methods have long analysis times and low sensitivities and selectivities. Here, we developed a simple, rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)–based method for the determination of organic acids: gluconic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid in honey. First, we evaluated the linearity, matrix effects, detection limits, quantification limits, and repeatability of our method; the limit of detection for organic acids ranged from 0.005 to 0.70 mg/kg. In this study, it was 8 to 31 times higher sensitive than the high-performance liquid chromatography method. We then used our method to determine the concentrations of gluconic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid in 25 honey samples. Gluconic acid was found to account for 64.6 to 99.8% of the total organic acids in the samples. From the correlation and statistical analysis of each component, it is considered that the organic acid is produced by worker bee enzymes such as glucose oxidase and the TCA cycle. The developed method, which has high sensitivity and selectivity, will enable the analysis of more complex and low-concentration components.

Tolerance and response of two honeybee species Apis cerana and Apis mellifera to high temperature and relative humidity.

The ambient temperature and relative humidity affect the metabolic and physiological responses of bees, thus affecting their life activities. However, the physiological changes in bee due to high temperature and high humidity remain poorly understood. In this study, we explored the effects of higher temperature and humidity on the epiphysiology of bees by evaluating the survival, tolerance and body water loss in two bee species (Apis cerana and Apis mellifera). We also evaluated the changes in the activity of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in their body. We observed that under higher temperature and humidity conditions, the survival rate of A. mellifera was higher than that of A. cerana. On the other hand, a comparison of water loss between the two species revealed that A. mellifera lost more water. However, under extremely high temperature conditions, A. cerana was more tolerant than A. mellifera. Moreover, under higher temperature and humidity conditions, the activity of antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in bees was significantly increased. Overall, these results suggest that high temperatures can adversely affect bees. They not only affect the survival and water loss, but also stimulate oxidative stress in bees. However, unlike our previous understanding, high humidity can also adversely affect bees, although its effects are lower than that of temperature.

Impact of propolis on the oral health

Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected by honey bees from buds and exudates of plant species, mixed with bee enzymes, pollen and wax. It has a complex composition with a wide range of effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiflogistic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, carcinostatic and immunomodulatory properties. It is often applied in the treatment of diseases involving the oral cavity and gums. The aim of this paper is to describe the therapeutic properties of propolis, chemical composition and its application in the oral cavity. Literature and systematic information on the composition and the effects of propolis on health were collected, with particular reference to the use in the treatment of oral cavity diseases. The chemical composition of propolis is very complex. The health impact depends on the biologically active components it contains. A particularly important application is in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. Studies show that propolis can help prevent dental caries and control gingivitis and plaque. It reduces halithosis (bad breath) and symptoms of periodontosis. It is also effective in fighting viruses. It can have significant application in orthodontics and restorative dentistry. A wide range of effects allows the multiple uses of propolis-based products. Recent research has been increasingly focused on diseases of the oral cavity. The development of novel propolis-based pharmaceutical forms could significantly reduce the use of antibiotics in conventional treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.

Modified neonicotinoid insecticide with bi-directional selective toxicity and drug resistance

A three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model was established based on the molecular structures and the negative logarithm of experimental lethal concentration 50 values (pLC50) of neonicotinoid insecticides. Then, the mechanisms of bi-directional selective toxic effects and drug resistance were determined using homology modeling and molecular docking analyses. The results of the model showed that the 1-, 2-, 4-, and 12- positions of neonicotinoid insecticides strongly affected their toxicity, and that the introduction of bulky or electropositive groups at these positions could increase the pLC50 values. Using Compound 19 as a template, we designed 37 derivatives with greater toxicity (increased by 0.04–11.45%). Among them, 20 derivatives had bioconcentrations lower than that of Compound 19 (reduced by 0.38–147.88%). Further screening of Compound 19 and the 20 derivatives mentioned above by homology modeling and acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) molecular docking analyses showed that 10 derivatives had bi-directional selective toxic effects against pests and bees. Further docking analyses of Compound 19 and these 10 derivatives identified that Derivative-33 showed decreased docking with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S transferase (GST) in pests and enhanced docking with these enzymes in bees, indicating bi-directional selective resistance for pests and bees. Accordingly, Derivative-33 was selected as a new insecticide with high toxicity to pests and low toxicity to bees (bi-directional selective toxicity), low resistance in pest populations, and high resistance in bee populations. This study provides valuable reference data and will be useful for the development of strategies to produce new environmentally friendly pesticides.

Bee pollen in allergy and immunology. Short review

Summary Bee pollen is a natural resource - pollen collected by bees and stored in the beehive with various bee enzymes added as it is a mixture of plants pollen and bee saliva. It is rich source of various nutrients, among them exogenous amino acids. Therefore, it can be a good and natural dietary supplement. New possibilities for bee pollen usage arise every day, yet it can also be a threat. Although bee pollen can act as an immunostimulant and anti-allergic agent, it is also and maybe even primarily allergic or cross-reactive with many allergens. A number of bee pollen allergy cases was described worldwide. A caution is therefore needed before ingestion or any other form of administration, especially in case of children or individuals with atopic predispositions. Anti-allergic attributes and immunostimmulation ability still need further research.

Impacts of Dietary Phytochemicals in the Presence and Absence of Pesticides on Longevity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera).

Because certain flavonols and phenolic acids are found in pollen and nectar of most angiosperms, they are routinely ingested by Apis mellifera, the western honey bee. The flavonol quercetin and the phenolic acid p-coumaric acid are known to upregulate detoxification enzymes in adult bees; their presence or absence in the diet may thus affect the toxicity of ingested pesticides. We conducted a series of longevity assays with one-day-old adult workers to test if dietary phytochemicals enhance longevity and pesticide tolerance. One-day-old bees were maintained on sugar syrup with or without casein (a phytochemical-free protein source) in the presence or absence of quercetin and p-coumaric acid as well as in the presence or absence of two pyrethroid insecticides, bifenthrin and β-cyfluthrin. Dietary quercetin (hazard ratio, HR = 0.82), p-coumaric acid (HR = 0.91) and casein (HR = 0.74) were associated with extended lifespan and the two pyrethroid insecticides, 4 ppm bifenthrin (HR = 9.17) and 0.5 ppm β-cyfluthrin (HR = 1.34), reduced lifespan. Dietary quercetin enhanced tolerance of both pyrethroids; p-coumaric acid had a similar effect trend, although of reduced magnitude. Casein in the diet appears to eliminate the life-prolonging effect of p-coumaric acid in the absence of quercetin. Collectively, these assays demonstrate that dietary phytochemicals influence honey bee longevity and pesticide stress; substituting sugar syrups for honey or yeast/soy flour patties may thus have hitherto unrecognized impacts on adult bee health.

Biochemical response of the Africanized honeybee exposed to fipronil.

Bees are recognized worldwide for their social, economic, and environmental value. In recent decades they have been seriously threatened by diseases and high levels of pesticide use. The susceptibility of bees to insecticides makes them an important terrestrial model for assessing environmental quality, and various biomarkers have been developed for such assessments. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CaE), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in Africanized honeybees exposed to fipronil. The results showed that fipronil at a sublethal dose (0.01 ng/bee) modulates the activity of CaE in all isoforms analyzed (CaE-1, CaE-2, and CaE-3) in both newly emerged and aged bees, and does not affect the activity of AChE or GST. The recovery of the bees after fipronil exposure was also investigated, and these results demonstrated that even the cessation of fipronil ingestion might not lead to complete recovery of individual bees. Even at low doses, fipronil was shown to cause changes in the activity of key enzymes in bees. The possible consequences of these changes are discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1652-1660. © 2016 SETAC.

Traceability of Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Honey through Nectar/Honey-Sac/Honey Pathways of the Headspace, Volatiles, and Semi-Volatiles: Chemical Markers.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE), followed by GC-MS/FID, were applied for monitoring the nectar (NE)/honey-sac (HoS)/honey (HO) pathways of the headspace, volatiles, and semi-volatiles. The major NE (4 varieties of Citrus unshiu) headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. Corresponding extracts contained, among others, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and caffeine. The major HoS headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and cis-jasmone. Characteristic compounds from HoS extract were caffeine, 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. However, HO headspace composition was significantly different in comparison to NE and HoS with respect to phenylacetaldehyde and linalool derivatives abundance that appeared as the consequence of the hive conditions and the bee enzyme activity. C. unshiu honey traceability is determined by chemical markers: phenylacetaldehyde, phenylacetonitrile, linalool and its derivatives, as well as 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, and caffeine.

Biological Properties and Therapeutic Applications of Propolis.

Propolis is a resinous material collected by bees from bud and exudates of the plants, mixed with bee enzymes, pollen and wax. In this review, the biological properties of propolis and some therapeutic applications are discussed. The same biological activities have been investigated until today, using samples from different geographic regions. Thus, the study of the biological properties of a given sample should always be associated with its chemical composition and botanical source, representing a particular sample of a given geographic area, exploring its biological potential and the role of its constituents. Efforts have been carried out to explain propolis' mechanisms of action in vivo and in vitro, but the majority of propolis' targets and actions are still unclear. The number of formulations containing propolis and patents have increased, although propolis extracts have been used deliberately with different recommendations, not always mentioning the chemical composition, vegetal source and the methods of extraction. Clinical studies will help to obtain criterious recommendations in view of the expected outcomes. Further investigation should explore the effects of common compounds found in the samples from all over the world in an attempt to standardize the research on propolis and to obtain new drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rapid and sensitive determination of polyphenols composition of unifloral honey samples with their antioxidant capacities

A micellar electrokinetic chromatography method was developed to quantify the levels of four main polyphenols in various floral sources honeys. The effect of several parameters—such as pH, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) of the buffer, separation voltage and injection time—were systematically investigated. The main polyphenols were successfully separated within 13 min of UV detection at 214 nm. In the tested concentration range, regression equations revealed good linear relationships between the peak areas and corresponding concentration (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.9984 to 0.9997). Moreover, the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities were also quantified. These compounds are not present in large amounts, but can reach up to 2758 μg in 100 g−1 of honey, which are the main flavonoid aglycones found in honey. The flavonoid glycosides are hydrolyzed by bee enzymes to render the aglycones. Therefore, the flavonoid aglycones should be served as a potential marker and capillary electrophoresis could be used as an effective way to look for in various floral sources.