Honey Extracts Research Articles

Gastroprotective effects of Methanol leaf extract of Desmodium velutinum (Fabaceae) and honey on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in albino rat: The concept of combination therapy

Gastroprotective effects of Methanol leaf extract of Desmodium velutinum (Fabaceae) and honey on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in albino rat: The concept of combination therapy

Antiviral and Antibacterial Effect of Honey Enriched with Rubus spp. as a Functional Food with Enhanced Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blackberry and raspberry fruits (1 and 4%) and leaves (0.5 and 1%) on the biological activities of rape honey. Honey and plant material extracts were analyzed regarding total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin contents, HPTLC and HPLC polyphenol profiles, as well as antioxidant activity. The antiviral potential was analyzed against bacteriophage phi 6—a coronavirus surrogate—whereas antimicrobial was tested against S. aureus and E. coli. Blackberry extracts were more abundant in antioxidants than raspberry extracts, with better properties found for leaves than fruits and for cultivated rather than commercial plants. The addition of both Rubus plant additives significantly increased the antioxidant potential of honey by four-fold (for 4% fruits additive) to five-fold (for 1% of leaves). Honey with the addition of fruits possessed higher antiviral potential compared with raw rape honey (the highest for 4% of raspberry fruit and 1% of blackberry leaf additive). Honey enriched with Rubus materials showed higher antibacterial potential against S. aureus than rape honey and effectively inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation. To summarize, honey enriched with Rubus fruit or leaves are characterized by increased pro-health value and can be recommended as a novel functional food.

Livelihood, conflict and tourism: An assessment of livelihood impact in Sundarbans, West Bengal

Sundarbans delta is renowned as the largest mangrove forest reserve in the world with distinct species of wild flora and fauna. It acts as a source of livelihood for several communities residing in the vicinity. The indigenous plants, extraction of honey and catching fish from rivers, lakes and rivulets have good economic value in surroundings markets. The local community were highly attached to their land, air, water, animals and plants of the area which have simultaneously became part of their culture and tradition over the years. The aim of the study is to identify and analyse the community's perception about Sundarbans and impacts on their livelihood along with the threat faced by Sundarbans. The study is based on primary survey following secondary data for data collection while descriptive and ethnographic methods were used to get the desired outcome. Post discussion, it was concluded that apart from human and animal conflict, the community is also facing livelihood conflict as the shift has registered over the years. The water level has continued to rise and submerge much of the areas of Sundarbans. Tourism is highly appreciated, but unregulated and irresponsible tourists are the major concern for wild floral and faunal species in Sundarbans ecosystem. The people living there don't have capacity to do other work except cultivation and fishing. The area specific approach and regional plan for the region is the need of hour as the region is suffering from multiple problems threat to tiger conservation, increased salinity of the water and erosion of embankment.

Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan Sediaan Salep Ikan Gabus (Channa Striata) Kombinasi Vitamin C dan Madu Kelulut (Heterotrigona Itama)

Based on the results of research, snakehead fish extract and kelulut honey have properties to make wounds heal faster. Ointment with an active formulation of snakehead fish extract and extract of kelulut honey showed an oxidation process that could make the preparation rancid. The addition of BHA and Vitamin C is expected to prevent the oxidation process so that the preparation does not become rancid. This study aims to determine the effect of adding Antioxidant BHA and Vitamin C in preventing the oxidation process of the ointment in the aqueous phase of extracts of snakehead fish (Channa Striata)and of kelulut honey (Heterotrigona Itama) at 28 days storage. Stability was accelerated at a temperature of 40 ± 20ºC and a RH of 75 ± 5%. Variations in the concentration ofiBHA and Vitamin C used were BHA.0.02. : Vitamin C 0.1, BHA 0.02 : Vitamin C 0.01, BHA 0.005 : Vitamin C 0.01, and BHA 0.005 : Vitamin C 0.1 then tested the physical properties of the ointment, namely through organoleptic test, homogeneity test, spreadability test, adhesion test, protection test and acid number test which were then analyzed by SPSS. Based on the analysis of the scattering power showed a significant difference between F0, F1, and F3. The results of the adhesion analysis showed that there were significant differences in each formula. Furthermore, the results of the stability test showed that all formulas had good physical stability. Conclusion: F1 is a very good formula to prevent oxidation in the preparation as evidenced by a decreased acid number, which is 9.62 mg KOH/g.

Protective effect of mixture of honey and Garcinia kola extract against cyclophosphamide–induced reproductive toxicity in male albino rats

Cyclophosphamide is a widely used drug for the treatment of many human malignant tumors. This study evaluated the protective potentials of fresh honey and Garcinia kola extract against reproductive toxicity caused by Cyclophosphamide in male Wistar rat. Group A served as the negative control and were administered feed and normal saline (2 ml/kg bw) daily for six weeks by oral gavage. Group B served as positive control and received feed and Cyclophosphamide (100mg/kg bw) via injection after 24hrs was given normal saline for six weeks. Groups C, D and E received Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg bw) via injection after 24hrs was respectively administered fresh honey (2ml/kg bw), a mixture of Garcinia kola and unprocessed Honey (2 ml/kg bw) plus Garcinia kola extract (100mg/kg bw) for the next six weeks. Animals in groups C, D and E revealed increased in body weight gain and this was statistically significant at p<0.05. The final body weight of the cyclophosphamide treated rats was significantly reduced from 183.2±8.02 to 195.10±8.08. A significant (P<0.05) reduction in the weight of the testis of the rats administered with cyclophosphamide compared with the positive control was observed (0.93±0.050 vs 1.22±0.15). However, post treatment with fresh honey, Garcinia kola and a combination of honey and Garcinia kola significantly improved the weights of testes compared with positive control (Group C: 1.13±0.05 vs 0.93±0.05; Group D: 1.20 ±0.020 Vs 93±0.05; Group E: 1.18±0.040 vs 93±0.05). The serum concentration of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone and testosterone was significant (P<0.05) reduced in group B rats compared with Group A rats. Separate treatments with Garcinia kola extracts and unprocessed honey cause an elevation in serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels compared with the positive control rats. The mixture of Garcinia kola extracts and fresh honey improved serum levels LH, FSH and testosterone significantly (p<0.05) (Group E) compared with group B. The results obtained indicated that fresh honey and Garcinia kola either used separately or in combination can ameliorate Cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Ameliorative and Antioxidative Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum-Fermented Oat (Avena sativa) and Fermented Oat Supplemented with Sidr Honey against Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats.

The ameliorative and antioxidative stress effects of probiotic-enriched fermented oat (FOE) or fermented oat with honey (HFOE) extracts on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats were examined. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) were increased in FOE and HFOE after 72 h of fermentation, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) reached 7.35 mg 100 g−1 in FOE and 8.49 mg 100 g−1 in HFOE. The β-glucan levels were slightly decreased to 2.45 g 100 g−1 DW in FOE and 2.63 g 100 g−1 DW in HFOE. The antidiabetic and hypolipidemic properties of FOE and HFOE were studied in a designed animal model with seven treated groups for 6 weeks. Groups were treated as follows: group 1 (negative group, NR) and group 2 (diabetic rats, DR) were administered 7 mL distilled water orally per day; group 3 (DR + MET) rats were orally administered 50 mg standard drug Metformin kg−1 daily; group 4 (DR + FOE1) diabetic rats were orally administered 3.5 mL FOE daily; group 5 (DR + FOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL FOE daily; group 6 (DR + HFOE1) rats were orally administered 3.5 mL HFOE daily; and group 7 (DR + HFOE2) rats were orally administered 7 mL HFOE daily. The HFOE at the high dose had a synergistic effect, lowering random blood glucose (RBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG). The hypolipidemic potential of HFOE at the high dose was indicated by significant reductions in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). In addition, 7 mL of HFOE improved liver and kidney function more effectively than other fermented extracts or Metformin. As well as the antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) were significantly enhanced after the administration of HFOE at 7 mL by 68.6%, 71.5%, 55.69%, and 15.98%, respectively, compared to the DR group. In conclusion, administration of L. plantarum-fermented oats supplemented with honey demonstrated antidiabetic effects and a potential approach for controlling glucose levels and lipid profiles, and protecting against oxidative stress.

Analysis of Bitter honey using gas chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Honey has been consumed by humans since ancient times. Honey contains volatile compounds like aldehyde, alcohol, ketone, hydrocarbon, terpenes, acids, benzene compounds. These compounds represent the fingerprint of monofloral honey there by providing information about the floral and geographical origin of honey. The volatile compounds present in honey not only contribute the aroma but also associated with the therapeutic activities of honey. In the present study, the GCMS/MS analysis of bitter honey was carried out to identify the presence of volatile compounds. This is the first study to determine the volatile compounds from ethyl acetate extract of bitter honey produced in the Nilgiri biosphere. Among the eighteen compounds detected, the majority of the compounds were reported to be therapeutically active. Hence further studies regarding the isolation of these compounds could be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases.

Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles from turmeric and kinds of honey: characterisations, antioxidant and photocatalytic dye degradation activities

The environmentally compatible and cost-effective green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) was performed starting from bioactive natural materials, i.e., blossom, pine, chestnut honey, and turmeric extracts. The sizes, surface charges, morphologies, band gap energies, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities of the synthesised nanoparticles were examined comparatively. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirmed the crystallinity and purity of CeO2-NPs. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicated that the CeO2-NPs synthesised have spherical shapes. Particle sizes of honey originated NPs changed as 1.23, 2.61, 3.02 nm for the blossom, chestnut, and pine honey, respectively. NPs obtained from turmeric extract had 6.08 nm particle size. The isoelectric points of CeO2-NPs were about 4 when the starting material was blossom and pine honey. For the chestnut honey and turmeric as starting material, the isoelectric points of NPs were about 6 and 9.5, respectively. The band gap energies changed between 2.80-3.21 eV. All green synthesised nanoparticles exhibited high antioxidant activities according to the DPPH method, changing between 32.4 and 64.5 μg ml−1 as IC50 values. Activity values increased in the order of blossom, pine, chestnut honey, and turmeric. All synthesised NPs reflected the literature antioxidant rankings of the starting natural materials. Thanks to the strong redox property of the CeO2-NPs, high degradation efficiencies (between 83.9 and 93.4%) were obtained for MB under UV light irradiation. The natural starting materials used created differences in the physical and activity properties of the NPs. Green synthesis of CeO2-NPs with new natural materials will expand their usage areas.

The Identification of Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms including Bergeyella zoohelcum Acquired from the Skin/Prosthetic Interface of Amputees and Their Susceptibility to Medihoney™ and Garlic Extract (Allicin).

Users of prosthetic devices face the accumulation of potentially drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria on the skin/prosthesis interface. In this study, we took surface swabs of the skin/prosthesis interface of eleven disabled athletes to identify microorganisms present. In addition to determining their antimicrobial resistance profile, we assessed their sensitivity to Manuka honey and Garlic extract (allicin). Eleven volunteers were directed to swab the skin at the skin/prosthesis interface. After initial isolation of microorganisms, we employed the following general microbiological methods: Gram stain, Catalase test, Oxidase test, lactose fermenting capability, haemolytic capability, Staphaurex, mannitol fermenting capability, Streptex; API Staph, 20E, Candida, and BBL crystal identification system tests. Once identified, isolates were analysed for their sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin, ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and colistin-sulphate. Isolates were also analysed for their sensitivity to allicin (Garlic Extract (GE)) and Manuka honey (Medihoney™) (MH). Eleven isolates were identified: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Group D Streptococcus, Pantoea spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Bergeyella zoohelcum. All isolates were resistant to 1 unit of penicillin and 10 μg of ampicillin. Bergeyella zoohelcum was observed to have the widest range of resistance with observed resistance against five of the eight antimicrobials employed in this study. This study highlights the prevalence of uncommon drug-resistant microorganisms on the skin within a vulnerable population, highlighting the potential for MH or GE intervention.

In vitro and in vivo effects of natural honey on Leishmania major.

Leishmaniosis is an insect-borne disease whose clinical manifestations range from skin ulcer to visceral disease. Antimony compounds are currently known to be the main treatment for leishmaniosis, but there are limitations to their use. This study was performed to determine the in vitro and in vivo efficiency of honey on a standard strain of Leishmania major parasite in comparison with glucantime and amphotericin as the first line treatment. Leishmania major was exposed to different concentrations of honey extract at 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 μg/ml. The effectiveness of honey concentrations was determined by counting the parasite by Neubauer's chamber. Then, using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) colorimetric method, for promastigotes and macrophages then IC50 was calculated. A flow cytometry test was performed and necrosis and apoptosis diagrams were drawn. Next, the effect of the honey on the amastigotes inside macrophage cells was investigated. Finally, for the in vivo experimentation, the parasite was injected in the base of BALB/c mice tails and the resulting wounds were treated with honey. The results of all tests showed that the honey extract at 400 μg/ml concentration had the best effects on all stages. The honey has lethal effects on Leishmania parasite in vitro as well as therapeutic effects on wounds caused by the parasite. Further experiments are recommended to evaluate the performance of the extract on the parasite in volunteer human models.

Antibacterial efficiency of natural products against multiple-drug-resistant clinical isolates

Background Antibiotic resistance is a global problem that has aggravated recently to threaten humans, cattle, and crops. This has inspired scientists to examine various natural products, herbs, and plants that have been used since antiquity for their valuable medicinal potential. They have not only proven less likelihood to produce resistant strains but also exert a positive effect on beneficial probiotics boosting the general health status of the host.Objective To identify the major multiple-drug-resistant bacteria underlying diabetic foot ulcer infections and screen and select herbs and natural extracts, commonly available in local herbal stores, for their activity against the isolated bacteria.Material and methods Bacteria isolated from diabetic foot ulcers of hospitalized patients were identified according to their morphological and biochemical properties. The isolated strains were tested against extracts of bitter melon, honey, pomegranate peel, myrrh gum, and turmeric powder using the in vitro agar well-diffusion assay technique.Results and conclusion The bacterial isolates were resistant to all of the tested standard antibiotics and identified to belong to five different genera: Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All of the natural preparations exerted different levels of antibacterial activity except for bitter melon. These findings shed tremendous light on the up-till-now promising effect of the natural antibiotics arsenal and necessitate the importance of systemically studying their individual and synergistic mechanisms, interactions, and kinetics.

Combined antioxidant capacity of Chilean bee hive products using mixture design methodology

In this work, the individual and combined antioxidant capacities of three polyphenolic extracts from the Chilean bee industry (multifloral bee pollen, Quillay honey, and Ulmo honey) were evaluated using a mixture design method. The polyphenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity of the singular, binary, and ternary extract mixtures were determined. The results indicate that there is a correlation between the contents of phenols and total flavonoids and the radical scavenging capacity. When combining the extracts, both synergistic, additive and antagonistic effects were observed, depending on the assay method, which reflects the predominant mechanism through which antioxidation occurs. Synergy was found by combining extracts of Quillay and Ulmo honeys according to the FRAP test and for a combination of the extracts from multifloral bee pollen and Quillay honey according to the DPPH test. Since blend I1–I3 present high antioxidant capacity, it can be seen that the concentration of total polyphenols does not necessarily reflect the total antioxidant capacity of the mixtures. This exploratory methodology has proven to be useful to identify mixtures of honey and bee pollen extracts than can serve as antioxidant blends in the food industry and could be useful to design new functional food ingredients.

Optimisation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Trigona honey and propolis using response surface methodology from fermented food products

Honey and propolis are honeybee products that are becoming increasingly common as a result of their ability to improve human health. The optimal combination of honey and propolis for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity were analysed for Trigona honey and propolis aqueous extracts using response surface methodology and a central composite design. The effect of honey (X1: 15 - 16.5 g) and propolis (X2: 13.5 - 15 g) on the total phenolic content (TPC, Y1), total flavonoid content (TFC, Y2), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, Y3; ABTS, Y4), and FRAP (Y5) were tested. The experimental outcomes were adequately fitted into a second-order polynomial model regarding TPC (R2 = 0.9539, p = 0.0002), TFC (R2 = 0.9209, p = 0.0010), antioxidant activity (DPPH, R2 = 0.9529, p = 0.0002; ABTS, R2 = 0.9817, p < 0.0001), and FRAP (R2 = 0.9363, p = 0.0005). The optimal percentage compositions of honey and propolis were 15.26 g (50.43%) and 15 g (49.57%), respectively. The predicted results for TPC, TFC, DPPH (IC50), ABTS, and FRAP were 162.46 mg GAE/100 g, 2.29 mgQE/g, 14.52 mg/mL, 564.27 µMTE/g, and 3.56 mMTE/g, respectively. The experimental outcomes were close to the predicted results: 152.06 ± 0.55 mg GAE/100 g, 2.21 ± 0.05 mg QE/g, 13.85 ± 0.34 mg/mL, 555.22 ± 36.84 µMTE/g, and 3.71 ± 0.02 mMTE/g, respectively. It was observed that the optimal combination of honey and propolis provided the highest antioxidant yield and can be used as functional foods, cosmetics, and medical and pharmacological ingredients.

A simple paper-based ratiometric luminescent sensor for tetracyclines using copper nanocluster-europium hybrid nanoprobes

Tetracyclines (TCs), as one of the broad-spectrum antibiotics, are widely used to treat bacterial infections. The residues of TCs in animal-origin foods and drinking water have raised safety concerns and affected the public health. Thus, there is a high demand to develop a simple and rapid method for the detection of TCs. In this work, we developed a ratiometric luminescence probe for the sensitive and visualized detection of TCs. Specifically, tannic acid-stabilized copper nanoclusters (TA-CuNCs) with blue emission at 433 nm were synthesized. The luminescence of TA-CuNCs attenuated partially by the europium ions (Eu3+) due to the aggregation-induced quenching. When TCs were added to the TA-CuNCs-Eu3+ system, the luminescence of TA-CuNCs at 433 nm can be further quenched by the inner-filter effect, and the characteristic luminescence of Eu3+ at 617 nm emerged due to the formation of Eu3+-TCs complex. The ratio of the luminescence at 617 nm–433 nm increased linearly to the concentration of TCs. Additionally, we demonstrated the detection of oxytetracycline in real samples such as tap and lake water, milk, pharmaceutical industry wastewater, honey and soil extract with high recovery rate (97.25%–103.44%). Furthermore, a portable paper device is fabricated by the luminescent probe to conduct the on-site analysis of TCs.

Accelerated stability test of snakehead fish and kelulut honey ointment with CMC-Na as a binder

The extract of snakehead fish ( Channa striata ) and kelulut honey ( Heterotrigona itama ) ointment was proven to have activity in wound healing. However, previous studies showed instability in the ointment as indicated by the occurrence of phase separation. This study used CMC-Na (Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium) with a concentration of 3% (F1), 4.5% (F2), and 6% (F3) as a binder. The stabilizer was added to increase the stability of the ointment preparation by binding to the aqueous phase and preventing it from leaving the ointment base. The test was carried out with the accelerated stability method at a temperature of 40° ± 2° C and a humidity of 75% ± 5% for 28 days. The evaluation includes organoleptic tests, homogeneity, spreadability, adhesion, and protection power. The results showed that CMC-Na increased the stability of the ointment. The data obtained show that the higher the CMC-Na concentration used, the higher the consistency and adhesion were, but the lower the spreadability of the preparation. The results of the average spreadability and adhesion power for formulation 1 were 5.09 cm and 1797.33 seconds, formulation 2 were 4.42 cm and 1798.33 seconds, and formulation 3 were 3.69 cm and 1799 seconds. The results of the One-Way ANOVA showed that all formulations experienced a significant decrease in adhesion and increase in spreadability during 28 days of storage. The best ointment that meets the physical stability criteria is shown by the CMC-Na 3% (F1) formulation, with a soft texture, homogeneous, a good spreadability (5-7 cm), a good adhesion (more than 4 seconds), and a good protective power for 28 days of testing.

Evaluating the Potential of the Malaysian Borneo Sarawak Acacia mangium Honey and Australian Honey as Prebiotic towards Mixed Culture Probiotics of Bifidobacteria animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus

Honey is an ancient food that is preferable as a health supplement. It contains oligosaccharides which made it an interesting candidate as a putative prebiotic. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the potential of Malaysian Borneo Sarawak <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey as a prebiotic source for the mixed culture of probiotics (Microflora of large intestines); <em>Bifidobacteria animalis,</em> and <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em> in an <em>in vitro</em> fermentation system. The outcome was compared with the Multiflora Australian honey and glucose, thus, to determine the potential of <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey oligosaccharides as a prebiotic in both extracted and non-extracted substrates. The mixed culture was able to grow on MRS agar by feeding the extracted oligosaccharides from the honey. Both non-extracted honeys resulted a significant bacterial count (CFU/mL) compared to the extracted samples. The non-extracted substrate showed higher spectrophotometer absorbance for <em>in vitro</em> fermentation of 24 h compared to the extracted substrate. <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey obtained 0.6418 Abs_600nm, whilst Australian honey was found to be 0.7746 Abs_600nm and glucose, 0.331 Abs_600nm. The enumeration of probiotics showed that all samples tested significantly increased bacterial count (CFU/mL) at 24 h fermentation period. <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey acquired 900 CFU/mL. However, the Australian honey achieved 2605 CFU/mL. The extract (oligosaccharides) of <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey (445 CFU/mL) contributes to a higher bacterial count than glucose (410 CFU/mL), yet no significant difference from Australian honey extract (448 CFU/mL). Thus, <em>Acacia mangium</em> honey has the potential to be prebiotic for mixed cultures of <em>Bifidobacteria animalis</em> and <em>Lactobacillus acidophilus</em>.

Chemical and Antioxidant Characterization of the Portuguese Heather Honey from Calluna vulgaris

The Calluna vulgaris honey produced in Portugal, concerning its phenolic compounds and abscisic acids profiles, as well as its antioxidant activity and the protective effect against oxidative damage in human erythrocytes were herein performed for the first time. The phenolic and abscisic acid profiles were tentatively identified by LC-MS/MS (17 compounds). The total content of phenolics and abscisic acids was 15,446.4 µg/g of honey extract, with catechin derivatives and abscisic acids being major constituents. The highest scavenging capacity was found against reactive nitrogen species. Additionally, the honey extract prevented ROO•-induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes collected from human blood, by inhibiting hemolysis, lipid peroxidation and hemoglobin oxidation. In conclusion, C. vulgaris honey contains high content of catechin derivatives and abscisic acids that may be responsible for its biological activity, characterized by a strong antioxidant capacity, which adds up to the nutritional value of this delicacy.

K-carrageenan edible films for beef: Honey and bee pollen phenolic compounds improve their antioxidant capacity

The physical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of edible k-carrageenan films containing bee pollen and honey extracts, as well as their evaluation in vitro and on beef, are reported for the first time. Thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, puncture force, contact angle, water vapor permeability, UV-screening, thermal analysis, color, antioxidant activity in terms of iron reducing power (FRAP) and antiradical power on DPPH radical, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp., aerobic plate counts were determined. All the extracts significantly increased the physical properties and the hydrophilicity of the films. The use of bee pollen and ulmo honey extracts did not significantly change the films color, whereas the quillay honey extract turned them reddish. Thermal stability of films were not affected by antioxidant bee extracts addition. The antibacterial activity of the films added with the extracts, evaluated in isolation or on beef, was not significantly modified with the use of any of the extracts on any of the bacteria evaluated. On the contrary, the antioxidant and antiradical activity of isolated edible films and on meat increased with the use of all the extracts.

Development of Graphene Quantum Dots by Valorizing the Bioresources – A Critical Review

AbstractGraphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are carbon‐based, nanoscale particles that display remarkable physical and organic properties. They are chemically and physically stable and eco‐friendly due to their non‐toxic and biologically inert nature. Various bioresources are used to synthesize GQDs to ensure biosafety and cost‐effectiveness. In this work, a critical review has been done by focusing on top‐down and bottom‐up synthesis strategies. GQDs by valorizing various bioresources like bamboo, neem leaves, mango leaves, paper fibers, rice husk, starch, honey, wood charcoal, coffee grounds, corn powder, and lime oil extract is highlighted in the present review. State‐of‐the‐art and future outlooks on the development and advancement of GQDs applications are also being addressed. Based on the surveyed literature, GQDs provide extensive use in various areas like bioimaging, nanomedicine, photocatalysis, light‐emitting diodes, solar cells, and sensors.

Anti -Fungal Activity of Commercially Available Extracts of Garlic (Allium sativum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Amla (Emblica officinalis): An in vitro Study

Background and Purpose: Many innovations are constantly emerging with the advances in modern medicine and also it is occurring in various traditional medicines as they are considered to be safe and economical in current increasing health care financial burden. Due to emerging of MDR (multiple drug resistance) microorganisms and reduce efficacy of Modern medicines researchers and clinicians are required to revisit the traditional and alternative medicines.&#x0D; Material and Method: Extracts of garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), amla (Emblica officinalis) and honey were prepared at concentration of 1mg/mL, 2mg/mL, 3mg/mL and were tested on different cancdidal species like Candida Albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida Parapsilosis and Candida Krusei and on Fluconazole as a positive control. Disc Diffusion Test for antifungal assay was performed.&#x0D; Results: The anti-fungal effect was maximum at 3mg/mL concentration for all the herbal extracts. Zone of inhibition for fluconazole, was highest (35.00 ± 1.73). Among herbal extracts zone of inhibition for garlic was maximum (16.67 ± 0.88), followed by turmeric (12.67 ± 1.20), honey (11.00 ± 0.58 ), amla (9.33 ± 0.67 ). Similarly for each dose, comparing the mean zone of inhibition between antifungal groups Tukey test showed significantly (p&lt;0.001) different and lower zone of inhibition in herbal extracts (garlic, turmeric, honey and amla) as compared to fluconazole at all the doses.&#x0D; Conclusion: Among all the extracts garlic showed maximum efficiency. Also, the results obtained for herbal extracts showed that they were less efficient compared to fluconazole which was used as positive control.