Honey Extracts Research Articles

Comparative Study of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Unifloral Quillay Tree (Quillaja saponaria Molina) and Multifloral Honeys from Chile

Honey is a natural sweet element that bees make with flower nectar, revered for its distinct flavor, nutritional value, and potential health benefits. Chilean beekeeping has a diverse range of honey varieties, many of which are unique. The quillay (Quillaja saponaria Molina, soapbark tree) is a Chilean endemic tree whose honey has not been studied in depth. We characterized various Chilean honeys with different botanical origins, with a particular focus on quillay tree honey, analyzing its total phenolic and flavonoid content and its antioxidant activities. Cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective activity were also evaluated using HuH-7 cells. The Spearman correlation between the percentage of quillay pollen in the honey samples and the total phenolic content (R = 0.72; p < 0.05), plus the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, suggests that compounds from quillay contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity of honey. Unifloral quillay honey extracts also protect hepatic cells from oxidative damage induced by peroxyl radicals generated by AAPH. This analysis sheds light on the potential of quillay tree honey, underscoring its significance as a natural source of bioactive phenolic compounds with possible hepatoprotective effects.

Evaluation of in-house-built pipette-tip micro-solid-phase extraction devices for sample preparation in the analysis of amino compounds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Amino compounds are of significant interest in dietary, clinical, and quality control fields. Efficient extraction is crucial for comprehensive metabolomics, especially for amino acids and biogenic amines, but traditional solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods are costly and require large solvent volumes. Miniaturized SPE techniques, like pipette-tip micro-solid-phase extraction (PT-µ-SPE), offer promising alternatives by improving throughput and reducing solvent and sorbent usage. This study presents PT-µ-SPE for the screening and quantification of amino compounds in bee products, particularly honey. The method involves derivatization with diethyl ethoxymethylenemalonate (DEEMM) and analysis using liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Silica-based SCX sorbents were effective for a broad range of amino compounds, while WCX sorbents were better for aliphatic amines. The method's extraction efficiency was assessed across sample loading, washing, and elution solution, with recovery rates of 70 - 120% in oat bran, sea buckthorn leaves, and honey extracts. Matrix effects were observed for four amino compounds in honey. Limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) ranged from 0.37 to 57 µg L⁻¹ and 1.13 to 174 µg L⁻¹, respectively. Covering 48 amino compounds under different PT-µ-SPE conditions, this method has been applied to several samples, demonstrating accuracy, environmental sustainability, cost-effectiveness, portability, and versatility in amino compound analysis.

Phenolic Class Analysis in Honey: Comparison of Classical and Single UV Spectrum Methodologies

The analytical results from a study of 16 honey samples (extra white to dark honey color range) of phenolic compounds obtained using the single UV spectrum methodology and classical spectrophotometric methods (Folin–Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods) are presented. The first method quantified all classes of phenolic compounds in honey’s SPE-C18 extract: the total hydroxybenzoic acid content (concentrations between 0.37 ± 0.05 and 4.46 ± 0.37 mg of gallic acid/g of honey), total hydroxycinnamic acid content (0.13 ± 0.03 and 2.76 ± 0.13 mg of ferulic acid/g of honey), and total flavonoid content (0.15 ± 0.03 and 1.63 ± 0.17 mg of quercetin/g of honey). The total phenolic contents were, on average, 1.86 ± 0.72 and 1.78 ± 0.79 times higher than the results obtained for raw honey and the SPE-C18 extract, respectively, using the classical Folin–Ciocalteu method. The total flavonoid contents, on average, were 6.02 ± 3.14 times larger and 0.66 ± 0.33 times smaller than the results obtained using the classical AlCl3 method for raw honey and SPE-C18 extract, respectively.

Parallel Plate Capacitor Model at the Nanoscale for Stable and Gigantic SERS Activity of the 4-MBA@R-AuNP-4-MBA@R-AuNP System.

Selective use of ingredients out of a specific natural product (e.g., fruit, leaf, flower, or honey extract) or their mixture (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants, etc.) by smart manipulation of precursors and reaction conditions to synthesize nanoparticles can provide us a low-cost, environmentally friendly route for their industrial-scale production. The presence of more than one active ligand (sourced natural product extract) on the surface not only makes them the most stable (electrostatically) and monodispersed (controlled kinetics) but also devoid of any external ligand-assisted aggregation. This empowered us to modify the surface of the nanoparticles in a monolayered fashion or to couple between nanoparticles through a ligand-assisted chemical coupling pathway to avoid their aggregation and hence to keep their nanoscale property intact. A metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) trajectory combined with electromagnetic field-induced coherent capacitive coupling between two nanoparticles was introduced to explain the gigantic Raman enhancement observed from these nanoparticles. As a model system, we have synthesized the nanoparticles from rose extract as the active ligand ingredient source for 2-phenyl ethanol, linalool, citronellol, nerol, geraniol, pyrogallol (C6H3(OH)3), and quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) and the surface of the synthesized nanoparticles has been modified by 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) acting as a Raman tag. The obtained structural and spectroscopic data correlate well between our numerical and density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations to justify their gigantic SERS activity, which may lead us to propose an unexplored coherent capacitive coupling-based Raman enhancement mechanism.

Antibacterial synergistic effect of sea cucumber extract and kelulut honey combination

Natural products remain one of the major sources of new drug molecules today. The combination of sea cucumber extract with stingless bee honey holds great potential for health supplement. However, the specific results of the combination have yet to be determined. In this study, the antibacterial activity of kelulut honey and Phyllophorus spiculata sea cucumber extract samples individually and in combination were assessed with disk-diffusion assays and broth dilution method. Most of the samples exhibit small or absence of inhibitory activity using disk-diffusion assay method. Only kelulut honey sample with 100% concentration has a positive antagonism effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. For the broth dilution method, Gram-positive bacteria were found to be more susceptible as compared to Gram-negative bacteria species, with lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of kelulut honey, sea cucumber or combination sample. The growth of gram-positive S. epidermidis is inhibited by sea cucumber extract at MIC value of 0.031 mg/mL, kelulut honey at MIC value of 0.063 mg/ mL and combination sample at MIC value of 0.063 mg/mL, all of which are of lower MIC value as compared to E. coli inhibition. The absorbance at optical density (OD) 600nm wavelength was also measured to monitor the growth of bacteria in solution. From the results, broth dilution proves to be a more effective method to assess the antibacterial activity in the combination samples. Two combinations showed the best antibacterial synergy (OD600 value of 0.000) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which were (1) ½ sea cucumber: ½ kelulut honey combination and (2) ¾ sea cucumber: ¼ kelulut honey combination. This preliminary evidence on their antibacterial synergistic activities is promising and shows possible commercialization potential.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Composition of Different Monofloral and Polyfloral Brazilian Honey Extracts.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of phenolic extracts from monofloral and polyfloral honey samples obtained from different Brazilian regions. The chemical composition (total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids) of extracts were measured by using colorimetric assays and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC-DAD). The antioxidant activity was evaluated by chemical and biochemical assays (reducing power assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic) acid (ABTS⋅+) scavenger assays. It was also investigated the ability of extracts in attenuate lipid peroxidation induced by Fe2+ in phospholipids. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that the botanical origin and geographical region of honey collection influenced the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of extracts. Furthermore, the samples were constituted by phenolic acids and flavonoids, which p-coumaric acid was predominant among the compounds identified. All samples were able to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation, and good correlations were obtained between the flavonoid content and honey color. In conclusion, the obtained extracts were constituted by antioxidant compounds, which reinforce the usage of honey in human diets, and demonstrated that the region of honey collection strong influenced in the chemical composition and, consequently, its biological effect.

The combination of sitagliptin and bee honey extract potentiates the anti-proliferative properties of 5-fluorouracil on Caco-2 cell line without detectable inflammatory events

BackgroundColon cancer originates in the colon, specifically the large intestine. It carries a poor prognosis and high mortality rate due to late diagnosis and migration. ObjectiveHere our objective was to evaluate the anticancer effects of sitagliptin (Sita) in colon cancer using Caco-2 cells. Additionally, we examined the role of bee honey extract in modulating cancer cell division and necrotic events commonly observed during drug treatments. MethodsWe monitored cell viability rate to evaluate the effect of bee honey extract compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), Sita, and their combinations. To gain further foresights into the implicated molecular interaction, we assessed the expression outline of Raf-1 and MEK, as proliferation effectors. Additionally, we examined the expression outline of p53 and Caspase 3, which are associated with programmed cell death (PCD), through western blot analysis. ResultsWe identified the Raf-1 expression pattern as a likely target for the drug combination and bee honey extract (HE), which effectively controlled colon cancer cell proliferation. Our study demonstrates that honey extract, either alone or in combination with drugs, can induce PCD by restoring the p53 and CASP-3 proteins. This was accompanied by a synergistic effect on the production of apoptotic cytokines, particularly interlukine-6 (IL-6) and IL-8, in cancer cells. Moreover, the treatment modulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α and IL-1β and anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-10. ConclusionOur findings shed light on honey extract and its combinations with 5-Fu and Sita in stimulating PCD and modulating cytokine production in Caco-2 cells.

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. Honey Prevents Inflammation Response and Inhibits Ferroptosis by Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in DSS-Induced Human Caco-2 Cells.

Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. (L. bicolor) honey, a monofloral honey, has garnered increased attention due to its origin in the L. bicolor plant. A previous study has shown that L. bicolor honey can ameliorate inflammation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of L. bicolor honey extract and its biomarker (Trifolin) on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). Our results demonstrated that L. bicolor honey extract and Trifolin significantly increased the expression levels of the tight junction cytokines Claudin-1 and ZO-1. Additionally, they decreased the pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 and enhanced the antioxidant factors NQO1 and GSTA1. Based on metabolomic analyses, L. bicolor honey extract and Trifolin regulated the progression of UC by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, they improved the levels of SOD and iron load, increased the GSH/GSSG ratio, reduced MDA content and ROS release, and upregulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thereby inhibiting DSS-induced UC. Moreover, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes indicated that they decreased FTL, ACSL4, and PTGS2 while increasing SLC7A11 expression to resist ferroptosis. In conclusion, our study found that L. bicolor honey improves DSS-induced UC by inhibiting ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These findings further elucidate the understanding of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of L. bicolor honey.

Chrysin-loaded PEGylated liposomes protect against alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats: the interplay between endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy

BackgroundDiabetic neuropathy (DN) is recognized as a significant complication arising from diabetes mellitus (DM). Pathogenesis of DN is accelerated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which inhibits autophagy and contributes to disease progression. Autophagy is a highly conserved mechanism crucial in mitigating cell death induced by ER stress. Chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, can be found abundantly in honey, propolis, and various plant extracts. Despite possessing advantageous attributes such as being an antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anticancer agent, chrysin exhibits limited bioavailability. The current study aimed to produce a more bioavailable form of chrysin and discover how administering chrysin could alter the neuropathy induced by Alloxan in male rats.MethodsChrysin was formulated using PEGylated liposomes to boost its bioavailability and formulation. Chrysin PEGylated liposomes (Chr-PLs) were characterized for particle size diameter, zeta potential, polydispersity index, transmission electron microscopy, and in vitro drug release. Rats were divided into four groups: control, Alloxan, metformin, and Chr-PLs. In order to determine Chr- PLs’ antidiabetic activity and, by extension, its capacity to ameliorate DN, several experiments were carried out. These included measuring acetylcholinesterase, fasting blood glucose, insulin, genes dependent on autophagy or stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, and histopathological analysis.ResultsAccording to the results, the prepared Chr-PLs exhibited an average particle size of approximately 134 nm. They displayed even distribution of particle sizes. The maximum entrapment efficiency of 90.48 ± 7.75% was achieved. Chr-PLs effectively decreased blood glucose levels by 67.7% and elevated serum acetylcholinesterase levels by 40% compared to diabetic rats. Additionally, Chr-PLs suppressed the expression of ER stress-related genes (ATF-6, CHOP, XBP-1, BiP, JNK, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR by 33%, 39.5%, 32.2%, 44.4%, 40.4%, 39.2%, 39%, and 35.9%, respectively). They also upregulated the miR-301a-5p expression levels by 513% and downregulated miR-301a-5p expression levels by 65%. They also boosted the expression of autophagic markers (AMPK, ULK1, Beclin 1, and LC3-II by 90.3%, 181%, 109%, and 78%, respectively) in the sciatic nerve. The histopathological analysis also showed that Chr-PLs inhibited sciatic nerve degeneration.ConclusionThe findings suggest that Chr-PLs may be helpful in the protection against DN via regulation of ER stress and autophagy.Graphical

CD16 Medical-grade manuka honey and a sugar-free manuka honey extract inhibit allergic IgE-induced mast-cell degranulation: potential role as an topical anti-inflammatory agent in atopic dermatitis

CD16 Medical-grade manuka honey and a sugar-free manuka honey extract inhibit allergic IgE-induced mast-cell degranulation: potential role as an topical anti-inflammatory agent in atopic dermatitis

Chrysin reduces heart endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis by inhibiting PERK and Caspase 3-7 in high-fat diet-fed rats.

Chrysin (Chy) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables, honey, propolis, and many plant extracts that has shown notable medicinal value. Chy exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-cholesteremic, and cardioprotective. However, the influence of Chy in mitigating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced ER stress of rat myocardium remains unknown. The current work intended to determine the therapeutic potential of Chy against HFD-induced endoplasmic stress-mediated apoptosis. To evaluate the therapeutic value of Chy in HFD-induced endoplasmic stress-mediated apoptosis in the myocardium; The male wistar rats were divided into different groups; control, HFD control, HFD fed followed by Chy-treated and HFD fed followed by atorvastatin (Atv) treated rats. When compared to the control group, the HFD-fed rats had significantly higher levels of marker enzymes such as CK-NAC and ALP, as well as lipid peroxidation and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL). Chy therapy greatly reversed these marker enzymes and the lipid profile. qRT-PCR Studies showed that Chy supplementation considerably improved Nrf2 and its target genes. In addition, Chy lowered the expression of PERK, CHOP, ATF6, GRP78, and Caspase-3 genes in the heart tissue of HFD-fed rats. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that Chy substantially enhanced the Nrf2 and reduced PERK and Caspase3-7 protein expression in HFD-fed rats. The current study concluded that Chy may mediate the cardioprotective effect by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting PERK signaling pathway against ER stress-mediated apoptosis induced by HFD. Therefore, supplementation with Chy could serve as a promising therapeutic target against HFD-induced ER stress-mediated cardiac complication.

From fibers electrospun with honey to the healing of wounds: a review

In order to take advantage of the antiseptic and healing properties of honey, the preparation of polymeric micro and nanofibers with honey from bees has been investigated in many parts of the world, in order to enhance their use in the development of biomedical products such as dressings, bandages and other elements that favor wound closure and tissue restoration. To contribute to this line of research, a background review is presented here on the application of the electrospinning technique in the preparation of micro and nanofiber membranes with honey, focusing on experimental methodology including the use of polymers, solvents, therapeutic agents, active principles or drugs loaded in apitherapeutic fibers. Electrospinning techniques and parameters, tests and material characterization methods have been compiled, presenting the effect of these variables on the compositional, morphological, mechanical and physicochemical properties of the fibrous meshes. A compendium of biological tests evaluated in vitro and in vivo was made in order to analyze the functionality and potential of the application of fibers in tissue engineering, as well as in the construction of devices for clinical diagnosis and in general for the development of advanced materials for wound treatment. This review sees the establishment of the methodological foundations for the design of new materials based on honey and plant extracts not yet explored, and which could be developed into compounds of high scientific and industrial interest.

Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern of Microorganisms from Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Rivers State Nigeria

Correctional centers have been reported to be associated with several conditions predisposing inmates to health challenges as a result of exposure to disease causing microbial population. This study therefore targeted the Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Microorganisms from Port Harcourt Correctional Center, Rivers State Nigeria. A total of 150 samples (100 from skin (upper arm) and 50 from wall surfaces) were collected using sterile swab sticks and immediately transported to Department of Microbiology Laboratory, Rivers State University for analyses, using standard microbiological techniques. Molecular characterization was done using Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to gene sequencing. The Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test. Well in agar method was used to assess the susceptibility of the isolates to honey and Aloe Vera extract. The study revealed that 100% of all the bacterial isolates were resistant to Meropenem, Vancomycin, cefuroxime, and Ceftazidine, while 90% of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, Cepftriaxone, Erythromycin, and Ciproflozaxine. Data showed the MAR index ranged from 0.3 to 0.8. Statistical analysis revealed there were no significant differences in the mean values of data obtained from the animate and inanimate surfaces (p > 0.05). Molecular identification confirmed the isolates to be Kocuria palustris, Serretia liquefaciens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterococcus feacalis, Bacillus flexus, and Aspergillus niger. The results revealed that honey was more effective (100%) than Aloe Vera extract which inhibited only one of the Escherichia coli isolates. The study displayed the antimicrobial effect of honey against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial isolates. While adequate personal hygiene, proper sanitation, and spaced room should be encouraged, honey can be used in correctional centers to control bacterial skin infections.

The effect of dates and honey extracts (phoenix dactylifera and apis mellifera) for increasing pregnant women's haemoglobin.

To examine the effect of date fruit extract and honey in increasing haemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The quasi-experimental study was conducted from July to August 2022 in Rumbai Pesisir Subdistric, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, and comprised anaemic pregnant women with haemoglobin levels <11gm/dl who were not consuming iron tablets or blood boosters. They were given honey and date extracts 2 tablespoons twice daily for two weeks. Haemoglobin level was checked at baseline and then at the end of each week of intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 and quantitative method by using bivariate analysis. Of the 50 women, 59(98%) were aged 20-35 years, and 1(2%) was aged >35 years. Besides, 21(42%) women were in the second trimester, 17(34%) in third, and 12(24%) in the first trimester of pregnancy. The increase in haemoglobin levels post-intervention was highly significant (p=0.0001). Date fruit extract and honey increased haemoglobin level of pregnant women.

Influence of Gelatin and Propolis Extract on Honey Gummy Jelly Properties: Optimization Using D-Optimal Mixture Design.

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy candy. Honey and bee products are valuable and rich sources of biologically active substances. In this study, the influence of gelatin and propolis extract on honey gummy jelly (HGJ) properties was investigated. Honey (28-32%), xylitol (13-17%), and gelatin (6-10%) were utilized to develop HGJ products by mixture design methodology. Subsequently, the optimized formulation of HGJ was fortified with 1% and 2% propolis extract to enhance its phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The variation in the ingredients significantly affected the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the HGJ. The optimized HGJ formulation consisted of honey (32%), xylitol (14%), and gelatin (7%) and exhibited 13.35 × 103 g.force of hardness, -0.56 × 103 g.sec of adhesiveness, 11.96 × 103 N.mm of gumminess, 0.58 of resilience, and a moderate acceptance score (6.7-7.5). The fortification of HGJ with propolis extract significantly increased its phytochemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of propolis extract (2%) into the HGJ was able to significantly inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The mixture of gelatin, xylitol, honey, and propolis extract can be utilized to develop a healthy gummy product with acceptable physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities.

Effect of Different Natural Extenders in Maintaining the Quality of Sperm Fish (Cyprinus carpio)

High demand on as consume fish nor as decorative fish, causes an increasing production. But, an obstacle occurs on production, due to reproductive characteristic of Common Carp fish. Different time on sperm and eggs production from male and female fish cause difficulties in breeding. Hence, it needed sperm preservation so the breeding could be done in whole year. Natural extenders are the solution to preserve fish sperm without side effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different types of extenders and different doses on the percentage of sperm motility and viability of carp (Cyprinus carpio) after storage This research was conducted at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Brawijaya and the Freshwater Cultivation Installation (IBAT Punten), Batu, East Java. The method in this study was Complete Random Design (CRD) with 6 treatments, K (100ml lactate ringer); A (1ml cider + 99ml lactate ringer); B (1ml coconut + 99ml lactate ringer); C (1ml date juice + 99ml lactate ringer); D (1ml honey + 99ml lactate ringer); E (1ml sugar cane + 99ml lactate ringer). The results showed that the highest motility was obtained in the treatment of using date extract extender with a motility percentage rate of 77.66%; highest viability was obtained in the honey extract with 80.71%; and the highest fertility rate was obtained in the honey extract treatment with 72.67 %.

Antimicrobial Activity of Garlic and Honey on Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

The numerous side effects of conventional antibiotics and increasing antibiotics resistance of some strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli which are commonly implicated in skin infection, surgical site infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), neonatal meningitis, systemic infections and enteric infections in humans makes it is pertinent to source for alternative remedies. Aim: To assess the antimicrobial activity of honey and garlic on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Methodology: Standard microbiological procedures were employed to isolate and identify the bacteria species. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar well diffusion method. Result: The S. aureus and E. coli were susceptible to the honey and garlic extracts. S. aureus was susceptible to garlic, honey and the mixture of both with zones of inhibition ranging from 6.9-17.2mm, 4.8- 12.9mm and 6.0-17.0mm respectively while those of E. coli ranged from 5.8-16.4mm, 5.0-11.8mm and 5.6-16.0 respectively. There was significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in the antimicrobial activity of the garlic, honey and the mixture. Conclusion: This study therefore reveals that honey and garlic possess significant antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms with high antibacterial activity occurring at high concentrations. Honey and garlic can therefore, serve as substitute to antibiotics

Effect of Honey and Aqueous Garlic Extracts against Short-Term Exposure of Cigarette Tobacco Smoking in Mice: Histopathological and Biochemical Investigations.

It is well known that cigarette smoking adversely affects human health and induces oxidative stress in most vital organs. This study aims to assess the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural values of honey and garlic extracts in ameliorating the effects of short-term exposure to cigarette smoke in mice. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: group I was exposed to fresh air only, group II was exposed to cigarette smoke, group III was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group IV was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group V was given 0.2 ml of garlic extract, and group VI was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of aqueous garlic extract. These exposures were repeated daily for 21 consecutive days among the treated groups. By the end of the third week, the animals were euthanized by physical cervical dislocation. Blood was taken for biochemical study, and the selected organs of the liver, kidney, and jejunum were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The biochemical results showed that short-term exposure of experimental mice to cigarette smoking did not alter the liver function tests except for decreasing the albumin level. Moreover, cigarette smoking elevates the concentration of carbonyl protein content and cystatin C. Histologically, the use of honey and garlic showed good protection to the liver, kidney, and jejunum, which was proved by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to lowering the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, using honey and/or garlic helps protect the liver, kidney, and jejunum against the hazardous effects of cigarette smoke.

Antioxidant and anti-glycation activity of eight Moroccan honeys from different botanical origins

Eight monofloral honey samples from different botanical and geographical origins in the central and eastern parts of Morocco were examined for their phenolic composition, capacity to scavenge free radicals, and ability to inhibit advanced glycation end–products. According to the melissopalynological analysis, the examined honey samples were considered to be natural honeys, and were classified as monofloral with very frequent pollen grains characteristic of each types of the selected Moroccan honey samples: Zantaz (Bupleurum sp.), fennel, thistle, eucalyptus, spurge, thyme, jujube, and carob. Our results showed that the average moisture content varied from 16.3 ± 0.1% to 19.9 ± 0.1%, and the mean color intensity ranged from 30.94 ± 7.42 to 166.9 ± 6.43 mm Pfund. The highest total phenolic content recorded was 163.83 ± 1.84 mg of gallic acid equivalent per kg, while the highest flavonoid content was 84.44 ± 1.20 mg of catechin equivalent per kg. Zantaz honey exhibited potent antioxidant capacity, as demonstrated by ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene bleaching, FRAP, and ORAC assays. The most significant results were obtained for the ORAC test, with the highest ORAC value of 4.65 mM Trolox equivalent per gram was recorded for Zantaz honey extract. HPLC–DAD analysis revealed different polyphenolic profiles, which can be attributed to differences in floral origin. Furthermore, our study revealed that the extracts of thistle honey, fennel honey, and Zantaz honey were the most effective glycation inhibitors, with the highest inhibition percentage of 96% obtained for the thistle honey extract.

Biochemical characterization of Euphorbia resinifera floral cyathia

Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg is a plant endemic to the Northern and Central regions of Morocco known since the ancient Roman and Greek times for secreting a poisonous latex containing resiniferatoxin. However, E. resinifera pseudo-inflorescences called cyathia are devoid of laticifers and, therefore, do not secrete latex. Instead, they exudate nectar that local honey bees collect and craft into honey. Honey and cyathium water extracts find a broad range of applications in the traditional medicine of Northern Africa as ointments and water decoctions. Moreover, E. resinifera monofloral honey has received the Protected Geographic Indication certification for its outstanding qualities. Given the relevance of E. resinifera cyathia for bee nutrition, honey production, and the health benefit of cyathium-derived products, this study aimed to screen metabolites synthesized and accumulated in its pseudo-inflorescences. Our analyses revealed that E. resinifera cyathia accumulate primary metabolites in considerable abundance, including hexoses, amino acids and vitamins that honey bees may collect from nectar and craft into honey. Cyathia also synthesize volatile organic compounds of the class of benzenoids and terpenes, which are emitted by flowers pollinated by honey bees and bumblebees. Many specialized metabolites, including carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyamines, were also detected, which, while protecting the reproductive organs against abiotic stresses, also confer antioxidant properties to water decoctions. In conclusion, our analyses revealed that E. resinifera cyathia are a great source of antioxidant molecules and a good food source for the local foraging honeybees, revealing the central role of the flowers from this species in mediating interactions with local pollinators and the conferral of medicinal properties to plant extracts.