Moroccan Honeys Research Articles

Ameliorative effects of thistle and thyme honeys on cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice

Abstract Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a potent anticancer agent widely used to treat various malignancies and autoimmune diseases after organ transplantation. However, its therapeutic benefits are often accompanied by severe toxicity, primarily attributable to oxidative stress. In contrast, Moroccan honey, including varieties, such as thyme and thistle, is known for its multifaceted medicinal properties, including potent antioxidant activity. This study sought to investigate the protective potential of Moroccan honey against CP-induced genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in mouse bone marrow cells. The results revealed a significant increase in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity following CP administration (20 mg/kg), as evidenced by elevated micronuclei frequency and a reduced ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes. However, pretreatment with Moroccan honey (1 g/kg) for a duration of 6 days effectively attenuated these adverse effects. Furthermore, biochemical analysis demonstrated that mice receiving honey exhibited notable improvements in liver function, as indicated by decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and uric acid. Histological examination revealed reduced hepatic damage characterized by diminished steatosis, apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings underscore the potential of thyme and thistle honeys, as a promising adjunctive therapy to mitigate the deleterious effects associated with CP treatment, offering potential applications in complementary chemotherapeutic strategies.

Physicochemical Characterization of Moroccan Honey Varieties from the Fez-Meknes Region and Their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties.

Honey, with its varied and extensive characteristics, is a complex and diverse biological substance that has been used since ancient times. The aim of this study is to thoroughly characterize the physicochemical, phytochemical, and biological properties of four floral honey varieties from the Fez-Meknes region in Morocco, with the goal of promoting the valorization of Moroccan honey in skincare and cosmetic products. The analyses of their physicochemical characteristics encompass various parameters such as pH, acidity, density, water content, Brix index, conductivity, ash content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content, and color. The levels of polyphenols range from 22.1 ± 0.4 to 69.3 ± 0.17 mg GAE/100 g of honey, measured using the Folin-Ciocalteu method for polyphenol quantification. Additionally, the estimation of flavonoid quantities in 100 g of honey, conducted using the aluminum trichloride method, reveals values ranging from 3.6 ± 0.2 to 7.2 ± 0.6 mg QE. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that honey exhibits high levels of glucose and relatively low concentrations of proteins. The quantitative evaluation of antioxidant effects, carried out through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free-radical-scavenging method and the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, highlights the strong antioxidant capacity of multifloral honey, characterized by low inhibitory concentration values (IC50 = 30.43 mg/mL and EC50 = 16.06 mg/mL). Moreover, all honey varieties demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties, with multifloral honey standing out for its particularly pronounced antimicrobial activity. The correlation analyses between phytochemical composition and antioxidant and antibacterial activities reveal an inverse relationship between polyphenols and IC50 (DPPH) and EC50 (FRAP) concentrations of honey. The correlation coefficients are established at R2 = -0.97 and R2 = -0.99, respectively. Additionally, a significant negative correlation is observed between polyphenols, flavonoids, and antifungal power (R2 = -0.95 and R2 = -0.96). In parallel, a marked positive correlation is highlighted between antifungal efficacy, DPPH antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.95), and FRAP (R2 = 0.92). These results underscore the crucial importance of phytochemical components in the beneficial properties of honey, meeting international quality standards. Consequently, honey could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic additives.

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.

Volatile characterization of honey with dominance of Bupleurum spinosum pollen

Moroccan honey with Bupleurum spinosum (Apiaceae/Umbelliferae) as the main pollen source is locally known as Zantaz honey. In the present work, the volatiles from 18 honeys of this type, were isolated by hydrodistillation and analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), for volatiles quantification and identification. The percentage composition of the volatiles and pollen profiling was used to determine the relationship between the different samples by cluster analysis. Two poorly correlated clusters were defined in volatiles analysis. Cluster A, with 17 out of the 18 samples, included four subgroups dominated by straight-chain hydrocarbons and fatty acids in variable proportions. Cluster B included just one sample, with 1-phenyldodec-1-en-3-one as the main component. Mono- and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, as well as oxygen-containing mono- and sesquiterpenes occurred always <2%. Two moderately correlated clusters were defined after pollen profiling cluster analysis. Pollen Cluster A included 17 samples having in common the presence of B. spinosum and Populus sp. pollen. The one sample from Cluster B was moderately correlated with Cluster A and showed the lowest percentage of B. spinosum pollen. Pollen volatiles analysis would be relevant in assessing the presence of putative pollen volatile marker compounds and the importance of pollen profile on honey volatiles.

Genetic diversity and population structure of the Saharan honey bee Apis mellifera sahariensis from southeastern Morocco: introgression assessment and implications for conservation

This study assessed the conservation status of the Saharan honey bee (Apis mellifera sahariensis) from southeastern Morocco using 12 microsatellite loci to examine genetic diversity and hybridization with other subspecies. Samples from 148 colonies were clustered into seven populations representing the expected distribution of A. m. intermissa and A. m. sahariensis, and reference samples from two European subspecies, A. m. carnica and A. m. mellifera, were included. Moroccan honey bees showed higher genetic diversity than European reference samples, and genetic structure analysis revealed two distinct clusters in Morocco separated by the High Atlas Mountains (FST = 0.05). Although high rates of hybridization with A. m. intermissa jeopardize the genetic integrity of the Saharan honey bee, no evidence of introgression was detected from the European reference subspecies. Additionally, we found that the probability of assignment to Saharan subspecies decreased with increasing human management intensity and precipitation. These findings are important for developing a conservation strategy for the Saharan honey bee in Morocco.

Monitoring Moroccan Honeys: Physicochemical Properties and Contamination Pattern.

The physicochemical traits and an array of organic and inorganic contaminants were monitored in monofloral honeys (i.e., jujube [Ziziphus lotus], sweet orange [Citrus sinensis], PGI Euphorbia [Euphorbia resinifera] and Globularia alyphum) from the Moroccan Béni Mellal-Khénifra region (i.e., Khénifra, Beni Méllal, Azlal and Fquih Ben Salah provinces). Moroccan honeys were in line with the physicochemical standards set by the European Union. However, a critical contamination pattern has been outlined. In fact, jujube, sweet orange, and PGI Euphorbia honeys contained pesticides, such as acephate, dimethoate, diazinon, alachlor, carbofuran and fenthion sulfoxide, higher than the relative EU Maximum Residue Levels. The banned 2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB118) and 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB180) were detected in all samples and quantified in jujube, sweet orange and PGI Euphorbia honeys; while polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as chrysene and fluorene, stood out for their higher contents in jujube and sweet orange honeys. Considering plasticizers, all honeys showed an excessive amount of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), when (improperly) considering the relative EU Specific Migration Limit. Furthermore, sweet orange, PGI Euphorbia and G. alypum honeys were characterized by Pb exceeding the EU Maximum Level. Overall, data from this study may encourage Moroccan governmental bodies to strengthen their monitoring activity in beekeeping and to find suitable solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices.

A Preliminary Investigation of Special Types of Honey Marketed in Morocco

Background: This work aimed to perform a comprehensive investigation of organic Moroccan honeys obtained from plants of euphorbia, arbutus, and carob, based on the determination of physico-chemical profiles and volatile fingerprints. Methods: The selected analytical approach involved different techniques, including physico-chemical procedures for determination of humidity, acidity, diastase activity; solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to GC-MS for aromatic fraction exploration; and ICP-MS for multi-element analysis. Results: The results obtained from the physico-chemical analyses were highly comparable to those of other commercial honeys. In 50% of samples investigated, the diastase number was just above the legal limit fixed by Honey Quality Standards. The analysis of the volatile fraction highlighted the presence of numerous compounds from the terpenoid group along with characteristic molecules such as furfural, isophorone, and derivatives. In most cases, VOCs were distinct markers of origin; in others, it was not possible to assess an exclusive source for bees to produce honey. Conclusion: The results contributed to place the three varieties of honey investigated among the commercial products available in the market. Many variables determined returned positive indications about quality and safety of these special honeys.

Characterization of Various Honey Samples from Different Regions of Morocco Using Physicochemical Parameters, Minerals Content, Antioxidant Properties, and Honey-Specific Protein Pattern

Honey is a bee product relatively expensive; therefore, it has been a target of adulteration by many sweeteners. In this work, we evaluated the good quality, authenticity, and content in bioactive molecules of twenty-two Moroccan honey from different botanical origins and geographical areas. For that, the following analyses were determined: the content in total protein and especially the major royal jelly protein (apalbumin 1), the analysis of total acidity, free acidity, lactonic acidity, pH, ash, Pfund, electrical conductivity, and moisture. In addition, the content of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, the dosage of polyphenols, flavones, and flavonols, and the antioxidant activities were assessed. All analyzed samples had good antioxidant activities and present a source of antioxidant compounds, the predominant mineral in all honey samples was potassium, and the physicochemical parameters are in line with the standards’ recommended limits. The content of honey samples in total protein and apalbumin 1 ranged between 212 μg/g and 4121.2 μg/g and between 27.4 μg/g and 790.82 μg/g, respectively. Overall, the detection of apalbumin 1 in all honey samples and the results of physicochemical parameters, minerals, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities confirm the authenticity and no adulteration of Moroccan honey.

Complete Healing and Short-term Treatment by Argania Honey Dressing in a Venous Leg Ulcer: A Case Report

Background: Recent advances in care show that inadequate management of the healing process in wounds and the development of bacterial infections lead to increased morbidity. Health professionals have progressively recognized the value of choosing suitable dressings to manage wounds, particularly in developing countries. Honey has been used for thousands of years as a wound dressing and is considered a biologic treatment due to its multiple bioactivities related to the healing process. Objective: The aim of this case report is to demonstrate that Argania Honey dressing improves the healing process in a venous leg ulcer. Method: Pure raw Argania honey (Argania spinosa, endemic tree in Southwestern Morocco) with no additives, pasteurization or manipulation was used, which was provided by local beekeepers. A mechanical debridement process was achieved previously to the application of honey dressings to a venous leg ulcer of a 67-year-old woman affected by type II diabetes for 11 years. Results: The Argania honey dressing accompanied by mechanical debridement process demonstrated a rapid recovery and complete healing of the wound for 12 weeks approximately (79 days). Conclusion: This Moroccan honey (Argania) experienced for the first time in venous leg ulcer management may represent a good alternative to treat other types of wounds. Further investigations by using Argania honey dressing are required to explain its effect and the mechanisms involved in the improvement of the healing process.

Chemical Analysis and Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects of Twelve Honey Samples Collected from Different Regions in Morocco and Palestine.

The aim of this in vitro study is to characterize the phenolic compounds of twelve honey samples collected from different locations in Palestine (H1-6) and Morocco (H7-12) and to evaluate their cytotoxic and cytostatic effects in cells from the human colorectal carcinoma cell line HCT-116 and breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Quantitative HPLC analysis revealed nine phenolic compounds in three Moroccan honey samples, namely, syringic acid, tannic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, gallic acid, rosmarinic acid, epicatechin, and pyrogallol. Syringic acid, abundant in numerous types of honey with strong antioxidant capacities, was present at values ranging between 0.10 mg/100 g and 1.24 mg/100 g of Daghmos (H11) and Kabbar (H10) samples, respectively. No significant reductions in cell viability were observed in both cell lines treated with the Palestinian samples as measured with MTT assay. Significant cytostatic effects were after treatment of HCT cells with Morar honey H1 with IC50 of 1789 μg/ml. Three Moroccan samples, H7 (Zaâtar), H9 (Bochnikha), and H10 (Kabbar), showed slight, but significant cytostatic effects in HCT cells. A strong correlation was observed between cytostatic activity of MCF cells and antioxidant content (phenols, flavonoids, and flavonol). Furthermore, a strong negative correlation was detected between the cytostatic activity in HCT cells and the contents of syringic acid (r= -0.756) and tannic acid (r= -0.610). These results indicate that the traditionally known anticancer effects of honey might be mediated in part through cytostatic effects.

Physicochemical properties of eleven monofloral honey samples produced in Morocco

The present study was undertaken to determine the physicochemical characteristics of eleven Moroccan honey samples from various floral origins (acacia, carob, eucalyptus, harmal, jujube, lavender, orange, reseda, rosemary, spurge and thyme). The water content was found to be between 14.55 and 20.99%; the water activity level varied between 0.49 and 0.58% while the total acidity which is directly associated to pH and free acidity, presented values from 23.55 to 43.53meq/kg and revealed the absence of inappropriate fermentation. Citric acid was the predominant organic acid followed by lactic, malic, succinic and oxalic acids and trace amount of fumaric acid. The highest ratio of fructose to glucose (>1.5) belonged to eucalyptus and reseda honey samples. Based on diastase activity, proline content and hydroxymethylfurfural content, rosemary honey showed the best quality. Strong and positive correlation between ash content and colour, therefore harmal which is a dark amber contained high mineral content. Potassium was the predominate mineral followed by Na, Ca and Mg which were found in a highest amount in carob honey. Iron, zinc, manganese and cupper were found also in analysed honeys but in trace amount. Quite low amounts of Pb, Cd and Ni found in these honeys indicate the uncontaminated environment where they are produced. The results demonstrated that nine of eleven examined samples appeared to be within the limits established by the European legislation. Moreover, there is great a variability in the composition of honey from different species. However, it was not possible to identify the real factor influencing its features.

Honey Antibacterial Effect Boosting Using Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil.

The appearance of new bacterial strains which cause pathogenic diseases and which are resistant to the most used antibiotics requires probing new antibacterial agents sources. Therefore, the main aim of the present work was to follow the antibacterial activity of honey samples from Palestine and Morocco, after the combination with Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, and figure out whether the honey physicochemical parameters and geographic origin influence the final activity. The results of this study showed good geographical discrimination between the Palestinians and Moroccan honey samples. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities showed a significant correlation with honey color, melanoidins, and phenolic and flavonoids contents. Furthermore, the possible effect of honey physicochemical parameters on the gained antimicrobial activities was assessed using the principal component analysis (PCA). Some parameters showed a promising effect and seem to be important in the process of honey samples selection. Namely, melanoidins content, phenolic content, electrical conductivity, and mineral content were shown to be positively influencing the gained antibacterial activity after the combination with essential oil against the tested strains, although a significant negative correlation was seen with the FIC only in the case of Escherichia coli (ATB: 57).

Ceratonia siliqua honeys from Morocco: Physicochemical properties, mineral contents, and antioxidant activities

Physicochemical properties, main mineral content, and antioxidant activity were determined for eight floral carob honeys collected from different geographical regions of Morocco. Moroccan honeys showed good chemical and nutritional qualities, fulfilling the criteria described in the standard codex for honey. The percentages obtained for ashes were (0.13–0.69%), electrical conductivity (0.36–1.35 mS/cm), water content (17.30–22.80%), pH (4.17–5.05), free acidity (11.0–42.50 meq/kg), lactone acidity (4.0–16.50 meq/kg), and for total acidity (16.50–59.50 meq/kg). In addition, minerals such as K, Na, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Ca of honey samples were determined and potassium was the major mineral in all samples. The antioxidant activities based on the free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant activity were investigated, and the antioxidant capacity of the honey samples was correlated with their biochemical constituents such as total phenol and flavonoids content, and the best antioxidant capacity was confirmed by the honey from Taounate.

Preliminary characterization of a Moroccan honey with a predominance of Bupleurum spinosum pollen

Honey with Bupleurum spinosum (zandaz) as a main pollen source has not been the subject of previous detailed study. Therefore, twelve Moroccan samples of this honey were subjected to melissopalynological, physicochemical and microbiological quality characterization, as well as antioxidant activity assessment. From a quality point of view, almost all samples were within the limits established by Codex Alimentarius, and/or the European legislation. All samples presented predominance of B. spinosum pollen (more than 48%). Relatively high levels of trehalose (1.3–4.0 g/100 g) and melezitose (1.5–2.8 g/100 g) were detected. Those sugars, not common in monofloral honeys, could be used as an important factor to discriminate zandaz honey. Flavonoid content correlated positively with the honey color, melanoidin and polyphenol content, and negatively with the IC50 values of scavenging ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radicals, while proline amount correlated negatively with IC50 values of nitric oxide scavenging activity and chelating power. This correlation supports the use of anti-oxidant activities as important variables for PCA (principal component analysis). Both components explained 70% from the given data, and showed certain homogeneity upon analyzed samples independent of the region, suggesting the importance of B. spinosum nectar in the resulting honey characteristics.

Antioxidant activity, color chromaticity coordinates, and chemical characterization of monofloral honeys from Morocco

ABSTRACTThe bioprospecting of several monofloral Moroccan honeys was carried out. The antiradical activity expressed as mmol Trolox equivalents/kg of honey and evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, ranged from 0.15 for euphorb honey to 1.08 for citrus honey. The antioxidant activity expressed as mmol Fe2+/kg and evaluated by ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay, ranged from 0.96 for euphorb honey to 4.74 for orange honey. The total phenol content was evaluated by colorimetric assay, while the color attributes were evaluated as transmittance data. Significant Pearson correlation factors were found between total polyphenol amount and antioxidant activity and between color attributes and antioxidant activity. Furthermore the chemical composition of volatile organic compounds was determined. The volatile organic compounds chemical composition of the studied honeys was mainly represented by terpene and benzene derivatives, Maillard reaction products, isoprenoids, and hydrocarbons. The volatiles fingerprint, as well as a targeted high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the polar components, was used to tentatively confirm the declared botanical origin of the samples studied.

Volatiles, color characteristics and other physico–chemical parameters of commercial Moroccan honeys

Seven commercial Moroccan honeys were considered for chemical characterisation. Volatile fraction, total polyphenols content, antioxidant and antiradical activities were evaluated by employing different analytical methodologies. Several physical parameters such as refractive index, pH, water content, solids content and colour were measured. Volatile fraction revealed an abundant presence of cis- and trans-linalool oxide in the seven studied samples. The presence of high levels of compounds related to the Maillard reaction, like furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural, could be the result of thermal treatments used to liquefy commercial honeys or of long storage times. The CIE L*a*b*Cab*hab° chromatic coordinates confirmed the advanced stage of the Maillard reaction, showing L* values lower than the common values found for honey of similar typologies.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of 17 commercial Moroccan honeys

In this study, 17 commercial honey samples from Morocco were analyzed. Four samples did not meet the international physicochemical standards due to high hydroxymethylfurfural content and low diastase activity. Phenol content varied from 163.82 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg in citrus honey to 923.70 mg (GAE)/kg in thyme honey from Rachidia; flavonoid content ranged from 4.26 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/kg in citrus honey to 139.62 mg QE/kg in black cumin honey. Black cumin honey had the highest peroxyl scavenging activity; oregano (from Zaraphyt) and thyme honeys (from Rachidia) had the highest ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid]) scavenging activity; and thyme honey (Saouira) had the highest NO scavenging capacity. The antioxidant activity of Moroccan honeys was correlated with the phenol, flavonoid, and melanoidin contents. Dark honeys had higher antioxidant activity than light honeys. Samples with high sodium levels had lower free radical scavenging activity. On the other hand, calcium and magnesium increased the ABTS and peroxyl scavenging capacity, respectively, of honey samples. According to cluster and discriminant analyses, the honey samples were grouped in three clusters with respect to the phenol, flavonoid, melanoidin, proline, mineral and sugar contents, and free radical scavenging capacity.

Levels of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in honey samples from different geographic regions

Concentrations of 17 brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including two “novel” BFRs (1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane, BTBPE and decabromodiphenylethane, DBDPE), have been determined to be in 35 commercial honey samples from Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia and Morocco. The results revealed the presence of low amounts (between<LOD to 24.7pgg−1 fresh weight) of individual BFRs. The highest total BFR concentrations were found in Brazilian honeys (mean of 5.19, range of 0.46–25.2pgg−1 f.w.), followed by Moroccan (mean of 4.40, range of 2.49–8.0pgg−1 f.w.), Portuguese (mean of 2.24, range of 1.33–3.81pgg−1 f.w.), Spanish (mean of 1.77, range of 0.49–2.96pgg−1 f.w.), and Slovenian (mean of 0.93, range of 0.75–1.09pgg−1 f.w.) honey samples. The most remarkable findings in this study were the large contribution of the low brominated PBDEs, principally BDE-47, found in honey samples from Slovenia, Spain and Portugal. Meanwhile the most abundant BFRs found in Brazilian and Moroccan honeys were the two novel BFRs (BTBPE and DBDPE). The detection of BFRs in honeys from different countries highlights the risk that their presence poses to the health of humans and wildlife since honey is a non-fatty natural product that is highly consumed all over the world.

Physicochemical properties of some honeys produced from different plants in Morocco

Seventy-three Moroccan honey samples were collected between 2005 and 2008. In this study, water content, pH, acidity (free, lactone and total acidity), electrical conductivity (EC), colour, diastase, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and sugar content were all determined in different types of bee honey which include multifloral, honeydew and nine types of unifloral honeys (Euphorbia resinifera, Euphorbia echinus, Citrus, eucalyptus, carob, thyme, lavender, Ziziphus and rosemary). The moisture shows values of 14.3% and 20.2%, pH between 3.52 and 5.13, the total acidity ranges between 11.94 and 58.03meqkg−1, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content shows values between 0.09 and 53.38mgkg−1; diastase values were between 4.3° and 24.6° Gothe; electrical conductivity between 119.9 and 1741μscm−1 and fructose, glucose and sucrose values range between 35.07–46.26%, 23.7–39.3% and 0.42–2.98%.A statistical analysis was carried out to classify 10 types of honeys, and identified the most significant parameters, using analysis of variance, principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA). PCA showed that the cumulative variance was 74.97% and about 88.9% of samples was correctly classified.The principal aim of this study was to contribute more to the knowledge of the Moroccan honeys by means of the analysis of chemical composition and of physical parameters. Seventy-three Moroccan unifloral, multifloral and honeydew honey samples, including types that have never been studied before, produced in different regions in Morocco (Tables 1 and 2), were analysed to define its main features.As a consequence, we present data on water content, electrical conductivity, pH, free acidity, lactone acidity, total acidity, diastase, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde (HMF) amounts, fructose, glucose and sucrose.

Characterisation of Moroccan unifloral honeys using multivariate analysis

Physicochemical properties of 39 samples of Moroccan honeys were analysed; 30 parameters were measured, including water content, pH, acidity (free and lactonic), HMF, diastase activity, electrical conductivity, mineral and sugar content, and colour. In addition, the characterisation of the five unifloral honeys (Eucalyptus sp., Citrus sp., Lythrum sp., Umbelliferae and honeydew) by cluster (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA) and multiLayer perceptrons (MLP) were carried out. The PCA showed that the cumulative variance was approximately 44% for the first 2 PCs. About 97% of the samples were correctly classified by using the SDA and MLP, the best results being obtained for the eucalyptus, citrus, Umbelliferae and honeydew honeys (100% correct).