Multifloral Honey Research Articles

Contamination profile and hazards of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey from apiaries in Beijing, China.

The residues of neonicotinoid insecticides in honey have raised global concern for their adverse effects on non-target organisms. However, information on the presence of neonicotinoids in raw honey in China is limited. Our study investigated the distribution profiles of neonicotinoids in raw honey samples collected from apiaries in plain and mountainous areas surrounding Beijing City. At least one of four neonicotinoids, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, or clothianidin, was found in 46.9% of samples. Neonicotinoids in multi-floral honey in plain areas exhibited higher concentrations and prevalence than in uni-floral honey collected from mountainous areas. These results indicated that neonicotinoid residues in honey were linked to the agricultural ecosystems influenced by geographies, particularly the intensity of agriculture and nectariferous plant types. The dietary risks to adult and children health from neonicotinoid exposure were deemed de minimis, while risks to honeybees at the maximum concentration level require much attention through refined, higher-tier assessments and possible mitigation measures for the use of these products.

Safety Assessment of Honeys from Northern and Southern Algerian Regions

Although the EU is a major producer of honey, commercial production is often insufficient to meet market demand and, as a result, honey is often imported into the EU from extra-EU countries that lack regulatory standards for food safety and quality. Since honey is a matrix highly susceptible to contamination, monitoring the quality and safety of extra-EU honey is of significant importance to show potential safety gaps. Hence, aim of the study was to monitor the mineral profile of monofloral and multifloral honeys from different regions of North (provinces of Tiaret and Laghouat) and South Algeria (province of Tindouf). In almost all the samples, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb were found at levels exceeding the limits set for honey by the Codex Alimentarius and European Regulation 915/2023. In addition, a PCA analysis pointed out that the analysis of the element profile was useful to discriminate Algerian honeys more on the basis of geographical than botanical origin. The dietary exposure assessment indicates that the investigated honeys can be safely consumed in quantities comparable to those considered in Europe (1.8 g/day) and North Africa (0.3 g/day). Hopefully, data from this study may solicit the Algerian government to set regulatory limits on inorganic elements in honey and align with other international standards, to create a harmonized network able to improve the safety of this food.

Comparative study of physiochemical properties in Iranian multi-floral honeys: Local vs. commercial varieties

Iran, a leading honey-producing country, faces challenges in honey exports. This study aimed to evaluate the melissopalynological and physicochemical characteristics of local honeys belonging to Iranian flora, and compare them with Iranian commercial honeys. For this purpose, seven local honey samples were collected from Iran's renowned floristic regions, alongside seven commercial multi-floral honeys from a supermarket. Moisture content (MC), total solids (TS), pH, free acidity (FA), ash, electrical conductivity (EC), sugar profile, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), diastase number (DN), and proline were assessed. The sugar profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with a refractive index detector (HPLC-RID). Pollen analysis classified local honeys as multi-floral. The results revealed that MC, TS, pH, FA, ash, and EC values in both local and commercial samples conformed to approved standards (Codex Alimentarius and European Union). Two local and one commercial sample exclusively satisfied the sucrose standard level. Of the local honeys, two samples complied with HMF standard, while five fulfilled DN criterion, and four had proline values within acceptable ranges. Conversely, HMF (56.32–228.11 mg/kg), DN (3.13–7.22 Schade units/g), and proline (109.84–173.86 mg/kg) levels in all commercial samples failed to meet the standard. A significant correlation was found between ash and EC (r = 0.915, p < 0.01) in local honeys, whereas no strong correlation (r = 0.299) existed in commercial samples. Hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed that Iranian honeys lacked clustering by botanical origin, possibly due to extensive sugar adulteration or thermal treatment. Overall, study findings confirmed the significantly inferior quality of Iranian commercial honeys compared to local varieties, albeit some local samples also exhibited quality concerns. Accordingly, it is recommended that regulatory bodies provide periodic training for beekeepers and establish monitoring programs to enhance honey quality, thereby boosting Iran's share in the global honey export market.

Identifying Key Markers for Monofloral (Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange Blossom) and Multifloral Honey Differentiation in the Spanish Market by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Fingerprinting and Chemometrics.

Honey differentiation based on the botanical origin is crucial to guarantee product authenticity, especially considering the increasing number of fraud cases. This study assessed the metabolomic differences arising from various botanical origins in honey products sold in Spanish markets, focusing on two goals: (1) discrimination within monofloral samples (eucalyptus, rosemary, and orange blossom honey) and (2) differentiation between multifloral vs. monofloral honey samples. An omics strategy based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) was applied for the reliable identification of specific honey markers selected by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) (R2Y = 0.929-0.981 and Q2 = 0.868-0.952), followed by the variable importance in projection (VIP) approach. Key amino acid, alkaloid, and trisaccharide markers were identified to distinguish between honey samples. Some Amadori compounds were highlighted as eucalyptus honey markers, suggesting their potential use for honey aging and botanical origin differentiation. L-phenylalanine and raffinose were markers of rosemary honey. Four markers (e.g., trigonelline, L-isoleucine, and N-(1-deoxy-1-fructosyl)isoleucine) were found in higher levels in multifloral samples, indicating a greater availability of amino acids, potentially increasing the Maillard reaction. This research is the first to address the botanical origin's impact on honey by identifying novel markers not previously described.

Honey pollen analysis in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

Melissopalynology plays a pivotal role in identifying and managing the geographical and botanical origins of honey. In this study, forty-five honey samples were collected from three potential districts in the North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. The pollen grains of these samples were analyzed using the procedures outlined by the International Commission for Bee Botany (ICBB) to determine the botanical sources of the honey. Among the samples, twenty-five were classified as monofloral, while the remaining twenty were identified as multifloral honey. Nineteen plant species from twelve different plant families were identified as the honey bee floras in the North Wollo zone. The dominant families, representing over 45% of the pollen grains in the samples, were Asteraceae (9 samples), Myrtaceae (5 samples), Papilionaceae (4 samples), Fabaceae (2 samples), Hypericaceae (2 samples), Acanthaceae (1 sample), Brassicaceae (1 sample), and Ericaceae (1 sample). Bidens spp., Trifolium rueppellianum, and Eucalyptus globulus emerged as the top three honey bee floras in terms of relative percentage and frequency. Furthermore, eleven samples exhibited a high diversity index range (H) of 1.56% in Lasta and 1.01% in the Meket districts, while the remaining thirty-four samples showed a lower diversity index ranging from 0.31 to 0.99. Our findings underscore the importance of conserving bee floras to enhance honey production and ensure sustainability in beekeeping practices in the North Wollo Zone.

Microplastics in honey from Türkiye: Occurrence, characteristic, human exposure, and risk assessment

In this study, honey samples produced in Türkiye in 2023 were analyzed to assess occurrence of microplastics. The microplastics were physically and chemically characterised by stereomicroscope and FT-IR, respectively. Microplastic exposure by honey consumption was also calculated and risk assessment was done. The mean microplastic concentration was 314±353 (0–1280) particles/kg in 32 honey samples analyzed. The microplastics with four different polymers (EVA, PE, PP, and Nylon–6), two different shapes (fiber and fragment), and six different colors (black, brown, green, red, yellow, and transparent) were detected. The daily microplastic intake by consumption of monofloral and multifloral honey was calculated as 1.20 and 0.85 particles/day, respectively. The mean polymer hazard index and microplastic load index levels for all honey samples analyzed were 16.7±16 and 6.70±1.0, respectively. Result of this study confirmed that honey in Türkiye was contaminated with variety of microplastics. Considering to potential health risks of microplastics and associated chemicals to human health, production process should be improved by producers and urgent strategies and controls should be developed and applied by decision makers to eliminate the intake of microplastics through food.

Honey Bee Products as Bio Indicator of Heavy Metals Pollution and Health Risk Assessment Through the Consumption of Multifloral Honey Collected in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

The study assessed the health risks associated with heavy metal ingestion and explored the use of honey bee products as a bio-indicator for heavy metal pollution. All honey bee products tested showed heavy metals, but some honey samples had concentrations exceeding permissible limits for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr. The mean concentrations of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the honey, propolis, bee wax, and bee pollen were Fe (1.32) > Zn (1.31) > Pb (0.46) > Ni (0.18) > Cr (0.16) > Cu (0.14) > Co (0.12) > Mn (0.05) > Cd (0.03), Fe (8) > Zn (1.13) > Mn (0.59) > Pb (0.13) > Ni (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Co (0.05) > Cr (0.03) > Cd (0.02), Fe (1.31) > Pb (0.41) > Ni (0.407) > Zn(0.25) > Mn (0.12) > Co(0.10) > Cu (0.07) > Cr (0.05) > Cd (0.002), and Fe (2.2) > Zn (0.75) > Ni (0.25) > Pb (0.16) > Cu (0.05) > Mn (0.045) > Co (0.04) > Cr (0.01) > Cd(0.002), respectively. Similarly, the mean concentration of heavy metals (mg/kg) in the soil, flowers and pine pollen was Fe (539.08) > Zn (89.53) > Mn (66.91) > Ni (58.5) > Co (19.2) > Cr (11.42) > Pb (6.58) > Cu (5.71) > Cd (0.19), Fe (3.12) > Zn (0.95) > Mn (0.72) > Ni (0.29) > Cu (0.16) > Cr (0.14) > Pb (0.059) > Co (0.057) > Cd (0.003) and Fe (2.59) > Zn (1.75) > Mn (0.43) > Pb (0.34) > Co (0.1) > Cr (0.07) > Cu (0.06) > Cd (0.039) > Ni (0.03), respectively. The atomic absorption spectrophotometry procedure was validated through a recovery study and achieved accuracy through the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ). The mean Bio concentration factor (BCF) indicated that the transfer from soil to honey was higher than from soil to flower. The metal pollution index (MPI) of the selected indicators was in descending order: soil > honey > flowers > propolis > pine pollen > beeswax > bee pollen. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) were below one, showing no chronic health risk. The carcinogenic risk (CR) of Cd, Cr, and Ni in honey for children, male and female adults for the consumers exceeds the acceptable level, making Cd, Cr, and Ni the most concerning heavy metals in honey. The study suggests that regular monitoring of heavy metal pollution is essential.

Optimization of Green Sample Preparation for the Determination of Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Multi-Floral Honey Using Response Surface Methodology

Hydroxycinnamic acids are an essential phenolic group in honey that are related with its diverse health effects. Furthermore, they can be considered as potential biomarkers for botanical and geographical origin. The extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids from honey requires complicated extraction techniques due to their low contents and matrix particularity. The goal of the present work was to develop a green sample preparation method for the solubilization of hydroxycinnamic acids in honey samples. Thus, a Box–Behnken design has been used to investigate the effect of four factors: (i) percentage of ethanol (60–90%, v/v), (ii) temperature (30–60 °C), (iii) solvent-honey ratio (10–30 mL g−1), and (iv) sonication time (10–40 min) on the contents of caffeic, chlorogenic, and ferulic acids. Based on the desirability index, the ultrasound-assisted mixing of honey with 60.0% (v/v) ethanol at a solvent-honey ratio of 10 mL g−1 for a period of 17.8 min at a temperature of 54.6 °C resulted in the maximum solubilization of hydroxycinnamates. Subsequently, the greenness of developed method was assessed and applied successfully on the analysis of honeys. The present study reports for first time the hydroxycinnamic acid fingerprint of multi-floral honey produced in Cyprus.

The Antimicrobial Effects of Kyrgyz Honey

Honey is a sweet and versatile substance produced by the complex interactions between bees and flowers. Honey is not only a nutrient, but also a bee product with antibacterial properties. Kyrgyzstan's geographical location, including the Tien Shan and Altai mountains, has made it one of the most important beekeeping regions in Central Asia. The rich flora and natural environment of these regions give Kyrgyz honey unique properties. The aim of this study is the determination of the antibacterial activity of honey samples on sale in the Chuy region of Kyrgyzstan. In this context, the antimicrobial effects of different honeys against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were investigated using the agar-well diffusion and disc diffusion methods, with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of these methods. This study, conducted on white honey, buckwheat honey and three different multifloral honeys, provides important information for understanding the microbial effects of honey. Although the zones formed were more clearly visible when analysed using the agar-well diffusion method, it was found to be more sensitive than the disc diffusion method. As a result, it has been observed that different types of honey have different antimicrobial effects.

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.

Distinguishing Turkish pine honey from multi-floral honey through MALDI-MS-based N-glycomics and machine learning

Honey, a multifaceted blend of sugars, amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and minerals, exhibits compositional variability dependent upon the floral source. While previous studies have attempted to categorize honey, the use of glycomic profiles for honey classification remains an unexplored avenue. This investigation seeks to establish a methodology for distinguishing honey types, specifically multi-floral and pine honey, employing mass spectrometry-based glycomic analysis in tandem with machine learning. In this search, seven samples of pine honey and eight samples of multi-floral honey were obtained from diverse regions of Turkey. Subsequently, the proteins within these honey samples were extracted, and glycans were enzymatically released. The released glycans were labeled with 2-aminobenzoic acid (2-AA) and subjected to analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The glycan profiles of pine and multi-floral honey were determined through these analytical procedures, revealing a total of 76 distinct N-glycan structures. Among these, 13 N-glycan profiles consistently established at high levels across experimental replicates and were incorporated in subsequent analyses. Following the quantification of individual glycan abundances, statistically significant differences in glycan profiles were determined. Notably, N-glycans Hex5HexNAc2, Hex4HexNAc3, and Hex5HexNAc3 displayed considerable differences. Using the 13 N-glycan profiles, an accuracy rate of 93.5% was obtained from machine learning analysis, which increased to 100% when incorporating the identified significantly changed glycans. The most productive models were identified as “subspace and fine k-nearest neighbors (KNN).” The findings underscore the potential of mass spectrometry-based glycomics in conjunction with machine learning as a robust tool for precise honey type classification and its prospective utility in quality control and honey product authentication.

Differences in the adulteration degree and antimicrobial activity of chilean ulmo honey versus multifloral honey revealed by stable isotope analysis

Honey, valued for its nutritional and antimicrobial benefits, has experienced an increased production in recent decades. However, this rise has been accompanied by concerns of adulteration, often involving the fraudulent addition of sugars. Our study sought to compare the physicochemical and isotopic properties of various honeys available to Chilean consumers, assessing the extent of adulteration. Samples included honey produced from bees that fed on multiple flowers and those fed by ulmo flowers – an endemic species of South America that produces a high-quality, high-cost honey – and analyzed for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The analysis of ash content (%), moisture (%), pH and total phenolic content (mg GAE/100 g honey) found little obvious differences among honeys regardless of the feeding flowers (multifloral vs ulmo), type of purchase market (formal vs informal) or origin of the honeys (Central vs Southern Chile). However, the use of stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of honey provided a powerful means to identify the degree of adulteration prior to the point of sale. Multifloral honeys purchased at informal markets were all adulterated, and ulmo honeys included both the least and most adulterated honeys. Regarding their antimicrobial activity, most multifloral honeys were less effective than ulmo honeys. Notably, while multifloral honey activity was independent of adulteration, the antimicrobial activity of ulmo honey was negatively affected by adulteration.

Physicochemical properties, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of the honey samples from the Herzegovina region

Honey is a natural product that is an excellent source of energy containing mainly carbohydrates and water, as well as small amounts of organic acids, vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and enzymes. Due to the presence of bioactive compounds, it has been shown that honey is beneficial for many diseases, e.g. gastrointestinal diseases, skin diseases, cancer, heart diseases, and neurological degeneration. The study of the physical and chemical properties of honey and the content of bioactive compounds has been increasingly applied in order to determine the quality of honey samples. The aim of this study is to investigate physicochemical properties as well as the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of seven multifloral honey samples from the Herzegovina region. Physicochemical parameters determined in the honey samples (moisture, acidity, electrical conductivity, reducing sugars, sucrose, and insoluble matter) were within the quality standard limits of the Regulation on methods for control of honey and other bee products. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and it ranged from 46.98 ± 6.36 to 152.94 ± 4.95 mg GAE/100 g of honey. To determine the antioxidant activity of the honey samples, two methods, FRAP and ABTS, were used. The total phenolic content of honey correlated positively with its antioxidant activity.

Study of Physicochemical Quality and Organic Contamination in Algerian Honey.

Honey is a natural product extensively consumed in the world for its nutritional and healthy properties. However, residues of pesticides and environmental contaminants can compromise its quality. For this reason, the physicochemical parameters, and the organic contamination of monofloral and multifloral honey from three regions of Algeria (Tiaret, Laghouat, and Tindouf) were monitored to evaluate the quality of the honey and its safety for consumers. In general, the results obtained from the physicochemical analyses were in line with the EU standards. In terms of contamination, pesticides authorised and used in Algerian agriculture (metalaxyl-M and cyromazine), as well as a banned pesticide (carbaryl), were found in almost all the samples. However, only the concentration of cyromazine was higher than the relative EU maximum residue levels. PCB 180, PCB 189, anthracene, fluorene, and phenanthrene were mainly detected. All the honey shows traces of DiBP, DBP, DEHP, and DEHT, but no traces of bisphenols were found. Moreover, according to the dietary exposure assessment, a small amount of Algerian honey can be safely consumed. Overall, the data from this study should motivate the Algerian government to enhance their monitoring activities in beekeeping and to find solutions for implementing more sustainable agricultural practices harmonising with international legislation.

Classification of acacia, rape and multifloral Hungarian honey types

The composition of honey is mostly determined by the species-specific characteristics of flowering plants, which is reflected in the significant deviations in composition of honey varieties. The high-quality acacia honey is assessed based on both physical-chemical parameters and melissopalynology. The appearance of rape pollen in acacia honey makes the acacia honey be sorted into the multifloral honey category. Over carrying out melissopalynology, the149 samples of various honeys (acacia, rape and multifloral) have also been analysed by using physical-chemical and elemental analysis. Multivariate data analysis revealed that multifloral honey is much closer to acacia honey than to rape honey, as it can be observed from the examined unique parameters. By the PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysis based on united set of physico-chemical and melissopalynology results the acacia and rape honey samples are entirely separated for each other, while multifloral honey samples are very close to acacia honey group and partially overlap with it. On ignoring the pollen analysis and based on the rest of the results, the multifloral honey category is almost indistinguishable from the declared and verified acacia honey category.

Exploring the effects of honey's anti-quorum sensing activity on bacterial cell membrane

In recent years, honey is being assayed in the food industry to inhibit communication between pathogenic microorganisms. One strategy to attack antibiotic resistant strain is by the development of new ways that reduced the virulence expression. Here, we evaluated the anti-Quorum Sensing (QS) activity of multi-floral honeys using Chromobacterium violaceum. The disruption of the cell membrane was confirmed through FT-IR spectroscopy, hydrophobicity, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Shifts in the frequency of the main peaks (cm−1), showed that bioactive compounds from honey affected the structure of the C. violaceum membrane. The most significant changes were observed at the membrane proteins and lipids level. The polarity of the cell membrane affects the diffusion of the inducing molecules. Supporting the changes in hydrophobicity, SEM revealed alterations in the appearance of the cell surface. Consequently, honey contributes to avoid bacterial injury by the disruption of membrane, and hence, cell communication and virulence.

Evaluation of Honey and Propolis Consumption Habits of Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the consumption preferences and quantities of bee products in adults and to determine change in consumption of honey and propolis during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 1217 individuals between November 2021 and March 2022. An online questionnaire was used for data collection, which included descriptive characteristics and participants' honey and propolis consumption habits. The data was analyzed using number, percentage, mean, McNemar, and Marginal Homogeneity test. Results: In this study, mean age of individuals was 26.84±10.96 years, 68.9% were male, 51.8% had a secondary education, and 73.4% had no chronic disease. It was found that honey and propolis increased among subjects during the pandemic (p&amp;lt;0.001). Participants consume honey and propolis because they are tasty and nutritious, strengthen immune system, and are effective in treating diseases. It was found that participants preferred filtered honey as honey type and multi-floral blossom honey (plateau) and honeydew (pine) as honey variety. Conclusion: This study is the first study with a large sample size conducted in Türkiye to determine the consumption of honey and propolis in adults during the pandemic and to evaluate the changes due to the pandemic. The results of this study show that the consumption of honey and propolis has increased during the pandemic.

Polish honeys exhibit activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from wounds

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen and a common contributor to wound infections. This study focused on evaluating the antibacterial activity of selected Polish honeys against P. aeruginosa. Six bacterial strains isolated from wounds and four types of honeys (multifloral, linden, buckwheat, and heather) were utilized. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined through the micro-dilution method employing 96-well plates, while antibiofilm activity was assessed using fluorescence microscopy after a 4-hour incubation period with the honeys. Results indicated diverse antibacterial efficacy among honeys, with linden and heather honeys demonstrating the most potent activity. Linden honey displayed an average MIC of 20.8%, while heather honey exhibited an MIC of 25%. Both honeys significantly reduced biofilm formation, with linden honey achieving a reduction of 54-67% and heather honey of 45-58%. Buckwheat and multifloral honeys exhibited lower activity, demonstrating average MIC levels of 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively, and a biofilm reduction below 20%. Conclusively, Polish honeys exhibited promising activity against both planktonic and biofilm forms of P. aeruginosa. These findings suggest potential applications in wound healing treatments, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. The study contributes valuable insights to the limited literature on the antibacterial activity of Polish honeys.

Analysis of Free Amino Acid Composition and Honey Plant Species in Seven Honey Species in China.

Honey is well-known as a food product that is rich in active ingredients and is very popular among consumers. Free amino acids (FAAs) are one of the important nutritional components of honey, which can be used not only as a nutritional indicator of honey but also as an indicator of plant source identification. In this study, the contents of 20 FAAs in seven types of honey from 11 provinces in China were examined for the first time. The 20 FAAs were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). By analyzing 93 honey samples from seven types of honey, the FAAs were found to range from 394.4 mg/kg (linden honey) to 1771.7 mg/kg (chaste honey). Proline ranged from 274.55 to 572.48 mg/kg, and methionine was only present in some of the linden honey, chaste honey, acacia honey, and rape honey. Evaluated by amino acid principal component analysis, multifloral grassland honey had the highest overall evaluation score, acacia and jujube honey were the most similar, while chaste honey was the least similar to the other types of honey. In addition, DNA was extracted from 174 Xinjiang grassland honey samples and different plant leaves for PCR and sequencing to identify the species of nectar plants. As a result, 12 families and 25 species of honey plants were identified. The results confirmed the diversity of FAAs in dissimilar types and sources of honey. This study provides a reference for expanding honey quality standards and verifying the authenticity of honey.

Clinical efficacy of curcumin-based functional food mixtures for pain removal

Functional foods have beneficial roles in health and well-being, beyond their basic nutrition. Nowadays, a lot of functional foods are emerging throughout the world. A curcumin-based functional food mixture (Karkuma) was formulated with a certain proportion of natural herbs and spices mixtures with the aim of alleviating pain. This was a three-month clinical trial conducted among a total of sixty patients with chronic pain (30 patients in the intervention and 30 patients in the control group). In the first phase, Karkuma was formulated by appropriately processing and blending mixtures of curcumin, gingerol, mulberry and multi-floral honey as the main ingredients. This formulation was standardized and sensory evaluated by a nine-point hedonic scale. The overall acceptable score was 8.1 (like very much) out of 9. The product safety and acute toxicity tests were tested in a renowned laboratory in Bangladesh and shown safe for consumption. In the second phase, these functional food mixtures claim to reduce the severity of pain and are thus evaluated by adjuvant therapy. No significant differences were found in both groups at baseline observation. After three months of intervention with Karkuma, significantly (p&lt;0.05) relieves pain in the intervention group. However, no significant (p&gt;0.05) decrease in pain was observed after three months of the control trial with blank Karkuma. Moreover, the hematological and liver function tests in both groups were at acceptable levels. Hence, this study acclaims the efficacy of functional food mixtures (Karkuma) against chronic pain.