Natural Honey Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva by Natural Sugar Substitutes: An In Vivo Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of natural sugar substitutes-stevia, jaggery, and honey on salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) count in saliva. Children aged between 7 and 12 years with no active carious lesion were selected. A total of 80 subjects were randomly selected and divided into three experimental groups and one control group, with 20 subjects in each group. Prior to rinsing with the respective solutions, the baseline pH and S. mutans count were evaluated for each individual. All solutions were freshly prepared whenever required. After rinsing with the respective solutions, saliva samples were collected to evaluate pH and S. mutans count. The pH was analyzed at different time intervals, that is, 0 (immediately after rinsing), 15, and 30 minutes. The S. mutans count was analyzed after 30 minutes of rinsing with the respective solutions. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc tests. The results depicted that group I (stevia) showed a maximum increase in salivary pH, followed by group III (honey) and group III (jaggery) at different time intervals (0, 15, and 30 minutes). The maximum number of subjects who had shown a decrease in S. mutans count were from group III (honey), followed by group I (stevia), and group II (jaggery) after 30 minutes of rinsing with the respective solutions when compared to baseline S. mutans count. It is a universally known fact that dental caries is a multifactorial disease process, one of the key factors of which is the consumption of sugar. Of all the fermentable carbohydrates, sucrose is considered the archcriminal in the carious process. Hence, this advocates the need for developing suitable sugar substitutes that help in controlling dental caries. An ideal sugar substitute should not only minimize the risk of dental caries but also should have nutritional benefits. Natural sugar substitutes (stevia, jaggery, and honey) have the ability to reduce caries risk in children. Sharma W, Bhola M, Bajaj N, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva by Natural Sugar Substitutes: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):728-733.

Incorporation of gambir catechin crude extract in robusta instant coffee made from different coffee processing methods

This research aimed to enhance the antioxidant properties of instant gambir coffee by adding gambir catechin crude extract during coffee processing using natural anaerobic, full wash, and honey methods. The experiment used a completely randomized non-factorial design (RALNF), with each treatment replicated five times. The treatments consisted of nine formulations (F), namely F1= natural anaerobic 87.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 5% (w/w), F2 = natural anaerobic 82.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 10% (w/w), F3 = natural anaerobic 77.5% (w/w), gambir catechin crude 15% (w/w), F4 = honey 87.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 5% (w/w), F5 = honey 82.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 10% (w/w); F6 = honey 77.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 15% (w/w) F7 = full wash 87.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 5% (w/w); F8 = honey 82.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 10% (w/w), and F9 = honey 77.5% (w/w): gambir catechin crude 15% (w/w). The results showed that the formulation treatments significantly affected the instant gambir coffee's water content, solubility percentage, acidity level (pH), total phenols, and IC50. The characteristics of the resulting instant gambir coffee included water content, solubility percentage, pH, total phenols, and IC50 with values of 6.56-7.02%, 94.35-96.55%, 5.25-5.75, 24.91-40.35 mgGAE/g, and 31.46-121.75 mg/mL, respectively.

Effectiveness of neutral honey as a tissue fixative in histopathology.

Background: In routine histopathology, 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is the choice fixative. However, formalin is a human carcinogen, so there is a necessity for a safer alternative. To the best of our knowledge, neutral honey, not natural or artificial honey, has not been tested to fix histological samples. This study determined the effectiveness of neutral buffered honey and other types of fixatives to fix histological tissues. Methods: The study was conducted between July 2019 and August 2020 at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. Sections from three rat livers, kidneys, and stomach tissues were fixed with 10% NBF, neutral buffered Sumer honey, neutral buffered date honey, formalin, Sumer honey, date honey, alcoholic formalin, alcoholic Sumer honey, and alcoholic date honey for 24 hours. Samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), special stains, and vimentin methods. Three expert biomedical scientists then evaluated the fixed and stained samples for the quality of all sections. The fixation ability of the different honey solutions was then compared to 10% NBF and the utility was determined using nuclear and cytoplasmic criteria, specificity, and intensity. Results: H&E showed adequate staining in all groups compared to 10% NBF. The specificity and intensity of all groups for the Periodic acid-Schiff method were identical to 10% NBF except for Sumer honey and alcoholic date honey. Vimentin showed comparable findings with 10% NBF as there were no significant differences. Conclusions: The findings of this study encourage the use of honey, including neutral, as a possible safe substitute fixative for formalin, however, further experiments on larger specimens should be conducted.

Knowledge and Awareness of the Therapeutic Benefits and Precautions of Natural Honey Consumption among students

Scientists encourage using honey as an alternative therapy for some infectious disease due to the development of bacterial resistance against antibiotics and decreased some of their effectiveness in clinical practice. Different types of honey have different actions and activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of the therapeutic benefits and precautions of using natural honey among medical sciences students. This is a cross-sectional study that used through a survey questioner which was created using Google form tool and was distributed to undergraduate medicine (MD) and pharmacy students (B. Pharm) in Muscat, Oman. The results of this study found that Omani honey was mostly preferred by 53.4% of the participants. Although honey rich in health benefits it was concluded that 58.2% of participants never advised by a doctor to use honey for a certain medical condition. It was found that 71.9% not aware about anti-inflammatory effects of honey to reduce eye inflammation. While more than 70% know about efficiently of cosmetics uses of honey. Moreover, almost half of the participants (49%) seem to be unaware of the suitable age to start taking honey which may be fatal to infants. Therefore, parents should be warned not to give honey to their new-born to prevent them from the botulism toxicity. The awareness about the benefits of honey is accepted in some consideration while insufficient in the awareness precautions of using honey with children under the age of 12 months which may be fatal.

Improving the Quality of Honey and Socialitzion of Flora Nectar Producer as Bee Feed in the Bangunkarya Village Langkaplancar District Pangandaran

Honey production depends on the availability of nectar and pollen as bee food. In Bangunkarya Village, this potential is abundant and has not been utilized optimally, which includes yards, gardens, and forest flora. At least fifteen residents have coffee plantations that have started to bear fruit and harvest; these people's coffee plantations are an essential source of nectar and pollen. Currently, only two residents are active in the honey business. The village in Langkaplancar District is currently active in becoming a Tourism Village in support of the Aspiring Geopark Pangandaran. Increasing the quality and production of honey is targeted in community service activities to contribute to advancing geo products. Activities include identifying nectar and pollen-producing flora, socializing nectar-producing flora, educating about hygienic honey products, and making attractive honey packaging. Two types of honey that have been improved in quality and given names to marketers are the name Hani Kuya, given to natural honey from Apis dorsata bees, and Rosisdin Honey for livestock honey from Teuwul bees (Heterotrigona sp.). Quality improvements include improving packaging, filtering techniques, dosage, and providing product name labels. Honey products that have experienced improvements in quality have been exhibited in Forum Group Discussion (FGD) activities at the Pangandaran Tourism office as a promotional step to encourage increased sales and economic value.

Characterisation of physicochemical parameters and antibacterial properties of New Caledonian honeys.

Honey is an attractive natural product with various health benefits. A few honey-based commercial products have successfully been adopted in clinics to improve wound healing. However, screening of other potential sources of medical-grade honey, in particular, honeys from territories with high floral species diversity and high endemicity, is highly needed. The goal of this study was to characterise the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of New Caledonian honey samples (n = 33) and to elucidate the major mechanism of their antibacterial action. Inhibitory antibacterial activity of honeys against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. Enzymatic activity of glucose oxidase and the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in honey samples were analysed. Furthermore, total protein content of honeys together with their electrophoretic protein profiles were also determined in the study. The antibacterial efficacy of 24% of the tested honey samples was slightly superior to that of manuka honey with unique manuka factor 15+. The antibacterial activity of catalase-treated honey sample solutions was significantly reduced, suggesting that H2O2 is a key antibacterial compound of diluted honeys. However, the kinetic profiles of H2O2 production in most potent honeys at a MIC value of 6% was not uniform. Under the experimental conditions, we found that a H2O2 concentration of 150 μM in diluted honeys is a critical concentration for inhibiting the growth of S. aureus. In contrast, 150 μM H2O2 in artificial honey solution was not able to inhibit bacterial growth, suggesting a role of phytochemicals in the antibacterial activity of natural honey. In addition, the continuous generation of H2O2 in diluted honey demonstrated an ability to counteract additional bacteria in re-inoculation experiments. In conclusion, the tested New Caledonian honey samples showed strong antibacterial activity, primarily based on H2O2 action, and therefore represent a suitable source for medical-grade honey.

Impact of Natural Honey on Betta sp. strain Plakat Candy Masculinization

Betta sp. is an ornamental fish that is favoured by all ornamental fish hobbyists in Indonesia. Various strains of this fish have been produced by many farmers. However, almost all of the most popular strains are male. This study aims to determine the effect of different lengths of natural honey soaking on the masculinisation of hickey fish. The method used in this study was a completely randomised design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. The treatment used in this study is the length of immersion (22 - 26 hours) of each treatment compared to the control (without immersion) which was then maintained for 60 days. The results of this study showed that immersion using natural honey on larvae in a 5 ml/L honey solution had no significant effect on masculinisation of hippopotamus. However, the best masculinisation was found with 22 hours of immersion at 63.6% and the lowest without immersion at 49.6%.

Natural Honey (Raw Honey): Insights on Quality, Composition, Economic and Health Effects: A Comprehensive Review

Natural honey is one of the most significant foods produced and consumed globally, it has pleasing sensory characteristics such a light colour, as well as a recognizable flavor and aroma. In addition, natural honey has been associated with potential biological properties since it contains organic acids, sugars, minerals, enzymes, phenolic, volatile compounds, methylglyoxal, amino acids, and vitamins. All of these features make this viscous substance extremely desirable by consumers for health and wellness purposes and likewise by manufacturing industries for production purposes thus increasing its market value. Since honey plays a vital role in balancing human nutrition being a better alternative to sugar, and further serves as a natural raw material in most industrial products the world over, its socio-economic importance to human development and industrial output cannot be overemphasized. The income generating and job creating capacity of the honey industry has been beneficial both to corporate organizations and various governments of the world. It is therefore the aim of this study to provide information on the quality, composition, health effects and economics of this high value viscous liquid.

Physicochemical and antioxidant characterization of commercially available honey sample from Addis Ababa market, Ethiopia

High-quality and genuine honey is crucial to provide consumers with natural honey and prevent any potential health issues. This study aimed to examine the quality of commercial honey available in the Addis Ababa market. A total of 30 honey samples were randomly collected from eight sub-cities of Addis Ababa city. Both High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and UV–Vis spectroscopic methods were used to determine 12 physicochemical and three antioxidant activity parameters in the honey samples according to internationally recognized standards. The findings of this study showed that the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, and ash content of all commercial honey samples conformed to honey standards. However, except for honey samples collected from processors (19.48 ± 0.4 %) and retail outlets (20.49 ± 0.13 %), all other commercial honey samples failed to meet the moisture content criteria (≤21 %). Proline levels in honey samples taken from the street (67.1 ± 0.52 mg/kg) were also found to be below the required standard. The commercial honey samples contained fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose within a range of 33.85 ± 0.65 to 48.61 ± 0.51 %, 33.07 ± 1.58 to 44.3 ± 0.82 %, 0.91 ± 0.05 to 6.23 ± 2.49 %, and 0.51 ± 0.14 to 2.4 ± 0.44 %, respectively. Furthermore, honey samples from market areas showed good Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), and antioxidant activity. Overall, the results revealed that all physicochemical parameters, except for proline, moisture, and sucrose content, complied with approved standards (Codex Alimentarius, European Union (EU), and Ethiopia Standard Agency (ESA). Accordingly, it is recommended that stakeholders receive regular training on how to manage honey quality issues and detect adulteration techniques to prevent contaminated honey from reaching the markets.

Bee Makes the Pollen Wall Breakable for Human Digestion

Introduction: Cellulose consists of β-(1 → 4)-linked glucose units arranged in a ribbon-type conformation in a zigzag pattern. Parallel chains fit closely to each other and associate with multiple hydrogen bonds to give rise to long fibers, which are totally insoluble in water and relatively inert. Although subject to some swelling in water, cellulose is entirely unaffected by boiling in water. Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the potential for breaking down the pollen wall of honey-collected pollen using acid with pH of stomach acid, and to determine whether the honey-making process by bees is necessary for human consumption of the amino acid content present in pollen. Materials and Methods: Natural litchi flower honey was collected from Litchi Garden of Doctor Honey, Health & Harvest Dinajpur, Bangladesh in March 2021. 1 ml natural raw honey of litchi flower was diluted with 5 ml distilled water in a conical test tube. (Falcon). This was centrifuged in a swing-out rotor centrifuge (Labofuge, Germany) at a speed of 900 rpm for 10 minutes. The pollens made a pellet at the bottom of the tube. A sample from the pellet was taken on a glass slide and checked under the light microscope (optima) to ensure the presence of pollen. Citric acid was also added to the pollen. Results: Many of the pollen’s walls were found broken within one hour. It is visible that the contents of the pollen sacs are oozing out. One or two broken pollen was found in each 100 of the sample before adding acid whereas many were broken after adding acid. Conclusion: Honey-collected pollen's wall can be broken down using stomach acid, emphasizing the importance of the honey-making process for accessing amino acids, while preserving pollen in honey is crucial for maximizing nutritional benefits.

Pengaruh Metode Pengolahan Kopi Robusta Gumitir Di Kabupaten Jember Terhadap Karakteristik Green Coffee Powder (GCP)

Coffee is a plantation crop commodity that is widely consumed in Indonesia as a refreshing drink. Broadly speaking, coffee processing methods include natural processing, honey processing, semi-wet processing, and wet methods. Green coffee powder (GCP) is unroasted coffee that is ground to a certain particle size. Green coffee powder as a new product processed from green coffee without roasting, so in the processing process it is necessary to analyze the profile of green coffee beans. The differences in the processing methods of natural process coffee, honey process, semi wet process, and wet process are related to the physical and chemical characteristics of green coffee powder. GCP began to be recognized by the public because of its benefits as a functional food product that can increase body metabolism and lose weight. The research method used is Non Factorial Complete Randomized Design (RAL Non Factorial) and descriptive method. The treatment consisted of 4 processing methods, namely natural process, honey process, semi wet process, and wet process, so that 4 treatments were obtained with 5 replicates and 20 experimental units were obtained. The data were analyzed using the ANOVA analysis of variance method and continued with the BNT further test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed a very significant difference from the effect of processing methods on the parameters of camba density and moisture content. While the effect of processing method did not give a significant difference to the parameters of yield and pH produced. In addition, from the results of chemical characteristics research, there are differences in the amount of caffeine content and volatile compounds from each processing method. Of these compounds that give the strongest aroma to green coffee powder is the compound Pyrazine, methyl- (CAS) Methylpyrazine.

Exposure Assessment of Nitrofuran Metabolites in Fish and Honey Produced in Armenia: A Pilot Investigation.

In Armenia, the presence of nitrofuran residues in food products is unacceptable for both domestic sales and export. However, food may contain nitrofuran metabolites (NMs) due to the illegal use of these drugs in the agrofarming practice. This study aimed to identify NMs as the marker residues for nitrofurans in fish and honey produced in Armenia and assess the potential health risks associated with consuming these foods. The commodities studied were natural honey and three species of farmed fish produced by various regions nationwide. Concentrations of the marker metabolites (3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), 3-amino-5-methylmorpholino-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), and semicarbazide (SEM)) were determined through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and verified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Consumer groups were identified based on their average daily intake of foods. Health risk was assessed by calculating the margin of exposure (MOE). Reference values for health risk assessment were obtained from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Results showed that 33.3% of fish samples and 44.4% of honey samples contained NMs, the mean concentrations ranging from 0.05 μg/kg to 0.52 μg/kg. All MOE values obtained were over 10,000, indicating that the detected concentrations of NMs in fish and honey produced in Armenia pose no health risk to consumers. However, these results highlight the illicit use of highly toxic substances and the need for improved control of farming practices.

Effects of Sucrose Feeding on the Quality of Royal Jelly Produced by Honeybee Apis mellifera L.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a highly nutritious secretion of the honeybees' hypopharyngeal glands (HPGs). During RJ production, colonies are occasionally subjected to manual interventions, such as sucrose feeding for energy supplementation. This study aimed to assess the impact of sucrose feeding on the composition of RJ. The results indicated that RJ obtained from sucrose-fed colonies exhibited significantly higher levels of fructose, alanine, glycine, tyrosine, valine, and isoleucine compared to the honey-fed group. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of moisture content, crude protein, 10-HDA, glucose, sucrose, minerals, or other amino acids within the RJ samples. Moreover, sucrose feeding did not have a significant effect on midgut sucrase activity, HPGs development, or the expression levels of MRJP1 and MRJP3 in nurse bees. Unsealed stored food samples from sucrose-fed bee colonies demonstrated significantly higher sucrose levels compared to sealed combs and natural honey. Additionally, natural honey exhibited higher moisture and Ca levels, as well as lower levels of Zn and Cu, in comparison to honey collected from bee colonies fed sucrose solutions. Based on these findings, we conclude that sucrose feeding has only a minor impact on the major components of RJ.

Al-Hijamah (Prophetic Wet Cupping Therapy) is a Novel Adjuvant Treatment for Viral Hepatitis That Excretes Viral Particles and Excess Ferritin Percutaneously, Synergizes Pharmacotherapy, Enhances Antiviral Immunity and Helps Better HCC Prevention and Treatment: A Novel Evidence-Based Combination with Prophetic Medicine Remedies.

Viral hepatitis progresses to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Several challenges are facing Sovaldi treatment to viral C hepatitis, eg, viral resistance, difficulty to treat all genotypes, and inability to access treatments in low-income countries. Also, current treatments to Hepatitis B are still challenging. Ideal treatments to viral hepatitis should decrease the viral load, enhance antiviral immunity and repair the viruses-induced tissue damage. That is still beyond reach. High serum ferritin in viral hepatitis correlates with chronicity, increased necro-inflammation, hepatotoxicity, progression to cirrhosis, progression to HCC, unresponsiveness to treatments and viremia. Previously, Al-hijamah (wet cupping therapy of prophetic medicine) significantly cleared thalassemic children of causative pathological substances (CPS), eg, excess ferritin, free radicals and serum lipids. Moreover, Al-hijamah significantly increased the antioxidant power and potentiated the natural antiviral immunity, eg, increasing CD4 count, CD8 count and CD4/CD8 ratio. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said: "If there is a benenvolence (benefit) in any of your medicines, benefit will be in shrtat mihjam (Al-hijamah), honey drink, and a stinge of fire compatible with disease and I do not like to cauterize". Likewise, the author suggests Al-hijamah as a novel promising adjuvant treatment for viral hepatitis (B and C) for percutaneous excretion of CPS as hepatitis viral particles, excess ferritin, inflammatory mediators, free radicals, and antigen-antibody complexes. Published reports proved that Al-hijamah exerted tissue-protective effects, and cleared blood through the fenestrated skin capillaries in a pressure-dependent and size-dependent manner (a kidney-like manner). That collectively may decrease the viral load for better HCC prevention and supports the evidence-based Taibah theory (Taibah mechanism). Same therapeutic benefits apply to other viral illnesses as AIDS. Even after HCC development, Al-hijamah is quite mandatory for excretion and clearance of CPS that favor malignancy, eg, lactate (Warburg effect), growth factors, metalloproteinases, and others. Al-hijamah-induced immune potentiation benefits HCC patients. Combining Al-hijamah with other natural antioxidant remedies of prophetic medicine, eg, nigella sativa, costus, natural honey, Zamzam water and others will maximize the therapeutic benefits. In conclusion, Al-hijamah and other prophetic medicine remedies are recommended adjuvants to current pharmacological treatments to viral hepatitis and HCC.

The Effect of Natural Honey Administration on Some Sperm Function Parameters in Male Infertility Patients

The study was conducted in the infertility treatment center located in Al- Kut city of Iraq, the sample were taken from 43 individual have a weakness in firtility , aged between 20-40 years and have no diseases affect the study. Seminal fluid samples were collected by masturbation after 3-5 day abstention in sterile container and send to laboratory for measuring the concentration of fructose and the percentage of count , motility and morphology .Venous blood was drawn to measure the level of hormones LH, FSH and Testosterone .50 g of natural honey was given to patients to be eaten daily with breakfast for 30 days. After that seminal fluid and blood samples were collecting to measure the previous seminal parameters.The study found that there was a significant increase in fructose level , count , motility and the morphology. As well as there is an increase in the level of hormone testosterone, LH, FSH

Honey as a Natural Nutraceutical: Its Combinational Therapeutic Strategies Applicable to Blood Infections-Septicemia, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Malaria.

Honey is a natural substance that has existed alongside humanity since the time of antiquity, acting then as a source of nutrition, as well as a source of medicinal aid for people. Ancient civilizations from multiple nations of the world, from ancient China to ancient Greece and Egypt, utilized the supposed healing properties of honey to treat lacerations and wounds, as well as for internal pathologies such as intestinal disease. At present, honey has entered the modern scientific research program in search of novel antibiotics. In recent research, honey has demonstrated its potential use for static and/or cidal effects on microbial strains which are becoming resistant to chemical antibiotics. Additionally, the use of honey as an agent of treatment for more severe infections, namely blood infections pertaining to septicemia, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as parasitic infections such as malaria, have also been investigated in recent years. In this article, the literature has been reviewed on some of the therapeutic properties of natural nutraceutical honey, where it has been observed to act as a potential ameliorating agent; reducing the severity of such conditions that may amplify a disease, as well as reducing the progression of the disease and its symptoms.

Genetic diversity and some biological characteristics of antibacterial yeasts isolated from natural honey and beeswax in Son La province

Yeast living in honey, an environment with high sugar content (up to 70 %, w/v), normally shows good resistance to the high level of osmotic pressure; they are of high potential for application in many fields. There were not many studies on the genetic diversity and biological characteristics of yeast from honey in Vietnam. This study aims to (1) evaluate the genetic diversity of antibacterial yeast isolated from natural honey and beeswax in Son La province by RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and (2) study some biological characteristics of them. The research results may contribute to the scientific basis for screening yeast strains applied in different fields such as bioethanol and probiotic production. Sixty-eight yeast strains were isolated from natural honey and beeswax collected in Son La. Among them, twenty-one strains showed antibacterial activity against at least a tested bacterium including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Serratia marcescens. These yeast strains were genetically distinct in the RAPD analysis using M13 and (GTG)5 primers. Evaluation of yeast growing in the medium containing high glucose concentration (30 - 40 %, w/v) or high ethanol concentration (5 - 10 %, v/v) has shown some yeast strains that can tolerate high osmotic pressure and high ethanol concentration for different applications. YC.8 and YC.61 strains exhibited relatively good survival rates in two phases of digestion and have a wide pH range (2 - 7). YC.8 strain expressed the most potential for human or animal probiotics.

Evaluating the Antioxidant Properties of Unifloral Honey (Apis mellifera L.) from Ethiopia.

The antioxidant properties of natural honey primarily rely on the floral origin from which nectar is collected by bees. Thus, the current activity evaluated the antioxidant properties of honey based on its floral type. The honey floral origin was verified by the melissopalynological technique. Antioxidant properties were determined by using standard procedures and analyzed by SAS. Six unifloral honey types with their harvesting month were identified. Accordingly, Guizotia (74% of pollen frequency), Coffea arabica (68%), Vernonia (90%), Croton macrostachyus (64%), Schefflera abyssinica (100%), and Eucalyptus (100%) were cropped in November, February, February, May, April, and June separately. Statistically, a variation (p < 0.05) in antioxidant parameters was displayed between unifloral honeys. Vernonia honey exhibited the maximum total phenol (77.2 ± 0.7), total flavonoid (65.0 ± 3.8), and total antioxidant content (65.4 ± 0.3). On the other hand, S. abyssinica honey recorded the least total phenol content (24.1 ± 0.4), total flavonoid content (18.6 ± 2.7), and total antioxidant content (5.6 ± 0.5). Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between all the tested antioxidant parameters. Thus, the current study indicated that all the tested Ethiopian unifloral honey had good sources of antioxidants with the most Vernonia honey followed by C. macrostachyus whereas S. abyssinica honey had the least followed by Eucalyptus.

Individual integrated approach to honey identification using instrumental methods of analysis and statistical processing of results

Bee honey is a valuable highly nutritive natural product; it is widely consumed among the population. Due to its high cost the natural honey often becomes the object of adulteration. The authenticity of honey is the most important criterion of quality, as on the one hand it ensures the biosecurity of honey, and provides the healthy market competition on the other hand. In this regard, the issue of honey identification is quite acute in all countries with developed beekeeping culture. The authors provide an overview of domestic and foreign regulatory documents regarding the authenticity of honey, as well as its status as a product with a controlled designation of origin. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the most significant studies aimed to a method of honey authenticity confirmation were selected and brought out. These studies were carried out in the countries of the European Union, China, Brazil, the USA, Mexico and other countries. These studies showed that chromatographic methods and the method of isotope mass spectrometry are the most effective for detection of added sugars in honey, as well as for revealing the fact of feeding bees with various syrups. The authenticity of the botanical and geographical point of honey origin is usually determined by the principle of “fingerprints”. The principle involves collecting the values of an array of indicators and processing them by means of statistical analysis methods. To form a database, in addition to the above methods, methods of NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, PCR, ICP-MS and some others have become widely used. When determining the authenticity of the botanical and geographical origin of honey, it is also necessary to consider the specific features of local melliferous plants, bee species, soil composition and climatic conditions. Thus, an individual yet integrated approach to the identification of honey by means of the instrumental methods of analysis and statistical processing of results will become a powerful and reliable tool in determining its authenticity, including its botanical and geographical origin.

DYNAMICS OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY PRODUCTION IN THE SVERDLOVSK REGION IN THE FIRST POST-WAR YEARS (1946-1950)

The article analyzes the dynamics of the gross production of the main livestock products in the Sverdlovsk region in one of the most interesting and problematic periods in the history of the Soviet state. The novelty of the study is ensured by the use of mostly unpublished materials from five state and departmental archives. The paper studies the dynamics of livestock production in monetary and natural (honey, milk, meat, wool, eggs) types in 1946-1950, a comparative analysis is carried out with the results of the development of the industry on the eve and at the end of the Great Patriotic War. It has been established that animal husbandry in the Sverdlovsk region emerged from the war in a better condition than in the whole country, and the most difficult years for it were 1946-1947. Starting from 1948, there was an increase in the production of meat, milk, wool and eggs in the region. As a result, in the five post-war years, the gross output of the industry in the Sverdlovsk region in value terms increased by more than a quarter. At the same time, during the years of the fourth five-year plan, the average annual production in the industry significantly exceeded the level of both 1945 and 1940. It was established that the main producer in animal husbandry were individual farms of the population, which accounted for almost 2/3 of the products received. The authors come to the conclusion that this happened, despite the various restrictions of the state on its development. A feature of the Sverdlovsk region in those years was the fact that among all categories of producers, the farms of workers and employees provided the most livestock products, which can be explained by the industrial specialization of the territory and the high proportion of the urban population in it.