Saudi Honey Research Articles

Antioxidant activities of Saudi honey samples related to their content of short peptides

This study explored the effect of geographical and floral origins on the antioxidant activities of Saudi honey samples related to their content of short peptides originated from honeybee proteins. The studied antioxidants were the total protein concentration, catalase activity, phenolic acids and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity assays included were the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and Ascorbic acid Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (AEAC). The studied honey samples were obtained from the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, namely Asir (65) and Jazan (25). The floral origins of the honey samples were Acacia (51), Ziziphus (4) and polyfloral (35). The LC/MS technique was used to detect the short peptides and the mascot database was used to identify the short peptides, their precursor proteins and the protease enzymes that produce them. Jazan honey was characterized by high number of short peptides. The short peptides were originated from honeybee proteins by the action of proteases from the honeybees and bacteria. The antioxidant activity of the honey samples increase with the increase of their content of short peptides and proteins. The amino acids type and sequence of the short peptides qualify them to act as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertension, immunomodulatory and cholesterol lowering peptides.

ANALYZING THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF HONEY BEES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND QUANTIFYING GLUCOSE AND FRUCTOSE USING HPLC

Honey is a sweet, sticky substance that is produced by bees after nectar and honeydew have been collected. This study was aimed to determine the physiochemical properties of native and imported honey in Iraq to evaluate the quality of various types of hone y. Physiochemical investigations of these samples were done utilizing AOAC protocols and assessed according to Codex Alimentarius Commission and European Union Council instructions. The moisture contents ranged from 15.16 ± 0.15 to 19.92 ± 0.67 %. Ash concentration of all samples was ranged from 0.42 ± 0.01 to 1.61 ± 0.09 %. The levels of pH in all tested honey samples were acidic and within the standard range. Saudi honey showed the highest free acidity values (49.51 + 0.18 meq/kg), whereas the lowest fre e acidity value was recorded in Turkish honey (21.71 ± 0.11 meq/kg). Electrical conductivity (EC) in the analyzed honeys ranged from 0.57 ± 0.07 to 1.26 ± 0.01 mS/cm. In both glucose and fructose, the highest average levels were recorded in the Iraqi honey sample where they reached (30.25 ± 0.05 and 40.18 ± 0.13 %) respectively, while the lowest content of both glucose and fructose were recorded in the Saudi honey samples (26.88 ± 0.07 and 36.23 ± 0.07%) respectively. For all of the samples studied, the estimated fructose to glucose percentage ranged from 0.51 ± 0.06 to 1.69 ± 0.09. Iraqi, Turkish and Saudi honey samples have greater HMF levels than Iranian boney, and the three samples were within the standard limit (not more than 40 mg/kg). Honey quality differed depending on geographical and floral origins, seasons, transportation, processing conditions, and storage time. The glucose -fructose ratio was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography

Effects of Repeated in-vitro Exposure to Saudi Honey on Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics and Biofilm Formation.

Although Sumra and Sidr Saudi honey is widely used in traditional medicine due to its potent activity, it is unknown whether its prolonged usage has impact upon bacterial virulence or leading to reduced antibiotic sensitivity. Thus, the study aims to investigate the effect of prolonged (repeated) in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey on the antibiotic susceptibility profiles and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria. Several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, were in-vitro exposed ten times [passaged (P10)]to Sumra and Sider honey individually to introduce adapted bacteria (P10). Antibiotic susceptibility profiles of untreated (P0) and adapted (P10) bacteria were assessed using disc diffusion and microdilution assays. The tendency regarding biofilm formation following in-vitro exposure to honey (P10) was assessed using the Crystal violet staining method. Adapted (P10) bacteria to both Sumra and Sidr honey showed an increased sensitivity to gentamicin, ceftazidime, ampicillin, amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, and ceftriaxone, when compared with the parent strains (P0). In addition, A. baumannii (P10) that was adapted to Sidr honey displayed a 4-fold increase in the minimal inhibitory concentration of the same honey following in-vitro exposure. 3-fold reduction in the tendency toward biofilm formation was observed for the Sumra-adapted (P10) methicillin resistant S. aureus strain, although there was a lower rate of reduction (1.5-fold) in biofilm formation by both the Sumra- and Sidr-adapted A. baumannii (P10) strains. The data highlight the positive impact of prolonged in-vitro exposure to Saudi honey (Sumra and Sider) for wound-associated bacteria since they displayed a significant increase in their sensitivity profiles to the tested antibiotic and a reduction in their ability to form biofilm. The increased bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and a limited tendency toward biofilm formation would suggest the great potential therapeutic use of this Saudi honey (Sumra and Sidr) to treat wound infections.

Saudi honey alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer via improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in male albino rats

Recent years have reported a rise in the occurrence of gastric ulceration especially among young children and adults. This study investigated the mechanism by which two types of Saudi honey: AlnahalAljawal honey (Wadi) or Bin Ghaithan honey (Talh) exerted their antiulcer potential in indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Four cohorts of rats were used: Group 1; Healthy controls, Group 2; Ulcerative animals, Group 3; Ulcerative + Wadi honey treatment, Group 4; Ulcerative + Talh honey treatment. We profiled the levels of different indicators of oxidative stress including the activities of gastric mucosal glutathione superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde; MDA). CRP content, IL-10, and plasma tumor necrosis factor-α were also evaluated. The stomach was visually examined for macroscopic lesions and using light microscope for histopathological changes in the glandular mucosa.Wadi or Talh honey significantly reduced the ulcer indices, and essentially protected the glandular mucosa from lesions. Wadi or Talh honey also significantly reduced the gastric mucosal concentrations of GPx, SOD and GSH. In addition, the administration of Wadi or Talh honey decreased gastric mucosal plasma TNF-α and MDA, CRP content, and IL-10 levels. In conclusion, Wadi or Talh honey possibly exerted their antiulcer potential via restoring the homeostasis and stabilizing the enzymatic (SOD and GPx) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants as well as reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP content, IL-10 and, NF-κB activity), and inhibiting the lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa. Consequently, Wadi or Talh honey may be of beneficial therapy for patients diagnosed with gastric ulceration. Clinical studies need to be conducted to further support these findings.

In vitro evaluation of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility to Saudi honeys

BackgroundHoney has been increasingly recognized as a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of wound infections. There is an urgent need for assessment and evaluation of the antibacterial properties against wound pathogens of honeys that have not yet been tested.MethodsTen Saudi honeys collected from different geographical locations were screened initially for their antibacterial potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) by the agar well diffusion method. Manuka honey (UMF-12) was used for comparison. Of the tested honeys, the honey that exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity in the agar well diffusion assay was further evaluated for its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against ten MRSA clinical isolates and three American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) reference strains by the microbroth dilution method.ResultsLocally produced honeys exhibited variable antibacterial activity against the tested isolates in the agar well diffusion assay. They were unable to exhibit antibacterial activity against MSSA and MRSA at 25% dilutions (w/v) in catalase solution. However, Sumra and Talha honeys showed a zone of inhibition at 50% dilutions (w/v) in catalase solution. This finding means that both honeys possess weak non-peroxide-based antibacterial activity. Moreover, Sumra honey showed a larger inhibition zone at 50 and 25% dilutions (w/v) in distilled water than Manuka honey against both MSSA and MRSA. This result demonstrates that Sumra honey has more hydrogen peroxide-related antibacterial activity or total antibacterial activity than Manuka honey. In addition, MIC results obtained through a microbroth dilution assay showed that Sumra honey inhibited the growth of all MRSA clinical isolates (n = 10) and reference strains [MRSA (ATCC 43300) and MSSA (ATCC 29213)] at lower concentrations (12.0% v/v) than those required for Manuka honey-mediated inhibition (14.0% v/v). This result means that Sumra honey has more peroxide or synergistic antibacterial activity than Manuka honey. An equivalent MIC (15.0% v/v) was observed for E. coli (ATCC 25922) between Manuka honey and Sumra honey.ConclusionsSumra honey may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent for infected wounds and burns, where additional hydrogen peroxide-related antibacterial activity is needed. In the future, the physiochemical characteristics of Sumra honey may be evaluated and standardized.

Levels of heavy metals in a multifloral Saudi honey.

The presence of chemical pollutants, especially heavy metals, affects the quality of honey. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in honey samples from Al-Baha region in Saudi Arabia, using inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The highest concentration was found for Zn (1707.93μgkg-1), while the lowest was found for Co (3.04μgkg-1). Cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that two groups are recognized indicating two different metal sources. The first group includes only Zn and the second group includes the rest of the metals. In view of the recommended and established heavy metal intakes for humans, consumption of Saudi honey from Al-Baha should not be deemed a matter of concern for human health.

Floral markers and biological activity of Saudi honey.

The objectives of this research were to identify certain chemical compounds that may be used as fingerprints of Saudi honey and to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Eleven Saudi ‘monofloral’ honey samples were analyzed and evaluated. Non-phenolic compounds, such as 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, methyl 3-hydroxyhexanaote and 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde were present in different types of tested honey samples. Glyceraldehyde was only detected in five of the honey samples tested. The most promising result was the detection of an alkaloid (by using GC–MS) in only two types of Saudi honey samples. This alkaloid may be of great importance and has the potential to be used as a fingerprint marker for the botanical sources of the various honey samples tested. This alkaloid was present in Toran and Saha. The detected compound is 2-amino-4-hydroxypteridine-6-carboxylic acid, which may originate from the degradation of folic acid as identified by previous studies. These findings can be used as a gateway to obtain a fingerprint for these two types of honey samples and can potentially be used to track any impurities in honey sold on the market. All of the tested honey samples showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The highly effective activity was in Toran honey against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Shafalah honey was effective against MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii which showed bactericidal effects at concentrations 70–100%. This study also examined the antioxidant activity of honey samples using the DPPH assay. DPPH values of tested honey samples varied between 53.93 ± 0.21%, as the highest value and 5.89 ± 0.125%, as the lowest value. Significant correlations between the antibacterial and the antioxidant activities of the tested honey samples were noticed. The corresponding total phenolic contents (TPC) values supported the fact that phenolic compounds enhanced the antibacterial activity. The study revealed that some of the locally produced honey samples, specifically Zaitoon, Shaflah, Saha, Rabea Aja and Bareq contained the monosaccharides called glyceraldehydes which was the precursor to produce methylglyoxal (MGO) compound, which has antibacterial effects as documented in several previous studies. There was no clear relationship between these activities and the sum total of phenolic compounds present in Saudi honey.

Antibacterial potential of some Saudi honeys from Asir region against selected pathogenic bacteria.

Honey is a nutrient rich natural product and has been utilized as traditional and complementary medicine since ancient times. In this study, antibacterial activity of Sider (Ziziphus spina-christi), Dharm (Lavandula dentata), and Majra (Hypoestes forskaolii) honey samples collected from Asir region of Saudi Arabia was in vitro evaluated at 80% and 50% w/v concentrations against five pathogenic bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Well diffusion assays to measure the average zone of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were employed in the experiments. All the tested honey samples showed antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. Sider and Dharm exhibited a good antibacterial activity at high concentrations while, Majra honey of Apis mellifera jemenitica and of Apis florea showed comparatively low antibacterial activity. The average MIC values of Sider, Dhram from Rijal Alma, Dharm from Al-Souda, Majra (A.m. jemenitica), and Majra (A. florea) honey against all tested bacteria were 22%, 16%, 18%, 32%, and 28% (v/v) respectively. Dharm and Sider honeys showed better antibacterial activity than Majra honey. Saudi honey can be considered as a promising future antimicrobial agent and should be further investigated as an alternative candidate in the management of resistant bacterial pathogens.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES FOR HADHRAMI HONEY ON GROWTH OF SOME PATHOGENIC BACTERIA

Objectives: The majority of the Yemeni honey varieties are characterized by low moisture content, in addition to the various flora of Yemeni plant, which may not be found in many countries, which makes them of high medicinal importance and high monetary value. Methods: This study was carried out the effect of three types of Hadhrami honey: Somur, Sidr (Baghya) and Meria against the growth of some pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella sp.). Results: The results revealed that that Sidr honey gave the highest antibacterial activity against all bacteria tested, whereas the Somur and Meria honey were not recorded activity for growth Klebsiella sp. and Meria honey was not recorded activity for growth E. coli, respectively. When the antibiotics compared to types of honey antimicrobial activity, it was observed that the antimicrobial effect of Sidr honey was better than Imipenem antibiotic effect against P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Study concludes that inhibition of the studied strains was dependent on the type of honey source. It is concluded that Yemeni honey could potentially be used as therapeutic agents against bacterial infection particularly to the tested microorganisms. Peer Review History: Received 30 November 2017; Revised 9 December; Accepted 12 December, Available online 15 January 2018 UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Mujde Eryilmaz, Ankara University,Turkey, meryilmaz@ankara.edu.tr Omnia Momtaz Al-Fakharany, Tanta, University, Eygpt, amina.elfakharany@pharm.tanta.edu.eg Similar Articles: IN-VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF LACTOBACILLI METABOLITES LOADED HYDROGEL FORMULATIONS AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA This article has been cited by: In vitro antimicrobial activities of Saudi honeys originating from Ziziphus spina‐christi L. and Acacia gerrardii Benth. Trees. Ayman A. Owayss, Khaled Elbanna, Javaid Iqbal, Hussein H. Abulreesh, Sameer R. Organji, Hael S. A. Raweh, Abdulaziz S. Alqarni. Food Science and Nutrition 2020; 390-401. Pubmed

Validation of botanical origins and geographical sources of some Saudi honeys using ultraviolet spectroscopy and chemometric analysis.

This study aims at distinguishing honey based on botanical and geographical sources. Different floral honey samples were collected from diverse geographical locations of Saudi Arabia. UV spectroscopy in combination with chemometric analysis including Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) were used to classify honey samples. HCA and PCA presented the initial clustering pattern to differentiate between botanical as well as geographical sources. The SIMCA model clearly separated the Ziziphus sp. and other monofloral honey samples based on different locations and botanical sources. The results successfully discriminated the honey samples of different botanical and geographical sources validating the segregation observed using few physicochemical parameters that are regularly used for discrimination.

Effect of Different Saudi Honey Types Mixed with Natural Substances on Some Bacterial Strains

To evaluate the antibacterial eff ects of three types of Saudi honey (Feghra, Sider and Natural honey) alone and mixed with ginger or lemon in comparison to Manuka honey as a potential natural antibacterial agent. Saudi honeys were evaluated against five types of bacterial strains; Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Chocolate agars were prepared first with different concentrations of each type of honey, and then with specific concentrations either of ginger or lemon added to honey. Bacterial species were inoculated on each agar and incubated at 37oC in a CO2 incubator overnight. Significant differences were found between diff erent types of honey and different concentrations of the same honey on bacterial growth. There are no significant differences and synergistic effects when adding ginger to diff erent honey types. Addition of lemon show significant differences and good synergistic effects against all tested bacterial species except Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus at 15 and 20% honey concentration. In conclusion, antibacterial effects of different types of honey are type and concentration dependent. Adding lemon to the different types of honey changes the pH and acidity and increases the honey’s antibacterial effect.

Potential antibacterial activity of some Saudi Arabia honey.

Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the potential antibacterial activity of some Saudi Arabia honey against selected bacterial strains of medical importance.Materials and Methods:A total of 10 Saudi Arabia honey used to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against some antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains. The bacterial strains were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Results:The antibacterial activity of Saudi honey against five bacterial strains showed different levels of inhibition according to the type of honey. The overall results showed that the potential activity was differing according to the pathogen and honey type.Conclusion:It could be concluded that the Saudi honey inhibit the growth of bacterial strains and that honey can be used as complementary antimicrobial agent against selected pathogenic bacteria.

Nigella sativa and Saudi honey diminish infections and improve the survival in a kostmann's syndrome patient: Case report

Severe chronic neutropenia is the main feature of infantile genetic agranulocytosis (Kostmann's Syndrome) associated with recurrent febrile bacterial infections episodes with fatal outcome. This study evaluated the effects of Nigella sativa seeds (Black seeds) and Saudi honey supplementation on the survival rate and frequency of febrile episodes of a Kostmann's syndrome patient. The patient was diagnosed with Kostmann's syndrome at 7 months of age and showed persistent neutropenia with an absolute neutrophilic count of 0.2 × 109/L and was admitted 26 times for infection in the first 2 years of his life. Unfortunately, he had no human leukocyte antigen matching donor for stem cell transplant and developed a cataract after being given granulocyte colony stimulating factor therapy Filgrastim. After supplementation with Nigella sativa and honey, the patient showed dramatic improvement. There was no admitting history to the hospital related to infection, and he has resumed a normal life style with regular school attendance. The patient is currently 15 years old. It would be concluded that a synergetic effect exists between Nigella sativa and honey which will improve the potency of the immune system with a marked reduction in infection and improved his survival. Further studies are needed to confirm the conclusion.

Effects of Honey on Oral Mucositis among Pediatric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemo/Radiotherapy Treatment at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

One of the most common complications of cancer chemotherapy is oral mucositis. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of honey with the focus on grade III and IV oral mucositis, reduction of bacterial and fungal infections, duration of episodes of oral mucositis, and body weight in pediatric leukemic patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy. This is an open labeled randomized controlled study conducted at our hospital on 40 pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemo/radiotherapy. All the 40 patients included in this study experienced a sum total of 390 episodes of fever and neutropenia associated with oral mucositis. A significant reduction of oral mucositis, associated Candida, and aerobic pathogenic bacterial infections was noted in patients in the honey treatment group. Also, there is a significant decrease in the duration of hospitalization for all those in the treatment group combined with a significant increase of body weight, delayed onset, and decreased severity of pain related to oral mucositis. Complications of oral mucositis can be tremendously reduced by the topical application of local Saudi honey and honey should be used as an integrative approach in prophylaxis and treatment of chemo/radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric cancer patients. Further research is needed to elucidate and better understand the underlying mechanism.

Antimicrobial effect of different types of honey on Staphylococcus aureus.

Honey exhibits antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacteria in different milieu. This study aims to compare the effects of five types of honey (both imported and local Saudi honey) against Staphylococcus aureus. The five types of honey (Manuka Honey UMF +20, Manuka Honey UMF +16, Active +10 Manuka Honey, Sidr honey and Nigella sativa honey) were evaluated for their bactericidal/bacteriostatic activities against both methicillin resistant and sensitive S. aureus. The inhibitory effect of honey on bacterial growth was evident at concentrations of 20% and 10% (v/v). Manuka Honey showed the best results. Manuka Honey UMF +20 had a bactericidal effect on both methicillin resistant and sensitive S. aureus. However, Sidr and N. sativa honey exerted only a bacteriostatic effect. The efficacy of different types of honey against S. aureus was dependent on the type of honey and the concentration at which it was administered. Manuka Honey had the best bactericidal activity. Future experiments should be conducted to evaluate the effects of honey on bacterial resistance.

Physicochemical characteristics of honey from different origins

Honey is a natural sweet substance produced by honey bees, from the nectars of plant flowers and honey dew. The present study aimed to evaluate physicochemical characteristics and quality of honey from different origins. Melissopalynological analysis of honey samples showed a wide variability, with samples from different honey sources being collected from different geographical origins. The colour ranged from light amber for Egyptian and Yemeni samples to amber for Saudi and Kashmiri samples. Egyptian and Yemeni samples recorded the higher acidity than Saudi and Kashmiri honey, but all samples are still within the standard limit (pH 3.40±0.002–6.10±0.003). The electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.53±0.03 to 4.18±0.05ms/cm. The moisture content of honey samples was ranged from 14.73±0.36% to 18.32±0.67%. Ash content ranged from 0.23±0.02% to 2.33±0.02%. Kashmiri honey showed the highest protein content (4.67±0.171mg/g) while the lowest value of protein content was registered in Egyptian honey (1.69±0.015mg/g). Samples of Saudi honey showed the highest value of reducing sugars (72.36±0.32g/100g), while Kashmiri honey showed the lowest value (15.11±0.25g/100g). The estimated fructose/glucose ratio for all investigated samples was ranged from 0.42±0.02 to 2.35±0.02 and estimated glucose/water ratio was ranged from 0.72±0.025 to 1.56±0.025. It is noteworthy that, the crystallization of Kashmiri honey was faster than other types of studied honey samples. The quality of honey was varied based on the botanical origins, handling, transportation and storage conditions.

Antimicrobial activities of Saudi honey against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Five types of imported and local honey were screened for both their bacteriocidal/bacteriostatic activities against both Imipenem resistant and sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both Brain Heart infusion broth and Mueller–Hinton agar. The results indicated that the effect was concentration and type of honey dependant. All types of honey tested exerted a full inhibition of bacterial growth at the highest concentration tested of 50% at 24h of contact. The inhibitory effect of honey on bacterial growth was clear with concentrations of 20% and 10% and this effect was most evident in the case of Manuka honey as compared to Nigella sativa honey and Seder honey. Manuka honey UMF +20 showed a bacteriocidal activity on both Imipenem resistant and sensitive P. aeruginosa, while Seder honey and N. sativa honey exerted only a bacteriostatic effect. Manuka honey UMF +10 showed most effect on antimicrobial resistance. Manuka honey UMF +10 had an effect on modulation of Imipenem resistant P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results indicated that various types of honey affected the test organisms differently. Modulation of antimicrobial resistance was seen in the case Manuka honey UMF +10.

Glucose Adulteration in Saudi Honey with Visible and Near Infrared Spectroscopy

This article reports on the implementation of visible and near infrared spectroscopy for the detection of glucose concentration in a mixture of Saudi and imported honey samples adulterated by glucose syrup of five concentrations: 0, 5, 12, 19, and 33 g/100 g. Honey samples were scanned in trans-reflectance mode with an AgroSpec mobile, fibre type, visible and near infrared spectrophotometer (tec5 Technology for Spectroscopy, Germany), with a measurement range of 305–2200 nm. The entire data set of 345 spectra was randomly divided into calibration (70%) and prediction (30%) sets. The first group was subjected to a partial least squares regression analysis with a leave-one-out cross-validation to establish a calibration model for the prediction of glucose concentration, whereas the second group was used to validate the partial least squares model. For the cross-validation, the values for root mean square error of prediction, coefficient of determination, and ratio of prediction deviation, which is the standard deviation divided by root mean square error of prediction were 4.52 g/100 g, 0.85, and 2.53, respectively. A slightly lower range of accuracy was obtained in the prediction set, with root mean square error of prediction, coefficient of determination, and ratio of prediction deviation values of 5.56 g/100 g, 0.78 and 2.06, respectively. The results achieved suggest that the visible and near infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for the quantification of glucose adulteration in Saudi honey.

English

The antibacterial activity of local Sidr and Mountain Saudi honeys against Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were evaluated. Disc diffusion method, gel diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were used in this investigation. The findings indicated that both honey samples had growth inhibitory effect and all tested gram negative bacteria were sensitive to 40-80% concentrations. Increasing the honey concentration significantly (P≤0.05) increased the inhibition of growth of the tested bacteria. Sidr honey was more potent than Mountain honey in producing the inhibitory growth effect as an antibacterial agent. Sidr and Mountain honeys in different concentrations were more effective against E.colithan other bacteria. MIC of the two honey samples was 20 mg/mL while the MIC of K. pneumoniae was 40 mg/mL in the case of Mountain honey. The MBC of the two honey samples was 40 mg/mL and the MBC of A. baumannii that valued was 20 mg/mL. We are of the opinion that Sidr and Mountain Saudi honeys could potentially be used as therapeutic agents against bacterial infection particularly to the tested microorganisms. Key words: Saudi honey, Sidr honey, mountain honey, Gram negative, antibacterial agents

The Relationship between Antioxidant and Anti-Ulcer Activities in Saudi Honey Samples Harvested from Various Regions in Different Seasons

The main chemical components of 13 Saudi honey samples (composed of winter and summer honeys) were identified according to anti-ulcer and antioxidant activity by using phytochemical and chromatographic analyses. Phytochemical screening of ethyl acetate and water extracts was used to detect the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, amino acids, and phenolic acids. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of sugar contents was used to detect the presence of galactose in all of the honey samples. The other detected sugars were sucrose, fructose, and arabinose. Fifteen amino acids were detected in all of the honey samples: Prolin is dominant in all of the honey samples. The citric acid and tartaric acids of winter and summer honey were also detected, in addition to faint traces of free oxalic acid. Both samples were tested for amino acids, phenolic compounds, and sugars. The most crucial result derived in this study is the effect of summer honey on ulcers. The anti-ulcer activities were also evaluated, showing that oral administration of the honey samples reduced the intensity of ulcer scores when compared to the control group. Similarly, there was a highly significant reduction in the values of the ulcer indices and areas in rats that received the same sample (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) in comparison with those of the ulcer control rats. Finally, the antioxidant activity of the honey samples was evaluated, revealing a proportional relationship between the anti-oxidant and anti-ulcer activities. The results of this study could be reached that the effectiveness of honey as an anti-ulcer increase with the increasing its antioxidant activities.