Nutraceutical values of natural honey and its contribution to human health and wealth

Honey and its nutritional and anti-inflammatory value

Inflammation is the main key role in developing chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases which possess a huge challenge for treatment. With massively compelling evidence of the role played by nutritional modulation in preventing inflammation-related diseases, there is a growing interest into the search for natural functional foods with therapeutic and preventive actions. Honey, a nutritional healthy product, is produced mainly by two types of bees: honeybee and stingless bee. Since both types of honey possess distinctive phenolic and flavonoid compounds, there is recently an intensive interest in their biological and clinical actions against inflammation-mediated chronic diseases. This review shed the light specifically on the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of honey polyphenols and highlight their roles in targeting inflammatory pathways in gastrointestinal tract disorders, edema, cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and gut microbiota.

Honey as a Functional Food for Apis mellifera

Although nectar is consumed, primarily as a supplemental food, by a broad range of insects spanning at least five orders, it is processed and stored by only a small number of species, most of which are bees and wasps in the superfamily Apoidea. Within this group, Apis mellifera has evolved remarkable adaptations facilitating nectar processing and storage; in doing so, this species utilizes the end product, honey, for diverse functions with few if any equivalents in other phytophagous insects. Honey and its phytochemical constituents, some of which likely derive from propolis, have functional significance in protecting honey bees against microbial pathogens, toxins, and cold stress, as well as in regulating development and adult longevity. The distinctive properties of A. mellifera honey appear to have arisen in multiple ways, including genome modification; partnerships with microbial symbionts; and evolution of specialized behaviors, including foraging for substances other than nectar. That honey making by A. mellifera involves incorporation of exogenous material other than nectar, as well as endogenous products such as antimicrobial peptides and royal jelly, suggests that regarding honey as little more than a source of carbohydrates for bees is a concept in need of revision.

Prospects of honey in fighting against COVID-19: pharmacological insights and therapeutic promises

Honey and its compounds are drawing attention as an effective natural therapy because of its ability to attenuate acute inflammation through enhancing immune response. Several studies have proved its potential healing capability against numerous chronic diseases/conditions, including pulmonary disorders, cardiac disorders, diabetes, hypertension, autophagy dysfunction, bacterial, and fungal infections. More importantly, honey has proved its virucidal effect on several enveloped viruses such as HIV, influenza virus, herpes simplex, and varicella-zoster virus. Honey may be beneficial for patients with COVID-19 which is caused by an enveloped virus SARS-CoV-2 by boosting the host immune system, improving comorbid conditions, and antiviral activities. Moreover, a clinical trial of honey on COVID-19 patients is currently undergoing. In this review, we have tried to summarize the potential benefits of honey and its ingredients in the context of antimicrobial activities, some chronic diseases, and the host immune system. Thus, we have attempted to establish a relationship with honey for the treatment of COVID-19. This review will be helpful to reconsider the insights into the possible potential therapeutic effects of honey in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effects of honey on SARS-CoV-2 replication and/or host immune system need to be further investigated by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Multi-element composition, physicochemical and pollen attributes of honeys from the Paraguaçu River (Bahia, Brazil) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES)

Honey is a food of nutritional, medicinal and commercial importance. The physicochemical characteristics, pollen spectrum and mineral composition of eighteen honey samples obtained from regions (Cachoeira, Coqueiros, Maragojipe and Santiago do Iguape) near the Paraguaçu River, Bahia, Brazil were evaluated. Botanical families Asteraceae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae and Palmae were most frequently found. Five samples had water contents above the maximum limit established by the Brazilian legislation (> 20%). The mineral composition was determined by ICP OES, after microwave digestion. Ca, K, Mg and Na were measured (mg Kg-1) in the range from: 18.85 to 79.61; 366.74 to 1214.98; 12.46 to 44.59 and 11.56 to 85.39, respectively. Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn had variable concentration ranges, between 0.05 and 6.13 mg Kg-1. Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se and V showed values below the LOD. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) demonstrated that there are no similarities of mineral composition among honey samples.

Hepatoprotective Effects of a Novel Trihoney against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comparative Study with Atorvastatin

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide with no curative therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of a novel Trihoney against biochemical and histological manifestations of NAFLD in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methodology. Forty-eight male New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits were grouped into normal diet (C), normal diet with 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney (C + H), 1% cholesterol diet (HCD), 1% cholesterol diet with 0.3 g/kg/day of Trihoney (HCD + H₁), 1% cholesterol diet with 0.6 g/kg/day of Trihoney (HCD + H₂), and 1% cholesterol diet with 2 mg/kg/day of atorvastatin (HCD + At.). Animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks of treatment. Serum lipids and liver function test (LFT) were measured prior to and at the endpoint of the experiment for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total bilirubin (T. Bil.). Liver was processed for histopathology study. Liver homogenate was analysed for oxidative stress parameters: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results. Lipid analysis approved the induction of hypercholesterolemia. A significant elevation (p < 0.01) of serum AST and ALT levels showed by the HCD group was compared to C and C + H groups. Trihoney exhibited a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of AST and ALT compared to the HCD group. Likewise, AST and ALT reduced significantly in the HCD + At. group (p < 0.001). Trihoney supplementation induced significant (p < 0.05) enhancement of SOD and GPx activities. Atorvastatin treatment was associated with significant (p < 0.05) reduction of SOD and GPx activities in the liver. Trihoney and atorvastatin showed marked (p < 0.001) reduction of hepatic lipid peroxidation. Trihoney showed histological protection against progression of NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Atorvastatin exhibited no beneficial impact on hepatic architecture. Conclusion. Trihoney was able to maintain normal liver function and showed hepatoprotection against progression of NAFLD to NASH probably through hypocholesterolaemic and antioxidant functions.

Phytochemicals, mineral contents, antioxidants, and antimicrobial activities of propolis produced by Brunei stingless bees Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetrigona binghami

The present study focused on the evaluation of phytochemical properties, essential mineral elements, and heavy metals contained in raw propolis produced by stingless bees Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetrigona binghami found in the same ecological conditions and environment in Brunei Darussalam. The results indicated that propolis of the three stingless bee species mainly consisted of lipids (45.60–47.86%) and very low carbohydrate (0.17–0.48%) and protein contents (0.18–1.18%). The propolis was rich in mineral elements, thus good sources of minerals, while they contained low concentrations of all heavy metals. Propolis of the different bee species could be distinguished based on their mineral compositions. The vibrational and absorption spectra suggested that propolis contains π-conjugated aliphatic and aromatic compounds as well as aromatic acids having amine, ester, carbonyl, alkyl, and hydroxyl functional groups which might be attributed to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The antioxidant capacity of the propolis, based on radical scavenging activity of their ethanol extract, was in line with their total phenolic content. The ethanol extract of the propolis also showed antimicrobial activities against four bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The propolis showed slightly higher antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) bacteria, indicating that the antimicrobial active compounds could be associated with flavonoids, which were quantified to be approximately comparable in all the propolis.

Association between consumption frequency of honey and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: results from a cross-sectional analysis based on the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) Cohort Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence has suggested the protective effects of honey consumption against the metabolic syndrome, but the association between honey intake and NAFLD is still unclear. We investigated how the consumption frequency of honey was associated with NAFLD in the general population. This was a cross-sectional study of 21 979 adults aged 20-90 years. NAFLD was diagnosed based on the ultrasound-diagnosed fatty liver without significant alcohol intake and other liver diseases. Diet information, including consumption frequency of honey, was assessed by a validated 100-item FFQ. OR with 95 % CI were calculated by the binary logistic regression model, adjusting for confounding factors identified by the directed acyclic graph. Overall, 6513 adults (29·6 %) had NAFLD. Compared with participants consuming ≤1 time/week of honey, the multivariable OR of NAFLD were 0·86 (95 % CI 0·77, 0·97) for 2-6 times/week and 1·10 (95 % CI 0·95, 1·27) for ≥1 times/d (Pfor trend = 0·90). The results were generally similar in subgroups of BMI at a cut-point of 24·0 kg/m2 (Pfor interaction = 0·10). In this large-scale study, consuming honey 2-6 times/week was inversely associated with NAFLD, whereas consuming honey ≥1 times/d had no association with NAFLD. These results need replication in other large-scale prospective studies.

Effect of long-term feeding of the Obudu natural honey and table sugar-sweetened diets on obesity and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in rats

Background

This study investigated long-term effect of the Obudu honey on selected biomarkers of energy storage regulation, compared to table sugar.

Methods

Fifty Wistar rats assigned to 5 groups of 10 rats each, were fed rat chow only (NC), 8% table sugar (S8%), 16% table sugar (S16%), 10% honey (H10%) and 20% honey (H20%) diets respectively, for 29 weeks. On dry weight basis, the percentages of table sugar and honey for each level of incorporation were equivalent. Diet intake, body weights and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured fortnightly. At the end of the study, serum glucose, insulin, leptin and tissue necrosis factor - α (TNF-α), wet weight of white adipose tissues (WAT) were measured.

Results

After an initial adjustment to the diets, there was no significant difference in diet consumed by female and male subgroups, except the female group fed H20% which was consistently lower than the NC and the corresponding S16% fed group (P < 0.05). Both honey and sugar incorporated diets caused significant body weight gain in the female animals compared to NC; an effect which was higher with the honey than sugar, and depended on the level of each sweetener used as well as feeding duration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, S8% and S16% diets increased leptin concentration in the female rats, by 35.8 and 45.3% respectively compared with NC and by 63.8 and 40.5% compared to H10% and H20% respectively (P < 0.05). Also, the S8% and S16% diets significantly increased serum insulin in the female subgroups compared to the corresponding honey-sweetened diets; and in both male and female rats when compared to NC (P < 0.05). Lastly, the S8% and S16% diets also caused a dose-dependent increase of TNF-α in both female and male rats compared to the H10% and H20% diets and the control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Data obtained from the study associated table sugar with obesigenic and inflammatory mechanisms more than the Obudu honey, particularly in the females. However, the data did not exempt the honey from obesigenic effect. The effects were subtle and may require a longer time to precipitate obesity.

Stingless Bee Honey Improves Spatial Memory in Mice, Probably Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Inositol 1,4,5-Triphosphate Receptor Type 1 (Itpr1) Genes

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stingless bee honey (SBH) supplementation on memory and learning in mice. Despite many studies that show the benefits of honey on memory, reports on the nootropic effects of SBH are still lacking, and their underlying mechanism is still unclear. SBH is a honey produced by the bees in the tribe of Meliponini that exist in tropical countries. It features unique storage of honey collected in cerumen pots made of propolis. This SBH may offer a better prospect for therapeutic performance as the previous report identifies the presence of antioxidants that were greater than other honey produced by Apis sp. In this study, SBH was tested on Swiss albino mice following acute (7 days) and semichronic (35 days) supplementation. Experiments were then conducted using Morris water maze (MWM) behaviour analysis, RT-PCR for gene expression of mice striatum, and NMR for metabolomics analysis of the honey. Results indicate spatial working memory and spatial reference memory of mice were significantly improved in the honey-treated group compared with the control group. Improved memory consolidations were also observed in prolonged supplementation. Gene expression analyses of acutely treated mice demonstrated significant upregulation of BDNF and Itpr1 genes that involve in synaptic function. NMR analysis also identified phenylalanine, an essential precursor for tyrosine that plays a role at the BDNF receptor. In conclusion, SBH supplementation for seven days at 2000 mg/kg, which is equivalent to a human dose of 162 mg/kg, showed strong capabilities to improve spatial working memory. And prolonged intake up to 35 days increased spatial reference memory in the mice model. The phenylalanine in SBH may have triggered the upregulation of BDNF genes in honey-treated mice and improved their spatial memory performance.

Investigation of some metals in honey samples from West Mediterranean region of Turkey

Analysis of elements content in honey is important for honey quality and safety and for monitoring of environmental pollution. The levels of 22 elements, aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), sodium (Na), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), gallium (Ga), indium (In), lithium (Li), thallium (Tl) and zinc (Zn), were determined in 70 samples obtained from beekeepers located in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey. Determination of elements content was carried out using ICP-OES. Chromium, Co, Cd, Ag, Bi, In and Tl were not detected in any of the tested honey samples. The most abundant metal was K which has an overall average of 764.26 mg kg-1. Higher concentrations of Pb, Ni, Mg, Na, K and Mn were found in the samples obtained from Burdur compared to other provinces. The levels of Cu were statistically lower in Antalya in comparison to other regions. No significant differences were observed in Al, Zn, Fe, Sr, Ba, Ca and Ga levels between regions. The differences in the chemistry of honey samples collected from different regions may be due to geochemical soil composition and geographical differences. Their levels were below to the European limits and the honeys are safe for human consumption.

Physicochemical analyses, antioxidant, antibacterial, and toxicity of propolis particles produced by stingless bee Heterotrigona itama found in Brunei Darussalam

In this study, the physicochemical, antioxidant, antibacterial properties, and the toxicity of propolis particles produced by stingless bee Heterotrigona itama found in Brunei Darussalam were investigated. Propolis particles of different sizes were extracted from raw propolis using various volume fractions of ethanol in water. Spectroscopic analyses were utilized to characterize the chemical structures, functional groups, as well as absorbance and fluorescence properties. The total antioxidant capacity of propolis particles, which was assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, was found to increase with volume fraction of ethanol. The maximum antioxidant capacity was as high as 317.65 mg ascorbic acid equivalent per gram of propolis particles. All of the propolis particles showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The diameters of the inhibition zone were either significantly higher or equivalent to those of two standard antibiotics (rifampicin and streptomycin), suggesting strong antibacterial activity. The toxicity studies of propolis particles against Caenorhabditis elegans revealed that they are non-toxic after 24 h exposure. Overall findings suggest that H. itama propolis particles are not only an important source of natural antioxidants that could be beneficial for human health, but they have potentials as antimicrobial against bacteria.

Minerals content in different types of local and branded honey in Sindh, Pakistan

The 15 honey samples were collected from diferent areas of Sindh, 8 samples were collected from local honey and 7 samples were purchase from local market Hyderabad Sindh. The 13 minerals were analyzed like potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co). The results of the major and trace elements in honey samples were found in the range from Na 77.5-200 mg/kg, K 225-439 mg/kg, Ca 46.1-98.1 mg/kg, Mg 31.3-73.8 mg/kg and trace elements Fe 2.98-16-2 mg/kg, Zn 1.11-4.1 mg/kg, Co 0.01-0.23 mg/kg, Cu 0.08-0.33 mg/kg, Mn 0.12-0.95 mg/kg, Cr 0.012-0.10 mg/kg, Ni 0.06-0.33 mg/kg, Pb 0.01-0.14 mg/kg, Cd 0.01-0.38 mg/kg. The results of K was found higher while the chromium was found lowest value in Sindh honeys. The statistical analysis correlation determination, principal components analysis and cluster analysis determined to evaluate the data.

Detection of Diazinon Residue in Honey and Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) in Bandar-Abbas and Meshkinshahr, Iran

BACKGROUND

The excessive use of pesticides for crops by farmers, their destructive effects on beneficial organisms, such as bees, have become a big problem today. This study was designed to find out if the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and the honey be affected by diazinon.

METHODS

Six hives were purchased, 3 hives in Bandar-Abbas and remaining were considered for Meshkinshahr. Plants around the hive were sprayed with diazinon at a concentration of 2/1000. Sampling took place 15d after spraying, and diazinon residue was measured by the HP TLC. The study was conducted in 2017-2018.

RESULTS

The amount of diazinon residue in honey and honey bee was measured and compared with existing studies. The amount of diazinon residue in honey bee was found to be 0.017mg/kg in Bandar Abbas, and 0.005mg/kg in Meshkinshahr hives. There was nothing in honey.

CONCLUSION

Honey is safe for consumers.

Honey and Its Role in Relieving Multiple Facets of Atherosclerosis

Honey, a natural sweetener has been used universally as a complete food and in complementary medicine since early antiquity. Honey contains over 180 substances, including sugars mainly fructose and glucose, water and a plethora of minor constituents such as vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. The chemical composition of honey varies depending on floral origin, environment and geographical conditions. The sugar components dominate honey composition and they are accountable for sensory and physicochemical properties in food industry. Although present in small quantities, non-sugar components are the major contributors to the health benefits of honey. Our review summarizes and discusses composition of honey, its protective effects and possible action modes on risk factors of atherosclerosis.

Honey in oral health and care: A mini review

BACKGROUND

Honey is a natural product made from the nectar of flowers by honey bees and has over 200 compounds in it, including sugars, water, organic acids, minerals and polyphenols - the exact structure and composition of honey often determined by which plant source(s) the honey bee took the nectar from. Honey has been used in diets and medicines for thousands of years; however, this review, for the first time, aims to look at its place in modern medicine concerning oral health.

HIGHLIGHT

The present review for the first time attempted to address the protective effect of honey in the oral care.

CONCLUSION

For the first time this review addresses the usefulness of honey against Streptococcus mutans infections, dental plaque and caries, gingivitis and halitosis. Honey was also useful in preventing side effects associated with treatment of cancers of the head and neck, namely, radiation induced mucositis, xerostomia and poor wound healing. This is well supported by evidence in literature and was examined in this review.

Therapeutic Properties of Stingless Bee Honey in Comparison with European Bee Honey

Both honeybees (Apis spp.) and stingless bees (Trigona spp.) produce honeys with high nutritional and therapeutics value. Until recently, the information regarding potential health benefits of stingless bee honey (SBH) in medical databases is still scarce as compared to the common European bee honey (EBH) which is well known for their properties as therapeutic agents. Although there have been very few reports on SBH, empirically these products would have similar therapeutic quality as the EBH. In addition, due to the structure of the nest, few studies reported that the antimicrobial activity of SBH is a little bit stronger than EBH. Therefore, the composition of both the types of honey as well as the traditional uses and clinical applications were compared. The results of various studies on EBH and SBH from tissue culture research to randomised control clinical trials were collated in this review. Interestingly, there are many therapeutic properties that are unique to SBH. Therefore, SBH has a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal uses.

A New Approach for Indexing Honey for Its Heath/Medicinal Benefits: Visualization of the Concept by Indexing Based on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

Background: The goals of the current study were to address a new concept termed a health benefits' index (HBI) and to verify the type of correlation between the pricing of honey and its HBI/medicinal properties. Diverse types of honey from different origins and places were investigated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Methods: We have utilized a modified protocol of the DPPH assay for measuring free radical scavenging and the microdilution test for the determination of antibacterial/antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). MICs were determined against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Candida albicans microorganisms. Employing a "combined benefits approach" enabled us to attach to each honey type a unique number of HBI that correlate with honey health and medicinal values. Results: The various types of honey demonstrated significant but variable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Types of wildflower-labeled honey were found to have a wide range of HBI values and medicinal properties, probably due to their containing different nectar contents/phytochemicals. Moreover, an inconsiderable correlation was detected between the market prices of different types of honey and their HBIs. Conclusions: The proposed index of health benefits could be recalculated/updated following measurement of more and more medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. This index could be used as an effective tool for consumers of honey to evaluate the real value of the purchased product.

Concentration of Minerals in Nectar Honeys from Direct Sale and Retail in Poland

The aim of the study was to compare the content of selected minerals in different nectar honeys (acacia, buckwheat, raspberry, linden, rapeseed, and multifloral) available on the Polish market. The degree to which the demand for eight minerals (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) by adults is met by a portion of 100 g of honey was estimated as well. The material consisted of 34 artisanal honeys from direct sale and 34 samples purchased from retail stores. The artisanal honeys contained significantly more K, Mg, and Mn, but significantly less Na and Fe than the honeys purchased from the retail stores. The raspberry honey contained significantly the most K and Ca (1104.7 and 68.8 mg kg^-1), the multifloral honey contained the most Ca and Mg (68.5 and 48.0 mg kg^-1), and the buckwheat honey contained the most Zn and Mn (3.97 and 4.96 mg kg^-1). The highest content of Na was shown in buckwheat and linden honeys (79.1 and 80.0 mg kg^-1). Consumption of 100 g of honey from direct sale satisfied from 2.5 to 4.5% of the recommended intakes for K and from 10.4 to 17.3% for Mn, while the same portion of honey from retail satisfied from 1.6 to 4.8% for Fe, and from 2.3 to 6.1% for Zn and Cu. The buckwheat honey met to the greatest degree the recommended dietary intakes for Mn (16.5-27.6%), followed by raspberry honey (10.0-16.7%) and multifloral honey (6.9-11.6%).

Review of polyphenol-rich products as potential protective and therapeutic factors against cadmium hepatotoxicity

Recently, the growing attention of the scientific community has been focused on the threat to health created by environmental pollutants, including toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), and on the need of finding effective ways to prevent and treat the unfavorable health effects of exposure to them. Particularly promising for Cd, and thus arousing the greatest interest, is the possibility of using various ingredients present in plants, including mainly polyphenolic compounds. As the liver is one of the target organs for this toxic metal and disturbances in the proper functioning of this organ have serious consequences for health, the aim of the present review was to discuss the possibility of using polyphenol-rich food products (e.g., chokeberry, black and green tea, blueberry, olive oil, rosemary and ginger) as the strategy in protection from this xenobiotic hepatotoxicity and treatment of this heavy metal-induced liver damage. Owing to the ability of polyphenols to bind ions of Cd and the strong antioxidative potential of these compounds, as well as their abundance in dietary products, it seems to be of high importance to consider the possibility of using polyphenols as potential preventive and therapeutic agents against Cd hepatotoxicity, determined by its strong pro-oxidative properties. Although most of the data on the effectiveness of polyphenols comes from studies in animals, the fact that some of them are derived from experimental models that reflect human exposure to this metal allows us to assume that some polyphenol-rich food products may be promising protective agents against Cd hepatotoxicity in humans.

Honey protects against wings posture error and molecular changes related to mitochondrial pathways induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in adult Drosophila melanogaster

We conducted an investigation to evaluate the effects of Brazilian Pampa biome honey and its major phenolic compounds on the development of an erected wings posture phenotype and related mitochondrial aspects induced by Hypoxia/Reoxygenation (H/R) in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were pre-treated for 3 days with a 10% honey solution and different concentrations of caffeic acid and ρ-coumaric acid and then submitted to hypoxia for 3 h. We observed that after reoxygenation, some flies acquired an erected wings posture and that this feature may be related to mortality. In addition, H/R induced down-regulation of ewg mRNA expression, which could be associated to the observed complex phenotype. H/R also caused a dysregulation in opa1-like, ldh and diap genes expression and reduced O₂ fluxes in flie's mitochondria. Honey mitigated opa1-like mRNA expression changes provoked by H/R. Differently from honey, caffeic and ρ-coumaric acids displayed no protective effects. In conclusion, we report for the first time the protective effects of honey against complex phenotypes and mitochondrial changes induced by H/R in adult flies.

HPTLC Fingerprinting-Rapid Method for the Differentiation of Honeys of Different Botanical Origin Based on the Composition of the Lipophilic Fractions

Bee honey possess various nutritional and medicinal functions, which are the result of its diverse chemical composition. The numerous bioactive compounds in honey come from flower nectar; thus, the identification of the specific chemical profiles of honey samples is of great importance. The lipophilic compounds from eight monofloral honeys (rape, buckwheat, clover, willow, milk thistle, dandelion, raspberry and sweet yellow clover) were investigated. Analyses of the lipophilic fractions obtained by UAE (ultrasound assisted extraction) and SPE (solid phase extraction) extractions were performed using high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Chromatographic and cluster analyses allowed the identification of a unique, colorful pattern of separated compounds with specific Rf values on the HPTLC plate for each type of monofloral honey. HPTLC is a simple and effective visual method of analysis, and it can serve as a basis for authenticating different types of honey.

Lipase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Sugar Esters in Honey and Agave Syrup

Honey and agave syrup are high quality natural products and consist of more than 80% sugars. They are used as sweeteners, and are ingredients of cosmetics or medical ointments. Furthermore, both have low water content, are often liquid at room temperature and resemble some known sugar-based deep eutectic solvents (DES). Since it has been shown that it is possible to synthesize sugar esters in these DESs, in the current work honey or, as vegan alternative, agave syrup are used simultaneously as solvent and substrate for the enzymatic sugar ester production. For this purpose, important characteristics of the herein used honey and agave syrup were determined and compared with other available types. Subsequently, an enzymatic transesterification of four fatty acid vinyl esters was accomplished in ordinary honey and agave syrup. Notwithstanding of the high water content for transesterification reactions of the solvent, the successful sugar ester formation was proved by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and compared to a sugar ester which was synthesized in a conventional DES. For a clear verification of the sugar esters, mass determinations by ESI-Q-ToF experiments and a NMR analysis were done. These environmentally friendly produced sugar esters have the potential to be used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, or to enhance their effectiveness.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity, Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Potential of Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Honeydew Honey Collected from Gorski kotar (Croatia)

The paper examines the antiproliferative, antimicrobial and antioxidative effects of fir (Abies alba Mill.) honeydew honey from mountain region of Croatia (Gorski kotar) as a potential replacement for standard antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. Cell viability, annexin V assay and flow cytometry analysis served to analyse the antiproliferative effect on, apoptosis induction in and cell death of cancer cell lines: HeLa, MCF-7, SW620, CFPAC-1, MIA PaCa-2 and normal diploid human fibroblasts (BJ). Antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter strains by agar well diffusion and microdilution assays. The DPPH˙ assay determined the radical scavenging activity, while mathematical models helped to evaluate the kinetic data of DPPH˙ inhibition. Antiproliferative effect on all tested cell lines and the prominent effect on normal diploid human fibroblasts (BJ), colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW620, metastatic) and breast epithelial adenocarcinoma (MCF-7, metastatic) was observable. The mechanisms of antiproliferative effect included accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase in all tested cells and induction of apoptosis in SW620 and MCF-7 cells predominantly. The antibacterial assays showed that antibiotic-resistant strains of both bacteria, including multi-resistant strain A. baumannii ATCC® BAA-1605™, were sensitive to all tested honey samples. Radical scavenging assay suggests that antioxidants present in the honey possess different radical suppressing abilities and that they react at different rates with radicals, thereby causing two steps of reaction. The results of the study indicate that Croatian fir honeydew honey has a therapeutic potential due to the strong biological activity and can serve to protect human health.

Standardization, anti-carcinogenic potential and biosafety of Indian propolis

Background

Propolis from apiculture is known for wide range of medicinal properties owing to its vast chemical constituents including polyphenols, flavonoids and anticancer agent Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE).

Objectives

The objective of the study was to extract and standardize Indian propolis (IP) with respect to selected markers by newly developed High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, to evaluate in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and biosafety of Indian propolis.

Materials and methods

IP was extracted, optimized and standardized using a newly developed and validated HPLC method for simultaneous estimation of caffeic acid, apigenin, quercetin and CAPE. The standardised ethanolic extract of IP (EEIP) was screened for in vitro cytotoxicity using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, in vivo anti-carcinogenic effect against Dalton’s Lymphoma ascites (DLA) cells, hemolytic effect and pesticide analysis.

Results

The EEIP was found to contain more amount of total flavonoids (23.61 ± 0.0452 mg equivalent of quercetin/g), total polyphenolics (34.82 ± 0.0785 mg equivalent of gallic acid/g) and all selected markers except caffeic acid compared to all other extracts. EEIP showed better anti-cancer potential than CAPE on MCF-7 and HT-29 cell line and significant (p < 0.01) in vivo anti-carcinogenic effects against DLA in comparison with 5-fluorouracil. EEIP was found to be non-hemolytic.

Conclusion

From in vitro cytotoxicity, in vivo anti-carcinogenicity and biosafety studies it can be concluded that the standardized EEIP is safe and can be considered for further development as a biomedicine.

Undervalued and ignored: Are humans poorly adapted to energy-dense foods?

In many species the capacity to accurately differentiate the energy density (kcal/g) of foods is critical because it greatly improves efficiency in foraging. In modern humans this ability remains intact and is expressed in a selective preference for types of fruit and vegetables that contain more calories. However, humans evolved consuming these low energy-dense foods (typically < 1.75 kcal/g) and it remains unclear whether they can also discriminate more energy-dense foods that now feature in modern Western diets. In two experiment participants (both N = 40) completed four tasks that assessed the 'value' of different sets of 22 foods that ranged in energy density (0.1 kcal/g-5.3 kcal/g and range 0.1 kcal/g to 6.2 kcal/g in Experiment 1 and 2, respectively). In Experiment 1 three measures (expected fullness, calorie estimation, and food choice), and in foods less than approximately 1.5 kcal/g (typically fruits and vegetables), the relationship between perceived value and energy density is linear. Above this, we observed clear compressive functions, indicating relative and progressive undervaluation of higher energy-dense foods. The fourth task (rated liking) failed to provide evidence for any relationship with energy density. In Experiment 2 the same pattern was replicated in measures of expected fullness, and in two different assessments of subjective calorie content. Consistent with the concept of 'evolutionary discordance,' this work indicates that modern human physiology is poorly adapted to evaluate foods that have a historically unusual (high) energy density. This has implications both for our understanding of how 'modern' energy-dense foods affect choice and energy intake, and for strategies aimed at removing calories from highly energy-rich foods.

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.

Pesticide Residues in Honey from the Major Honey Producing Forest Belts in Ghana

Concentrations of pesticides residues in honey sampled from the major honey producing forest belts in Ghana were determined. Samples were purposively collected and extracted using the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method and analysed for synthetic pyrethroids, organochlorine, and organophosphate pesticide residues. Aldrin, γ-HCH, β-HCH, ∑endosulfan, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin methoxychlor, ∑DDT, chlorpyrifos, fenvalerate, malathion, dimethoate, and diazinon were all detected at the concentration of 0.01 mg/kg, while cyfluthrin and permethrin were detected at mean concentrations of 0.02 and 0.04 mg/kg, respectively. All the pesticide residues detected were very low and below their respective maximum residue limits set by the European Union. Hence, pesticide residues in honey samples analyzed do not pose any health risk to consumers.

Honey: Single food stuff comprises many drugs

Honey is a natural food item produced by honey bees. Ancient civilizations considered honey as a God gifted prestigious product. Therefore, a huge literature is available regarding honey importance in almost all religions. Physically, honey is a viscous and jelly material having no specific color. Chemically, honey is a complex blend of many organic and inorganic compounds such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, pigments, minerals, and many other elements. Honey use as a therapeutic agent is as old as human civilization itself. Prior to the appearance of present day drugs, honey was conventionally used for treating many diseases. At this instant, the modern research has proven the medicinal importance of honey. It has broad spectrum anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities. Honey prevents and kills microbes through different mechanism such as elevated pH and enzyme activities. Till now, no synthetic compound that works as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs has been reported in honey yet it works against bacteria, viruses and fungi while no anti-protozoal activity has been reported. Potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous activities of honey have been reported. Honey is not only significant as anti-inflammatory drug that relieve inflammation but also protect liver by degenerative effects of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. This article reviews physico-chemical properties, traditional use of honey as medicine and mechanism of action of honey in the light of modern scientific medicinal knowledge.

Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits

BACKGROUND

There are several health benefits that honeybee products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly claim toward various types of diseases in addition to being food.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

In this paper, the effects of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on different metabolic diseases, cancers, and other diseases have been reviewed. The modes of actions of these products have also been illustrated for purposes of better understanding.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

An overview of honey, propolis, and royal jelly and their biological potentials was highlighted. The potential health benefits of honey, such as microbial inhibition, wound healing, and its effects on other diseases, are described. Propolis has been reported to have various health benefits related to gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and gynecological, oral, and dermatological problems. Royal jelly is well known for its protective effects on reproductive health, neurodegenerative disorders, wound healing, and aging. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of action of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on the abovementioned diseases and activities have not been not fully elucidated, and further research is warranted to explain their exact contributions.

Honey as a Complementary Medicine

The beneficial effects of honey on human health have long been recognized. Today, many of those positive effects have been studied to elucidate its mode of action. This review briefly summarizes the best studied features of honey, highlighting it as an appealing alternative medicine. In these reports, the health benefits of honey range from antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activity to anticancer action, metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, prebiotic properties, human pathogen control, and antiviral activity. These studies also support that the honey's biological activity is mainly dependent on its floral or geographic origin. In addition, some promising synergies between honey and antibiotics have been found, as well as some antiviral properties that require further investigation. Altogether, these studies show that honey is effectively a nutraceutical foodstuff.

Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Toxic Activities of Propolis from Two Native Bees in Brazil: Scaptotrigona depilis and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides

Propolis is a natural mixture of compounds produced by various bee species, including stingless bees. This compound has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antitumor activities. The present study aimed to determine the chemical constituents as well as the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and toxic activities of ethanol extracts of propolis obtained from the stingless bees Scaptotrigona depilis and Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides, which are found in Brazil. Phytosterols, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and tocopherol were identified in the ethanol extracts of propolis (EEPs) in different concentrations. The compounds stigmasterol, taraxasterol, vanilic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin were found only in EEP-M. The EEPs were able to scavenge the free radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and protected human erythrocytes against lipid peroxidation, with the latter effect being demonstrated by their antihemolytic activity and inhibition of malondialdehyde formation. The EEPs showed cytotoxic activity against erythroleukemic cells and necrosis was the main mechanism of death observed. In addition, the concentrations at which the EEPs were cytotoxic were not toxic against Caenorhabditis elegans. In this context, it is concluded that EEP-S and EEP-M show antioxidant and cytotoxic activities and are promising bioactive mixtures for the control of diseases associated with oxidative stress and tumor cell proliferation.

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.

Characterization, chemometric evaluation, and human health-related aspects of essential and toxic elements in Italian honey samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Concentration values of 24 elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) were determined in 72 honey samples produced in Italy by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Considering the recommended established heavy metal daily intakes for humans, in this perspective, an equilibrated and ordinary honey consumption should not be considered matter of concerns for human health, even if particular attention should be addressed if honey is consumed by children, due to different maximum daily heavy metal intakes. Chemometric analysis of the results obtained highlights heavy metal content differences in honey samples obtained from notoriously polluted zones, confirming then that honey can be considered a bio-indicator of environmental pollution. Finally, Pearson coefficients highlighted correlations among element contents in honey samples.

Content of metals and metabolites in honey originated from the vicinity of industrial town Košice (eastern Slovakia)

Composition of three types of honey (mixed forest honey and monofloral-black locust and rapeseed honeys) originated from the vicinity of an industrial town (Košice, Slovak Republic) was compared. Higher content of minerals including toxic metals in forest honey (1358.6 ng Ni/g, 85.6 ng Pb/g, and 52.4 ng Cd/g) than in rapeseed and black locust honeys confirmed that botanical origin rather than the distance for eventual source of pollution (steel factory) affects metal deposition. Benzoic acid derivatives were typically more accumulated in forest but cinnamic acid derivatives and some flavonoids in rapeseed honey (in free and/or glycoside-bound fraction). In terms of quantity, p-hydroxybenzoic and p-coumaric acids were mainly abundant. Total phenols, thiols, and proteins were abundant in forest honey. Some metals and phenols contributed to separation of honeys based on principal component analysis (PCA). Native amount of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural was not related to honey type (~11 μg/g) and was elevated after strong acid hydrolysis (200-350 μg/g) but it did not interfere with the assay of phenols by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. This is the first report of metals and metabolites in the same study, and data are discussed with available literature. We conclude that black locust (acacia) honey is the most suitable for daily use and that central European monofloral honeys contain lower amounts of toxic metals in comparison with other geographical regions.