Evaluation of honeys and bee products quality based on their mineral composition using multivariate techniques

Determination of Trace, Micro and Macro Elemental Concentration of Eritrean Honeys

In this study macro, micro and trace elemental concentrations were measured in Eritrean acacia honey samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (Al, B, C, K, Mg, Na, P and S) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn). The concentration of essential elements in the examined Eritrean acacia honeys decreased in the following order: K > P > Ca > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Sr > Mo. Independent samples T test was used to determine the statistically verified differences between the two regions, but there was none; however there were remarkable differences among the measured element contents of specific honey samples. Elemental concentrations of Eritrean honeys are influenced by the characteristics of the collecting area (e.g. elevation, agricultural activities, water resources).Our samples showed low essential elemental concentration; therefore the consumption of these honeys does not contribute significantly to the nutrition reference value (NRV) (around 1% of NRV). Toxic elemental concentrations were also low; thus the calculated estimated daily intakes were much lower than the tolerable daily intakes. Consumption of these honeys presents no risk for the human body.

Determination of Lead in Bee Products by Solid Surface Fluorescence Using Complexation and Coacervation at Room Temperature Processes. An Environmental Friendly Methodology

An accurate, economic and green methodology for Pb(II) monitoring in bee products is proposed. Complexed metal traces were preconcentrated on Nylon membranes using the coacervation phenomenon based on room temperature reaction between the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and the bile salt sodium cholate. The increase in solid surface fluorescence signal of dyes 8-hydroxyquinoleine and o-phenanthroline due to Pb(II) presence was used for the metal quantification. Experimental variables that influence on preconcentration step and fluorimetric sensitivity were optimized using uni-varied assays. Pb(II) concentration was determined on membranes by solid surface fluorescence at λem = 470 nm (λexc = 445 nm), using a solid sample holder. The calibration at optimal experimental conditions showed a LOD of 4.2 × 10-4 mg Kg-1 with a linear range of 1.28 × 10-3 mg Kg-1 to 8.73 mg Kg-1 and was successfully applied to Pb(II) quantification in different bee products produced in central west region of Argentina. The proposed methodology was applied to all samples after appropriate dilution. Accuracy methodology was evaluated by comparison of the obtained results with those found by ICP-MS, with percentage relative error under 8%. The precision was better than 0.0344 CV for Pb(II) determination.

Assessment of essential minerals and physico-chemical analysis of floral origins fresh honey produced by Apis mellifera

Abstract Honey is one of the best nutritious substances in the world, having different services in the body functions regulation. Ten elements (K, Na, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se) from honey samples were analyzed from 80 different locations of Punjab and ten floras. The aim of the present study was to determine the quality and quantity of minerals and Physico-chemical analysis in honey. A flame photometer was used to measure the concentration of major minerals (K, Ca and Na). The concentration of micro minerals (Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se) was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The concentration of macro-elements obtained was as follow (in ppm): K (166-1732), Na (107-418) and Ca (07-99), while the concentration of microelements (in ppm) Co (1-2), Cr (>1), Mn (<1), Mo (1.818), Ni (1.911), Pb (<1) and Se (1.968). The most abundant minerals were potassium, calcium and sodium, ranging between 396-810.5, 17.5-640.63 and 169.88-238.62 ppm, respectively. However, the trace mineral elements of honey were obtained in the order of decreasing Se > Co > Ni > Pb > Cr > Mo > Mn. The findings showed that all the heavy metals like Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were present in trace amounts and close to International Honey Quality Standard. The result of given honey samples represented highest value of moisture (31.23%), color (80 mm pfund), pH (8.23), acidity (72.02 meq/kg), electrical conductivity (0.85 ms/cm) and ash contents (0.83%).

Honey Origin Authentication via Mineral Profiling Combined with Chemometric Approaches

In the present study, the potential of elemental analysis combined with statistical tools to identify honey origin was evaluated by mineral characterization of 173 honeys of 13 floral types (acacia, fir, spruce, linden, chestnut, lavender, coriander, thistle, honeydew, rosemary, sage, euphorbia and ziziphus plant species) collected from five geographical regions (Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco). The objective of the study was to accurately and reliably differentiate the mineral composition among honey varieties. The aim was to establish traceability, to ensure product authenticity and to improve quality control measures within the honey industry. For this purpose, 18 major, minor and trace elements were quantified using microwave digestion, followed by ICP-MS measurement. Statistical evaluation of elemental concentration was undertaken using principal component analysis (PCA) to distinguish honey floral types. The research give light on the specific elements that can serve as indicators for determining the geographical and botanical source of honey. Our findings indicate that certain elements, such as Mn, K, and Ca, are primarily influenced by the type of pollen present in the honey, making them indicative of the floral source. On the other hand, levels of Na, Mg, and Fe were found to be more strongly influenced by environmental factors and can be considered as markers of geographical origin. One novel aspect of this research is the exploration of the relationship between honey minerals and honey botanical source. This was achieved through the analysis of chestnut tree samples and a subsequent comparison with the composition of chestnut honey.

Total Active Compounds and Mineral Contents in Wolffia globosa

Wolffia globosa, or watermeal, is an aquatic plant belonging to the Lemnaceae family that is consumed as food and sold in local markets of Thailand. The aim of this study was to quantify selected active compounds and minerals in W. globosa ethanolic extract and evaluate its antioxidant activity. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents were analyzed. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the determination of beta-carotene, ferulic acid, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and kaempferol. Mineral contents (iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and sodium) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Antioxidative activity was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging assays. The beta-carotene, ferulic acid, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and kaempferol contents of the extract were 2.52 ± 0.10, 1.40 ± 0.10, 2.42 ± 0.50, and 1.57 ± 0.14 mg/g extract, respectively. The highest mineral content in the W. globosa extract was magnesium. The wet extract of W. globosa showed higher amounts of all minerals than the dry extract. Freshly prepared and boiled W. globosa extracts showed radical scavenging activity at 1000 µg/milliliter with 75.77 ± 0.93% and 67.10 ± 0.20% inhibition of DPPH and 70.40 ± 7.20% and 59.78 ± 3.16% inhibition of ABTS, respectively. This plant is a promising novel source of natural phytochemical constituents and antioxidants and has potential for development as a plant-based nutraceutical product for the treatment of diseases caused by free radicals.

Biomonitoring of element contamination in bees and beehive products in the Rome province (Italy)

In this study, we determined the levels of elements (i.e. As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, U, and Zn) in bees and edible beehive products (honey, wax, pollen, and propolis) sampled from five selected sites in the Rome province (Italy).

RATIONALE

to increase the information variety endowment, the monitoring breakdown structure (MBS) conceptual model was used (nine elements, 429 samples, and approximately thirteen thousand determinations over a 1-year survey). Thus, we employed Johnson's probabilistic method to build the control charts. Then, we measured the element concentration overlap ranges and the overlap bioaccumulation index (OBI). Subsequently, we evaluated the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the analysed elements and matched them with acceptable reference doses. The human health risk caused by the intake of individual elements found in edible beehive products and their risk summation were evaluated through the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) methods.

FINDINGS

excluding honey, this study confirms the capacity of wax, pollen, propolis, and bees to accumulate high levels of toxic and potentially toxic elements from the surrounding environment (with high OBI-U, i.e. OBI-Upper values, i.e. the common upper concentration limit of the overlap concentration range). Bees and pollen showed a high bioaccumulation Cd surplus (OBI-U = 44.0 and 22.3, respectively). On the contrary, honey had high OBI-L values (i.e. honey concentrates metals several times less than the common lower concentration limit of the overlap concentration range). This finding implies that honey is useless as an environmental indicator compared with the other biomonitor/indicators. The EDI values for the edible beehive products were lower than the health and safety reference doses for all the considered elements. Our data show that honey, wax, propolis, and pollen are safe for consumption by both adults and children (THQ < 1; HI < 1), even considering the sporadic possibility of consuming them simultaneously.

ORIGINALITY

This study has been conducted for the first time in the Rome province and demonstrates that edible indicators are safe for consumption for the considered elements in bees and edible beehive products. Depending on the ecosystem/pollutants studied, the OBI consents to make a correct choice for environmental biomonitoring studies and to focus the attention on the most sensitive biomonitors/indicators when required at the project level.

Analysis of Mercury Concentration in Honey from the Point of View of Human Body Exposure

Honey is a highly valued product due to its nutritional value, pro-health and healing properties. Pollutants from the environment penetrate into nectar, honeydew, pollen and next into bee products and can cause human exposure after ingestion. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal to living organisms. This is why it was important to determine the level of Hg in consumed honey.The aim of this manuscript is to analyse mercury concentration in honeys collected on the territory of Poland. A total of 108 samples of honey purchased in regional apiaries and hypermarkets were tested. The concentration of Hg was analysed in various types of honey (multifloral, honeydew, linden, goldenrod, acacia, buckwheat, rapeseed, sunflower, heather, dandelion, phacelia). The values of the Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) and % Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (% PTWI) were calculated. This allowed estimating the amount of Hg taken during consumption of the tested honeys.The concentration of Hg ranged from 0.01 to 1.71 µg/kg and was 0.43 µg/kg on average. A higher concentration of Hg, which was statistically significant, was recorded in honeydew honey, then in compound honeys. Honeys produced from one raw material had the lowest concentration of Hg. There were no significant differences in the concentration of Hg depending on the origin of honey. The calculations have shown that consumption of a portion (19 g) of the tested honey per week is safe for both adults and children according to the applicable standards.

New Insights into Potential Beneficial Effects of Bioactive Compounds of Bee Products in Boosting Immunity to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Zinc and Polyphenols

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). Populations at risk as well as those who can develop serious complications are people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and the elderly. Severe symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated with immune failure and dysfunction. The approach of strengthening immunity may be the right choice in order to save lives. This review aimed to provide an overview of current information revealing the importance of bee products in strengthening the immune system against COVID-19. We highlighted the immunomodulatory and the antiviral effects of zinc and polyphenols, which may actively contribute to improving symptoms and preventing complications caused by COVID-19 and can counteract viral infections. Thus, this review will pave the way for conducting advanced experimental research to evaluate zinc and polyphenols-rich bee products to prevent and reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Levels of trace elements and rare earth elements in honey from Jordan

Honey is a common sweetener in the Jordanian diet with an annual consumption of approximately one thousand tons, two-thirds of which are imported. It is believed that the elemental profile of honey is an indicator of safety and botanical and geographic origin. In the literature, there are a lack of studies concerning the levels of major and trace elements in honey in Jordan. A total of 46 elements, including 15 rare earth elements (REEs), were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 18 monofloral and multifloral imported honey samples and 12 multifloral local samples. Regarding monofloral samples, Black Forest samples had the highest total metal content, while acacia samples had the lowest total metal content. Local multifloral honey had the largest Sr and total REE levels, while it had the lowest Mn levels. Very low levels of toxic elements were found in all samples, indicating the safety of honey in Jordan for human consumption. The results of this study showed that a large number of samples (> 100) and the application of advanced statistical models are required to discriminate between multifloral imported and local honey.

Detection of syrup adulterants in manuka and jarrah honey using HPTLC-multivariate data analysis

High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was used in a chemometric investigation of the derived sugar and organic extract profiles of two different honeys (Manuka and Jarrah) with adulterants. Each honey was adulterated with one of six different sugar syrups (rice, corn, golden, treacle, glucose and maple syrups) in five different concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% w/w). The chemometric analysis was based on the combined sugar and organic extract profiles’ datasets. To obtain the respective sugar profiles, the amount of fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose present in the honey was quantified and for the organic extract profile, the honey’s dichloromethane extract was investigated at 254 and 366 nm, as well as at T (Transmittance) white light and at 366 nm after derivatisation. The presence of sugar syrups, even at a concentration of only 10%, significantly influenced the honeys’ sugar and organic extract profiles and multivariate data analysis of these profiles, in particular cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), partial least-squares regression (PLSR) and Machine Learning using an artificial neural network (ANN), were able to detect post-harvest syrup adulterations and to discriminate between neat and adulterated honey samples. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis, for instance, could easily differentiate between neat and adulterated honeys through the use of CA or PCA plots. In particular the presence of excess amounts of maltose and sucrose allowed for the detection of sugar adulterants and adulterated honeys by HPTLC-multivariate data analysis. Partial least-squares regression and artificial neural networking were employed, with augmented datasets, to develop optimal calibration for the adulterated honeys and to predict those accurately, which suggests a good predictive capacity of the developed model.

Quality, composition and health-protective properties of citrus honey: A review

Citrus honey is one of the most important monofloral honeys produced and consumed worldwide. This honey has pleasant sensorial characteristics, which include light color and typical aroma and flavor. Besides that, several constituents such as minerals, phenolic and volatile compounds, amino acids, sugars, enzymes, vitamins, methylglyoxal and organic acids are found in citrus honey. Moreover, potential biological properties have been associated with citrus honey. All these factors make it highly desired by consumers, increasing its market value, which can stimulates the practice of fraud. Also, citrus honey is susceptible to contamination and to inadequate processing. All these factors can compromise the quality, safety and authenticity of citrus honey. In this sense, this review aims to update and to discuss, for the first time, the data available in the literature about the physicochemical and the sensorial characteristics, composition, health properties, contamination, authenticity and adulteration of citrus honey. With this background, we aim to provide data that can guide future researches related to this honey.

Difference in pesticides, trace metal(loid)s and drug residues between certified organic and conventional honeys from Croatia

Quality and safety of food, including honey, is one of the leading priorities regarding residues of anthropogenic chemicals with proven adverse health effects. In total, 61 honey samples of known botanical origin were collected in period 2018-2019 from Croatian registered organic and conventional beekeepers (N = 16 organic and N = 45 conventional honey samples). Eleven trace metal(loid)s (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn; quantitated by ICP-MS), 24 antibiotics (LC-MS/MS, ELISA, microbiological inhibition test), six indicator PCBs (GC-MS/MS) and 121 pesticides (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS) originating from environment and/or beekeeping practice were measured to assess possible differences in contaminant residues between organic and conventional honeys. All honey samples had contaminant residues below the legal maximum levels and are considered safe for consumers. However, 2/16 organic and 34/45 conventional honeys contained one or two synthetic acaricides (most frequently coumaphos), while other pesticides, antibiotics and PCBs were not quantified. Also, organic honey contained lower levels of coumaphos, amitraz and amitraz metabolite N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl) formamide than conventional honeys, on average. Higher levels of Cr (p = 0.006) were detected in organic compared to conventional chestnut honeys. This study pinpointed beehive disease control treatment as prominent pesticide residue source, which was to some extent reduced in organic honeys. Quantified pesticide and metal(loid) levels were within range or lower than reported in recent literature regarding honey of the same botanical origin.

The influence of honey enrichment with bee pollen or bee bread on the content of selected mineral components in multifloral honey

Bee products, such as honey, pollen, and bee bread, are an excellent source of bioactive ingredients, including minerals, having a health-supporting effect. However, due to the specific sensory properties of bee pollen and bee bread, the best way to include them in a diet is to add them to honey. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the added bee pollen or bee bread on selected minerals content in multifloral honey. The mineral content was analyzed using absorption atomic spectrometry (FAAS) with prior dry mineralization. On the basis of obtained results, it was found that the addition of bee pollen or bee bread to honey significantly influences the content of selected macro- and microelements, excluding sodium. The greatest increase in mineral content was observed for magnesium, iron, and zinc. Enrichment of honey with the highest dose of bee pollen or bee bread resulted in an over 20-fold increase in the Mg and Fe content, and an over 14-fold increase in the Zn content. Honey enriched with the maximum addition of bee pollen was characterized by a higher content of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu compared to honey with bee bread. Due to a fact that both bee pollen and bee bread are good sources of minerals, their addition to honey significantly increases its ability to cover daily demand for macro- and microelements.

Modern Methods for Assessing the Quality of Bee Honey and Botanical Origin Identification

This paper is a summary of the latest literature on methods for assessing quality of natural bee honey. The publication briefly characterizes methods recommended by the International Honey Commission, published in 2009, as well as newer methods published in the last 10 years. Modern methods of assessing honey quality focus mainly on analyzing markers of individual varieties and classifying them into varieties, using, among others, near infrared spectroscopy techniques (NIR), potentiometric tongue, electronic nose, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), zymography, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA metabarcoding, and chemometric techniques including partial least squares (PLS), principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural networks (ANN). At the same time, effective techniques for analyzing adulteration, sugar, and water content, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), polyphenol content, and diastase activity are being sought. Modern techniques enable the results of honey quality testing to be obtained in a shorter time, using the principles of green chemistry, allowing, at the same time, for high precision and accuracy of determinations. These methods are constantly modified, so that the honey that is on sale is a product of high quality. Prospects for devising methods of honey quality assessment include the development of a fast and accurate alternative to the melissopalynological method as well as quick tests to detect adulteration.

Multielemental characterization of honey using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry fused with chemometrics

Honey is considered a desirable ingredient in a range of different foodstuffs because of its nutrient and therapeutic effect. The honey characteristics mainly depend on the type of vegetation visited by the bees and the climatic conditions in which the plants are growing. Therefore, the purity, floral and geographical origin and authenticity are important factors influencing the overall perception of honey and honey-based products in terms of quality and price. An important parameter in this picture is the elemental composition of honey because it can be linked with the floral type of honey, floral plant density and the botanical origin of nectar and pollens. In this work, the concentration range variation of 18 elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, K, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) was investigated in four varieties of honey (linden, acacia, rape, and sunflower) originating from Romania, because the elemental profile of honey may give important information to differentiate its geographical and varietal origin for authenticity purpose. All the determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-Q-MS). The most abundant minerals decreased in the following order: K > Ca > Mg > Na, having the mean values of 248.70, 59.97, 20.54 and 11.92 mg kg^-1 , respectively. The mineral content marks the differences in honey samples from different botanical origin and can be used as a tool for authentication purposes and also extends its applicability to assess the traceability of honey. Analysis of variance showed the preliminary relationships between the elements and samples. Further, the discrimination between different studied honey samples was achieved by principal component analysis (PCA). The multivariate analysis of the data allowed us to separate the honey samples into distinct groups according to their macroelement and microelement composition, emphasizing the origin of variation of element concentrations by honey type. Therefore, this approach might be potentially useful for the control of honey quality, origin or authenticity, and even to use the honey as environmental tracer.

Trace and rare earth elements in monofloral and multifloral honeys from Northwestern Italy; A first attempt of characterization by a multi-elemental profile

BACKGROUND

Metals are a minor constituent in honey, but they have been suggested to be a potential tool to characterize honeys according to their botanical or geographical origin.

METHODS

A total of 40 metals were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry in monofloral and multifloral honeys from Northwestern Italy. PCA and ANOVA were used to discriminate honeys according to the various floral types.

RESULTS

The highest levels of trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) were found in chestnut honey, while the lowest concentrations were recorded in acacia and rhododendron honeys. Rubidium and aluminum were the most represented nonessential elements, while manganese, iron, zinc and copper had the highest values of the essential elements. Potentially toxic elements arsenic, cadmium and lead were close to or below the limit of quantification.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed significant differences in metal concentrations according to honey floral type, reflecting the strong influence of botanical origin on the chemical composition of this particular food.

Metal Content of Nutritional and Toxic Value in Different Types of Brazilian Propolis

Brazilian raw propolis samples (brown, green, red, and yellow) were investigated to evaluate the content of three elements of nutritional value (Cu, K, and Se) and three toxic metals (As, Cd, and Pb). The propolis samples (n = 19) were obtained from different regions of Brazil and analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion. A descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out, and nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney) were performed to verify the differences in metal contents. The elemental concentrations of the Brazilian propolis were in the following ranges: As < 0.048-8.47 μg·g-1, Pb < 0.006-0.72 μg·g-1, Cu 0.57-11.60 μg·g-1, Se < 0.041-0.54 μg·g-1, and K 0.23-7.94 mg·g-1; Cd was below LOD (0.008 μg·g-1) in all samples, except one. Seven samples exceeded the limits defined for As or Pb by the Brazilian regulation.

Assessment of Toxic and Trace Elements in Multifloral Honeys from Two Regions of Continental Croatia

Element concentrations were measured in multifloral honeys sampled from Central and Eastern Croatia. The mean levels of elements ranged from (µg/kg): Al 323-7228, Cu 103-1033, Cr 14.4-139, Fe 295-2336, Ni 122-523, Pb 9.65-154, Zn 442-2025. In all samples, As and Cd content were below the LOD values. Significant differences in the concentrations of Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn (p < 0.01) were found in honeys from different locations within regions and within locations of each region. Also, significant differences in total element contents between the two regions were determined for Cr and Cu (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in total Al, Fe, Pb and Zn levels between regions. The highest Al, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations were measured in Central Croatia, while Ni and Pb in Eastern Croatia. The results confirm the decisive influence of collection location on the composition of toxic and trace elements in honey.

Mineral Content in Honeybee Wax Combs as a Measurement of the Impact of Environmental Factors

Environmental pollution from metals needs to be constantly monitored due to their predominantly negative impacts on living organisms. As apian products stored in hives are considered useful bioindicators, the objective of this study was to: (a) investigate and compare the essential and toxic metal concentrations in freshly constructed combs (light combs, LC) and old combs (dark combs, DC) in use for two to three beekeeping seasons, and (b) compare the mineral content of beeswax combs from apiaries exposed to different levels of environmental pollution using the energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence method. Concentrations of ten elements (Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, Mn, Sr, Rb, Ca) were determined in 18 honeybee wax comb samples from three apiaries in continental Croatia. The results showed that the influence of comb age and/or geographical origin (representing varying levels of environmental pollution exposure) on the elemental composition of beeswax was evident for the toxic elements Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni, and for the essential elements Fe, Zn, Mn and Sr, but not Rb. In addition to monitoring the environmental element content, wax combs can be used to determine contamination levels. Additionally, in-time analysis results can enable beekeepers to adjust management practices, such as moving apiaries to better positions. They can also be useful in the creation of policies on acceptable limits for toxic metal levels in particular geographical areas.

Pesticide and trace element residues in honey and beeswax combs from Israel in association with human risk assessment and honey adulteration

Beehive products are considered sentinels for environmental pollutants. The presence of trace elements and pesticides in honey and beeswax may pose a health hazard to consumers. The study's aim was to determine the profile of pesticides and trace elements in Israeli honey and beeswax samples in relation to human risk assessment. At least two pesticides contaminated the honey and beeswax samples simultaneously, in which, amitraz metabolites and coumaphos were frequently detected. The neonicotinoid insecticides and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, were found only in honey samples, whereas the more lipophilic pesticides were predominantly found in beeswax. In honey, chromium displayed the highest mean concentration, followed by zinc, whereas lead and molybdene occurred only in beeswax. Our findings indicate that the daily consumption of honey and beeswax together may compromise children's health. Sucrose-syrup fed honey could not be distinguished from floral honey based on sugar profile, rather by its trace elements levels.

Bioactive compounds evaluation in different types of Czech and Slovak honeys

Honey contains important bioactive compounds (enzymes, phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals) with several positive health effects for humans. In the study six types of honey (acacia, rape, floral, multi flower, forest, and honeydew honeys), of Czech and Slovak origin, were evaluated for bioactive compounds by means of color, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity analyses. The brightest color of honeys, the lowest values measured spectometrically, had acacia and rape honeys, followed by floral, and darker multi flower and forest honeys, and honeydew honeys. Polyphenols (PP) amount, determined by spectrophotometric method with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, was highest for the darkest honeydew honeys, followed by multi flower and forest honey, brighter floral honeys, and rape and acacia honey. Honeys polyphenols were in the range from 54.0 to 254.2 mg GAE.100g-1. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analyzed by spectrometric methods with ABTS and DPPH reagents. Antioxidant capacity values are in agreement with the PP contents order. They were highest also for honeydew honeys (59.2 - 89.6 and 73.1 - 118.7 mg TE.100g-1), followed by multi flower (66.0 and 56.7 mg TE.100g-1) and forest honey (56.0 and 49.1 mg TE.100g-1), then floral honeys (33.0 - 49.2 and 27.8 - 38.7 mg TE.100g-1) and the lowest values for rape (19.0 and 28.1 mg TE.100g-1) and acacia (15.5 and 11.3 mg TE.100g-1)honey. A positive correlation between color, PP amount and TAC was evaluated for analyzed honeys. Darker honey samples showed higher values of phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential, therefore they belong to the honey types with higher amount of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants.

The effect of a natural vaginal product based on honey on the success of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in infertility treatment

OBJECTIVE

Due to high prevalence of infertility and increasing tendency towards complementary medicine, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of a vaginal natural product based on honey and 1% extract of Myristica fragrans on the extent of success of intrauterine insemination (IUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This non-randomized clinical trial study with a historic control group, was performed on infertile women. In this trial, 159 patients were assigned to the intervention group, and 288 patients were recruited to the control group. All the participants received clomiphene or letrozole from the third up to seventh day of menstruation, and on days 6, 7, and 8, they received human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) injections. IUI was performed 36 hours after human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection. In the intervention group, a natural vaginal product was used besides the above treatments, from menstruation day 7 until the day before performing IUI. Sixteen days after IUI, serum beta HCG was measured to investigate chemical pregnancy, and six weeks following IUI, vaginal sonography was performed to investigate clinical pregnancy.

RESULTS

Analysis showed that the pregnancy rate was higher in the group that receiving the natural product compared to the control group. Chemical pregnancy rate was 18.1% vs. 15.4%, and clinical pregnancy rate was 15.2% vs. 13.8% for intervention and control groups, respectively; but, this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION

It seems that the use of this vaginal product for a longer period of time and across several menses cycles before IUI, may produce more positive results. Further studies, however, are needed to be done.

Biophysical Studies of Some Bee Products as Radioprotectors.. [DOI: 10.1101/472233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

The study had been planned to evaluate some antioxidant ingredients in honey and propolis. Also, a study on ionizing gamma irradiated rats was done to assess these antioxidants as radioprotectors. Bioactive ingredients, such as phenols, flavonoids and trace elements, were explored using FTIR, UV-Vis and AAS spectroscopic techniques. Animals were exposed to fractionated gamma radiation doses. Honey, propolis and their combination were administrated before and during the irradiation period. Serum levels of total protein, albumin and uric acid were estimated. Also, the osmotic fragility of Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs) membranes and a microscopic examination of blood films were investigated. The analysis demonstrated that the level of phenolic, flavonoid and trace elements are higher in propolis than honey. The levels of total protein and albumin decreased post irradiation while the level of uric acid increased. Likewise, osmotic fragility of RBCs membranes was increased with a sticking forming RBCs aggregation. It had been found that administration of the natural antioxidants induced amelioration in most of the studied parameters. It can be concluded that natural antioxidants produced a modulation against oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation.

Summary Statement

Assessment of some antioxidant ingredients in honey and propolis. Also, a study on ionizing gamma irradiated rats was done to assess these antioxidants as radioprotectors.

Characteristics of Honey from Serpentine Area in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt., Bulgaria

Honey samples collected during 2007-2010 from serpentine and non-serpentine localities in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt. (Bulgaria) were characterized on the basis of their pollen content by qualitative melissopalynological analysis and physicochemical composition. Water content, pH, electrical conductivity, macroelements-K, Ca, Mg, P, and microelements-As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined after the Harmonised Methods of the International Honey Commission and ICP-AES method. The results from serpentine honey samples were compared with data from bee pollen collected from the same serpentine area. Different elements have different concentrations in honey from the same botanical type even collected from the same geographical region, same locality, and same beehive but in different vegetation season. The elements Mg, Mn, Ni, and P contribute mostly for separation of the serpentine honey samples based on measured elemental concentrations and performed principal component analysis. The element concentrations were higher in bee pollen and above the permissible limits for the toxic metals Cd and Pb. No specific indicator plant species was found for identification of the geographical origin of serpentine honey in relation to the forage of bees.

Monitoring of essential and heavy metals in green tea from different geographical origins

The present study measured the concentrations of toxic metals (Cd, Pb) and other elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni) in tea leaves and their infusions. The total metal contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Phosphorus concentration was determined using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Assessment of the mineral composition enabled determination of the leaching percentage and the risk of exceeding provisional tolerable weekly intake for Cd through daily tea consumption. The concentrations of bioelements were analyzed based on the recommended daily intake values for each. According to recently established standards, green tea was found to be a rich source of Mn. The average Pb and Cd levels in a 200-mL beverage were 0.002 and 0.003 mg, respectively. Indian teas had the highest percentage of Cd leaching (43.8%) and Chinese tea had the lowest (9.41%). Multivariate analysis techniques such as factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to differentiate samples according to geographical origin (China, India, or Japan). Potassium, P, Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, and Cd were effective descriptors for the identification of tea samples from China, India, and Japan.

Physicochemical Properties, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Heavy Metals in Honey of Different Origins: A Comprehensive Review

Honey is a popular natural food product with a very complex composition mainly consisting of both organic and inorganic constituents. The composition of honey is strongly influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors, which vary based on its botanical and geographical origins. Although minerals and heavy metals are minor constituents of honey, they play vital role in determining its quality. There are several different analytical methods used to determine the chemical elements in honey. These methods are typically based on spectroscopy or spectrometry techniques (including atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). This review compiles available scientific information on minerals and heavy metals in honey reported from all over the world. To date, 54 chemical elements in various types of honey have been identified and can be divided into 3 groups: major or macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, Cl), minor or trace elements (Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cd, Tl, Co, Ni, Rb, Ba, Be, Bi, U, V, Fe, Pt, Pd, Te, Hf, Mo, Sn, Sb, La, I, Sm, Tb, Dy, Sd, Th, Pr, Nd, Tm, Yb, Lu, Gd, Ho, Er, Ce, Cr, As, B, Br, Cd, Hg, Se, Sr), and heavy metals (trace elements that have a specific gravity at least 5 times higher than that of water and inorganic sources). Chemical elements in honey samples throughout the world vary in terms of concentrations and are also influenced by environmental pollution.

Effects of the Deslagging Process on some Physicochemical Parameters of Honey

Some physicochemical parameters of honey have been introduced by the International Honey Commission to evaluate its quality and origin but processes such as heating and filtering can affect these parameters. In traditional Iranian medicine, deslagging process involves boiling honey in an equal volume of water and removing the slag formed during process. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of deslagging process on parameters of color intensity, diastase evaluation, electrical conductivity, pH, free acidity, refractive index, hydroxy methyl furfural (HMF), proline and water contents according to the International Honey Committee (IHC) standards. The results showed that deslagged honey was significantly different from control honey in terms of color intensity, pH, diastase number, HMF and proline content. It can be concluded that the new standards are needed to regulate deslagged honey.

Determination of traces of copper and zinc in honeys by the solid phase extraction pre-concentration followed by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry detection

A simple and fast solid phase extraction procedure was developed to pre-concentrate traces of Cu and Zn prior to their determination in honey samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The sample preparation included dissolution of honey samples and the passage (at 20 ml/min) of resulting 10% m/v solutions (100 ml) through Dowex 50W × 8-400 resin beds in order to quantitatively retain Cu and Zn and separate them from the glucose and fructose matrix. Enriched Cu and Zn traces were recovered with 5.0 ml of a 3.0 mol/l HCl solution and quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The procedure proposed was used to analyze sixty nine commercially available and freshly ripened honey samples coming from the Lower Silesia region (Poland). It enabled to measure Cu and Zn within the range of 0.01-1.42 and 0.03-15.38 μg/g, respectively, with precision better than 4%. Accuracy, assessed on the basis of the recovery test and the comparison of results with those obtained using wet digestion and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, was ranged from -4% to +6%. Detection limits of Cu and Zn achieved with this method were 5 and 7 ng/g, respectively.

Honey and cardiovascular risk factors, in normal individuals and in patients with diabetes mellitus or dyslipidemia

Diabetes mellitus, hypercholesteremia, hypertension (HTN), and obesity are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Various medications are currently in use for management of these comorbidities. Undesirable side effects are unavoidable and the ultimate and ideal goal is hardly achieved. Honey and other bee products are widely used in traditional medicine for management of many diseases. Others and the authors have found potent biological activities of these products. Honey is now reintroduced in modern medicine as part of wound and burn management. Honey has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. More studies are exploring other aspects of honey activity such as its effect on blood sugar, body weight, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, nitric oxide, proinflammatory prostaglandins, and homocysteine. Growing evidence and scientific data support the use of honey in patients with diabetes, HTN, dyslipidemia, obesity, and CVD. This review discusses clinical and preclinical studies on potential influence of honey on diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk factors, and emphasizes the importance of conducting more clinical and controlled studies.

Characterization of Argentine honeys on the basis of their mineral content and some typical quality parameters

Background

The levels of 19 elements (As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn) from sixteen different Argentine production sites of unifloral [eucalyptus (Eucaliptus rostrata), chilca (Baccharis salicifolia), Algarrobo (Prosopis sp.), mistol (Ziziphus mistol) and citric] and multifloral honeys were measured with the aim to test the quality of the selected samples. Typical quality parameters of honeys were also determined (pH, sugar content, moisture). Mineral elements were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS DRC). We also evaluated the suitability of honey as a possible biomonitor of environmental pollution. Thus, the sites were classified through cluster analysis (CA) and then pattern recognition methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) were applied.

Results

Mean values for quality parameters were: pH, 4.12 and 3.81; sugar 82.1 and 82.0 °brix; moisture, 16.90 and 17.00% for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. The water content showed good maturity. Likewise, the other parameters confirmed the good quality of the honeys analysed. Potassium was quantitatively the most abundant metal, accounting for 92,5% of the total metal contents with an average concentration of 832.0 and 816.2 μg g^-1 for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. Sodium was the second most abundant major metal in honeys with a mean value of 32.16 and 33.19 μg g^-1 for unifloral and multifloral honeys respectively. Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were present at low-intermediate concentrations. For the other 11 trace elements determined in this study (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U and V), the mean concentrations were very low or below of the LODs. The sites were classified through CA by using elements’ and physicochemical parameters data, then DA on the PCA factors was applied. Dendrograms identified three main groups. PCA explained 52.03% of the total variability with the first two factors.

Conclusions

In general, there are no evidences of pollution for the analysed honeys. The analytical results obtained for the Argentine honeys indicate the products’ high quality. In fact, most of the toxic elements were below LODs. The chemometric analysis combining CA, DA and PCA showed their aptness as useful tools for honey’s classification. Eventually, this study confirms that the use of honey as biomonitor of environmental contamination is not reliable for sites with low levels of contamination.

Interference-free determination of trace copper in freshly ripened honeys by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following a preconcentration by solid-phase extraction and a two-step elution process

A fast and straightforward procedure aimed at separating copper (Cu) ions from monosacharides and preconcentrating their traces before flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) measurements was developed, and its suitability was evaluated by the analysis of freshly ripened honeys on the content of this environmentally and physiologically relevant element. This procedure included the passage (at 20 mL/min) of 10 % (m/v) solutions of honeys (100 mL) through resin beds of Dowex 50 W × 8-400 to retain Cu by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and separate it from the glucose and fructose matrix. In turn, SPE columns were rinsed at 20 mL/min with 20 mL of water and subsequently washed with 20 mL of a 0.5 mol/L HNO3 solution (at 2.0 mL/min) to elute potassium and sodium. Preconcentrated Cu was stripped (at 2.0 mL/min) with 5.0 mL of a 2.0 mol/L HCl solution and determined by FAAS. The proposed procedure was used for the analysis of six ripened monoflower and multiflower honeys, enabling the measurement of Cu within the range of 0.17-0.42 μg/g and with a precision of 3-10%. Recoveries of Cu added to respective honey solutions were within 94-102%, proving the good accuracy of this procedure. The detection limit of Cu achieved with this SPE preconcentration/separation procedure and FAAS detection was 3.6 ng/g.