Buckwheat honey increases serum antioxidant capacity in humans

Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. Let's put them back on the plate!

The global food system depends on a limited number of plant species. Plants with unsatisfactory nutritional value are overproduced, whereas the wide variety of nutrient-rich plant species used in earlier times remains neglected. Basing our diet on a few crops has wide-ranging negative consequences on nutrition and food security. Although still under-researched, underutilized plants are slowly starting to receive increased recognition. These plants have superior nutritional content and immense potential to contribute to food and nutrition security and increased sustainability. This narrative review provides evidence to encourage the promotion, domestication, and commercialization of underutilized plants. The anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects of some of underutilized plants are presented in this review. The outstanding ability of forgotten plants to increase food and nutrition security, boost dietary diversity, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being is demonstrated. The main barriers and obstacles to reintroducing underutilized foods are reviewed and recommendations for overcoming nutrition and dietary-related challenges for re-establishing underutilized plants into the global food system are presented. The expansion of underutilized plants for human use is of paramount importance. The exceptional nutritional properties, bioactive potential, and proven health benefits of underutilized plants indicate that increased promotion, domestication, and commercialization of these plants should be strongly supported. Besides health benefits, marginalized plants have the potential to enhance human well-being and improve people's lives in many ways, retain biodiversity, and develop local economies. Therefore, underutilized plants should be used in the broader context of well-balanced and healthy diets.

The Antioxidant Potential of Commercial Manuka Honey from New Zealand-Biochemical and Cellular Studies

Manuka honey (MH) is considered a superfood mainly because of its various health-promoting properties, including its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and clinically proven antibacterial properties. A unique feature of Manuka honey is the high content of methylglyoxal, which has antibacterial potential. Additionally, it contains bioactive and antioxidant substances such as polyphenols that contribute to its protective effects against oxidative stress. In this study, commercially available Manuka honey was tested for its total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging ability. It was then tested in vitro on human fibroblast cells exposed to UV radiation to assess its potential to protect cells against oxidative stress. The results showed that the honey itself significantly interfered with cell metabolism, and its presence only slightly alleviated the effects of UV exposure. This study also suggested that the MGO content has a minor impact on reducing oxidative stress in UV-irradiated cells and efficiency in scavenging the DPPH radical.

Unraveling the Physicochemical, Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of the Honey Produced from the Fallopia japonica Plant

Fallopia japonica (FJ), commonly known as Japanese knotweed, is now recognized as one of the most invasive plants in Europe and globally. Despite its widespread presence in Europe and its significant nectar production, there is currently limited scientific data on the unique unifloral honey derived from it. This study examines the physicochemical composition of Fallopia japonica honey (FJH) samples collected from various regions in Romania. Additionally, the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of FJH were assessed. The sensory analysis revealed a honey with a brown-caramel color and an intense flavor, characterized by fine, consistent crystals during crystallization. The results indicated that FJH has a high carbohydrate content (fructose: 35.12-40.65 g/100 g; glucose: 28.06-37.79 g/100 g); elevated electrical conductivity (387-692 µS/cm), diastase activity (9.11-17.01 DN), and acidity (21.61-42.89 meq/kg); and substantial total phenolic (89.87-120.08 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (18.13-39.38 mg/g) contents. These findings highlight FJH's favorable nutritional properties, aligning with the standard codex for honey. The antioxidant profile of FJH demonstrated strong DPPH and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) activities, comparable to those of buckwheat honey, underscoring its potential health benefits and commercial value. These results provide new insights into how this invasive plant can be harnessed as a valuable resource for sustainable beekeeping practices.

Geographical Origin Authentication-A Mandatory Step in the Efficient Involvement of Honey in Medical Treatment

Nowadays, in people's perceptions, the return to roots in all aspects of life is an increasing temptation. This tendency has also been observed in the medical field, despite the availability of high-level medical services with many years of research, expertise, and trials. Equilibrium is found in the combination of the two tendencies through the inclusion of the scientific experience with the advantages and benefits provided by nature. It is well accepted that the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey are closely related to the botanical origin of the plants at the base of honey production. Despite this, people perceive honey as a natural and subsequently a simple product from a chemical point of view. In reality, honey is a very complex matrix containing more than 200 compounds having a high degree of compositional variability as function of its origin. Therefore, when discussing the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey, the importance of the geographical origin and its link to the honey's composition, due to potential emerging contaminants such as Rare Earth Elements (REEs), should also be considered. This work offers a critical view on the use of honey as a natural superfood, in a direct relationship with its botanical and geographical origin.

A Recent Advance on Phytochemicals, Nutraceutical and Pharmacological Activities of Buckwheat

Buckwheat, a member of the Fagopyrum genus in the Polygonaceae family, is an ancient pseudocereal with noteworthy nutraceutical properties that have been relatively less explored. This crop holds great promise for the future due to its gluten-free protein, wellbalanced amino acid profile, and the presence of bioactive flavonoids that promote good health. With its gluten-free nature and a combination of beneficial nutritional components, buckwheat shows significant potential for a variety of health benefits. The objective of the present review aims to explore various nutritional and pharmacological properties of buckwheat. With the help of various search engines such as, Pubmed, Google and Semantic Scholar, research and review papers were carefully investigated and summarized in a comprehensive review. A fascinating spectrum of nutritional and pharmacological activities of common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat were explored such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, neurological disorders, antiobesity, anticancer, cardiovascular agents and many more. This review provides a concise overview of the current understanding of the chemical composition of both common buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat and the captivating spectrum of pharmacological activity and also underscoring their immense potential for future advancements.

Development of a Holistic In Vitro Cell-Free Approach to Determine the Redox Bioactivity of Agricultural Products

In recent years, there has been a strong consumer demand for food products that provide nutritional benefits to human health. Therefore, the assessment of the biological activity is considered as an important parameter for the promotion of high-quality food products. Herein, we introduce a novel methodology comprising a complete set of in vitro cell-free screening techniques for the evaluation of the bioactivity of various food products on the basis of their antioxidant capacity. These assays examine the free radical scavenging activities, the reducing properties, and the protective ability against oxidative damage to biomolecules. The adoption of the proposed battery of antioxidant assays is anticipated to contribute to the holistic characterization of the bioactivity of the food product under examination. Consumer motivations and expectations with respect to nutritious food products with bio-functional properties drive the global food market toward food certification. Therefore, the development and application of scientific methodologies that examine the quality characteristics of food products could increase consumers' trust and promote their beneficial properties for human health.

Exploring the Potential of Bee-Derived Antioxidants for Maintaining Oral Hygiene and Dental Health: A Comprehensive Review

Honey bee products comprise various compounds, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee wax and bee venom, which have long been recognized for their pharmacological and health-promoting benefits. Scientists have discovered that periodontal disorders stem from dental biofilm, an inflammatory response to bacterial overgrowth produced by dysbiosis in the oral microbiome. The bee products have been investigated for their role in prevention of oral diseases, which are attributed to a myriad of biologically active compounds including flavonoids (pinocembrin, catechin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and galangin), phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric, ellagic, caffeic and ferulic acids) and terpenoids. This review aims to update the current understanding of role of selected bee products, namely, honey, propolis and royal jelly, in preventing oral diseases as well as their potential biological activities and mechanism of action in relation to oral health have been discussed. Furthermore, the safety of incorporation of bee products is also critically discussed. To summarize, bee products could potentially serve as a therapy option for people suffering from a variety of oral disorders.

Evaluation of the antioxidant potency of Greek honey from the Taygetos and Pindos mountains using a combination of cellular and molecular methods

Honey is a complex mixture, containing ~180 compounds, produced by the Apis melifera bees, with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which honey exerts its effects remain under investigation. Plant antioxidants are found in honey and other bee products exhibiting a high bioactivity and molecular diversity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the antioxidant capacity of honey collected from areas in Greece by small‑scale producers by i) using in vitro cell free assays; and ii) by investigating the effects of honey varieties on the redox status of a liver cancer cell line (HepG2) using non‑cytotoxic concentrations. The findings of the present study will allow for the identification of Greek honeys with promising antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, six types of honey with various floral origins were examined in cell‑free assays followed by cell‑based techniques using flow cytometric analysis and redox biomarker level determination in order to evaluate the potential alterations in the intracellular redox system. The results indicated various mechanisms of action that are dependent on the honey type, concentration dependency and high antioxidant capacity. The extended findings from the literature confirm the ability of raw honey to influence the redox status of HepG2 cells. Nevertheless additional investigations are required to elucidate their mechanisms of action in cell line models.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Different Honey Samples from Beekeepers and Commercial Producers

Honey contains compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial capacities, such as phenolic compounds and carotenoids. The current analysis evaluates the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of 100 honey samples from beekeepers from Slovakia and commercially purchased ones. Honey samples were diluted to 50%, 25%, 12.5%, and 6.25% concentrations. The antimicrobial activity of honey samples was evaluated against three Gram-positive, three Gram-negative bacteria, and four Candida spp. by well diffusion method. The highest antimicrobial effect of all honey concentrations was expressed as the size of the inhibition zone and was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa among Gram-negative bacteria, Bacillus subtilis among Gram-positive bacteria, and Candida tropicalis among yeasts. Antibiotics used in the study showed the highest antimicrobial effect compared to all concentrations of honey samples. Slovakian honey from beekeepers and commercial honey samples from the Slovak market showed variable inhibitory effectiveness against microorganisms. The honey concentration of 50% was found the most effective. Lower concentrations of honey exhibited no effect against yeasts. The best antioxidant activity was found in a sample of buckwheat honey yielding 70.83% of DPPH inhibition and 2373.85 μg/g TEAC. Overall, better antioxidant activity was evaluated in honeydew honey.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Properties of Honey from Poland, Italy, and Spain Based on the Declarations of Producers and Their Results of Melissopalinological Analysis

Natural bee honeys are commonly used by patients for nutritional, preventive, and curative purposes. Honey varieties produced in other countries, including Italy and Spain, are gaining popularity. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected antioxidant properties of honey, taking into account the declared and actual variety. The research material consisted of 105 honey samples, including honeys from Poland (n = 50), from Spain (n = 35), and from Italy (n = 20). The variety was determined by the melissopalinological method, and in the case of honeydew honeys, the electrical conductivity was measured. Total phenolic content (TPC), color intensity, color in Pfund scale, DPPH, and FRAP were assessed. Polish buckwheat honeys, with confirmed botanical origin, are characterized by the highest median of the TPC (213.05 mg GAE/100 g), the highest color intensity (1.138 mAU), and the highest value in the FRAP test (0.394 µM Fe²⁺/mL). In conclusion, proper labeling of bee honeys is necessary so as not to mislead consumers, and buckwheat honeys from Poland can be recommended to patients for prophylactic purposes in order to provide antioxidants in the diet.

Characterization of Key Aroma Compounds in Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) by Means of Sensory-Directed Flavor Analysis

The key odorants of tartary buckwheat (TB) were researched by a sensory-directed flavor analysis approach for the first time. After the volatiles of TB were isolated by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), 49 aroma-active components with flavor dilution (FD) factors in the range of 1-2187 were identified using gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS) combined with aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Geranylacetone, phenethyl alcohol, and β-damascone showed the highest FD factors of 2187. All 49 odorants were further quantitated by the internal standard curve method, and their odor activity values (OAVs) were obtained. The overall aroma of TB was successfully simulated (similarity > 98.16%) by mixing 16 odorants (OAV ≥ 1) with their natural concentrations. The omission tests revealed that geosmin, α-isomethylionone, α-methylionone, β-ionone, linalool, β-damascone, geranylacetone, guaiacol, ethyl hexanoate, geraniol, vanillin, tetrahydrolinalool, and 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-(2H)-furanone were the key odorants of TB. Chiral analysis showed that tetrahydrolinalool and linalool existed as racemics in the commercial TB. The relative content of R-enantiomers of α-isomethylionone and α-methylionone was slightly higher than that of their S-enantiomers. The odor thresholds of R- and S-enantiomer of tetrahydrolinalool were first detected as 0.029 and 3.8 μg/L in air, respectively.

Effects of Insecticides and Microbiological Contaminants on Apis mellifera Health

Over the past two decades, there has been an alarming decline in the number of honey bee colonies. This phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Bee products play a significant role in human life and have a huge impact on agriculture, therefore bees are an economically important species. Honey has found its healing application in various sectors of human life, as well as other bee products such as royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen. There are many putative factors of CCD, such as air pollution, GMO, viruses, or predators (such as wasps and hornets). It is, however, believed that pesticides and microorganisms play a huge role in the mass extinction of bee colonies. Insecticides are chemicals that are dangerous to both humans and the environment. They can cause enormous damage to bees' nervous system and permanently weaken their immune system, making them vulnerable to other factors. Some of the insecticides that negatively affect bees are, for example, neonicotinoids, coumaphos, and chlorpyrifos. Microorganisms can cause various diseases in bees, weakening the health of the colony and often resulting in its extinction. Infection with microorganisms may result in the need to dispose of the entire hive to prevent the spread of pathogens to other hives. Many aspects of the impact of pesticides and microorganisms on bees are still unclear. The need to deepen knowledge in this matter is crucial, bearing in mind how important these animals are for human life.

Monofloral Honeys as a Potential Source of Natural Antioxidants, Minerals and Medicine

Background: vegetative diversity is based on different climate and geographical origins. In terms of beekeeping, herbal diversity is strongly correlated to the production of a wide variety of honey. Therefore, based on the existing plant diversity in each country, multiple honey varieties are produced with different health characteristics. While beekeeping potential and consumption preferences are reflected in products’ variety, this leads to an increase in the region’s economy and extensive export. In the last years, monofloral honey has gained interest from consumers and especially in the medicinal field due to the presence of phytochemicals which are directly linked to health benefits, wound healing, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Scope and approach: this review aims to highlight the physicochemical properties, mineral profiles and antioxidant activities of selected monofloral honeys based on their botanical and geographical origin. Moreover, this review focuses on the intercorrelation between monofloral honey’s antioxidant compounds and in vitro and in vivo activities, focusing on the apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition in various cell lines, with a final usage of honey as a potential therapeutic product in the fight towards reducing tumor growth. Key findings and conclusions: multiple studies have demonstrated that monofloral honeys have different physicochemical structures and bioactive compounds. Useful chemical markers to distinguish between monofloral honeys were evidenced, such as: 2-methoxybenzoic acid and trimethoxybenzoic acid are distinctive to Manuka honey while 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid is characteristic to Kanuka honey. Furthermore, resveratrol, epigallocatechin and pinostrobin are markers distinct to Sage honey, whereas carvacrol and thymol are found in Ziziphus honey. Due to their polyphenolic profile, monofloral honeys have significant antioxidant activity, as well as antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. It was demonstrated that Pine honey decreased the MDA and TBARS levels in liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues, whereas Malicia honey reduced the low-density lipoprotein level. Consumption of Clover, Acacia and Gelam honeys reduced the weight and adiposity, as well as trygliceride levels. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect of chrysin, a natural flavone in Acacia honey, was demonstrated in human (A375) and murine (B16-F1) melanoma cell lines, whereas caffeic acid, a phenolic compound found in Kelulut honey, proves to be significant candidate in the chemoprevention of colon cancer. Based on these features, the use of hiney in the medicinal field (apitherapy), and the widespread usage of natural product consumption, is gaining interest by each year.

Biological Properties of Bee Bread Collected from Apiaries Located across Greece

Bee bread is the only fermented product of the beehive. It constitutes the main source of proteins, lipids, vitamins, and macro- and microelements in honeybee nutrition and it exerts antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, though research on these aspects has been limited so far. In this study 18 samples of Greek bee bread, two of which were monofloral, were collected during different seasons from diverse locations such as Crete and Mount Athos and were tested for their bioactivity. Samples were analyzed for their antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). The antimicrobial activity of each sample was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhimurium. Our data demonstrate that all samples exert inhibitory and most of them bactericidal activity against at least two pathogens. Furthermore, all samples exert significant antioxidant activity, where the monofloral Castanea Sativa sample demonstrated superior antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were not strongly correlated. Furthermore, machine learning methods demonstrated that the palynological composition of the samples is a good predictor of their TPC and ABTS activity. This is the first study that focuses on the biological properties of Greek bee bread and demonstrates that bee bread can be considered a functional food and a possible source of novel antimicrobial compounds.

Pharmacokinetics and Protective Effects of Tartary Buckwheat Flour Extracts against Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Rats

The grains of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) are traditionally consumed on a daily basis and are used in the preparation of diverse processed foods owing to the high concentration of rutin, an antioxidant compound. However, rutin is highly concentrated in hull and bran, but not in edible flour fractions. Rutin-enriched TB flour extracts (TBFEs) were obtained by hydrothermal treatment (autoclaving, boiling, or steaming) and their pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated following a single-dose oral administration in rats. The antioxidant and protective activities of the extracts against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) were investigated after repetitive oral administration of TBFEs for 28 days prior to ethanol ingestion. The results demonstrated that rutin-enriched TBFEs had better oral absorption and was retained longer in the bloodstream than native TBFE or standard rutin. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and intracellular antioxidant levels increased in ALD rats following TBFE treatments, especially following the administration of rutin-enriched TBFEs. The antioxidant activity of TBFEs consequently contributed toward protecting the liver against injury caused by repetitive ethanol administration, as confirmed by analyzing relative liver weight, liver injury markers, lipid peroxidation, and calcium permeability. These results suggest the promising potential of TBFEs as antioxidant-enriched functional foods for human health.

Physicochemical Properties of Collagen from Acaudina Molpadioides and Its Protective Effects against H2O2-Induced Injury in RAW264.7 Cells

Collagen is a promising biomaterial used in the beauty and biomedical industries. In this study, the physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activities, and protective effects against H₂O₂-induced injury of collagen isolated from Acaudina molpadioides were investigated. The amino acid composition analysis showed that the collagen was rich in glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and glutamic acid (Glu), but poor in tyrosine (Tyr) and phenylalanine (Phe). Zeta potential analysis revealed that the isoelectric point (pI) of collagen from Acaudina molpadioides was about 4.25. It possessed moderate scavenging activities of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the collagen was able to effectively improve cell viability and morphology, inhibit the production of Malondialdehyde (MDA), and increase the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) in cultured RAW264.7 cells, resulting in a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced injury. Overall, the results showed that collagen extracted from A. molpadioides has promising prospects in the beauty and cosmetics industries.

A novel coenzyme-Q approach for the prevention of postsurgical adhesion

Objectives

Postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions are an unsolved and important problem in abdominal surgery. In the present study, the probable preventive role of coenzyme-Q in the development of peritoneal adhesions was investigated.

Material and Methods

Sixteen Wistar Hannover male rats weighing 300-350 g were randomly separated into two groups of 8 rats each. The cecum was abraded with a sterile gauze until sub-serosal hemorrhage developed. A patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. No treatment was given to Group 1. Group 2 received 30 mg/kg coenzyme-Q, which was injected 2 mL intraperitoneally. All the rats were sacrificed on the postoperative 21^st day, and after adhesions were scored macroscopically, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. Tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate antioxidant efficiency.

Results

Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control group and the coenzyme-Q group (p= 0.001). According to the tissue levels of GSH-Px, MDA, and SOD levels, there was no significant difference between the study groups (p= 0.074, p= 0.208, p= 0.526). According to the plasma GSH-Px and SOD levels, there was significant difference between the groups (p= 0.002, p= 0.001), but the difference was not significant at MDA levels (p= 0.793). The differences between the pathological scores of the control and coenzyme-Q (p= 0.028 for fibrosis; p= 0.025 for inflammation) groups were statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study confirms that coenzyme-Q is the potential application in the prevention of early postoperative adhesions.

Nutraceutical crop buckwheat: a concealed wealth in the lap of Himalayas

Buckwheat is a crop that has gained considerable interest worldwide due to its nutritional, economical, and pharmaceutical values. To ensure food and nutritional security in a scenario of global climate change, this pseudocereal is a competent alternative to staple crops. With rising knowledge regarding the nutraceutical potential, the popularity of this species is expected to increase further in coming years. The main bioactive component of this species is rutin that has been proven to have a wide range of health-promoting benefits. Due to breeding constraints, asynchronous maturity, seed shattering, and restricted distribution, this species holds the status of an underutilized or neglected crop in many parts of the world. In the North-western Himalayan zone, it is an integral part of local dietary intake and is grown as a second crop after harvesting barley and peas. Fagopyrum esculentum and F. tataricum are the species of buckwheat cultivated in the North-western Himalayas. However, more studies in the direction of conservation, utilization, and genetic amelioration of plant genetic resources are needed to sustain food security in Southeast Asia. The present review paper accentuates the multicore potential of buckwheat besides highlighting the commercial and pharmaceutical perspective. This article also focuses on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Himalayan gene pools, desirable agronomic traits, and genetic diversity besides focusing on the biochemical and molecular response of Fagopyrum to biotic and abiotic stress including modulation of the rutin content. The role of biotechnological interventions and future prospects are also summarized.

Present status and future perspectives of breeding for buckwheat quality

Buckwheat is an important crop globally. It has been processed into cereal grain, noodles, confectionery, bread, and fermented foods for many years. Buckwheat production and processing has supported local economies and is deeply related to the culture of some regions. Buckwheat has many unique traits as a food, with a good flavor and color. In addition, buckwheat is also a healthy food because it contains bioactive compounds that have anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, and anti-obesity properties. Therefore, breeding of buckwheat for quality is an important issue to be addressed. Compared to other crops, there is still a lack of basic information on quality, including bioactive compounds generation and enhancement. However, some mechanisms for modifying and improving the quality of buckwheat varieties have recently been identified. Further, some varieties with improved quality have recently been developed. In this review, we summarize the issues around buckwheat quality and review the present status and future potential of buckwheat breeding for quality.

Healthy and Resilient Cereals and Pseudo-Cereals for Marginal Agriculture: Molecular Advances for Improving Nutrient Bioavailability

With the ever-increasing world population, an extra 1.5 billion mouths need to be fed by 2050 with continuously dwindling arable land. Hence, it is imperative that extra food come from the marginal lands that are expected to be unsuitable for growing major staple crops under the adverse climate change scenario. Crop diversity provides right alternatives for marginal environments to improve food, feed, and nutritional security. Well-adapted and climate-resilient crops will be the best fit for such a scenario to produce seed and biomass. The minor millets are known for their high nutritional profile and better resilience for several abiotic stresses that make them the suitable crops for arid and salt-affected soils and poor-quality waters. Finger millet (Eleucine coracana) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica), also considered as orphan crops, are highly tolerant grass crop species that grow well in marginal and degraded lands of Africa and Asia with better nutritional profile. Another category of grains, called pseudo-cereals, is considered as rich foods because of their protein quality and content, high mineral content, and healthy and balance food quality. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), amaranth (Amaranthus sp.), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) fall under this category. Nevertheless, both minor millets and pseudo-cereals are morphologically different, although similar for micronutrient bioavailability, and their grains are gluten-free. The cultivation of these millets can make dry lands productive and ensure future food as well as nutritional security. Although the natural nutrient profile of these crop plant species is remarkably good, little development has occurred in advances in molecular genetics and breeding efforts to improve the bioavailability of nutrients. Recent advances in NGS have enabled the genome and transcriptome sequencing of these millets and pseudo-cereals for the faster development of molecular markers and application in molecular breeding. Genomic information on finger millet (1,196 Mb with 85,243 genes); S. italica, a model small millet (well-annotated draft genome of 420 Mb with 38,801 protein-coding genes); amaranth (466 Mb genome and 23,059 protein-coding genes); buckwheat (genome size of 1.12 Gb with 35,816 annotated genes); and quinoa (genome size of 1.5 Gb containing 54,438 protein-coding genes) could pave the way for the genetic improvement of these grains. These genomic resources are an important first step toward genetic improvement of these crops. This review highlights the current advances and available resources on genomics to improve nutrient bioavailability in these five suitable crops for the sustained healthy livelihood.

Buckwheat: A Useful Food and Its Effects on Human Health

:

Buckwheat is a plant used for many purposes, such as consumed as a food and used in the treatment of diseases. It is a good source of many vitamins and minerals and has balanced nutritional value. Because of its nutrient content and many positive effects on human health, buckwheat has become a functional food, recently. Main effects of buckwheat on human health are its hypotensive, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. Thus, it is considered an alternative food component in dietary treatment for chronic and metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and celiac disease. Also, its rich nutrient content supports daily diet and provides a better eating profile. As a result, buckwheat is accepted as a functional food, suggested to improve human health and is used in the treatment of diseases. The aim of this review is to explain some positive effects of buckwheat on human health.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile of Selected Organic and Conventional Honeys from Poland

Honey is a natural food product hypothesized to have significant health-beneficial value. The results of recent studies indicate that the biological activity of honey can also be ascribed to phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity. The aims of this study were: To determine the phenolic profiles of several varieties of Polish honey and their correlation with various factors influencing the quality of honey, plus to verify the impact of production method (organic/conventional) and the pollen content on these profiles. In total, 11 organic and 11 conventional honey samples from Poland were investigated. The botanical origin of the samples was identified through melissopalynological analysis, whereas individual phenolic compounds were determined by the LC/MS analysis. The Folin-Ciocalteau assay was used for the determination of the total phenolic content (TPC). Moreover, the CIE L*a*b* color values were measured and matched with the above-mentioned parameters. The results of the study contribute to the discussion on the health benefits of organic farming. It was found that chrysin may act as a potential indicator compound. The study confirms the existence of the link between TPC and color, and it shows that there is a correlation between pinocembrin and galangin, two compounds that are reported to ameliorate insulin resistance.

Evaluating the Effects of Chronic Administration of Natural Honey on the Development of Dependence on Morphine in the Male Rats

Background: According to the previous studies, the exact mechanism of dependence on opioids and withdrawal syndrome has not been fully understood but one of the most important mechanisms is the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in CNS. On the other way, previous studies showed that natural honey (NHO) has anti-inflammatory properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic administration of natural honey on the development of morphine dependence in male rats. Methods: Honey was prepared from Tarom Oliya region in Zanjan province. Experiments were performed on male Wistar rats weighing 225-275 g, randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8). The study groups included morphine group, the three doses of morphine plus honey group (at doses of 200,400 and 800 mg/kg, i.p.), the morphine plus vehicle group, and the saline group. The subcutaneous injections of additive doses of morphine were used for 9 days to create morphine dependency. On the 9th day, one hour after the morning dose of morphine, naloxone (4 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected, and symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were assessed for 60 minutes. Then, blood samples were taken to measure TNF-α. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used to compare the results. P- Value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The results of this study showed that intraperitoneal injection of honey at 3 doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg with p <0.001) could significantly decrease the total score of the symptoms compared to the morphine-vehicle control group. Natural honey (NHO) could significantly decrease TNF-α at dose of 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: The results indicated that chronic administration of NHO had beneficial effects in reducing symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome, and this effect is probably due to the anti-inflammatory effect caused by the polyphenolic compounds in honey.<br />

Effects of honey-extracted polyphenols on serum antioxidant capacity and metabolic phenotype in rats

It is generally known that honey polyphenols have antioxidant capacity and numerous biological functions. However, their metabolic phenotype after digestion has not been studied. In this study, the effects of honey-extracted polyphenols (HEPs) on serum antioxidant capacity and metabolic phenotype were revealed for the first time. Herein, sixteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: one group was administered HEPs (200 mg per kilogram body weight dose) and the other group was fed distilled water three times. Then, 1 h after the last gavage, the metabolic profiling of serum was analyzed by UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS and multivariate statistical analysis, and the following results were obtained. At first, twenty-five metabolites, including polyphenols, unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids, were selected as potential biomarkers. Then, metabolic pathway analysis showed that several amino acid metabolism pathways, ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism were affected. Association analysis demonstrated that the alteration of metabolites may be responsible for the increased serum antioxidant capacity. This new insight into the effects on the metabolic phenotype after HEP intake prompted the study on the biological functions and emerging health benefits of HEPs.

Effects of honey supplementation on safety profiles among postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of honey supplementation on the safety profiles of postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Methods

Seventy-two postmenopausal women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer from the Oncology Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital were treated with anastrozole (1 mg/day). Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two groups (n = 36/group): a control group (no honey) and a honey group (20 g/day of honey for 12 weeks). Fasting blood samples were obtained pre- and post-intervention to investigate differences in the haematological, renal, and liver profiles of patients in both the groups.

Results

Post-intervention, alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher in the control group than in the honey group. In the honey group, white blood cell counts, platelet counts, and creatinine levels were significantly higher following honey supplementation for 12 weeks. Nevertheless, the values were still within normal ranges.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that honey supplementation of 20 g/day for 12 weeks is safe and beneficial for postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Effect of thermal treatment on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey

Industrial treatments of commercial honeys during extraction and storage affect the quality of honey. One of the most common treatments in the honey industry is thermal treatment which could make some changes in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey. This study was conducted to determine the effect of thermal treatment at 63 °C for 10, 20 and 30 min on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lotus, thyme, and multifloral honeys. Samples were analyzed for pH, free acidity, moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), color, total phenolic content, DPPH° radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Changes were more or less observed in all the physicochemical characteristics of honeys during the thermal treatment. However, among the physicochemical characteristics, increase in HMF content and decrease in total phenolic contents were more evident. Considering the antioxidant capacity of honeys, decreases in DPPH° radical scavenging activity of thyme honeys and FRAP values of thyme and lotus honeys during the thermal treatment were observed. Changes made in physicochemical characteristics of honeys during the thermal treatment are merely important from the standpoint of compliance with national and international legal limits. However, from the nutritional point of view, decrease in the antioxidant capacity of honeys is of particular importance and may affect the nutritional and health benefits of honey.

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.

The antioxidative activity of piceatannol and its different derivatives: Antioxidative mechanism analysis

The naturally occurring stilbenes piceatannol and its derivatives are excellent antioxidants. In this work, the antioxidative activities of piceatannol and different piceatannol derivatives have been investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) method based on three widely accepted radical scavenging mechanisms, namely, the hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), single electron transfer followed by proton transfer (SET-PT) and sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET). The gas and four solvent phases, namely, bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE), proton affinity (PA) and electron transfer enthalpy (ETE), related to these mechanisms were calculated to elucidate the antioxidative capacities of the investigated compounds. This work focuses specifically on the thermodynamically preferred mechanism, antioxidative site and antioxidative activity order of the investigated stilbenes. The substituted effects of the methyl group and prenyl group on the chemical properties of the remaining OH and CH groups are also analysed. This work confirms the vital role of the OH and CH groups on free radical scavenging of piceatannol and its derivatives.

New Sample Preparation Method for Honey Volatiles Fingerprinting Based on Dehydration Homogeneous Liquid⁻Liquid Extraction (DHLLE)

Qualitative chemical fingerprinting of the honey volatiles by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been an efficient authentication tool that allowed for the classification of the honey botanical origin (strongly related to its medicinal and market value). However, the usage of current sample preparation methods is limited by selectivity of the volatiles extraction from the honey matrix and requires significant solvent volume. Therefore, a new sample preparation method based on dehydrating homogeneous liquid⁻liquid extraction (DHLLE) involving reduced solvent usage was developed for screening volatiles and semi-volatiles from the honey. The effective extraction was achieved by implementing a miscible liquid extraction system (aqueous honey solution/isopropanol) followed by separation through dehydration with MgSO₄ and purification by a solvent polarity change and washing. The method was evaluated by estimating accuracy and precision. The DHLLE method showed satisfactory recoveries (75.2 to 93.5%) for typical honey volatiles: linalool, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, p-anisaldehyde, eugenol, and vanillin. It also showed superior repeatability with percent relative standard deviation (RSD%) 0.8⁻8.9%. For benzyl alcohol, methyl syringate, and caffeine, the recoveries were 54.3 to 63.9% and 67.3 to 77.7% at lower and higher spiking levels, respectively. Applied to unifloral apple honey, the DHLLE method allowed for the identification of 40 compounds including terpenes, hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoids, and other benzene derivatives, which makes it suitable for fingerprinting and chemical marker screening. The obtained results were comparable or better than those obtained with ultrasonic extraction with dichloromethane.

Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with multifactorial and heterogeneous etiologies. Two types of diabetes are common among humans: type 1 diabetes that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin and type 2 diabetes, the most common form, that may be caused by several factors, the most important being lifestyle, but also may be determined by different genes. Honey was used in folk medicine for a long time, but the health benefits were explained in the last decades, when the scientific world was concerned in testing and thus explaining the benefits of honey. Different studies demonstrate the hypoglycemic effect of honey, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear. This review presents the experimental studies completed in the recent years, which support honey as a novel antidiabetic agent that might be of potential significance for the management of diabetes and its complications and also highlights the potential impacts and future perspectives on the use of honey as an antidiabetic agent.

Characterization of Physico-Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Capacities of Bioactive Honey Produced from Australian Grown Agastache rugosa and its Correlation with Colour and Poly-Phenol Content

The antioxidant and antimicrobial components of honey vary based on sourced of nectar. Medicinal plants with the therapeutic value have potential to produce honey with greater bioactivity. The aim of the present study was to characterize the physico-chemical and antioxidant capacities of Agastache honey produced from Agastache rugosa and compare them with other popular commercial honeys sold in Australia. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, moisture content, colour, pH, protein content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated for Agastache, Manuka, Jelly bush, Tea tree, Super manuka and Jarrah honeys. The results reveal that the moisture content ranged from 17-21%, pH ranged from 3.8-4.3 and estimated protein content ranged from 900-2200 µg/g. The DPPH•, ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP methods were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the honey samples. The DPPH• % inhibition, ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP values for Agastache honey were 9.85 (±1.98 µmol TE/g), 26.88 (±0.32 µmol TE/g), 19.78 (±1.1 µmol TE/g) and 3.61 (±0.02 µmol TE/g) whereas the highest antioxidant capacity values obtained were 18.69 (±0.9 µmol TE/g), 30.72 (±0.27 µmol TE/g), 26.95 (±0.9 µmol TE/g) and 3.68 (±0.04 µmol TE/g), respectively. There was a positive correlation between colour, total phenolic content and DPPH• scavenging activity for most of the honeys except Tea tree honey. However, there was no clear correlation with ABTS•+, ORAC and FRAP values. The measured antioxidant capacity of samples varied with the assays used. The DPPH• assay clearly indicated that the phenolic compounds contribute to the scavenging activity of the honeys. Nevertheless, all assays confirm that Agastache honey has significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, Agastache honey can be important to human nutrition and health.

Dose-Response Effect of Tualang Honey on Postprandial Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress in Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

Tualang honey (TH) contains antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, phenolic acids, and flavonoids that may be protective against oxidative stress of exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the postprandial antioxidant activity and oxidative stress after ingestion of high and low dosages of TH in female athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty female athletes (aged 21.3 [2.1] years; body weight [BW] 54.1 [5.7] kg) were randomly assigned into two groups and consumed either 1.5 g/kg BW TH (high honey; HH; n = 10) or 0.75 g/kg BW TH (low honey; LH; n = 10). Blood sample was collected at fasting and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h after TH consumption. Plasma was analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and reactive oxygen species [ROS]).

RESULTS

The 3-h area under the curve (AUC) for MDA was significantly lower in the LH group compared with HH group, suggesting less oxidative stress in the LH group. However, the AUCs for TPC, FRAP, and ROS were not affected by the dosages. The concentrations of TPC and FRAP increased from baseline to 2 and 1 h after TH consumption, respectively, and concentrations returned toward baseline at 3 h in both LH and HH groups. MDA concentration significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 2 h and significantly increased from 2 to 3 h in the HH group. Meanwhile, ROS levels increased significantly from 0.5 to 3 h in the HH group. The LH group showed similar trends as the HH group for MDA and ROS; however, this was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of high and low doses of TH demonstrated a comparable response in increasing antioxidant activity and suppressing oxidative stress in female athletes. The time-course effect of TH that provides optimal antioxidant activity and oxidative stress protection was between 1 and 2 h after its consumption.

Bioactivity of arid region honey: an in vitro study

Background

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of honey have been largely recognized by various studies. Almost all of the potential benefits are associated with polyphenol content. Honey varieties from the arid region are reported to be rich in polyphenols, but data related to its bioactivity in vitro is greatly lacking. This study aimed at establishing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of arid region honey. Four honey varieties from arid region (H1, H2, H3, and H4) and two popular non-arid region honey (H5 and H6) were tested in vitro in this study.

Methods

The erythrocyte membrane protection effect of honey varieties were measured by hemolysis assay after exposing erythrocytes to a peroxide generator. The subsequent production of MDA (malondialdehyde) content in erythrocytes was measured. Immunomodulatory effect of the honey varieties was tested in prostate cancer cells PC-3 and PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) by measuring the IL-6 (interleukin 6) and NO (nitric oxide) levels in cell culture supernatant after incubation with the honey varieties. PC-3 cell viability was assessed after incubation with honey varieties for 24 h.

Results

Arid region honey exhibited superior erythrocyte membrane protection effect with H4 measuring 1.3 ± 0.042mMTE/g and H2 measuring 1.122 ± 0.018mMTE/g. MDA levels were significantly reduced by honey samples, especially H4 (20.819 ± 0.63 nmol/mg protein). We observed a significant decrease in cell population in PC-3 after 24 h in culture on treatment with honey. A moderate increase in NO levels was observed in both cultures after 24 h at the same time levels of IL-6 were remarkably reduced by honey varieties.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the antioxidant effect of arid region honey due to its erythrocyte membrane protection effect and subsequent lowering of oxidative damage as evident from lower levels of lipid peroxidation byproduct MDA. Arid region honey varieties were as good as non-arid region types at decreasing cell viability of prostate cancer cells. The moderate increase in NO levels in PC-3 and PBMCs were not significant enough to elicit any pro-inflammatory response. However, IL-6 secretion was remarkably reduced by all honey varieties in a comparable level indicating the potential anti-inflammatory property of arid region honey.

Comparison of the Effect of Two Kinds of Iranian Honey and Diphenhydramine on Nocturnal Cough and the Sleep Quality in Coughing Children and Their Parents

Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both for the child and its parents. Current studies show a lack of proven efficacy for over-the counter (OTC) medications, but promising data support the use of honey for children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of Iranian honey with diphenhydramine (DPH) on nocturnal pediatric coughs and the sleep quality of children and their parents. This was a clinical trial (registered in IRCT; No.: 28.20.7932, 15 October 2013). The study consisted of 87 patients. All the parents completed a standard previously validated questionnaire. The children were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group 1, Honey type 1 (Kimia Company, Iran) (n = 42), Group 2, Honey type 2 (Shahde-Golha, Iran) (n = 25), and Group 3, DPH (n = 20). Each group received double doses of the respective treatments on two successive nights. A second survey was then administered via a telephone interview in which the parents were asked the same questions. The mean scores for all aspects of coughs were significantly decreased in each group before and after the treatment. All three treatments improved the cough and sleep scores. Honey type 1 was superior to DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the frequency, and Honey type 2 was more effective than DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the sleep quality of the child. There was no significant difference between Honey type 1 and 2 in any aspects of cough relief in the present study. The results suggest that honey may provide better cough relief than DPH in children and improve the sleep quality of children and their parents.

A randomized controlled trial examining the effects of 16 weeks of moderate-to-intensive cycling and honey supplementation on lymphocyte oxidative DNA damage and cytokine changes in male road cyclists

The aim of this study was to investigate whether honey supplementation (70g, ninety minutes before each training session) attenuates changes in lymphocyte counts, DNA damage, cytokines, antioxidative and peroxidative biomarkers following moderate-to-intensive exercise training in male road cyclists. Healthy nonprofessional cyclists (n=24, aged 17-26years) were randomly assigned to exercise+supplement (EX+S, n=12) and exercise (EX, n=12) groups for an experimental period of 16weeks. Moderate-to-intensive exercise training increased lymphocytes DNA damage, cytokines and peroxidative biomarkers as well as decreased antioxidative biomarkers in the EX group. These changes were significantly attenuated in the EX+S group. Furthermore, for both groups the observed changes in peroxidative and antioxidative biomarkers could be correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with lymphocyte DNA damage and cytokines. Findings suggest that honey attenuates oxidative stress and lymphocyte DNA damage after exercise, activities that are most likely attributable to its high antioxidant capacity.

Tualang Honey Attenuates Noise Stress-Induced Memory Deficits in Aged Rats

Ageing and stress exposure may lead to memory impairment while oxidative stress is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms involved. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Tualang honey supplementation on memory performance in aged rats exposed to noise stress. Tualang honey supplementation was given orally, 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Rats in the stress group were subjected to loud noise, 100 dB(A), 4 hours daily for 14 days. All rats were subjected to novel object recognition test for evaluation of memory performance. It was observed that the rats subjected to noise stress exhibited significantly lower memory performance and higher oxidative stress as evident by elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and reduction of antioxidant enzymes activities compared to the nonstressed rats. Tualang honey supplementation was able to improve memory performance, decrease oxidative stress levels, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration, decrease acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhance neuronal proliferation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. In conclusion, Tualang honey protects against memory decline due to stress exposure and/or ageing via enhancement of mPFC and hippocampal morphology possibly secondary to reduction in brain oxidative stress and/or upregulation of BDNF concentration and cholinergic system.

Buckwheat Honey Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver and DNA Damage in Mice

Buckwheat honey, which is widely consumed in China, has a characteristic dark color. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of buckwheat honey on liver and DNA damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. The results revealed that buckwheat honey had high total phenolic content, and rutin, hesperetin, and p-coumaric acid were the main phenolic compounds present. Buckwheat honey possesses super DPPH radical scavenging activity and strong ferric reducing antioxidant power. Administration of buckwheat honey for 10 weeks significantly inhibited serum lipoprotein oxidation and increased serum oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Moreover, buckwheat honey significantly inhibited aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, which are enhanced by carbon tetrachloride. Hepatic malondialdehyde decreased and hepatic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) increased in the presence of buckwheat honey. In a comet assay, lymphocyte DNA damage induced by carbon tetrachloride was significantly inhibited by buckwheat honey. Therefore, buckwheat honey has a hepatoprotective effect and inhibits DNA damage, activities that are primarily attributable to its high antioxidant capacity.