Antioxidant Capacity of Venezuelan Honey in Wistar Rat Homogenates

Iranian thyme honey plays behavioral, cellular and molecular important roles as an amazing preventive and therapeutic agent in the brain of Alzheimer's rat model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of Iranian thyme honey (single dose: 2 gr/kg) vs rivastigmine (0.3 mg/kg) in vivo on spatial memory and in vitro on important parameters of oxidative stress as well as quantitative and qualitative studies of hippocampal neurons of AD rat models with this design that 30 days after oral administration of 17 mg/kg AlCl3, 20 AD rats were received that underwent a 6-weeks therapeutic period and another 20 rats underwent a 6-weeks preventive period and also 20 rats were as controls. Y-Maze test was performed to show memory deficiency as well as TBARS and FRAP assays to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant, respectively. In addition, H&E staining was also done for cell counting and morphological changes. We observed that AD rats with hippocampal damage had more significant errors during the Y-maze test than the control and other rats. Likewise, MDA and neurodegeneration increased in the AD group while in all preventive and therapeutic group's especially Iranian thyme honey, they decreased and conversely, total antioxidant and number of normal cells elevated and healthy neurons were observed in all parts of the hippocampus and cortex. Our results despite the limitations showed the powerful antioxidant properties and cytoprotective effects of Iranian thyme honey vs rivastigmine on hippocampal neurons that consequently enhanced memory and if advanced diagnostic tests in human clinical patients show other more pronounced effects, we have certainly started a key and targeted strategy.

Stingless Bee Honey Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory of the Metabolic Disease-induced Rats

BACKGROUND

Scientific studies support the evidence of the involvement of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through oxidative stress. Consumption of antioxidant compounds was found to be beneficial for brain-health as it reduced the brain oxidative stress level and improved cognitive performance in animals. Stingless bee honey or locally known as Kelulut Honey (KH) has high phenolic content and is widely used as a food supplement.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of KH on the brain of MetS-induced rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups; 8 weeks (C8) and 16 weeks control groups (C16), groups that received High-Carbohydrate High Fructose (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks (MS8) and 16 weeks (MS16), and a group that received HCHF for 16 weeks with KH supplemented for the last 35 days (KH).

RESULTS

Serum fasting blood glucose decreased in the KH group compared to the MS16 group. HDL levels were significantly decreased in MetS groups compared to control groups. Open field experiments showed that KH group exhibits less anxious behavior compared to the MetS group. Probe trial of Morris water maze demonstrated significant memory retention of KH group compared to the MS16 group. Nissl staining showed a significant decrease in the pyramidal hippocampal cells in the MS16 compared to the KH group.

CONCLUSION

KH has the ability to normalise blood glucose and reduce serum triglyceride and LDL levels in MetS rats, while behavior studies complement its effect on anxiety and memory. This shows a promising role of KH in attenuating neurodegenerative diseases through the antioxidant activity of its polyphenolic content.

Protective effects of honey and bee venom against lipopolysaccharide and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatoxicity and lipid peroxidation in rats

In the present study, the protective effects of honey and bee venom (BV) either independently or in combination against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatoxicity, lipid peroxidation, and hematological alterations in male albino rats were investigated. In addition, histopathological alterations of hepatic tissues induced by LPS/CCL4 were recorded. Sixty-four of male albino rats of average weight 120-150 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into eight equal groups of eight. The obtained results demonstrated that treatment with LPS/CCl4 caused an increase in the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, which was accompanied by changes in the hepatic function biomarkers that characterized by the increased levels of transaminases (AST, ALT). The results showed oxidative stress as assigned by the increase in lipid peroxide. Meantime detraction in the antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase was observed. Interruptions in biochemical parameters accompanied by disturbances in hematological parameters and liver histopathology were resulted due to exposure to LPS/CCl4. This study showed the use of honey and BV provided a protective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by LPS/CCl4. This might have been occurred through the reduction of hepatic transaminases and the "Alpha-fetoprotein" in serum and the equilibration of the antioxidation system, thereby, inhibiting the reactive oxygen species accumulation. Honey and BV administration reestablish disturbed hematological parameters and liver histopathology persuaded by LPS/CCl4. More interesting, we demonstrated that using a combination of the honey and BV showed promising enhancement in their protective effects over the use of just one of the two reagents.

The potentiality of NMR-based metabolomics in food science and food authentication assessment

In the last years, there was an increasing interest on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, whose applications experienced an exponential growth in several research fields, particularly in food science. NMR was initially developed as the elective technique for structure elucidation of single molecules and nowadays is playing a dominant role in complex mixtures investigations. In the era of the "omics" techniques, NMR was rapidly enrolled as one of the most powerful methods to approach metabolomics studies. Its use in analytical routines, characterized by rapid and reproducible measurements, would provide the identification of a wide range of chemical compounds simultaneously, disclosing sophisticated frauds or addressing the geographical origin, as well as revealing potential markers for other authentication purposes. The great economic value of high-quality or guaranteed foods demands highly detailed characterization to protect both consumers and producers from frauds. The present scenario suggests metabolomics as the privileged approach of modern analytical studies for the next decades. The large potentiality of high-resolution NMR techniques is here presented through specific applications and using different approaches focused on the authentication process of some foods, like tomato paste, saffron, honey, roasted coffee, and balsamic and traditional balsamic vinegar of Modena, with a particular focus on geographical origin characterization, ageing determination, and fraud detection.

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.

Influence of Botanical Origin and Chemical Composition on the Protective Effect against Oxidative Damage and the Capacity to Reduce In Vitro Bacterial Biofilms of Monofloral Honeys from the Andean Region of Ecuador

Three types of monofloral honey from the Andean regions of Ecuador (Avocado, Eucalyptus, and Rapeseed honey) were analyzed to determine their floral origin, physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and their capacity to reduce in vitro bacterial biofilms. The chemical composition varied considerably depending on floral origin. The highest values of bioactive compounds were found in Avocado honey, classified as dark amber in color, while the lowest values were found in Eucalyptus honey followed by Rapeseed honey, both classified as extra light amber. When compared to Eucalyptus and Rapeseed honey, Avocado honey showed a more effective superoxide scavenging activity, chelating metal ions capacity, and a higher ability to protect human erythrocyte membranes against lipid peroxidation. For antimicrobial activity, the hydrogen peroxide content and the capacity to inhibit the biofilm formation, and to remove preformed biofilm from Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae was determined. Avocado honey showed the highest values of hydrogen peroxide content, as well as the highest capacity to reduce in vitro bacterial biofilms. A correlation between color vs. phenolics content vs. superoxide scavenging activity vs. chelating metal ions capacity, and the capacity to protect human erythrocyte membranes against lipid peroxidation was found.

Role of food-derived antioxidant agents against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

Context Acetaminophen (APAP), also known as paracetamol and N-acetyl p-aminophenol, is one of the most frequently used drugs for analgesic and antipyretic purposes on a worldwide basis. It is safe and effective at recommended doses but has the potential for causing hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure (ALF) with overdose. To solve this problem, different strategies have been developed, including the use of compounds isolated from food, which have been studied to characterize their efficacy as natural dietary antioxidants. Objective The objective of this study is to show the beneficial effects of a variety of natural compounds and their use against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods PubMed database was reviewed to compile data about natural compounds with hepatoprotective effects against APAP toxicity. Results and conclusion As a result, the health-promoting properties of 13 different food-derived compounds with protective effect against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity were described as well as the mechanisms involved in hepatoprotection.

Histopathological and biochemical investigations of protective role of honey in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis

Background

Natural honey (honey) is considered as a part of traditional medicine all over the world. It has both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, useful in stimulation of wounds and burns healing and gastric ulcers treatment. The aim of this study, for the first time, was to investigate the antioxidant properties and protective role of honey against carcinogen chemical aflatoxin (AF) exposure in rats, which were evaluated by histopathological changes in liver and kidney, measuring level of serum marker enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamil transpeptidase (GGT)], antioxidant defense systems [Reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)], and lipid peroxidation content in liver, erythrocyte, brain, kidney, heart and lungs.

Methods

Eighteen healthy Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: A (Control), B (AF-treated) and C (AF + honey-treated). While rats in group A were fed with a diet without AF, B, and C groups received 25 μg of AF/rat/day, where C group additionally received 1 mL/kg of honey by gavage for 90 days.

Results

At the end of the 90-day experimental period, we found that the honey supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and the levels of enzyme associated with liver damage, increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the AF + honey-treated rats. Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of honey is further substantiated by showing almost normal histological architecture in AF + honey-treated group, compared to degenerative changes in the liver and kidney of AF-treated rats. Additionally, honey supplementation ameliorated antioxidant defens systems and lipid peroxidation in content in other tissues of AF + honey treated rats.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that honey has a hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect in rats with experimental aflatoxicosis due to its antioxidant activity.

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.

Bioactive properties of honey with propolis

Nowadays, propolis is used as an innovative preservative and as a bioactive food supplement. Due to its bitter and astringent flavour, propolis is hardly accepted by consumers. The aim of this study was to obtain a likeable food product made with honey and propolis, whose antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were enhanced in comparison with those of the base honeys used. 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% soft propolis extracts were added to honeys and the products that most appealed to the users were subjected to further research. Total phenolics, flavonoids, ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radicals scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities increased in all mixtures. Antimicrobial activity of the combined products showed synergic effects, resulting in higher results than those of the base honeys and propolis extracts. Therefore, honeys enriched with small amounts of propolis extracts are promising functional foods.

Protective effects of gelam honey against oxidative damage in young and aged rats

Aging is characterized by progressive decline in physiological and body function due to increase in oxidative damage. Gelam honey has been accounted to have high phenolic and nonphenolic content to attenuate oxidative damage. This study was to determine the effect of local gelam honey on oxidative damage of aged rats. Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into young (2 months) and aged (19 months) groups. Each group was further divided into control (fed with plain water) and supplemented with 2.5 mg/kg body weight of gelam honey for 8 months. DNA damage level was determined by comet assay and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The activity of blood and cardiac antioxidant enzymes was determined by spectrophotometer. The DNA damage and MDA level were reduced in both gelam honey supplemented groups. Gelam honey increases erythrocytes CAT and cardiac SOD activities in young and cardiac CAT activity in young and aged groups. The DNA damage was increased in the aged group compared to young group, but reduced at the end of the study. The decline of oxidative damage in rats supplemented with gelam honey might be through the modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella provided by Melipona marginata during winter in southern Brazil

Melipona marginata is an endangered species of stingless bee from Brazil that produces honey with particular physicochemical features and a remarkable exotic flavor. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report devoted to exploring the medicinal potential of this honey. Thus, the aim of this paper was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory activity of honey extract from M. marginata on skin inflammation. The honey sample was classified as a monofloral honey of Mimosa scabrella. The presence of 11 phenolic compounds as kaempferol and caffeic acid was detected using the high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-UV-ESI-MS) method. The anti-inflammatory activity was measured using a 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ear edema model of inflammation in mice. The topical application of the M. marginata honey extract (1.0 mg/ear) was able to reduce ear edema with an inhibitory effect of 54 ± 5%. This extract decreased the myeloperoxidase activity in 75 ± 3%, which suggests a lower leucocyte infiltration that was confirmed by histological analysis. This extract also provided a reduction of 55 ± 14% in the production of reactive oxygen species. This anti-inflammatory activity could be due to a synergic effect of the phenolic compounds identified in the honey sample. Taken together, these results open up new possibilities for the use of M. marginata honey extract in skin disorders.

The protective effects of insulin and natural honey against hippocampal cell death in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We investigated the effects of insulin and honey as antioxidants to prevent the hippocampal cell death in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We selected sixty Wister rats (5 groups of 12 animals each), including the control group (C), and four diabetic groups (control (D) and 3 groups treated with insulin (I), honey (H), and insulin plus honey (I + H)). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection (IP, 60 mg/kg). Six weeks after the induction of diabetes, the group I received insulin (3-4 U/kg/day, SC), group H received honey (5 mg/kg/day, IP), and group I + H received a combination of the above at the same dose. Groups C and D received normal saline. Two weeks after treatment, rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus was extracted. Neuronal cell death in the hippocampal region was examined using trypan blue assay, "H & E" staining, and TUNEL assay. Cell viability assessment showed significantly lower number of living cells in group D than in group C. Besides, the mean number of living cells was significantly higher in group I, H, and I + H compared to group D. Therefore, it can be concluded that the treatment of the diabetic rats with insulin, honey, and a combination of insulin and honey can prevent neuronal cell death in different hippocampal areas of the studied samples.

Antioxidant and toxicity studies of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity and potential toxicity of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (Lamiaceae) leaves (MEOS) after acute and subchronic administration in rats. Superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferrous ion chelating methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the extract. In acute toxicity study, single dose of MEOS, 5000 mg/kg, was administered to rats by oral gavage, and the treated rats were monitored for 14 days. While in the subchronic toxicity study, MEOS was administered orally, at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. From the results, MEOS showed good superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating, and antilipid peroxidation activities. There was no mortality detected or any signs of toxicity in acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in bodyweight, relative organ weight, and haematological and biochemical parameters between both male and female treated rats in any doses tested. No abnormality of internal organs was observed between treatment and control groups. The oral lethal dose determined was more than 5000 mg/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of MEOS for both male and female rats is considered to be 5000 mg/kg per day.

The effects of honey and vitamin E administration on apoptosis in testes of rat exposed to noise stress

AIMS:

A variety of stress factors are known to inhibit male reproductive functions. So this study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of honey and vitamin E on the germinative and somatic cells of testes of rats exposed to noise stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Mature male wistar rats (n = 24) were randomly grouped as follows: Group 1 (honey + noise stress), 2 (vitamin E + noise stress), 3 (noise stress,) and 4 as the control group. In groups 1, 2, and 3, rats were exposed to noise stress. In groups 1 and 2, rats also were given honey and vitamin E, respectively, orally for 50 days. After that, the germinative and somatic cells of testes parenchyma were isolated by digesting the whole testes by a standard method. Next, viability, apoptosis, and necrosis of the cells were evaluated by TUNEL kit and flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

The rates of apoptosis and necrosis of the testicular cells were increased (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively), but viability of these cells decreased in testes of rats exposed to noise stress (P = 0.003). However, administration of honey and vitamin E were significantly helpful in keeping the cells of testis parenchyma alive, which suffers from noise pollution (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Noise stress has negative influences on the cells of testicular tissue by increasing apoptotic and necrotic cells. However, the associated enhancement in healthy cells suggests that honey and vitamin E have positive influences on the testis parenchyma.

Honey: a novel antioxidant

The global prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease is on the rise. These diseases, which constitute the major causes of death globally, are associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is defined as an "imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants, potentially leading to damage". Individuals with chronic diseases are more susceptible to oxidative stress and damage because they have elevated levels of oxidants and/or reduced antioxidants. This, therefore, necessitates supplementation with antioxidants so as to delay, prevent or remove oxidative damage. Honey is a natural substance with many medicinal effects such as antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, reproductive, antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. This review presents findings that indicate honey may ameliorate oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, pancreas, kidney, reproductive organs and plasma/serum. Besides, the review highlights data that demonstrate the synergistic antioxidant effect of honey and antidiabetic drugs in the pancreas, kidney and serum of diabetic rats. These data suggest that honey, administered alone or in combination with conventional therapy, might be a novel antioxidant in the management of chronic diseases commonly associated with oxidative stress. In view of the fact that the majority of these data emanate from animal studies, there is an urgent need to investigate this antioxidant effect of honey in human subjects with chronic or degenerative diseases.

Histological changes in male accessory reproductive organs in rats exposed to cigarette smoke and the protective effect of honey supplementation

The effect of cigarette smoke (CS) on histology of male accessory reproductive organs and the possible protective effect of honey supplementation in rats were investigated in this study. Rats received distilled water, honey, CS exposure or honey plus CS exposure. Honey (1.2 g/kg body weight/day) was administered by gavage and CS exposure (3 times per day) was done in a chamber for 13 weeks. CS exposure significantly increased relative weight of epididymis and ventral prostate. There were also significantly increased number of clear cells and epithelial height of cauda epididymis as well as severe interstitial oedema and decreased epithelial height of prostate gland. However, with the supplementation of honey, these histological changes were significantly reversed suggesting the protective effect of honey against the toxic effect of CS on male accessory reproductive organs in rats.

Radical-scavenging activity, protective effect against lipid peroxidation and mineral contents of monofloral Cuban honeys

Several monofloral Cuban honeys were analyzed to determine their free radical-scavenging activity and from this the total antioxidant content was estimated. The protective effect against lipid peroxidation in an in vitro model of rat liver homogenates was evaluated and, lastly, the mineral content of the honeys, which can be related to the maintenance of intracellular oxidative balance, was determined. The scavenging capacities against hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were determined using the spin-trapping technique and the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assay, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was evaluated through the production of TBARS and hydroperoxides. All honeys tested showed potential antioxidant activity with Linen vine displaying the highest scavenging capacity towards the DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide radicals, while the least efficient was Christmas vine honey. Honeys also inhibited, in a concentration-dependent mode, lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenates, with Linen vine resulting the best while the least effective was Christmas vine honey. The ability to scavenge free radicals and protect against lipid peroxidation may contribute to the ability of certain Cuban honeys to help in preventing/reducing some inflammatory diseases in which oxidative stress is involved. A total of eight minerals were identified and quantified as follows: cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc. Minerals found in higher concentrations were iron, zinc and manganese.

Quality parameters and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of some Mexican honeys

A total of 14 Mexican honeys were screened for quality parameters including color, moisture, proline, and acidity. Antioxidant properties of complete honey and its methanolic extracts were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of complete honeys against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Sthapylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was determined. Most of honeys analyzed showed values within quality parameters established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2001. Eucalyptus flower honey and orange blossom honey showed the highest phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity. Bell flower, orange blossom, and eucalyptus flower honeys inhibited the growth of the 4 evaluated microorganisms. The remaining honeys affected at least 1 of the estimated growth parameters (increased lag phase, decreased growth rate, and/or maximum population density). Microorganism sensitivity to the antimicrobial activity of honeys followed the order B. cereus > L. monocytogenes > Salmonella Typhimurium > S. aureus. The monofloral honey samples from orange blossoms, and eucalyptus flowers demonstrated to be good sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. All the Mexican honey samples examined proved to be good sources of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents that might serve to maintain health and protect against several diseases.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The results of the study showed that Mexican honeys display good quality parameters and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Mexican honey can be used as an additive in the food industry to increase the nutraceutical value of products.

Antioxidant protective effect of honey in cigarette smoke-induced testicular damage in rats

Cigarette smoke (CS) can cause testicular damage and we investigated the possible protective effect of honey against CS-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in rats. CS exposure (8 min, 3 times daily) and honey supplementation (1.2 g/kg daily) were given for 13 weeks. Rats exposed to CS significantly had smaller seminiferous tubules diameter and epithelial height, lower Leydig cell count and increased percentage of tubules with germ cell loss. CS also produced increased lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as well as reduced total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). However, supplementation of honey significantly reduced histological changes and TBARS level, increased TAS level, as well as significantly restored activities of GPx, SOD and CAT in rat testis. These findings may suggest that honey has a protective effect against damage and oxidative stress induced by CS in rat testis.

Effect of different doses of Malaysian honey on reproductive parameters in adult male rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Malaysian honey on male reproductive parameters in adult rats. Thirty-two healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats per group). Group 1 (control group) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were given 0.2, 1.2 and 2.4 g kg(-1) body weight of honey respectively. The rats were treated orally by gavage once daily for 4 weeks. Honey did not significantly alter body and male reproductive organs weights. The rats in Group 3 which received honey at 1.2 g kg(-1) had significantly higher epididymal sperm count than those in Groups 1, 2 and 4. No significant differences were found for the percentage of abnormal sperm, elongated spermatid count, reproductive hormonal levels as well as the histology of the testis among the groups. In conclusion, Malaysian honey at a dose of 1.2 g kg(-1) daily significantly increased epididymal sperm count without affecting spermatid count and reproductive hormones. These findings might suggest that oral administration of honey at this dose for 4 weeks may enhance spermiogenesis in adult rats.

Antineoplastic effects of bee honey and Nigella sativa on hepatocellular carcinoma cells

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate in vitro antitumor effects of bee honey (BH) and Nigella sativa (NS) on HepG2 through their antioxidant and apoptotic activities.

METHODS

HepG2 cell line was treated with different concentrations of diluted unfractionated BH and different concentrations of alcohol extract of NS. Exposure lasted for different time durations (6-72 hours), both dose-response and time course-response were conducted. Cell viability was tested by trypan blue exclusion test. Total antioxidant status and caspase-3 activity were estimated in the cell lysate. Nitric oxide levels were measured in culture supernatants of both treated and untreated HepG2 at all indicated times.

RESULTS

Treatment of HepG2 cells with BH and NS leads to a significant decrease in both the number of viable HepG2 cells and the levels of nitric oxide on one hand, but improvement of the total antioxidant status and caspase-3 activity on the other, especially in HepG2 cells treated with higher doses of BH and NS (20% and 5000 μg/mL, respectively) and for longer duration (72 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

BH and NS are effective in reducing the viability of HepG2 cells, improving their antioxidant status and inducing their apoptotic death.

Nuclear magnetic resonance and chemometrics to assess geographical origin and quality of traditional food products

In this globalization era, the opening of the markets has put at almost everybody's disposal a wide variety of foods, allowing everybody to taste food flavors and aromas from different nations. Notwithstanding this opportunity, countries try to preserve their markets by developing protection policies. A few countries have adopted different denominations to label their "typical food" products in order to give them additional value. Besides, the term "typical food" is widely thought of as something anchored to the local traditions, with geographical meaning and made with typical raw materials. Then a "typical food" starts to be considered "traditional" when it is made following specific and old recipes. As a matter of fact, these products acquire particular organoleptic characteristics that are not reproducible when produced in different places. In this review, NMR studies coupled to multivariate statistical analysis are presented with the aim of determining geographical origin and key quality characteristics.

Effect of Palestinian honey on spermatogenesis in rats

Treatment of male albino rats with 5% honey for 20 days had no significant effect on total body weight or on the relative weight of other organs like the testis, seminal vesicles, spleen, kidneys, liver, heart, or brain. The only significant change was a 17% increase in the relative weight of the epididymis (P < or = .01). The relative weight of all the other organs was similar to those in control animals treated for the same period with drinking water. Treatment of rats for the same period with the same concentration of 5% sucrose produced no significant changes in absolute or relative weight of tested organs compared to control animals. The same treatment with Palestinian honey increased significantly the epididymal sperm count by 37% (P < or = .05). The activity of testicular marker enzymes for spermatogenesis such as sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) was increased by 31% (P < or = .05), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was reduced by 48% (P < or = .05), which indicates that treatment with honey induces spermatogenesis. Similar treatment with sucrose had no significant effect on any of the key enzymes or epididymal sperm count. In conclusion, our results show that ingestion of honey induces spermatogenesis in rats by increasing epididymal sperm count, increasing selectively the relative weight of the epididymis, and increasing SDH activity and reducing LDH activity.

Protective effects against H2O2-induced damage by enzymatic hydrolysates of an edible brown seaweed, sea tangle (Laminaria japonica)

Enzymatic hydrolysates of Laminaria japonica were evaluated for antioxidative activities using hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and protective effects against H(2)O(2)-induced DNA and cell damage. In addition, activities of antioxidative enzymes, including catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, of the enzymatic hydrolysates from L. japonica were also estimated. L. japonica was first enzymatically hydrolyzed by seven carbohydrases (Dextrozyme, AMG, Promozyme, Maltogenase, Termamyl, Viscozyme, and Celluclast [all from Novo Co., Novozyme Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark]) and five proteinases (Flavourzyme, Neutrase, Protamex, Alcalase [all from Novo Co.], and pancreatic trypsin). The hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of Promozyme and pancreatic trypsin hydrolysates from L. japonica were the highest as compared to those of the other carbohydrases and proteinases, and their 50% inhibitory concentration values were 1.67 and 317.49 mug/mL, respectively. The pancreatic trypsin hydrolysates of L. japonica exerted a protective effect on H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage. We also evaluated the protective effect on hydroxyl radical-induced oxidative damage in PC12 cells via propidium iodide staining using a flow cytometer. The AMG and pancreatic trypsin hydrolysates of L. japonica dose-dependently protected PC12 cells against cell death caused by hydroxyl radical-induced oxidative damage. Additionally, we analyzed the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and the phase II biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase in L. japonica-treated cells. The activity of all antioxidative enzymes was higher in L. japonica-treated cells compared with the nontreated cells. These results indicate that enzymatic hydrolysates of L. japonica possess antioxidative activity.

Antioxidant activity of enzymatic extracts from Stellaria dichotoma

The antioxidant properties of enzymatic extracts from Stellaria dichotoma were evaluated using seven carbohydrases (Promozyme, Celluclast, Maltogenase, Viscozyme, Termamyl, Dextrozyme, and AMG 300L) and five proteases (Protamex, Flavourzyme, Neutrase, pancreatic trypsin, and Alcalase) (all from Novo Co., Novozyme Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark) for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, hydroxyl radical, and alkyl radical scavenging activity using an electron spin resonance spectrometer. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of pancreatic trypsin and Celluclast extracts from S. dichotoma were the highest among various protease and carbohydrate extracts, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values were 10.45 and 13.80 microg/mL, respectively. The Flavourzyme and Promozyme extracts of S. dichotoma showed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activities among the tested protease and carbohydrase extracts, with IC(50) values of 1.51 and 1.23 microg/mL, respectively. The S. dichotoma enzymatic extracts also exhibited alkyl radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the ability of the enzymatic extracts to inhibit the oxidative damage of DNA was assessed in vitro by measuring the conversion of supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA to the open circular form. It was found that the enzymatic extracts could significantly and dose-dependently protect against hydroxyl radical-induced DNA damage. These results indicate that enzymatic extracts of S. dichotoma possess potent antioxidant activity.

Geographical characterization of polyfloral and acacia honeys by nuclear magnetic resonance and chemometrics

The importance of geographical origin determination is an increasing and pressing requirement for all foods. Honey is one of the largest studied foods due to its nutritional and medicinal properties in a correct diet. In this paper, a total of 41 honey samples (polyfloral and acacia) from different countries have been analyzed in terms of (1)H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical methods. Unsupervised principal component analysis resulted as an efficient tool in distinguishing (1)H NMR spectra of polyfloral and acacia honey samples and for geographical characterization of the latter ones. Hierarchical projection to latent structures discriminant analysis was successfully applied for the discrimination among polyfloral honey samples of different geographical origins. (13)C NMR spectroscopy was applied to honey samples with the aim to investigate possible sugar isoforms differentiation. Our preliminary data indicated a different isoforms ratio between betaFP and betaFF only for polyfloral Argentinean samples, while Hungarian samples showed resonance shifts for some carbons of alphaFF, betaFP, betaFF, and alphaGP isoforms for both varieties. These data confirmed the potentiality of (13)C spectroscopy in food characterization, especially in sugar-based foods.

Honey prevents hepatic damage induced by obstruction of the common bile duct

AIM: To examine the possible effects of honey supplementation on hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct in an experimental rat model.

METHODS: The study was performed with 30 male rats divided into three groups: a sham group, an obstructive jaundice group, and an obstructive jaundice plus honey group. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed, and levels of nitric oxide (NO), and NO synthase (NOS) activities were measured in liver tissues, and levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities were measured in serum.

RESULTS: Blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly elevated in the jaundice group as compared to those of the sham group. In the obstructive jaundice plus honey group, blood ALT and ADA activities were significantly decreased as compared to those of the jaundice group. In erythrocytes and liver tissues, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group compared to those of the sham group. Additionally, NO levels were found to be significantly higher in liver tissues from the animals in the obstructive jaundice plus honey group than those of the jaundice group.

CONCLUSION: Honey was found to be beneficial in the prevention of hepatic damage due to obstruction of the common bile duct.