Protective Effects of Arbutus unedo L. Honey in the Alleviation of Irinotecan-Induced Cytogenetic Damage in Human Lymphocytes-An In Vitro Study

The Contribution of Botanical Origin to the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Algerian Honeys

Honeys from different regions of Algeria were analyzed to determine their pollen characteristics and physicochemical properties (humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, diastase content, color, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity). The antioxidant activity was investigated using the free radical scavenging and Ferric reducing/antioxidant power assays. The melissopalynological analysis revealed 129 pollen types from 53 botanical families. The pollen types found as dominant were Coriandrum, Bupleurum, Brassica napus type, Hedysarum coronarium, Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Peganum harmala, Ziziphus lotus and Tamarix. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to analyze significant relationships between the physicochemical variables and the botanical origin of the honeys and establish groupings based on the similarities of their physicochemical and antioxidant properties. The results showed that Ceratonia siliqua, Eucalyptus, Arbutus and honeydew honeys had a higher antioxidant contribution and higher phenolic and flavonoid contents than the rest of the honeys. In addition, the contributions of Mediterranean vegetation such as Myrtus and Phyllirea angustifolia were significant in this honey group. This paper demonstrates the diverse botanical variability for honey production in Algeria. However, there is a gap in its characterization based on its botanical origin. Therefore, these studies contribute positively to the needs of the beekeeping sector and the commercial valorization of the country's honey.

Determination of the genotoxic effects of sweeteners, mannitol and lactitol

The changes in dietary habit around the world have led to an increased use of additives in the food. The safety of food additives has been a main focus of research for many years due to the ongoing debate on their potential effects on health. In this study, the in vitro genotoxic effects of mannitol and lactitol, polyols used as sweetener food additives, were evaluated using chromosomal aberrations (CAs) and micronucleus (MN) assays in human peripheral lymphocytes. Additionally, the effects of these sweeteners on the mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) were investigated. Concentrations of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 μg/mL for mannitol and 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 μg/mL for lactitol were used. The results indicated that both polyols did not affect CA and MN frequency, and did not cause a significant change in NDI at all treatment concentratoins. However, mannitol (except at concentrations of 500 and 1000 μg/mL) and lactitol (except at 250 μg/mL) significantly decreased the MI compared to the control at almost all concentrations and treatment times. In conclusion, it was observed that mannitol and lactitol did not have a significant genotoxic effect at the concentrations used in human lymphocytes in vitro.