Abstract

CONTRERAS-MARTINEZ, Cristina S. et al. Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content of bee honey produced in Zacatecas, Mexico. Rev. fitotec. mex [online]. 2020, vol.43, n.4, pp.453-460.  Epub Aug 14, 2023. ISSN 0187-7380.  https://doi.org/10.35196/rfm.2020.4.453.

Bee honey has been used since ancient times due to its good nutritional and therapeutic properties. It is produced worldwide and plays an important role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent; it also increases the adherence of skin grafts and the process of wound healing. The relationship between the consumption of certain foods and health derives from the presence of a series of nutrients in these foods, as well as other nonnutritive elements, yet with a key role in the prevention of certain diseases. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in food that contribute to improving various physiological activities, playing an antimicrobial role, with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anticancer effects. The objective of this research was to determine the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of bee honey produced in Zacatecas, Mexico. Four varieties of bee honey [multiflora, mezquite (Prosopis laevigata), gatuño flower (Mimosa spp.), and creamy gatuño flower (Mimosa spp.)] were analyzed in terms of antioxidant capacity (methods ABTS•+, DPPH and FRAP) and the total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteau method) by two extraction procedures (methanolic and water extraction). Data were submitted to one-way analysis of variance. Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found among the samples in terms of the total phenolic content, pH, ° Brix and water content, as well as in antioxidant capacity through the ABTS•+ and FRAP methods. Methanolic extraction showed the highest total phenolic content (144 mg of GAE 100 g-1), while the water extraction showed the highest antioxidant capacity when analyzed through the DPPH method (1118.3 μmol equivalents of Trolox 100 g-1).

Keywords : Apis mellifera; antioxidants; polyphenols; Zacatecas.

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