Analysis of Phenolic Acid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Chestnut Honey from Different Regions of Korea

ABSTRACT

Chestnut honey contains various components such as phenolic compounds and alkaloids that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the composition and activity of chestnut honey significantly differ depending on its region of origin. In this study, the antioxidant activity of chestnut honey obtained from nine regions in Korea was evaluated by ABTS free radical scavenging assay. In addition, the phenolic acid content of each honey sample was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and an ultraviolet (UV) detector. The antioxidant activity increased with the increasing concentration of chestnut honey samples. The major phenolic compounds in chestnut honey were observed to be gallic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid. Altogether, the quantitative analysis of phenolic acids and evaluation of antioxidant activity in chestnut honey from different regions will contribute to establishing regional chestnut honey profiling in Korea and may provide preliminary data for collecting honey with various biological activities.