Phenolic profile and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Mimosa scabrella Bentham honeydew honey in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.

The anti-inflammatory activity is mainly attributed to the phenolic compounds. Once the geographical location affects the phenolic content of honeys, a relationship between the collection spot and the anti-inflammatory effect of bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) honeydew honeys was hypothesized. The inhibitory effect of 14 honey samples on NOx, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12p70, MCP-1, INF-γ, and IL-10 in RAW 264.7 macrophages inflamed by LPS was evaluated. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified, mainly syringic acid and rutin. Ten honeys inhibited nitrite production; at least six downregulated TNF-α, IL-12p70, MCP-1, and IFN-γ; only four honey samples inhibited IL-6; and one honey sample inhibited IL-10 levels, showing their variable effects on the inflammatory markers. Principal component analysis grouped samples according to the phenolic content and downregulation of specific inflammatory markers. The bracatinga honeydew honey effectiveness was associated with geographical location, as samples from areas with higher density and diversity of plants had a more significant anti-inflammatory effect. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The present research study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of bracatinga honeydew honey samples collected from regions with different vegetation coverages. Honey samples collected from locations presenting greater forest diversity and density inhibited inflammatory markers more efficiently. This study reinforces the role of the bracatinga honeydew honey in preventing inflammatory processes and the importance of preserving forests so that products with a greater diversity of compounds and consequently more active can be obtained.

Investigation of phenolic compounds, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in stingless bee honey (Meliponinae).

The objective of this study was to investigate and quantify the composition phenolic, reducing capacity, the free radical scavenging activity, as well as, the anti-inflammatory effect evaluated against lipopolysaccharides-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages through modulation of inflammatory mediators, in eight stingless bee honey types (Meliponinae) from southern Brazil. Stingless bee honey did not show to be cytotoxic at the tested concentrations (1-100 µM) and also reduced nitric oxide and the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine in the inflamed macrophages. Two honey samples showed the ability to increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), suggesting a significant anti-inflammatory effect. All these findings indicate that stingless bee honey could be an important source of natural compounds presenting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, which could would provide health benefits when included in the diet.