Evaluation of Environmentally Relevant Nitrated and Oxygenated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Honey.

In this work, a novel analytical methodology for the extraction and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivatives, nitrated (NPAH) and oxygenated (OPAH), in bee honey samples was developed. The extraction approach resulted in being straightforward, sustainable, and low-cost. It was based on a salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry determination (SALLE-UHPLC-(+)APCI-MS/MS). The following figures of merit were obtained, linearity between 0.8 and 500 ng g-1 for NPAH and between 0.1 and 750 ng g-1 for OPAH compounds, coefficients of determination (r2) from 0.97 to 0.99. Limits of detection (LOD) were from 0.26 to 7.42 ng g-1 for NPAH compounds and from 0.04 to 9.77 ng g-1 for OPAH compounds. Recoveries ranged from 90.6% to 100.1%, and relative standard deviations (RSD) were lower than 8.9%. The green assessment of the method was calculated. Thus, the Green Certificate allowed a classification of 87 points. This methodology was reliable and suitable for application in honey samples. The results demonstrated that the levels of nitro- and oxy-PAHs were higher than those reported for unsubstituted PAHs. In this sense, the production chain sometimes transforms foods as direct carriers of contaminants to consumers, representing a concern and demonstrating the need for routine control.

Microencapsulation of Propolis and Honey Using Mixtures of Maltodextrin/Tara Gum and Modified Native Potato Starch/Tara Gum.

Ethanolic extracts of propolis and bee honey contain substances beneficial to human health. Mixtures of wall materials were compared in spray-drying microencapsulation of ethanolic extracts of propolis and bee honey rich in bioactive compounds. Maltodextrin and tara gum were used to obtain microencapsulates A, and modified native potato starch and tara gum were used for microencapsulates B. High values of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were obtained in microcapsules A and B, and the results obtained in terms of encapsulation efficiency, yield, hygroscopicity, solubility, moisture, Aw, bulk density, and color were typical of the spray-drying process. On the other hand, spherical and elliptical microparticles of sizes between 7.83 and 53.7 µm with light and medium stability were observed. Thermogravimetric properties were similar in both microencapsulates; total organic carbon, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analyses corroborated the encapsulation. X-ray diffractogram exhibited amorphous structures, and the release kinetics of phenolic compounds presented high values from 8.13 to 12.58 mg GAE/g between 7 and 13 h. Finally, modified potato starch is a better encapsulant than maltodextrin because it has better core protection and controlled release of the encapsulated bioactive compounds.

Physicochemical Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys from Tropical Forests of Colombia: Apis mellifera and Melipona eburnea.

Honey is a functional food used worldwide and recognized for its multiple health benefits. In the present study, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey produced by two species of bees (Melipona eburnea and Apis mellifera) in two seasons were evaluated. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of honey against three bacterial strains was studied. The quality of honey analyzed by LDA (linear discriminant analysis) showed four clusters mediated by the interaction, the bee species, and the collection season resulting from a multivariate function of discrimination. The physicochemical properties of the honey produced by A. mellifera met the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius, while the M. eburnea honey had moisture values outside the established ranges of the Codex. Antioxidant activity was higher in the honey of A. mellifera, and both kinds of honey showed inhibitory activity against S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 9118. E. coli ATCC 25922 showed resistance to the analyzed honey.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Capacity of Bacteria Isolated from Stingless Bee (Scaptotrigona aff. postica) Honey Cultivated in Açai (Euterpe oleracea) Monoculture.

Many antimicrobial compounds have been seeking to protect the human body against pathogenic microbial infections. In recent times, there has been considerable growth of pathogens resistant to existing drugs due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics. In the present study, bacteria isolated from the honey of stingless bees native to the Amazon called Scaptotrigona aff. postica and Apis mellifera were used to determine their potential antimicrobial properties and characterize the medium cultivated with isolated bacteria. The results showed inhibition of nine isolates. Among these isolates, SCA12, SCA13, and SCA15 showed inhibitory activity similar to that of vancomycin, which was used as a positive control. The SCA13 strain obtained the best results with antimicrobial extract against the tested pathogens; the species was identified as Enterococcus faecalis, and its lyophilized extract was characterized by temperature, pH, and trypsin, in which they showed antimicrobial activity. This work shows that bacteria isolated from the stingless bee honey, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, have the potential to produce antimicrobial substances.

Physicochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Honeys Produced in Minas Gerais (Brazil).

Honeys can be classified as polyfloral or monofloral and have been extensively studied due to an increased interest in their consumption. There is concern with the correct identification of their flowering, the use of analyses that guarantee their physicochemical quality and the quantification of some compounds such as phenolics, to determine their antioxidant and antimicrobial action. This study aims at botanical identification, physicochemical analyses, and the determination of total polyphenols, chromatographic profile and antiradical and antimicrobial activity of honey from different regions of Minas Gerais. Seven different samples were analyzed for the presence of pollen, and color determination. The physicochemical analyses performed were total acidity, moisture, HMF, reducing sugar, and apparent sucrose. The compound profile was determined by UHPLC/MS, the determination of total phenolics and antiradical activity (DPPH method) were performed by spectrophotometry, and minimum inhibitory and bacterial concentrations were determined for cariogenic bacteria. All honey samples met the quality standards required by international legislation, twenty compounds were detected as the main ones, the polyfloral honey was the only honey that inhibited all of the bacteria tested. Sample M6 (Coffee) was the one with the highest amount of total polyphenols, while the lowest was M4 (Cipó-uva). Regarding the antioxidant activity, M5 (Velame) had the best result and M4 (Cipó-uva) was the one that least inhibited oxidation. Of the polyfloral honeys, there was not as high a concentration of phenolic compounds as in the others. Coffee, Aroeira, Velame and Polyfloral have the best anti-radical actions. Betônica, Aroeira, Cipó-uva and Pequi inhibited only some bacteria. The best bacterial inhibition results are from Polyfloral.

Composición química de la miel de abeja y su relación con los beneficios a la salud / Chemical composition of the bee honey and its relation to health benefits

RESUMEN En la actualidad existe un incremento en la tendencia al consumo de alimentos saludables. Uno de ellos es la miel de abeja, reconocida desde la antigüedad por sus propiedades medicinales. Resulta importante profundizar en la información relativa a la composición química de la miel y cómo la misma influye en sus propiedades biológicas. Para ello se realizó esta revisión, que ofrece información y análisis de las características fisicoquímicas de la miel, sus componentes bioactivos y los mecanismos de acción. Fueron utilizados valores de los estándares de calidad y de otros componentes, como vitaminas, minerales, enzimas, ácidos orgánicos, proteínas, flavonoides y ácidos fenólicos con alta actividad antioxidante. Se resumen aspectos principales de las características funcionales de la miel, que le aportan su potencial biológico, energético, antioxidante, antiséptico y modulador de la respuesta inmune, para la acción contra determinadas enfermedades y, fundamentalmente, en la actividad preventiva. Elementos de esta naturaleza brindan información que puede ser utilizada en la promoción de una buena salud y en el desarrollo de nuevas investigaciones.

ABSTRACT Currently there is an increase in the tendency of the healthy food consumption. One of them is bee honey, recognized since ancient times for its medicinal properties. It is important to deepen in information regarding to chemical composition of honey and how it influences on its biological properties. For that was carried out this review that offers information and analyzes physicochemical characteristics of bee honey, its bioactive components and action mechanisms. Values of quality standards and of other components, as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, organic acids, proteins, flavonoids and phenolic acids with high antioxidant activity were used. Main aspects of the honey functional characteristics are summarized. They give it their biological, energetic, antioxidant, antiseptic and immune response modulating potential for the action against certain diseases and, mainly, in the preventive activity. Elements of this nature provide information that can be used in the promotion of good health and in the development of new research.

An insight into the antibiofilm properties of Costa Rican stingless bee honeys.

OBJECTIVE: There is an increasing search for antibiofilm agents that either have specific activity against biofilms or may act in synergy with antimicrobials. Our objective is to examine the the antibiofilm properties of stingless bee honeys. METHOD: Meliponini honeys from Costa Rica were examined along with Medihoney as a reference. All honeys were submitted to a screening composed of minimum inhibitory concentration, inhibition of biofilm formation and biofilm destruction microplate-based assays against a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm forming strain. Dialysis led to the isolation of an antibiofilm fraction in Tetragonisca angustula honeys. The honey antibiofilm fraction was evaluated for protease activity and for any synergistic effect with antibiotics on a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The active fraction was then separated through activity guided isolation techniques involving SDS-PAGEs, anion exchange and size exclusion fast protein liquid chromatographies. The fractions obtained and the isolated antibiofilm constituents were tested for amylase and DNase activity. RESULTS: A total of 57 Meliponini honeys from Costa Rica were studied in this research. The honeys studied belonged to the Tetragonisca angustula (n=36) and Melipona beecheii (n=21) species. Costa Rican Tetragonisca angustula honeys can inhibit the planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and are capable of destroying a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The antibiofilm effect was observed in the protein fraction of Tetragonisca angustula honeys. The biofilm destruction proteins allowed ampicillin and vancomycin to recover their antimicrobial activity over a Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. The antibiofilm proteins are of bee origin, and their activity was not due to serine, cysteine or metalloproteases. There were 2 proteins causing the antibiofilm action; these were named the Tetragonisca angustula biofilm destruction factors (TABDFs). TABDF-1 is a monomeric protein of approximately 50kDa that is responsible of the amylase activity of Tetragonisca angustula honeys. TABDF-2 is a protein monomer of approximately 75kDa. CONCLUSION: Tetragonisca angustula honeys from Costa Rica are a promising candidate for research and development of novel wound dressings focused on the treatment of acute and chronic Staphylococcus aureus biofilm wound infections.

Biological and therapeutic effects of honey produced by honey bees and stingless bees: a comparative review

ABSTRACT Honey is a natural product produced by both honey bees and stingless bees. Both types of honey contain unique and distinct types of phenolic and flavonoid compounds of variable biological and clinical importance. Honey is one of the most effective natural products used for wound healing. In this review, the traditional uses and clinical applications of both honey bee and stingless bee honey – such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, and cardioprotective properties; the treatment of eye disorders, gastrointestinal tract diseases, neurological disorders, and fertility disorders and wound healing activity are described.

Caracterização físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. da região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Physicochemical characterization of Apis mellifera L. honeys from the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. produzidos em dois anos consecutivos na região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As características físico-químicas de 36 amostras de mel foram comparadas utilizando o teste T de Student e a adequação aos padrões da legislação brasileira da qualidade do mel foi verificada. Os resultados das análises dos méis variaram para as características analisadas conforme segue: pH (3,3-4,4), umidade (14,7-19,8 por cento), acidez total (16,9-49,2meq kg-1), hidroximetilfurfural (0,15-48,3mg kg-1), açúcares redutores (60,1-75,9 por cento), açúcares não-redutores (1,35-5,99 por cento), cinzas (0,05-0,47 por cento) e sólidos insolúveis (0,016-0,27g kg-1). A análise estatística das amostras de mel produzidas em dois anos consecutivos mostrou que houve diferença significativa na umidade, na acidez e na hidroximetilfurfural. Os méis produzidos nesta região apresentam boa qualidade e características físico-químicas compatíveis aos padrões da legislação brasileira.

The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical composition of Apis mellifera L. honeys produced in two consecutive years in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The physicochemical characteristics of 36 honey samples were compared using Student's T-test and their adequacy to standards established by the Brazilian legislation for honey quality was checked. The results varied as follows: pH (3.3-4.4), moisture (14.7-19.8 percent), acidity (16.9-49.2meq kg-1), hydroxymethylfurfural content (0.15-48.3mg kg-1), reducing sugar (60.1-75.9 percent), non-reducing sugar (1.35-5.99 percent), ashes (0.05-0.47 percent) and solids non-soluble in water (0.016-0.27g kg-1). The statistical analyses of honey samples produced in two consecutive years showed that the moisture, acidity and hydroxymethylfurfural content varied significantly. The honey samples produced in this region were in accordance with the Brazilian legislation for honey quality.

Caracterização físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. da região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical composition of Apis mellifera L. honeys produced in two consecutive years in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The physicochemical characteristics of 36 honey samples were compared using Students T-test and their adequacy to standards established by the Brazilian legislation for honey quality was checked. The results varied as follows: pH (3.3-4.4), moisture (14.7-19.8%), acidity (16.9-49.2meq kg-1), hydroxymethylfurfural content (0.15-48.3mg kg-1), reducing sugar (60.1-75.9%), non-reducing sugar (1.35-5.99%), ashes (0.05-0.47%) and solids non-soluble in water (0.016-0.27g kg-1). The statistical analyses of honey samples produced in two consecutive years showed that the moisture, acidity and hydroxymethylfurfural content varied significantly. The honey samples produced in this region were in accordance with the Brazilian legislation for honey quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. produzidos em dois anos consecutivos na região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As características físico-químicas de 36 amostras de mel foram comparadas utilizando o teste T de Student e a adequação aos padrões da legislação brasileira da qualidade do mel foi verificada. Os resultados das análises dos méis variaram para as características analisadas conforme segue: pH (3,3-4,4), umidade (14,7-19,8%), acidez total (16,9-49,2meq kg-1), hidroximetilfurfural (0,15-48,3mg kg-1), açúcares redutores (60,1-75,9%), açúcares não-redutores (1,35-5,99%), cinzas (0,05-0,47%) e sólidos insolúveis (0,016-0,27g kg-1). A análise estatística das amostras de mel produzidas em dois anos consecutivos mostrou que houve diferença significativa na umidade, na acidez e na hidroximetilfurfural. Os méis produzidos nesta região apresentam boa qualidade e características físico-químicas compatíveis aos padrões da legislação brasileira.

Caracterização físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. da região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical composition of Apis mellifera L. honeys produced in two consecutive years in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The physicochemical characteristics of 36 honey samples were compared using Student’s T-test and their adequacy to standards established by the Brazilian legislation for honey quality was checked. The results varied as follows: pH (3.3-4.4), moisture (14.7-19.8%), acidity (16.9-49.2meq kg-1), hydroxymethylfurfural content (0.15-48.3mg kg-1), reducing sugar (60.1-75.9%), non-reducing sugar (1.35-5.99%), ashes (0.05-0.47%) and solids non-soluble in water (0.016-0.27g kg-1). The statistical analyses of honey samples produced in two consecutive years showed that the moisture, acidity and hydroxymethylfurfural content varied significantly. The honey samples produced in this region were in accordance with the Brazilian legislation for honey quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. produzidos em dois anos consecutivos na região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. As características físico-químicas de 36 amostras de mel foram comparadas utilizando o teste T de Student e a adequação aos padrões da legislação brasileira da qualidade do mel foi verificada. Os resultados das análises dos méis variaram para as características analisadas conforme segue: pH (3,3-4,4), umidade (14,7-19,8%), acidez total (16,9-49,2meq kg-1), hidroximetilfurfural (0,15-48,3mg kg-1), açúcares redutores (60,1-75,9%), açúcares não-redutores (1,35-5,99%), cinzas (0,05-0,47%) e sólidos insolúveis (0,016-0,27g kg-1). A análise estatística das amostras de mel produzidas em dois anos consecutivos mostrou que houve diferença significativa na umidade, na acidez e na hidroximetilfurfural. Os méis produzidos nesta região apresentam boa qualidade e características físico-químicas compatíveis aos padrões da legislação brasileira.