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PubMed1994

[Classification of commercial Venezuelan honey].

Commercial honeys were analysed to study their quality in the Venezuelan market and were grouped in progressive classes according to their organoleptical and physico-chemical characteristics. For that purpose, 500 honey samples were collected in 1985-1987 in different locations of Venezuela. By sensorial evaluation, 13.4% of the samples were recognized as honey frauds and 86.6% as genuine honey. The analytical results were compared with the standards established in the Venezuelan regulation for honey (COVENIN 2191-84), and 59.8% of the genuine honeys were found to be altered because they failed to fulfil the requirement for moisture content (39.8%), reducing sugars (11.2%), sucrose (17.4%), ash (31.7%), total acidity (25.5%), hydroximethylfurfural (43.2%) and diastase (34.0%). Honey frauds never fulfilled the requirements for hydroximethylfurfural and diastase. The high values found for acidity and ash content in genuine honeys with only one altered characteristic, reveal the need to review the established requirements in the national regulation for honey. It is suggested to use the nitrogen content of honey to detect honey frauds in Venezuela.

Honey↗
PubMed2004

Honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) distribution and potential for supplementary pollination in commercial tomato greenhouses during winter.

This study examined the use of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., to supplement bumble bee, Bombus spp., pollination in commercial tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller, greenhouses in Western Canada. Honey bee colonies were brought into greenhouses already containing bumble bees and left for 1 wk to acclimatize. The following week, counts of honey and bumble bees foraging and flying throughout the greenhouse were conducted three times per day, and tomato flowers open during honey bee pollination were marked for later fruit harvest. The same counts and flower-marking also were done before and after the presence of honey bees to determine the background level of bumble bee pollination. Overall, tomato size was not affected by the addition of honey bees, but in one greenhouse significantly larger tomatoes were produced with honey bees present compared with bumble bees alone. In that greenhouse, honey bee foraging was greater than in the other greenhouses. Honey bees generally foraged within 100 m of their colony in all greenhouses. Our study invites further research to examine the use of honey bees with reduced levels of bumble bees, or as sole pollinators of greenhouse tomatoes. We also make specific recommendations for how honey bees can best be managed in greenhouses.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2003

Honey stimulates inflammatory cytokine production from monocytes.

Clinical observations indicate that honey may initiate or accelerate the healing of chronic wounds and has, therefore, been claimed to have anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of honey on the activation state of immunocompetent cells, using the monocytic cell line, MonoMac-6 (MM6), as a model. We investigated the effect of each of the three honeys (manuka, pasture and jelly bush) on the release of important inflammatory cytokines from MM6 cells. These honeys, together with a sugar syrup control (artificial honey), were incubated with MM6 cells at a concentration of 1% (w/v) for 0-24h. Cell culture supernatants were tested using specific ELISA assays for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6. All honeys significantly increased the TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 release from MM6 cells (and human monocytes) when compared with untreated and artificial-honey-treated cells (P<0.001). Jelly bush honey significantly induced the maximal release of each cytokine compared with manuka, pasture or artificial honeys (P<0.001). These results suggest that the effect of honey on wound healing may in part be related to the stimulation of inflammatory cytokines from monocytic cells. Such cell types are known to play an important role in healing and tissue repair.

Cell Line↗
PubMed2002

Honey as a protective agent against lipid oxidation in ground turkey.

Lipid oxidation is a major deteriorative factor in meats. Sources of natural antioxidants that are as effective as commercially available antioxidants are desired. The objective of this research was to investigate honey as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation in ground poultry. The antioxidant content of different varieties of honey was investigated spectrophotometrically and honey's effectiveness in reducing oxidation of ground poultry determined by monitoring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Buckwheat honey had the highest antioxidant content and acacia honey the lowest. Honeys of different floral sources differed in their protection against lipid oxidation. Buckwheat honey (5%, w/w) reduced TBARS approximately 70%, whereas acacia honey reduced TBARS approximately 34% at 3 days of storage at 4 degrees C. In comparison to butylated hydroxytoluene and tocopherol (0.02% of total fat), honey (at 5% of the weight of the meat) was much more effective at preventing oxidation. Honey has great potential as an antioxidant source and may result in greater acceptability of meat products and prevent negative health implications of oxidized meats.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Glass transition temperature of honey as a function of water content as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

The glass transition of pure and diluted honey and the glass transition of the maximally freeze-concentrated solution of honey were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The glass transition temperature, of the pure honey samples accepted as unadulterated varied between -42 and -51 degrees C. Dilution of honey to 90 wt % honey content resulted in a shift of the glass transition temperature by -13 to -20 degrees C. The concentration of the maximally freeze-concentrated honey solutions, as expressed in terms of honey content is approximately 102-103%, i.e., slightly more concentrated in sugars than honey itself. The application of DSC measurements of and in characterization of honey may be considered, but requires systematic study on a number of honeys.

Calorimetry, Differential Scanning↗
PubMed2003

Antibacterial activity of honey and propolis from Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca angustula against Staphylococcus aureus.

AIMS: The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of honey and propolis produced by Apis mellifera and Tetragonisca angustula was evaluated. Secondary aims included the study of the chemical composition of propolis and honey samples and its relationship with antibacterial activity against S. aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antibacterial activity of honey and propolis was determined by the method of macrodilution. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of A. mellifera honey ranged from 126.23 to 185.70 mg ml(-1) and of T. angustula from 142.87 to 214.33 mg ml(-1). For propolis, the MIC ranged from 0.36 to 3.65 mg ml(-1) (A. mellifera) and from 0.44 to 2.01 mg ml(-1) (T. angustula). Honey and propolis were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Some typical compounds of Brazilian propolis were also identified in honey samples. Principal component analysis revealed that the chemical composition of honey and propolis samples was distinct based on the geographical location of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis samples had higher antibacterial activity against S. aureus when compared with honey. However, both propolis and honey samples had antibacterial against S. aureus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These antimicrobial properties would warrant further studies on the clinical applications of propolis and honey against S. aureus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Effect of dietary honey on intestinal microflora and toxicity of mycotoxins in mice.

BACKGROUND: Bee honey is a functional food which has a unique composition, antimicrobial properties and bifidogenic effect. In order to assess whether honey can inhibit the toxic effect of mycotoxins, the present study was undertaken. METHODS: Production of biomass and toxins by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus ochraceus were followed in media without and with honey. Although aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. were administrated to male Swiss albino mice up to 1 mug and 10 ng/kg body weight/day respectively. The experimental animals were fed diets without our with 10% honey for two months. The changes in colonic probiotic bacteria, determintal colon enzyme glucuronidases, and genotoxicity were followed. RESULTS: Addition of 32% in its media increased the biomass of A parasiticus, while the biomass of A. ochraceus decreased and Ochratoxin A. was not produced. When the honey was added at the ratio of 32 and 48% in the medium. No relationship was found between mycelium weight and production of mycotoxins. Oral administration of aflatoxins (mixture of B1, B2, G1 and G2) and Ochratoxin A. induced structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow and germ cells of male mice, whereas, honey treatment reduced the genotoxicity of mycotoxins. Also both toxins induced histopathological changes in liver and kidney. Feeding on diet supplemented with honey improved the histopathological changes in case of aflatoxin group, but not in the case of ochratoxin A. group (except of kidney in two cases). No significant differences were found in the activity of colon beta-glucuronidase between group fed diet with or without honey. On the other hand, the colon bifido bacteria and lactobacilli counts were increased markedly in group receiving diet supplemented with honey. CONCLUSION: Substituting sugars with honey in processed food can inhibit the harmful and genotoxic effects of mycotoxins, and improve the gut microflora.

Aflatoxins↗
PubMed1999

The use of honey as an antiseptic in managing Pseudomonas infection.

A laboratory study was undertaken to extend existing knowledge about the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against pseudomonads. To date, sensitivity testing has used non-standardised honeys, which may vary greatly in their antibacterial potency. Pure cultures of Pseudomonas spp, isolated from swabs from 20 infected wounds, were inoculated on the surface of nutrient agar plates containing various concentrations of honey in the medium. Two types of honey were used, a manuka honey and a pasture honey, each selected to have antibacterial activity close to the median for each type. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the manuka honey for the 20 isolates ranged from 5.5-8.7% (v/v) (mean 6.9% (v/v), standard deviation 1.3). The minimum inhibitory concentration of the pasture honey for the 20 isolates ranged from 5.8-9.0% (v/v) (mean 7.1% (v/v), standard deviation 1.0). Honeys with an average level of antibacterial activity could be expected to be effective in preventing the growth of pseudomonads on the surface of a wound even if the honey were diluted more than ten-fold by exudation from the wound.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗
PubMed1991

Prevention of ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats by natural honey, and its possible mechanism of action.

The effects and the mechanism of natural honey on absolute ethanol-induced gastric lesions were studied in rats. Drugs and/or honey were administered subcutaneously or orally to 48-h fasted animals at different time intervals before oral administration of ethanol (0.5 ml/100 g). Mucosal damage and pH were measured 1 h later. Honey afforded protection against gastric damage and reversed the changes in pH induced by ethanol. The effects of honey were dose- and time-dependent. Thus, pretreatment with honey (1.25 g/kg) 30 min before ethanol provided more than 80% protection. On the other hand, administration of honey simultaneously with or 5 min after ethanol failed to offer protection. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (IND) did not alter the protective effects when given before or after honey. The protective effects of honey could be reversed by treatment with the sulfhydryl (SH) blocker N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Combined IND and NEM treatment caused greater reduction of the protective effects, but the values were not significantly different from those obtained with NEM alone. Thus, the gastroprotective effects of honey appeared to be mediated through SH-sensitive processes. Furthermore, the protective effects were supported by both macroscopic and microscopic findings. It is suggested that honey may be used clinically in preventing/reducing ethanol-induced gastric lesions in humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Therapeutic and prophylactic effects of crude honey on chronic seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Honey has antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidants activities and has high nutrient value. In this study we investigated the potential use of topical application of crude honey in the management of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Thirty patients with chronic seborrheic dermatitis of scalp, face and front of chest were entered for study. Twenty patients were males and 10 were females, their ages ranged between 15 and 60 years. The patients had scaling, itching and hair loss. The lesions were scaling macules, papules and dry white plaques with crust and fissures. The patients were asked to apply diluted crude honey (90% honey diluted in warm water) every other day on the lesions with gentle rubbing for 2-3 mins. Honey was left for 3 hr before gentle rinsing with warm water. The patients were followed daily for itching, scaling, hair loss and the lesions were examined. Treatment was continued for 4 weeks. The improved patients were included in a prophylactic phase, lasting six months. Half patients were treated with the topical honey once weekly and the other half served as control. All the patients responded markedly with application of honey. Itching was relieved and scaling was disappeared within one week. Skin lesions were healed and disappeared completely within 2 weeks. In addition, patients showed subjective improvement in hair loss. None of the patients ( 15 patients) treated with honey application once weekly for six months showed relapse while the 12/15 patients who had no prophylactic treatment with honey experienced a relapse of the lesions 2-4 months after stopping treatment. It might be concluded that crude honey could markedly improve seborrheic dermatitis and associated hair loss and prevent relapse when applied weekly.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed2002

Influence of honey on orally and intravenously administered diltiazem kinetics in rabbits.

Effect of honey on plasma concentration of diltiazem after oral and intravenous administration in rabbits, has been studied. For oral study, single dose of diltiazem (5 mg/kg, p.o.) along with saline was administered to New Zealand white rabbits (n=8). Blood samples were collected at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 hr after drug administration from marginal ear vein. After a washout period of one week, diltiazem was administered with honey (2.34 ml/kg; p.o.) and the blood samples were collected as above. To the same animals honey (2.34 ml/kg; p.o.) was continued once daily for 7 days. On 8th day, honey and diltiazem were administered simultaneously and blood samples were collected at similar time intervals as mentioned above. For intravenous study the pharmacokinetic was done in each animal on two occasions. The first study was done after single dose administration of diltiazem (5 mg/kg; i.v.) along with saline (2.34 ml/kg; p.o.). Blood samples were collected at 0, 0.083, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hr after i.v. diltiazem administration. The same animals were treated with honey (2.34 ml/kg; p.o.) for seven days. On day 8, the second study was carried out with single dose i.v. administration of diltiazem along with honey (2.34 ml/kg; p.o.) and blood samples were collected. In the oral study, single dose administration of honey decreased the AUC and Cmax of diltiazem associated with significant increase in clearance and volume of distribution when compared to saline treated group. After one week administration of honey, diltiazem kinetic data showed further reduction in AUC and Cmax and increase in clearance and volume of distribution. In the i.v. study also, multiple dose administration of honey significantly reduced the AUC and increased the clearance value of diltiazem. The results suggest that honey may decrease the plasma concentration of diltiazem after its oral or i.v. administration in rabbits.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Wound healing with honey--a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare honey and IntraSite Gel as woundhealing agents, to record side-effects, gauge patient satisfaction and calculate the cost-effectiveness of the honey used. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective, randomised, double-blind controlled trial was carried out among goldmine workers. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were healing times of shallow wounds and abrasions; side-effects; patient satisfaction with treatment; and amount of honey and IntraSite Gel used. RESULTS: The mean healing times of shallow wounds treated with honey or with IntraSite Gel did not differ significantly (p = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.41; 7.49 days). When adjusted for wound size, the 2.8-day difference in favour of honey was not significant (p = 0.21, 95% CI: -2.41; 8.09). In the case of abrasions there was also no significant difference (p = 0.83, 95% CI: -4.98; 6.19 days). When adjusted for wound size, the difference of 0.22 days in favour of IntraSite Gel was not significant (p = 0.94, 95% CI: -5.72; 6.15.4). Of patients treated with honey, 27% and 10% respectively experienced itching and pain, and 2 experienced burning for a short time after application. Of patients treated with IntraSite Gel, 31% experienced itching. All patients in both treatment groups were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with treatment. The average cost of treatment per patient was R0.49 with honey and R12.03 with with IntraSite Gel. CONCLUSIONS: A distinction should be made between shallow wounds and abrasions when wound healing is being measured. There was no evidence of a real difference between honey and IntraSite Gel as healing agents. Honey is a safe, satisfying and effective healing agent. Natural honey is extremely costeffective.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Metabolomics-based authentication of acacia honey against C3 and C4 sugar adulteration.

Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) honey is frequently adulterated with low-cost alternatives via direct syrup addition or in-hive sugar feeding. We focused on sugar-feeding adulterants, which is difficult to distinguish from nectar-based honey. Stable carbon isotope ratio analysis (SCIRA) is an established method for assessing honey authentication; however, its applicability is limited to detecting C4 plant-derived sugar adulteration. Therefore, we developed a metabolomics-based multi-marker strategy to discriminate acacia honey from beet-sugar (C3)- and cane-sugar (C4)-fed honey. Thirteen metabolites were prioritized using combined multivariate and univariate criteria. Subsequently, 1716 panels of seven-marker (13C7) were evaluated for discrimination performance. 291 panels achieved 100% accuracy in an independent validation set. In blending scenarios, acacia honeys spiked with 20% beet-sugar-fed honey and 20% cane-sugar-fed honey were successfully identified, outperforming SCIRA (60%) and beet-sugar marker 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) (30%). These findings establish metabolomic panels as a robust marker for acacia honey authentication, extending beyond current reference methods.

Acacia↗
PubMed2006

A variety of volatile compounds as markers in unifloral honey from dalmatian sage (Salvia officinalis L.).

Volatile compounds of unifloral Salvia officinalis L. honey has been investigated for the first time. The botanical origin of ten unifloral Salvia honey samples has been ascertained by pollen analysis (the honey samples displayed 23-60% of Salvia pollen). Fifty-four volatile compounds were identified by GC and GC/MS in ten Salvia honey extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (USE) with pentane/Et(2)O 1 : 2. The yield of isolated volatiles varied from 25.7 to 30.5 mg kg(-1). Salvia honey could be distinguished on the basis of the high percentage of benzoic acid (6.4-14.8%), and especially phenylacetic acid (5.7-18.4%). Minor, but floral-origin important volatiles were identified such as shikimate pathway derivatives, 'degraded-carotenoid-like' structures (3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-ene derivatives) and 2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-ene derivatives. Compounds from other metabolic pathways such as aliphatic acids and higher linear hydrocarbons, as well as heterocycles (pyrans, furans, and pyrroles), were also present. Most of the identified compounds do not constitute specific Salvia honey markers, due to their presence in honeys of other botanical origins; however, their ratio in different honeys could be useful to distinguish floral origin. Salvia-honey volatile markers were: benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, p-anisaldehyde, alpha-isophorone, 4-ketoisophorone, dehydrovomifoliol, 2,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxocyclohex-2-ene-1-carbaldehyde, 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexane-1,4-dione, and coumaran.

Chemistry↗
PubMed2001

Study of tau-fluvalinate persistence in honey.

The persistence of the acaricide tau-fluvalinate with time and the factors that can affect its degradation in honey were investigated. Two honey types of extreme pH values (3.85 and 5.40) were spiked with tau-fluvalinate at two levels (50 and 200 micrograms kg-1) and incubated at 35 degrees C. Samples were analyzed in duplicate at various time intervals for up to 248 days. A simple, rapid and accurate method for the determination of tau-fluvalinate residues in honey is proposed. Tau-fluvalinate extraction and sample cleanup was carried out using C8 SPE cartridges with dichloromethane as the elution solvent. Analysis of samples was accomplished using gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC-ECD). The overall recovery of the method was 90.25 (+/- 0.85)% and the limit of determination 1 microgram kg-1. The results showed that tau-fluvalinate stays stable in honey for more than 8 months, even at 35 degrees C. The effect of higher temperatures, similar to those used for honey packing, on tau-fluvalinate persistence in honey was also studied. Honey samples fortified with 20 and 200 micrograms kg-1 tau-fluvalinate were subjected to heat treatment similar to that in the honey blending and packing process. No degradation of tau-fluvalinate due to the heat treatment was recorded. This long persistence increases the risk of honey contamination due to repeated and/or extended tau-fluvalinate applications.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMed2006

A comparison of wound healing following treatment with Lavandula x allardii honey or essential oil.

The increased interest in complementary therapies has led to the investigation of products traditionally believed to have a beneficial effect in wound healing. Two such products are honey and lavender essential oil. In this study a rat excisional wound model was used to investigate the action of Lavandula x allardii honey and essential oil, and a standard therapeutic honey (Medihoney). Four 8 mm wounds were created surgically on the dorsal surface of each rat and honey or essential oil applied to the wounds twice a day for 4 days. Wound healing was analysed by wound contraction and capillary volume at 5 and 12 days post-surgery. Although no statistically significant difference in wound contraction was observed for the essential oil or honey treated wounds relative to the untreated control, both honeys were shown to reduce the capillary volume in the wound site at day 12 with no difference between the honeys (control 154 +/- 14 microm(3) vs L. x allardii honey 77 +/- 18 microm(3) and Medihoney 89 +/- 39 microm(3), p < 0.001; mean +/- SD). This suggests that scar maturation in these animals was more advanced than in other groups. These data suggest that L. x allardii honey, but not essential oil, has a beneficial action in wound healing.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Causes of the antimicrobial activity of honey.

The present study was performed to clarify the possible causes of the antimicrobial activity of honey. A sugar solution resembling honey in its high sugar content was made. The antimicrobial activities of both honey and this solution towards 21 types of bacteria and two types of fungi were examined. The results achieved by both were compared. The difference between them indicated the presence of antimicrobial substance(s) in honey. The kinds of antimicrobial substances (inhibines) in honey are discussed. Hydrogen peroxide is not the only inhibine in honey. In fact, inhibines in honey include many other substances. Two important classes of these inhibines are the flavonoids and the phenolic acids. Flavonoids have often been extracted from honey previously. In this study two phenolic acids (caffeic acid and ferulic acid) were extracted from honey for the first time.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2004

Quality evaluation of honey harvested from selected areas in Tanzania with special emphasis on hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) levels.

The physicochemical properties of honey harvested from popular honey-producing areas in Tanzania were investigated. Honey from Shibe-Dodoma had the highest values of specific gravity, total acidity, free fatty acid content, diastatic number, overall acceptability, and lowest hydroxymethyl-furfural (HMF) level as compared to honey samples from other areas. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in terms of HMF in the other honey samples from Tanga, Morogoro, Same, Arusha, and Tabora. HMF levels in all honey samples were far below the maximum acceptable level of 40 mg/kg as recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission Standards before storage for 6 months. No traces of streptomycin and phenol were detected in all honey samples. It was concluded that according to the values of the studied quality parameters, the types of Tanzanian honey obtained from the popular honey producing areas may be judged to be of high quality.

Fatty Acids, Volatile↗