Antioxidant Capacity Determination of Hungarian-, Slovak-, and Polish-Origin Goldenrod Honeys

Abstract

The goldenrod (Solidago) species are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honeys. S. canadensis and S. gigantea are native to North America and invasive in several European countries, while S. virgaurea is native to Europe. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the antioxidant capacity of goldenrod honeys collected in three central European countries (Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), from three locations within each country. The botanical origin of each honey sample was checked with melissopalynological analysis. Color intensity was determined using the Pfund scale. The antioxidant activity was determined with different spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was quantified using spectrophotometric methods. The highest radical-scavenging activity was identified for Hungarian samples with all three antioxidant capacity assays. Medium antioxidant activity was described for Slovak samples. The DPPH and ABTS assays discriminated Polish honeys with the lowest antioxidant activity. The highest flavonoid and phenolic acid content was detected in Hungarian and Slovak honeys, while the lowest values were measured in Polish samples. Our study shows that the antioxidant capacity of unifloral goldenrod honeys can be different in various countries of origin, correlating with color intensity and polyphenol content.

SDS-PAGE Protein and HPTLC Polyphenols Profiling as a Promising Tool for Authentication of Goldenrod Honey

“…The tested samples of goldenrod honeys belonged to light varieties except for sample 10, which showed a slightly darker shade, and it was visible also in higher values of color parameters determined for this sample. Goldenrod honeys from three countries, studied by Czigle et al [ 2 ] were classified as water white to light amber for Slovak and Hungarian samples, whereas honeys from Poland had a color in the range of 0.30 to 7.37 mm Pfund, which puts them in the water white group [ 2 ].…”

“…The FRAP reducing ability of Polish goldenrod honeys ranged from 60.57 to 235 µmol TE/100 g [ 30 ] and the antiradical activity (DPPH) was 44.9 µmol TE/100 g [ 31 ]. In the latest study comparing goldenrod honeys from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, Polish honeys were the weakest among the compared [ 2 ]. This proves the high variability even within one honey variety, due to climatic conditions and the exact composition of the flora.…”

“…It is related to the growing supply of goldenrod as a honeyflow in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland. On the other hand, goldenrod honey is still one of the less-studied varieties, and few literature data from recent years concern the chemical profiles and antioxidant properties of this honey [ 1 , 2 ]. Many beneficial properties of this honey are reported: antibiotic and supporting the urinary system, skin and circulatory system.…”

“…The most common species of Solidago , i.e., in south-eastern Poland, mainly S. gigantea and S. canadensis , are used as beeflows. Jasicka-Misiak et al [ 1 ] refer to S. virgaurea as the source of nectar, but more recent research points to the remaining common species of goldenrod used by bees [ 2 ]. The availability of different species may be one of the reasons for the variability of goldenrod honeys, depending on their geographic origin.…”

“…It crystallizes relatively quickly, creating a creamy consistency. Goldenrod honey is available in shades of yellow to amber [ 2 ]. It becomes much brighter after crystallization.…”