Evaluation of physicochemical and antioxidant properties of two stingless bee honeys: a comparison with Apis mellifera honey from Nsukka, Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectiveSeveral physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of two Nigerian stingless bee honey varieties (Melipona sp. and Hypotrigona sp.) were compared with Apis mellifera honey using standard analytical procedures.ResultsThe mean pH of Apis mellifera, Hypotrigona sp. and Melipona sp. honeys were 4.24 ± 0.28, 3.75 ± 0.11 and 4.21 ± 0.37 respectively. The mean moisture contents of the honeys were 11.74 ± 0.47, 17.50 ± 0.80, and 13.86 ± 1.06%. Honey samples from Hypotrigona sp. when compared with other honey samples had the highest mean total dissolved solids (370.01 ± 22.51 ppm), hydroxymethylfurfural (16.58 ± 0.37 mg/kg), total acidity (35.57 ± 0.42 meq/kg), protein content (16.58 ± 0.37 g/kg), phenol content (527.41 ± 3.60 mg/kg), and ascorbic acid (161.69 ± 6.70 mg/kg), antioxidant equivalent—ascorbic acid assay value (342.33 ± 0.78 mg/kg) as well as ferric reducing power (666.88 ± 1.73 μM Fe(II)/100 g) (p < 0.05). Several strong correlations were observed among some of the parameters of the honeys. This is the first study to compare the properties of Nigerian honey bees. Our results suggested that these honeys (specifically Hypotrigona sp. honey) is a good source of antioxidants comparable to A. mellifera honey.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-017-2884-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Evaluation of Pollen and Chemical Composition of Honey Samples Sourced from Open Markets in Anambra State, Nigeria to Ascertain their Authenticity

“…but for honey samples from Ezinifite I, Nnokwa, Nnobi and Ezinifite II the sum of glucose and fructose were within the acceptable international standard ( Table 3). These findings are comparable to those reported by other authors [42,44]. The low values obtained in the sum of glucose and fructose in honey samples from Alor, Ukpor and Osumenyi may be attributed to the nature of nectar sugars, types of enzymes deposited by the honeybees and the extent of maturity of the honey samples prior to their harvest.…”

“…The findings in this study is comparable to that published by Aljohar, et al [6], Czipa, et al [49] and Njokuocha [27]. But the percentage values of sucrose in this study was lower than that reported by Aino [12], Nweze, et al [44] and Boussaid, et al [3]. [3].…”

Honey as Fixative and Safer Substitute for Formalin in Histology

“…The acidic pH is derived from organic acids such as gluconic acid, acetic, lactic, citric, formic and fumaric acids 16 . This acidic pH falls within the ranges reported by 11 in Enugu, 13 in Adamawa and 17 in Kwara states of Nigeria.…”

“…The acidic pH and low water content ensure that bacterial and other micro-organisms do not survive in honey 16. The antioxidants present in honey are enzymes such as catalase, glucose oxidase and peroxidase. Other non-enzymatic substances are ascorbic acid, phenolic acids, flavonoids and Maillard reaction products 11,16 . These antioxidants preserve the tissues by preventing lipid peroxidation 16 .…”

“…Honey is a natural and non-hazardous fluid used as fixative since ancient times 7,9,10 . Honey is produced by the stinging bee Apis mellifera or by the stingless Melipona and Hypotrigona species 11 . Honey's ability to fix tissues is as a result of its antibacterial, antiautolytic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and tissue hardening properties 7,10 .…”