Influence of Botanical Origin and Chemical Composition on the Protective Effect against Oxidative Damage and the Capacity to Reduce In Vitro Bacterial Biofilms of Monofloral Honeys from the Andean Region of Ecuador

Abstract

Three types of monofloral honey from the Andean regions of Ecuador (Avocado, Eucalyptus, and Rapeseed honey) were analyzed to determine their floral origin, physicochemical parameters, chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and their capacity to reduce in vitro bacterial biofilms. The chemical composition varied considerably depending on floral origin. The highest values of bioactive compounds were found in Avocado honey, classified as dark amber in color, while the lowest values were found in Eucalyptus honey followed by Rapeseed honey, both classified as extra light amber. When compared to Eucalyptus and Rapeseed honey, Avocado honey showed a more effective superoxide scavenging activity, chelating metal ions capacity, and a higher ability to protect human erythrocyte membranes against lipid peroxidation. For antimicrobial activity, the hydrogen peroxide content and the capacity to inhibit the biofilm formation, and to remove preformed biofilm from Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae was determined. Avocado honey showed the highest values of hydrogen peroxide content, as well as the highest capacity to reduce in vitro bacterial biofilms. A correlation between color vs. phenolics content vs. superoxide scavenging activity vs. chelating metal ions capacity, and the capacity to protect human erythrocyte membranes against lipid peroxidation was found.

Antibacterial Action Mechanisms of Honey: Physiological Effects of Avocado, Chestnut, and Polyfloral Honey upon Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

“…Phenolic compounds profiles are highly variable among different varieties of honey and specific floral markers of some monofloral varieties have been suggested [32][33][34]. These compositional variations could justify the differences in their bioactivity [17,35]. Previous studies confirmed that kynurenic acid and another unknown compound were present in higher concentrations in samples with a Castanea sativa origin [32,34].…”

Study of the Anti-Staphylococcal Potential of Honeys Produced in Northern Poland

“…High resistance of bacterial biofilm was also confirmed in recent studies of Garcia-Tenesaca and coworkers. The dilution containing 20.0% of avocado honey eradicated about 60% of performed staphylococcal biofilm, and activity of eucalyptus and rapeseed honeys were even lower with the level of biofilm eradication below 50% [ 51 ]. Moreover, we observed that a concentration lower than MBEC 50 significantly enhanced the growth of the biofilm—honey probably is used as a source of glucose (easily digestible source of carbon).…”

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Activities of Four Honeys From Three Countries (New Zealand, Cuba, and Kenya)

“…In particular, honey is regarded as potentially effective in the management of biofilm-associated infections: previous studies have demonstrated that honey may both hinder biofilm formation and reduce preformed biofilms ( Alandejani et al, 2008 ; Jervis-Bardy et al, 2011 ; Kilty et al, 2011 ; Maddocks et al, 2012 , 2013 ; Nassar et al, 2012 ; Majtan et al, 2014 ; García-Tenesaca et al, 2018 ). Here we showed that four honeys inhibit biofilm production by S. aureus , S. epidermidis , S. pyogenes , S. gordonii , and P. aeruginosa strains, and reduce preformed biomass without complete biofilm eradication.…”