Functional characterization of honeys of Apis mellifera and stingless bees from Argentinean northwestern

ISLA, MI; ORDOÑEZ, MI, ZAMPINI, C; CRAIG, A; ALBERTO MR, SAYAGO, J; BEDASCARRASBURE, E; GENNARI G, SALOMÓN, V; MALDONADO L

FOX

Congreso; IUFOST 16 th world congress of food science and technology; 2012

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The Argentinean Northwest is a region with a growing potential for honey production, but up to now, few studies on functional properties have been carried out. The aim of this study is to characterize from a functional standpoint, monofloral and multifloral honey produced by Apis mellifera and honey produced by stingless bees in the Argentinean Northwest. Material and methods: Sugar, total phenolic and non flavonoids phenolic compound content was determined by spectrophotometric assays. Antiradical activity was determined using ABTS radical cation. SC50 values denote the sample concentration required to scavenge 50% of cation radical ABTS. Results and discussion: The content of phenolic compounds was between 187.30 to 1073.21 μg GAE/g and 480 to 2210 μg GAE/g for honey produced by Apis mellifera and stingless bees, respectively. The ABTS? antioxidant activity for honey extracts was as follows: honey Apis mellifera (SC50 value 2.73- 3.94 μg/ml) > Scaptotrigona jujuyensis (SC50 value 3.4 μg/ml) > Scaptotrigona jujuyensis and Plebeia molesta (SC50 11 to 16 μg/ml) > Tetragonisca fiebrigi honey (SC50 value 13.0 to 32.0 μg/ml). Conclusion: The antioxidant properties found in honeys from the Argentinean Northwest make them products of high added value.