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Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical and Molecular Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2021) | Viewed by 58101

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Prof. Dr. Daniel Severus Dezmirean

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Guest Editor

Apiculture and Sericulture Unit, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: biotechnologies; bees; bee products; biodiversity; laboratory techniques
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Dr. Adela Ramona Moise

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Co-Guest Editor

Apiculture and Sericulture Unit, Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: bee products; sericulture; moriculture; vegetal matrices; extractions techniques
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Honey is a product widely consumed all over the world and it is particularly known for both its nutritional and therapeutic qualities. Known since prehistoric times, honey is a versatile product which is qualitatively influenced by environmental conditions, its floral or extra-floral sources, and the beekeeping practices performed by the beekeepers.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather valuable scientific information on the chemical composition of different types of honey and especially those components that imprint its particular character, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, volatile organic acids, and enzymes. Moreover, the scientific papers dealing with the bioactive, nutraceutical, and therapeutic properties of various types of honey are welcome, as well as those describing the use of honey in other fields of life science. Research paper types, reviews, or case-study manuscripts are eagerly awaited by the editorial board.

Dr. Daniel Severus Dezmirean
Guest Editor
Dr. Adela Ramona Moise
Co-Guest Editor

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Keywords

honey
chemical composition
poliphenols
flavonoids
active compounds
bioactive properties

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Physicochemical Properties of Some Kosovo’s and Imported Honey Samples

by Agim Rysha, Granit Kastrati, Lejla Biber, Valon Sadiku, Aurorë Rysha, Florjana Zogaj and Edona Kabashi-Kastrati

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(2), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12020629 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2994

Abstract

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties (moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proteins, insoluble solids, and ash) of 45 Kosovo’s and imported honey samples, using methods provided by national and international standards. The moisture values of all honey samples analyzed were below 20%. The free acidity was above 50.0 meq kg⁻¹ in 14 out of 33 samples (42%) collected in Kosovo, while 2 out of 12 imported honey samples (16.7%) showed higher values than 50 meq kg⁻¹. In this study, 7 out of 33 honey samples (21%) from Kosovo and one out of 12 honey samples from imports had soluble solids content below 80 °Brix. In terms of HMF, 5 out of 33 Kosovo honey samples (15%) and 4 out of 12 imported honey samples (33%) exceeded 40 mg/kg, which is the maximum content of HMF set in standards. The values of some physicochemical parameters (free acidity, HMF, and soluble solids) of local and imported honey samples are not within the quality limits set in legislation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the properties of fresh honey produced in Kosovo and the stability of honey during prolonged storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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14 pages, 37646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Laser-Based Method for the Detection of Honey Adulteration

by Dimitrios Stefas, Nikolaos Gyftokostas, Panagiotis Kourelias, Eleni Nanou, Vasileios Kokkinos, Christos Bouras and Stelios Couris

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6435; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146435 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3372

Abstract

In the present work, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, aided by some machine learning algorithms (i.e., linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and extremely randomized trees (ERT)), is used for the detection of honey adulteration with glucose syrup. In addition, it is shown that instead of the entire LIBS spectrum, the spectral lines of inorganic ingredients of honey (i.e., calcium, sodium, and potassium) can be also used for the detection of adulteration providing efficient discrimination. The constructed predictive models attained high classification accuracies exceeding 90% correct classification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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14 pages, 895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Volatiles and Chemical Composition of Traditional and Non-Traditional Honey Available on the Polish Market

by Dorota Derewiaka, Ewa Majewska, Katarzyna Kuzak and Dominika Szadkowska

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6371; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146371 - 9 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

The purpose of the work was to compare the quality of selected honey available on the Polish market, including traditional (rape, lime and meadow and marsh honey) and non-traditional honey (lime, buckwheat, and honeydew honey from coniferous honeydew). Parameters such as electrical conductivity, color, pH, acidity, water, hydroxymethylfurfural, total phenols content, and ability to deactivate ABTS cation radicals were determined. The profile of aroma compounds was carried out by GC-MS technique, and determination of sugars was performed by HPLC. It was found that all tested honey met standards according to European law requirements. Semi-quantitative analysis of volatile compounds showed that all honey samples contain numerous volatiles (in buckwheat honey there were 67 compounds, and in honeydew honey from coniferous honeydew, only 40 compounds). Characteristic volatile compounds of each aroma profile were described e.g., benzaldehyde, acetone, 2-methyl-butanal, nonanal, benzyl alcohol were found in rape honey aroma, and furfural, isovaleric acid, ethanol, delta-valerolactone, isovaleraldehyde, 2-methyl-butanoic acid, and phenylacetaldehyde in buckwheat honey aroma. The total content of volatiles was the highest in buckwheat honey (199.62 µg/kg), and in traditional lime honey (195.17 µg/kg). The lowest total content of volatile substances was established in non-traditional lime honey (73.20 µg/kg) and in rape honey (39.52 µg/kg). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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21 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Some Romanian Raw Honeys and Their Probiotic Potential Evaluation

by Claudia Pașca, Liviu Alexandru Mărghitaș, Ioana Adriana Matei, Victorița Bonta, Rodica Mărgăoan, Florina Copaciu, Otilia Bobiș, Maria Graça Campos and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5816; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135816 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2333

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize raw honeys from different geographical origins in Romania, in respect of chemical composition, microbiological examination and evaluate their probiotic potential. The physico-chemical determinations were performed in APHIS-DIA Laboratory, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, using standard validated methods. Bacterial identification was performed for each sample and each colony type using Vitek^® 2 Compact 15 system and PCR amplification using 16S rDNA bacterial universal primers (27F, 1492R), species being confirm by sequences analysis. In five raw honey samples, we have identified probiotic bacteria, such as: Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus velezensis. Generally, all honey samples meet the standard values for chemical composition. However, one sample having 7.44% sucrose was found to have also probiotics bacteria from the genus Bacillus because sucrose is a substrate for probiotics development. In conclusion, the Romanian raw honey can be a potential reservoir of probiotics, which confer a health benefit for consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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20 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Activity and Characterization of Bacteria Isolated from Diverse Types of Greek Honey against Nosocomial and Foodborne Pathogens

by Christina Tsadila, Marios Nikolaidis, Tilemachos G. Dimitriou, Ioannis Kafantaris, Grigoris D. Amoutzias, Spyros Pournaras and Dimitris Mossialos

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5801; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135801 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3952

Abstract

It has been suggested that microorganisms present in honey are a potential source of antimicrobial compounds. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteria from 46 Greek honey samples of diverse botanical and geographical origin and to determine whether these bacteria demonstrate antibacterial activity against five important nosocomial and foodborne pathogens. In total, 2014 bacterial isolates were obtained and screened for antibacterial activity. Overall, 16% of the isolates inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, 11.2% inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, 10.2% inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium and 12.4% of the isolates affected the growth of Citrobacter freundii. In total, 316 isolates that inhibited the growth of more than two of the tested pathogens were grouped by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene amplicon. Fifty of them were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority, 62% of the isolates, belonged to the genus Bacillus. Only 10% of the isolates were identified as Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, in several bacterial isolates, genes encoding polyketide synthases and nonribosomal peptide synthetases that catalyze the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites which might contribute to the exerted antimicrobial activity, were detected. This study demonstrates that honey microbiota exerts antimicrobial activity and is a putative source of secondary metabolites against important nosocomial and food pathogens that warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

17 pages, 1735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physico-Chemical and Melissopalynological Characterization of Czech Honey

by Matej Pospiech, Zdeňka Javůrková, Pavel Hrabec, Helena Čížková, Dalibor Titěra, Pavel Štarha, Simona Ljasovská, Vojtěch Kružík, Tereza Podskalská, Josef Bednář, Pavla Kundríková Burešová and Bohuslava Tremlová

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 4989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11114989 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3539

Abstract

Geographical and botanical origin of honeys can be characterized on the basis of physico-chemical composition, sensory properties and on the basis of melissopalynological analysis. No comprehensive description of the characteristics of Czech honey has been published so far. This study provides insights that are important for correct classification. The study analysed 317 samples of authentic honey from randomly selected localities. Due to the diversity of the landscape, the typical honey of the region is blend honey with a predominance of blossom honey. According to the pollen profile and electric conductivity, the honeys were sorted into the following: Brassica honey (BH), Floral honey (FH), Fruit tree honey (PH), Honeydew (HD), Lime tree honey (LH), Robinia pseudoacacia honey (RH), and Trifolium honey (TH). Physico-chemical properties, including higher carbohydrates, were determined for the honeys and their pollen profiles were examined. The physico-chemical properties and pollen profile are partially in compliance with the description of European monofloral honeys, except for RH and TH. Although they had the highest proportion of acacia pollen, amounting to >10% of all the Czech honeys, these RH honeys differ from the European standard, so they cannot be considered acacia honey. Further, PH honeys and FH polyfloral honeys were described. Most honeys contained a significant proportion of rapeseed pollen, which is one of the common agricultural crops grown in the Czech Republic. All the analysed honeys met the parameters defined by the legislation. Due to direct on-site sampling, honeys were characterized by a low 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) content (3.0 mg/kg) and high diastase activity (24.4 DN). Honeydew honeys had the highest proportion of higher carbohydrates, primarily of Melezitose (4.8 g/100 g) and Trehalose (1.3 g/100 g). The presence of higher carbohydrates was also confirmed in LH for Maltose (4.6 g/100 g) and Turanose (2.4 g/100 g). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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12 pages, 1827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Activity of Moroccan Zantaz Honey and the Influence of Its Physicochemical Parameters Using Chemometric Tools

by Youssef Elamine, Hamada Imtara, Maria Graça Miguel, Ofélia Anjos, Letícia M. Estevinho, Manuel Alaiz, Julio Girón-Calle, Javier Vioque, Jesús Martín and Badiâa Lyoussi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4675; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104675 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2770

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has prompted the development of alternative therapies, including the use of natural products with antibacterial properties. The antibacterial properties of Zantaz honey produced in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated and analyzed using chemometric tools. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against S. aureus were the lowest (112.5 ± 54.5 mg/mL), revealing that this species was most sensitive to Zantaz honey. P. aeruginosa showed an intermediate sensitivity (MIC= 118.75 ± 51.9 mg/mL), while E. coli was the most resistant to treatment (MIC = 175 ± 61.2 mg/mL). Content of monosaccharides, certain minerals, and phenolic compounds correlated with antibacterial activity (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis of physicochemical characteristics and antibacterial activity indicated that the parameters most associated with antibacterial activity were color, acidity, and content of melanoidins, fructose, epicatechin, methyl syringate, 4-coumaric acid, and 3-coumaric acid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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27 pages, 5940 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Rediscovery of Honey for Skin Repair: Recent Advances in Mechanisms for Honey-Mediated Wound Healing and Scaffolded Application Techniques

by Roberta Angioi, Aoife Morrin and Blánaid White

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5192; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115192 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 12997

Abstract

Honey is a honey-bee product obtained mainly by the enzymatic processing of nectar from a variety of plants, which leads to the wide range of colours and flavours available on the market. These organoleptic and nutritional features are influenced by the chemical composition, which in turn depends on the botanical origin. Bioactive compounds account for honey beneficial activity in medical applications, which explains the extensive use of honey in ethno-pharmacology since antiquity, from cough remedies to dermatological treatments. Wound healing is one of the main therapeutic uses of honey, and various design options in pharmaceutical technology such as smart delivery systems and advanced dressings are currently being developed to potentiate honey’s valuable properties for better performance and improved final outcome. In this review, we will focus on the latest research that discloses crucial factors in determining what properties are most beneficial when considering honey as a medicinal product. We will present the most recent updates on the possible mechanisms responsible for the exceptional effects of this ageless therapeutical remedy on skin repair. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art in application techniques (incorporation into scaffolds as an alternative to direct administration) used to enhance honey-mediated wound-healing properties are explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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18 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessReview

Honey-Based Medicinal Formulations: A Critical Review

by Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi and Cornelia Locher

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5159; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115159 - 2 Jun 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 13550

Abstract

Honey, a concentrated natural product, is produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from the nectar of flowers. It contains over 200 compounds that exert various biological or pharmacological activities, ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihypertensive to hypoglycemic effects. Due to the presence of a plethora of bioactive compounds, as well as unique physicochemical properties, honey has been widely used as medicine throughout human history along with its extensive utilization as common food and flavoring agent. The application of neat honey for therapeutic purpose, however, poses some difficulties such as the maintenance of a required therapeutic concentration over an adequate timeframe due to the problem of liquefaction and leakage. This has driven researchers to incorporate honey into a range of formulations, for example, hydrogels, dressings, ointments, pastes, or lozenges. After a brief discussion of the chemistry and medicinal use of honey, this review focuses on commercial honey-based medicinal formulations as well as in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on noncommercial honey formulations for the treatment of various ailments. In addition to this, it also covers the application of honey formulations and the evidence underpinning their use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

15 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applicability of Honey on Silkworms (Bombyx mori) and Quality Improvement of Its Biomaterials

by Gabriela-Maria Baci, Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Adela Ramona Moise and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4613; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104613 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3317

Abstract

Since ancient times, honey has been considered one of the most illustrious and esteemed natural products. Honey plays two key roles; specifically, it is an appreciated nutritional product, and also exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties for human health as a therapeutic agent. Furthermore, it has been shown that honey has valuable effects on the biological and physiological features of mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori). Bombyx mori exhibits importance not only for the economy, but it also serves as an important biotechnological bioreactor for the production of recombinant proteins that have a great impact in the medical field and beyond. It also represents an important model organism for life sciences. In view of the fact that silk fibroin serves as a natural biopolymer that displays high biocompatibility with human organisms and due to honey’s various and remarkable properties for human health, the two elements are currently used together in order to develop ideal biomaterials for a wide range of purposes. In this review, by discussing the applicability of honey on Bombyx mori and beyond, the importance of honey for life sciences and related fields is spotlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

27 pages, 520 KiB

Open AccessReview

Towards a Better Understanding of Nutritional and Therapeutic Effects of Honey and Their Applications in Apitherapy

by Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Adela Ramona Moise, Ştefan Dezsi, Bianca Dana Marc, Ştefan Stângaciu and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4190; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094190 - 5 May 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5231

Abstract

The nutritional and therapeutic aspects of natural products have gained more interest in recent years, owing to the importance that has been given to health and well-being. In this regard, honey represents an organic product whose high level of biologically active compounds and valuable nutrients have been extensively studied in order to prove its ability to provide an enhancement in health status. The use of honey in the process of healing or preventing certain diseases has been practiced throughout history and is now known as apitherapy. The aim of this review is to expand the knowledge and understanding towards the physicochemical characteristics of honey and the action of its main bioactive compounds towards health-beneficial properties (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, etc.) for apitherapeutic purposes. Notwithstanding all the assets, the usage of honey for medical purposes encounters some limi-tations regarding the factors that may affect the therapeutic potential of honey in apitherapy that will be pointed out in this overview. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Composition, Properties and Applications of Honey)

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