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INFLUENCE OF BOTANICAL COMPOSITION ON ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF HONEY

Year 2025, Volume: 25 Issue: 2, 210 - 222

Abstract

A study conducted on 22 samples of honey harvested from different regions of Kyrgyzstan in 2023 confirmed that the quality and beneficial properties of honey directly depend on its botanical origin. This emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when evaluating honey and its potential use in the food industry, medicine, and other areas. The taste, aroma, color, and consistency of honey varied according to botanical origin. Honey collected from certain plants had a more pronounced aroma and intense flavor. Parameters such as moisture, free acidity, and diastase number were in line with international norms. These parameters also depended on the region of collection and the type of plants from which the nectar was collected. Notably, the diastase number was negatively correlated with the radical inhibition concentration (r = -0.464). For example, honey samples 1, 9, and 15 exhibit the highest antioxidant activity, which is attributed to their polyfloral composition, particularly when pollen of Lamiaceae (r=-0.527) and Asteraceae (r=-0.520) is present. The antioxidant properties of honey, which are essential in protecting the body from free radicals, vary according to the botanical composition. Some samples exhibited high activity, making them particularly valuable for health applications. Honey demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, confirming its traditional use in folk medicine.

References

  • Almasaudi S. The antibacterial activities of honey. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2020; 28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.017.
  • Alvarez-Suarez JM, Tulipani S. Contribution of honey in nutrition and human health: a review. Mediterranean J. Nutri. Metab. 2011; 3: 15–23.
  • Anand S, Pang E, Livanos G, Mantri N. Characterization of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant capacities of bioactive honey produced from Australian grown Agastache rugosa and its correlation with colour and polyphenol content. Molecules. 2018; (23): 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23010108
  • Balouiri M, Sadiki, M, & Ibnsouda SK. Methods for in vitro evaluating antimicrobial activity: A review. J. Pharm. Anal. 2016; 6(2):71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpha.2015.11.005
  • Bogdanov S, Martin P, Lüllmann C. Harmonised methods of the European Honey Commission. Apidologie. 1997; (Extra issue):1–59.
  • Вogdanov S, Jurendic T, Sieber R. Honey for nutrition and health: a review. Am J Coll Nutr. 2008; (27): 677-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2008.10719745.
  • Campone L, Piccinelli AL, Pagano I, Carabetta S, Determination of phenolic compounds in honey using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. J. Chromatogr. A 2014; 1334, 9–15.
  • Chandimali N, Bak S, Park E, Lim H, Won Y, Kim E, Park, S., & Lee, S. Free radicals and their impact on health and antioxidant defenses: a review. Cell. Death. Discovery. 2025; 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-024-02278-8.
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. 28th ed. CLSI supplement M100. Wayne, PA: CLSI; 2018.
  • El-Din MGS, Farrag AF, Wu L, Huang Y, Wang K. Review article: Health benefits of honey: A critical review on the homology of medicine and food in traditional and modern contexts. J. Pre-proof. 2025; 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101788
  • Feknous N, Boumendjel M. Natural bioactive compounds of honey and their antimicrobial activity. Czech J. Food Sci. 2022; 40(3): 163–178. https://doi.org/10.17221/247/2021-CJFS
  • George EM, Gannabathula S, Lakshitha R, Liu Y, Kantono K, Hamid N. Antibacterial Properties, Arabinogalactan Proteins, and Bioactivities of New Zealand Honey. Antioxidants. 2025; 14(4):375. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040375
  • Ghramh HA, Khan KA, Alshehri AM. Antibacterial potential of some Saudi honeys from Asir region against selected pathogenic bacteria. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2019; 26(5): 1045-1050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.05.011
  • GOST 19792-2017 Natural honey. Technical specifications, Interstate council for standardisation, metrology, and certification, 2019, p.16.
  • GOST 31768-2012 Natural honey. Methods for the determination of hydroxymethylfurfural, 2014, р.16.
  • GOST 31769-2012 Honey. Method for the determination of the frequency of occurrence of pollen grains, 2014, р.15.
  • GOST 34232-2017 Honey. Methods for determining sucrase activity, diastase number, insoluble substances, Interstate council for standardisation, metrology, and certification, 2017, p.15.
  • Hangun-Balkir Y, McKenney ML. Determination of antioxidant activities of berries and resveratrol. Green. Chem. Lett. Rev. 2012; 5(2):147-153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17518253.2011.603756
  • Hanif K, Ali Q. Review Article Medicinal properties of honey. Zoo. Bot. 2024: 02(3): 277–285 https://doi.org/10.55627/zoobotanica.002.03.0880
  • Henriques A, Burton NF, Cooper RA. The antibacterial activity of Portuguese honey. J. Apic. Res. 2005; 44. 119-123.
  • Ishenbaeva NN, Mususlmanova MM, Smanalieva JN. Identification of the botanical origin and determination of physicochemical parameters of honey samples collected from the Sary-Chelek biosphere of Kyrgyzstan. U. Arı D.- U. Bee J. 2024; 24 (1): 79–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.31467/uluaricilik.1423188
  • ISO 5492 Sensory analysis – Vocabulary, International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, (http://www.iso.org), 2009.
  • ISO 6658, 2005 Sensory Analysis — Methodology — General Guidance. International
  • Jeffrey AE, Echazarreta M. Medical uses of honey. Rev. Biomed. –1996; (7):43–49.
  • Korzh VN. Health gives us a bee LLC Publishing House Levsha St. Petersburg, 2021, р. 112.Liu MY, Cokcetin NN, Lu J,
  • Turnbull L, Carter DA. Rifampicin-Manuka honey combinations are superior to other antibiotic-Manuka honey combinations in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Front. Microbiol. 2018; 8:02653 https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.
  • Louveaux J, Maurizio A, Vorwohl G. Methods of melissopalynology. Bee World. 1978; (59): 139–157.
  • Maddocks SE, Jenkins R.E. Honey: a sweet solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance? Future Microbiol. 2013; 8:1419-29. doi: 10.2217/fmb.13.105.
  • Mandal MD, Mandal S, Pal NK. Antibacterial activity of honey against clinical isolates of bacteria. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Med. 2010; 3(2): 116–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60047-3.
  • Mazhi̇tova A, Smanali̇eva J. Amino acid composition and some physicochemical parameters of multi-floral honey from mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan. U.Arı D. - U.Bee J. 2022;22(2):188-202. https://doi.org/10.31467/uluaricilik.1143337.
  • Molan PC. The antibacterial activity of honey: 1. The nature of the antibacterial activity. Bee. World. 1992;73:5-28. doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.1992.11099109.
  • Nagai T, Kai N, Tanoue Y, Suzuki N. Chemical Properties of Commercially Available Honey Species and the Functional Properties of Caramelization and Maillard Reaction Products Derived from These Honey Species. J. Food Sci. Technol. 2018; 55: 586–597.
  • Nikhat S, Fazil M. History, phytochemistry, experimental pharmacology and clinical uses of honey: A comprehensive review with special reference to Unani medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022; 282:114614
  • Ogwu MC, Izah SC. Review Honey as a Natural Antimicrobial. Antibiotics 2025; (14, 255):1–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030255.
  • Oliveira A, Ribeiro H. G, Silva A. C, Silva M. D, Sousa J. C, Rodrigues C. F, Sillankorva S. Synergistic antimicrobial interaction between honey and phage against Escherichia coli biofilms. Front. Microbiol. 2017; 8. https://doi.org/ 10.3389/fmicb.2017.0240.
  • Pham TN, Nguyen TV. Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and Nutritional Value of Vietnamese Honey from Different Botanical and Geographical Sources. Agri. Eng. 2022; (4): 1116–1138.https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4040069.
  • Piana M, Oddo L, Bentabol A, Bruneau E, Bogdanov S et al. Sensory analysis applied to honey: state of the art. Apidologie, Springer Verlag, 2004; (35): (Suppl. 1) 26–37.
  • Rakha MK, Nabil ZI, Hussein AA. Cardioactive and vasoactive effects of natural wild honey against cardiac malperformance induced by hyperadrenergic activity. J. Med. Food. 2008; 11: 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2006.172.
  • Ranneh Y, Ali F, Zarei M, Md Akim. Malaysian stingless bee and Tualang honeys: A comparative characterization of total antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. LWT-Food Sci. Technol. 2018;89:1–9.
  • Sereia MJ., Alves EM, Toledo VA., Marchini LC, Serine ES., Faquinello P. ... Moreti AC. Physicochemical characteristics and pollen spectra of organic and non-organic honey samples of Apis mellifera. L. An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2011;83: 1077–1090. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0001-37652011000300026.
  • Skadins, I, Labsvards KD, Grava A, Amirian J., Tomsone, L. E., Ruˇsko, J., Brangule, A. Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm properties of Latvian honey against causative agents of wound infections. Antibiotics. 2023; 12(5): 816. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/antibiotics12050816.
  • Smanalieva J. Ermittlung funktioneller und materialwissenschaftlicher Kennwerte von ausgewählten Honigsorten. VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2008, p.180.
  • Smetanska I, Salman S. Physicochemical, antioxidant capacity and color analysis of six honeys from different origin. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2021; 33:101447.
  • Stevens PF. APIACEAE Lindley, nom. cons. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  • Szweda P. Antimicrobial activity of honey. Honey Analysis. Ch. 10. London: Intechopen; 2017.
  • Von der Ohe W, Oddo LP, Piana ML, Morlot M, Martin P. Harmonized methods of melissopalynology. J. Apidologie. 2004;(35):18.http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/apido:2004050
  • Wang J, Li Q. X. Chemical composition, characterization, and differentiation of honey botanical and geographical origins. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;62: 89–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-385989-1.00003-x.
  • Xie Y, Coghi P. The multifaceted health benefits of honey: A natural antimicrobial, antioxidant, and complementary therapeutic agent. Microbes. Immun. 2025;1–13 https://doi.org/10.36922/mi.6592.

Balın Antioksidan ve Antibakteriyel Özellikleri Üzerinde Bitkisel Kökenin Etkisi

Year 2025, Volume: 25 Issue: 2, 210 - 222

Abstract

2023 yılında Kırgızistan'ın farklı bölgelerinden toplanan 22 bal örneği üzerinde yapılan bir araştırma, balın kalitesinin ve faydalı özelliklerinin doğrudan botanik kökenine bağlı olduğunu doğrulamıştır. Bu, balı ve gıda endüstrisi, tıp ve diğer alanlarda potansiyel kullanımını değerlendirirken bu faktörleri dikkate almanın önemini vurgulamaktadır. Balın tadı, aroması, rengi ve kıvamı botanik kökenine göre değişiklik göstermektedir. Bazı bitkilerden toplanan balın aroması daha belirgin ve tadı daha yoğundur. Nem, serbest asitlik ve diastaz sayısı gibi parametreler uluslararası normlara uygundur. Bu parametreler ayrıca toplama bölgesine ve nektarın toplandığı bitki türlerine bağlıdır. Özellikle, diastaz sayısı radikal inhibisyon konsantrasyonu ile negatif korelasyon göstermektedir (r = -0,464). Örneğin, bal örnekleri 1, 9 ve 15, özellikle Lamiaceae (r=-0,527) ve Asteraceae (r=-0,520) polenlerinin bulunduğu durumlarda, polifloral bileşimlerine atfedilen en yüksek antioksidan aktiviteyi sergilemektedir. Vücudu serbest radikallerden korumada önemli olan balın antioksidan özellikleri, botanik bileşimine göre değişiklik göstermektedir. Bazı numuneler yüksek aktivite göstererek sağlık uygulamaları için özellikle değerli hale gelmiştir. Bal, bazı bakterilerin büyümesini inhibe etme yeteneği göstererek, halk hekimliğinde geleneksel kullanımını doğrulamıştır.

References

  • Almasaudi S. The antibacterial activities of honey. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2020; 28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.10.017.
  • Alvarez-Suarez JM, Tulipani S. Contribution of honey in nutrition and human health: a review. Mediterranean J. Nutri. Metab. 2011; 3: 15–23.
  • Anand S, Pang E, Livanos G, Mantri N. Characterization of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant capacities of bioactive honey produced from Australian grown Agastache rugosa and its correlation with colour and polyphenol content. Molecules. 2018; (23): 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23010108
  • Balouiri M, Sadiki, M, & Ibnsouda SK. Methods for in vitro evaluating antimicrobial activity: A review. J. Pharm. Anal. 2016; 6(2):71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpha.2015.11.005
  • Bogdanov S, Martin P, Lüllmann C. Harmonised methods of the European Honey Commission. Apidologie. 1997; (Extra issue):1–59.
  • Вogdanov S, Jurendic T, Sieber R. Honey for nutrition and health: a review. Am J Coll Nutr. 2008; (27): 677-89. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2008.10719745.
  • Campone L, Piccinelli AL, Pagano I, Carabetta S, Determination of phenolic compounds in honey using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. J. Chromatogr. A 2014; 1334, 9–15.
  • Chandimali N, Bak S, Park E, Lim H, Won Y, Kim E, Park, S., & Lee, S. Free radicals and their impact on health and antioxidant defenses: a review. Cell. Death. Discovery. 2025; 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41420-024-02278-8.
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. 28th ed. CLSI supplement M100. Wayne, PA: CLSI; 2018.
  • El-Din MGS, Farrag AF, Wu L, Huang Y, Wang K. Review article: Health benefits of honey: A critical review on the homology of medicine and food in traditional and modern contexts. J. Pre-proof. 2025; 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.101788
  • Feknous N, Boumendjel M. Natural bioactive compounds of honey and their antimicrobial activity. Czech J. Food Sci. 2022; 40(3): 163–178. https://doi.org/10.17221/247/2021-CJFS
  • George EM, Gannabathula S, Lakshitha R, Liu Y, Kantono K, Hamid N. Antibacterial Properties, Arabinogalactan Proteins, and Bioactivities of New Zealand Honey. Antioxidants. 2025; 14(4):375. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14040375
  • Ghramh HA, Khan KA, Alshehri AM. Antibacterial potential of some Saudi honeys from Asir region against selected pathogenic bacteria. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2019; 26(5): 1045-1050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.05.011
  • GOST 19792-2017 Natural honey. Technical specifications, Interstate council for standardisation, metrology, and certification, 2019, p.16.
  • GOST 31768-2012 Natural honey. Methods for the determination of hydroxymethylfurfural, 2014, р.16.
  • GOST 31769-2012 Honey. Method for the determination of the frequency of occurrence of pollen grains, 2014, р.15.
  • GOST 34232-2017 Honey. Methods for determining sucrase activity, diastase number, insoluble substances, Interstate council for standardisation, metrology, and certification, 2017, p.15.
  • Hangun-Balkir Y, McKenney ML. Determination of antioxidant activities of berries and resveratrol. Green. Chem. Lett. Rev. 2012; 5(2):147-153. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17518253.2011.603756
  • Hanif K, Ali Q. Review Article Medicinal properties of honey. Zoo. Bot. 2024: 02(3): 277–285 https://doi.org/10.55627/zoobotanica.002.03.0880
  • Henriques A, Burton NF, Cooper RA. The antibacterial activity of Portuguese honey. J. Apic. Res. 2005; 44. 119-123.
  • Ishenbaeva NN, Mususlmanova MM, Smanalieva JN. Identification of the botanical origin and determination of physicochemical parameters of honey samples collected from the Sary-Chelek biosphere of Kyrgyzstan. U. Arı D.- U. Bee J. 2024; 24 (1): 79–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.31467/uluaricilik.1423188
  • ISO 5492 Sensory analysis – Vocabulary, International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, (http://www.iso.org), 2009.
  • ISO 6658, 2005 Sensory Analysis — Methodology — General Guidance. International
  • Jeffrey AE, Echazarreta M. Medical uses of honey. Rev. Biomed. –1996; (7):43–49.
  • Korzh VN. Health gives us a bee LLC Publishing House Levsha St. Petersburg, 2021, р. 112.Liu MY, Cokcetin NN, Lu J,
  • Turnbull L, Carter DA. Rifampicin-Manuka honey combinations are superior to other antibiotic-Manuka honey combinations in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Front. Microbiol. 2018; 8:02653 https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.
  • Louveaux J, Maurizio A, Vorwohl G. Methods of melissopalynology. Bee World. 1978; (59): 139–157.
  • Maddocks SE, Jenkins R.E. Honey: a sweet solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance? Future Microbiol. 2013; 8:1419-29. doi: 10.2217/fmb.13.105.
  • Mandal MD, Mandal S, Pal NK. Antibacterial activity of honey against clinical isolates of bacteria. Asian Pac. J. Trop. Med. 2010; 3(2): 116–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60047-3.
  • Mazhi̇tova A, Smanali̇eva J. Amino acid composition and some physicochemical parameters of multi-floral honey from mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan. U.Arı D. - U.Bee J. 2022;22(2):188-202. https://doi.org/10.31467/uluaricilik.1143337.
  • Molan PC. The antibacterial activity of honey: 1. The nature of the antibacterial activity. Bee. World. 1992;73:5-28. doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.1992.11099109.
  • Nagai T, Kai N, Tanoue Y, Suzuki N. Chemical Properties of Commercially Available Honey Species and the Functional Properties of Caramelization and Maillard Reaction Products Derived from These Honey Species. J. Food Sci. Technol. 2018; 55: 586–597.
  • Nikhat S, Fazil M. History, phytochemistry, experimental pharmacology and clinical uses of honey: A comprehensive review with special reference to Unani medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022; 282:114614
  • Ogwu MC, Izah SC. Review Honey as a Natural Antimicrobial. Antibiotics 2025; (14, 255):1–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14030255.
  • Oliveira A, Ribeiro H. G, Silva A. C, Silva M. D, Sousa J. C, Rodrigues C. F, Sillankorva S. Synergistic antimicrobial interaction between honey and phage against Escherichia coli biofilms. Front. Microbiol. 2017; 8. https://doi.org/ 10.3389/fmicb.2017.0240.
  • Pham TN, Nguyen TV. Phenolic Profiles, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and Nutritional Value of Vietnamese Honey from Different Botanical and Geographical Sources. Agri. Eng. 2022; (4): 1116–1138.https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering4040069.
  • Piana M, Oddo L, Bentabol A, Bruneau E, Bogdanov S et al. Sensory analysis applied to honey: state of the art. Apidologie, Springer Verlag, 2004; (35): (Suppl. 1) 26–37.
  • Rakha MK, Nabil ZI, Hussein AA. Cardioactive and vasoactive effects of natural wild honey against cardiac malperformance induced by hyperadrenergic activity. J. Med. Food. 2008; 11: 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2006.172.
  • Ranneh Y, Ali F, Zarei M, Md Akim. Malaysian stingless bee and Tualang honeys: A comparative characterization of total antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. LWT-Food Sci. Technol. 2018;89:1–9.
  • Sereia MJ., Alves EM, Toledo VA., Marchini LC, Serine ES., Faquinello P. ... Moreti AC. Physicochemical characteristics and pollen spectra of organic and non-organic honey samples of Apis mellifera. L. An. Acad. Bras. Cienc. 2011;83: 1077–1090. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0001-37652011000300026.
  • Skadins, I, Labsvards KD, Grava A, Amirian J., Tomsone, L. E., Ruˇsko, J., Brangule, A. Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm properties of Latvian honey against causative agents of wound infections. Antibiotics. 2023; 12(5): 816. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/antibiotics12050816.
  • Smanalieva J. Ermittlung funktioneller und materialwissenschaftlicher Kennwerte von ausgewählten Honigsorten. VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2008, p.180.
  • Smetanska I, Salman S. Physicochemical, antioxidant capacity and color analysis of six honeys from different origin. Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2021; 33:101447.
  • Stevens PF. APIACEAE Lindley, nom. cons. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Retrieved 16 December 2022.
  • Szweda P. Antimicrobial activity of honey. Honey Analysis. Ch. 10. London: Intechopen; 2017.
  • Von der Ohe W, Oddo LP, Piana ML, Morlot M, Martin P. Harmonized methods of melissopalynology. J. Apidologie. 2004;(35):18.http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/apido:2004050
  • Wang J, Li Q. X. Chemical composition, characterization, and differentiation of honey botanical and geographical origins. Adv Food Nutr Res. 2011;62: 89–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-385989-1.00003-x.
  • Xie Y, Coghi P. The multifaceted health benefits of honey: A natural antimicrobial, antioxidant, and complementary therapeutic agent. Microbes. Immun. 2025;1–13 https://doi.org/10.36922/mi.6592.
There are 48 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Food Engineering, Field Crops and Pasture Production (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Nazgul Ishenbaeva This is me 0009-0003-4388-5777

Ruslan Adil Akai Tegin 0000-0002-0607-6810

Jamila Smanalieva 0000-0002-3929-4291

Early Pub Date November 5, 2025
Publication Date November 8, 2025
Submission Date August 20, 2025
Acceptance Date October 8, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 25 Issue: 2

Cite

Vancouver Ishenbaeva N, Adil Akai Tegin R, Smanalieva J. INFLUENCE OF BOTANICAL COMPOSITION ON ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF HONEY. U. Arı. D.-U. Bee J. 2025;25(2):210-22.

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