Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Editorial to Special Issue—Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products

by Maria Graça Miguel

Foods 2022, 11(4), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11040608 - 20 Feb 2022

Viewed by 1449

Abstract

Honey continues to be the most studied bee product, with 60% of articles addressing this thematic [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

Research

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20 pages, 2672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Searching for Differences in Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Crude Drone Brood and Royal Jelly Useful for Their Authentication

by Ewelina Sidor, Michał Miłek, Grzegorz Zaguła, Aleksandra Bocian and Małgorzata Dżugan

Foods 2021, 10(9), 2233; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10092233 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3272

Abstract

Drone brood is a little-known bee product which is frequently considered as a male equivalent of royal jelly and is sometimes used as its adulterant. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and biological activity of both bee products [...] Read more.

Drone brood is a little-known bee product which is frequently considered as a male equivalent of royal jelly and is sometimes used as its adulterant. The aim of the study was to compare the chemical composition and biological activity of both bee products originated from the same apiaries (n = 3) limiting the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Moreover, for drone brood study covered testing three stages of larval development (days 7, 11, and 14). The comparison included mineral composition (ICP-OES method), protein content and protein profile (SDS-PAGE), testosterone and estradiol content (ELISA tests). HPTLC method was used to analyze of sugar, amino acids, and polyphenolic profile of drone brood and royal jelly. Moreover, their antioxidant and enzymatic properties were compared. A lot of similarities between drone brood and royal jelly were found in terms of chemical components. However, drone brood was more abundant in iron and manganese, reducing sugars and some amino acids, especially proline, tyrosine, and leucine. It contained more testosterone (especially on the 14th day) and estradiol (on the 7th day). The greatest differences in the enzymatic activities and polyphenolic profile were found. Diastase and α-glucosidase activity were found as specific enzymes of the drone brood. Similarly, ferulic and ellagic acids were characteristic for brood and were not present in royal jelly. The study showed a lot of similar features for both tested bee products, however, some specific markers which can serve to differentiate drone brood and royal jelly were found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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21 pages, 1152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of the Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Two Types of Moroccan Euphorbia Entire Honey and Their Phenolic Extracts

by Oumaima Boutoub, Soukaina El-Guendouz, Ana Manhita, Cristina Barrocas Dias, Letícia M. Estevinho, Vanessa B. Paula, Jorge Carlier, Maria Clara Costa, Brígida Rodrigues, Sara Raposo, Smail Aazza, Lahsen El Ghadraoui and Maria Graça Miguel

Foods 2021, 10(8), 1909; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10081909 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase [...] Read more.

Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected in all samples, whereas kampferol was only present in two samples. Physicochemical parameters and total phenolic content were also determined. Entire honey that recorded the highest rate of phenols was sample M6 (E. resinifera) = 69.25 mg GAE/100 g. On the other hand, the phenolic extracts had better antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities than the entire honeys, regardless the monofloral honey type. In conclusion, the studied Euphorbia honeys may have a great potential as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase sources for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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13 pages, 7365 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Spectroscopic Discrimination of Bee Pollen by Composition, Color, and Botanical Origin

by Roman Bleha, Tetiana V. Shevtsova, Martina Živčáková, Anna Korbářová, Martina Ježková, Ivan Saloň, Ján Brindza and Andriy Synytsya

Foods 2021, 10(8), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10081682 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2831

Abstract

Bee pollen samples were discriminated using vibrational spectroscopic methods by connecting with botanical sources, composition, and color. SEM and light microscope images of bee pollen loads were obtained and used to assess the botanical origin. Fourier transform (FT) mid- and near-infrared (FT-MIR, FT-NIR), [...] Read more.

Bee pollen samples were discriminated using vibrational spectroscopic methods by connecting with botanical sources, composition, and color. SEM and light microscope images of bee pollen loads were obtained and used to assess the botanical origin. Fourier transform (FT) mid- and near-infrared (FT-MIR, FT-NIR), and FT-Raman spectra of bee pollen samples (a set of randomly chosen loads can be defined as an independent sample) were measured and processed by principal component analysis (PCA). The CIE L*a*b* color space parameters were calculated from the image analysis. FT-MIR, FT-NIR, and FT-Raman spectra showed marked sensitivity to bee pollen composition. In addition, FT-Raman spectra indicated plant pigments as chemical markers of botanical origin. Furthermore, the fractionation of bee pollen was also performed, and composition of the fractions was characterized as well. The combination of imaging, spectroscopic, and statistical methods is a potent tool for bee pollen discrimination and thus may evaluate the quality and composition of this bee-keeping product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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16 pages, 1923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Hungarian Honeys against Respiratory Tract Bacteria

by Viktória Lilla Balázs, Lilla Nagy-Radványi, Rita Filep, Erika Kerekes, Béla Kocsis, Marianna Kocsis and Ágnes Farkas

Foods 2021, 10(7), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071632 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3085

Abstract

Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, while minor compounds such as amino acids and polyphenols contribute to its health-promoting effects. Honey is one of the oldest traditional remedies applied for microbial infections, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim [...] Read more.

Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, while minor compounds such as amino acids and polyphenols contribute to its health-promoting effects. Honey is one of the oldest traditional remedies applied for microbial infections, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Hungarian black locust, linden, and sunflower honeys against the most common biofilm-forming respiratory tract pathogens Haemophilus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The unifloral character of all three honey types was confirmed by melissopalynological analysis. The antibacterial activity of each honey sample against each bacterium strain was proven with agar well diffusion assay and thin layer chromatography—direct bioautography. Kinetics and mechanisms of antibacterial action were clarified with time-kill assay and membrane degradation study. The anti-biofilm activity was evidenced using crystal violet assay. In each assay, linden honey was the most effective, followed by sunflower and black locust honey. In addition, each honey sample had greater potential to suppress respiratory tract bacteria, compared to major sugar components. In conclusion, honey in general and linden honey in particular, can have a role in the treatment of respiratory tract infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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12 pages, 864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity and Protective Effect of Tuscan Bee Pollens on Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Different Cell-Based Models

by Morena Gabriele, Stefania Frassinetti and Laura Pucci

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061422 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2577

Abstract

Bee pollen is an apiary product of great interest owing to its high nutritional and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to assess the cellular antioxidant activity and the antihemolytic effect of Castanea, Rubus, and Cistus bee pollens on human erythrocytes. We [...] Read more.

Bee pollen is an apiary product of great interest owing to its high nutritional and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to assess the cellular antioxidant activity and the antihemolytic effect of Castanea, Rubus, and Cistus bee pollens on human erythrocytes. We also tested the antimicrobial potential of each sample on selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Finally, the effect of Castanea bee pollen, showing the best phytochemical profile, was analyzed on human microvascular endothelial cells exposed to thapsigargin, used as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stressor. Our results showed good biological activities of all bee pollen samples that, under oxidative conditions, significantly improved the erythrocytes’ antioxidant activity and limited cell lyses. Castanea and Cistus showed comparable antihemolytic activities, with higher % hemolysis inhibition than Rubus. All samples exerted antimicrobial activity with different selectivity among all the tested microorganisms with minimal inhibitory concentration values ranging from 5 to 10 mg/mL. Finally, Castanea bee pollen was effective in reducing gene over-expression and oxidation process arising from thapsigargin treatment, with a maximum protective effect at 10 µg/mL. In conclusion, bee pollen represents a potential natural antibacterial and a good nutraceutical product useful in the prevention of free radical and ER stress-associated diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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16 pages, 920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Extraction and Gastrointestinal Digestion of Honey: Influence on Its Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

by Marta Alevia, Sandra Rasines, Leire Cantero, M. Teresa Sancho, Miguel A. Fernández-Muiño and Sandra M. Osés

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1412; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061412 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3585

Abstract

The effect of chemical extraction and in vitro digestion of different kinds of honey on bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and flavonoids) and biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) was investigated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated against three radicals (ABTS^•+, ROO [...] Read more.

The effect of chemical extraction and in vitro digestion of different kinds of honey on bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and flavonoids) and biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) was investigated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated against three radicals (ABTS^•+, ROO^•, ^•OH), and the antimicrobial activity was studied against five bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomona aeruginosa) and one yeast (Candida albicans). The results show that in comparison with raw honeys, the methanolic extracts exhibited lower values for phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity and higher anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities against L. monocytogenes. The higher anti-inflammatory activity indicates a possible use of dried honey extracts in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The digested honeys showed higher total phenolics and higher antioxidant activity than the pre-digested honeys, as well as higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, which underlines the possible antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of honey in the human body after the digestion process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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28 pages, 2257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Chemical Contaminants on the Physicochemical Properties of Unifloral and Multifloral Honey

by Laura Agripina Scripcă and Sonia Amariei

Foods 2021, 10(5), 1039; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10051039 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of antibiotic and pesticide residues on the physicochemical properties of unifloral and multifloral honey. The mineral elements content of honey was analyzed and correlated with antibiotic and pesticide residues, and a [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of antibiotic and pesticide residues on the physicochemical properties of unifloral and multifloral honey. The mineral elements content of honey was analyzed and correlated with antibiotic and pesticide residues, and a positive correlation was found between manganese and neonicotinoids. Potassium was found to be the most abundant mineral compound. Correlations were found between mineral content, color, and the content of antibiotic and pesticide residues of honey. In meadow honey, residues of antibiotics and pesticides were undetectable. In some of the other types of honey, the maximum residue limits regulated by European legislation were exceeded. Endosulfan residue was found in mint and rapeseed, honey with 0.42 and 5.14 ng/g, respectively. Neonicotinoids were found in 27% of the analyzed honey samples. Chloramphenicol was identified only in rapeseed honey, with concentrations ranging from 0.2 ng/g to 0.8 ng/g. Nitrofurans were found in 14%, and nitroimidazoles were found in 6% of the analyzed samples. According to EU legislation that is in force, the use of antibiotics in beekeeping is not allowed. The MRLs for neonicotinoids are 50 ng/g, and for coumaphos, the maximum limit is 100 ng/g. For the other pesticide residues, the maximum limit is 10 ng/g. The results of statistical analysis obtained using principal component analysis (PCA) showed a major difference in the levels of contamination of raspberry and meadow honey and the other types of honey. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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17 pages, 3004 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Preliminary Study of Chemical Profiles of Honey, Cerumen, and Propolis of the African Stingless Bee Meliponula ferruginea

by Milena Popova, Dessislava Gerginova, Boryana Trusheva, Svetlana Simova, Alfred Ngenge Tamfu, Ozgur Ceylan, Kerry Clark and Vassya Bankova

Foods 2021, 10(5), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050997 - 02 May 2021

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 4955

Abstract

Recently, the honey and propolis of stingless bees have been attracting growing attention because of their health-promoting properties. However, studies on these products of African Meliponini are still very scarce. In this preliminary study, we analyzed the chemical composition of honey, two cerumen, [...] Read more.

Recently, the honey and propolis of stingless bees have been attracting growing attention because of their health-promoting properties. However, studies on these products of African Meliponini are still very scarce. In this preliminary study, we analyzed the chemical composition of honey, two cerumen, and two resin deposits (propolis) samples of Meliponula ferruginea from Tanzania. The honey of M. ferruginea was profiled by NMR and indicated different long-term stability from Apis mellifera European (Bulgarian) honey. It differed significantly in sugar and organic acids content and had a very high amount of the disaccharide trehalulose, known for its bioactivities. We suggested trehalulose to be a potential marker for African stingless bee honey analogously to the recent proposal for Meliponini honey from Asia, South America, and Australia and demonstrated its easy discrimination by ¹³C NMR. Propolis and cerumen were studied by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectometry). The samples contained mainly terpenoids (di-and triterpenes) but demonstrated qualitative and quantitative differences. This fact was an indication that possibly M. ferruginea has no strict preferences for resins used to construct and protect their nests. The antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing properties of the two materials were also tested. These first results demonstrated that the honey, cerumen, and propolis of African stingless bees were rich in biologically active substances and deserved further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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12 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between the Browning Index, Total Phenolics, Color, and Antioxidant Activity of Polish-Originated Honey Samples

by Małgorzata Starowicz, Anita Ostaszyk and Henryk Zieliński

Foods 2021, 10(5), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10050967 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5007

Abstract

Honey is a source of sugars, amino acids/proteins, and polyphenols, which are the main substrates and reactants in the Maillard reaction. Several bioactive molecules are formed and sequestered to the brown polymeric melanoidins, resulting in a gain and loss of antioxidant function in [...] Read more.

Honey is a source of sugars, amino acids/proteins, and polyphenols, which are the main substrates and reactants in the Maillard reaction. Several bioactive molecules are formed and sequestered to the brown polymeric melanoidins, resulting in a gain and loss of antioxidant function in honey. Therefore, the relationships between the browning index and total phenolic contents, color, and antioxidant activity of Polish-originated honeys, namely acacia, buckwheat, heather, linden, multiflorous, and rapeseed, obtained from three local beekeepers, were addressed in this study. The Total Phenolic Content data showed the following order: buckwheat > heather > acacia > multiflorous > linden > rapeseed. The buckwheat honey also had the highest ability to scavenge free radicals in the range of 207.1–289.3 and 40.9–52.3 µmol Trolox g⁻¹, provided by Antioxidant Compounds Water-soluble and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assays, respectively. Furthermore, a higher degree of browning was observed in dark-colored honey, such as buckwheat (3.1) and heather (1.35 mAU), than in light ones. Moreover, L* and b* parameters had a greater value in the honey of multiflorous, linden, and rapeseed, and a* was higher in buckwheat and heather. The variables of browning and TPC, ACW, and FRAP were positively correlated with each other. It can be concluded that the browning index strongly contributed to parameters of honey appearance, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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Review

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29 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiparasitic Properties of Propolis: A Review

by Felix Zulhendri, Kavita Chandrasekaran, Magdalena Kowacz, Munir Ravalia, Krishna Kripal, James Fearnley and Conrad O. Perera

Foods 2021, 10(6), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10061360 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 14531

Abstract

Propolis is a complex phytocompound made from resinous and balsamic material harvested by bees from flowers, branches, pollen, and tree exudates. Humans have used propolis therapeutically for centuries. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive review of the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, [...] Read more.

Propolis is a complex phytocompound made from resinous and balsamic material harvested by bees from flowers, branches, pollen, and tree exudates. Humans have used propolis therapeutically for centuries. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive review of the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis. The mechanisms of action of propolis are discussed. There are two distinct impacts with regards to antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties of propolis, on the pathogens and on the host. With regards to the pathogens, propolis acts by disrupting the ability of the pathogens to invade the host cells by forming a physical barrier and inhibiting enzymes and proteins needed for invasion into the host cells. Propolis also inhibits the replication process of the pathogens. Moreover, propolis inhibits the metabolic processes of the pathogens by disrupting cellular organelles and components responsible for energy production. With regard to the host, propolis functions as an immunomodulator. It upregulates the innate immunity and modulates the inflammatory signaling pathways. Propolis also helps maintain the host’s cellular antioxidant status. More importantly, a small number of human clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and the safety of propolis as an adjuvant therapy for pathogenic infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composition and Biological Properties of Bee Products)

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