Biological, physicochemical and antibacterial properties of pure honey harvested at the municipality of Seraïdi (Annaba, north east of Algeria)

Abstract

The aim of our work is to assess physicochemical and antibacterial potential of two local honeys compared with two imported honeys. A carbohydrate profile was carried out by HPLC. All honeys are acid and the free acidity of Zriba (36 ± 13 méq.kg-1), Sidi Achour (36.66 ± 0.57 méq.kg-1) were in standards well above those of imported honey: San Francisco (7 méq.kg-1), Elshifa (20 méq.kg-1). Refractive index complied with the standards. Sidi Achour honey was denser (1.4206) than the others. Ash content of local honey (0.76 ± 0.07) and imported honey San Francisco (0.72 ± 0.57) were higher than those of Zriba honey (0.41 ± 0.08) and Elshifa (0.25 ± 0.038). All honeys had a sucrose content within the standard. Local honey contained Trehalose and melezitose, and richer in fructose and raffinose, F & G and maltose levels were consistent with standards. Sidi Achour contained the highest turanose content (2.15 ± 0.49%) relative to the studied honey samples. Antibacterial activity showed that all honeys have antibacterial potential when they are pure. Sidi Achour was active against E.coli (24 ± 6.08 mm), S.enteritidis (26.33 ± 1.15 mm), S.aureus (19.66 ± 0.57 mm), B.cereus (13.33 ± 8.73 mm) and E.faecalis (15 ± 1 mm). Zriba honey showed the same antibacterial honey except for B.cereus (7.66 ± 2.88 mm). The imported honeys were active on the growth of only three bacteria: E.coli, S.enteritidis and S.aureus.