First report of some chemical and biological properties of two wild honey types collected from a remote area in Southern Darfur, Sudan

Abstract

Natural honey's physico-chemical and biological qualities vary by origin, variety and nectar source. Wild honey may provide health benefits. Biomedical research reveals its advantages. Little is known about Sudanese wild honey and Southern Darfur honey. In this investigation, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and physicochemical characteristics of two varieties of Sudanese wild honey were studied. Ziziphus and acacia honey ranged in amber color, density, pH, ash, electrical conductivity and free acidity. Both honey samples included vital nutrients and no heavy metals. Both honey samples exhibit exceptional antioxidant activity, but Acacia honey's antioxidant capacity is greater. Both honey samples demonstrated outstanding antibacterial efficacy against all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ziziphus honey was more antibacterial than acacia honey. The MIC and MBC data exhibited bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against the investigated microorganisms, indicating a synergistic effect of honey's overall contents against pathogens. These results imply that ziziphus and acacia honey samples from Southern Darfur, Sudan, have antibacterial and antioxidant properties and could be used to improve health and as a food supplement.