Physicochemical parameters, multi-elemental composition and antiradical activity of multifloral honeys from Apis cerana cerana in Hainan province, China

Abstract

A summarized physicochemical profile of nine multifloral honeys produced by Apis cerana cerana Fabricius in Qiongzhong region located in Hainan province was exhibited, regarding pH (3.72-4.02), moisture (19.20-22.53%), fructose (34.40-38.70 g 100 g-1), glucose (31.60-35.05 g 100 g-1), sucrose (less than 3%), color (31.00-80.00 mm Pfund), ash content (0.17-0.45 g 100 g-1), soluble solid (75.87-79.10◦Brix), and electrical conductivity (343.67-678.33 μS cm-1). Potassium showed the highest concentration, followed by calcium. Manganese, boron, iron, aluminium, and zinc were the main micro-elements while cadmium and hydrargyrum were not detected in all honey samples. The antiradical activity was shown to be significantly negative correlated with total phenolic content (TPC) (r2 = −0.756) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (r2 = −0.477). Among all tested honey samples, sample A exhibited the highest levels of TPC (45.46 mg GAE 100 g-1), TFC (10.02 mg RE 100 g-1), and antiradical activity (DPPH IC50 = 2.63 mg mL-1). Our results will be useful in determining to set the standard for A. cerana cerana honey.