Exploration of Antibacterial and Antioxidative Property of Two Natural Honey Samples from Malda District, India

Abstract

Aims: To assess the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of two locally available natural honey samples, and determine the total phenolic content (TPC) of the honeys. Methods: Antibacterial activity of two local natural honey samples (citrus honey: LNH1 and mango honey: LNH2) was determined against the clinical bacterial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 strain, by agar-well diffusion method. The antioxidative activity of the honey samples (LNH1 and LNH2) was determined in DPPH system, and the IC 50 values were calculated. The bioactive components present in the test honey samples were assessed qualitatively, and the TPC was quantified. Results: The honey samples showed the presence of different bioactive components (flavonoids, steroids, phenol, terpenoids and quinone); the TPCs were estimated in LNH1 and LNH2 were 195.5 µg/ml and 333 µg/ml, respectively. In DPPH system, the scavenging activities of LNH1 and LNH2 ranged 43.46-75.18% and 36.09-77. 23%, respectively, with respective IC 50 values of 3.83 mg/ml and 6.75 mg/ml. The test honey samples showed antibacterial activity both against gram-positive (Staph. aureus) and gram-negative (Ps. aeruginosa and S. enterica serovar Typhi) bacterial pathogens, and against the E. coli ATCC 25922 strain. Conclusion: The locally available natural honey may be used as rich source of antioxidant and can be used as effective antibacterial agent in order to combat the bacterial infection to humans.