Melissopalinological Analysis, Physicochemical Properties, and Chemical Composition of Apis mellifera and Melipona mandacaia Honey from the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region

Abstract

The Melipona mandacaia bee (mandaçaia) is endemic to the Caatinga biome, and the Apis mellifera bee (Africanized) was introduced in Brazil. A total of 10 and 13 A. mellifera and M. mandacaia honey samples, respectively, were submitted for analysis: melissopalynological analysis, chemical composition, and physicochemical properties (minerals, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antiradical activity). All honey samples from both bee genera showed a higher pollen frequency from Mimosa tenuiflora. Most samples presented abscisic acids, compounds typical of plants under water, in addition to flavonoids. M. mandacaia honeys exhibited higher free acidity, water activity, and moisture compared to the A. mellifera honeys. The multivariate statistical analysis showed a clear separation between honey according to the chemical profile and the bee genus. Honey from bees in the semiarid Northeast of Brazil is a valuable source of bioactive compounds.