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In vitro biological activity and phenolic profile of selected portuguese monofloral honeys

Publication . Machado, Alexandra M.; Marto, Joana; Gonçalves, Lídia Maria; Ribeiro, Helena Margarida; Duarte, Aida; Tomás, Andreia; Falcão, Soraia; Vilas-Boas, Miguel; Miguel, Maria Graça; Figueiredo, Ana Cristina

Portuguese monofloral honeys from carob tree, chestnut, bell heather, eucalyptus, incense, orange, and strawberry tree, were evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound healing, and cell viability effect, compared to manuka honey 850+. Antimicrobial activity was determined against Gram+-and Gram- bacteria and yeast. Antioxidants, wound healing, and cell viability effects were studied in the Human Keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. Chestnut, bell heather, eucalyptus, manuka and strawberry tree honeys were most effective against S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5%-25.0% (w/v), and greater ability to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (> 75%), than manuka honey (68%). Incense and orange honeys exhibited high wound healing rates, 89% and 86%, respectively, higher than manuka honey, 53%. Honeys showed cell viability > 76%. Bell heather and strawberry tree honeys exhibited the highest total phenolic content, 38 and 137 mg/100 g honey respectively, being more effective against the microorganisms tested and showing greater antioxidant activity. Opposite, incense, and orange honeys with lower phenolic amounts, 11 and 15 mg/100g honey, respectively, achieved higher wound healing ability. Flavonoid aglycones were the most abundant flavonoids in all honeys. This knowledge can be further explored in formulations that take the best out of each honey type composition and biological activity capacity.

2023Conference object

Open access

Antimicrobial and wound healing effects associated to cytocompatibility and the relationship with phytochemical profile of selected Portuguese monofloral honeys

Publication . Machado, Alexandra M.; Marto, Joana; Gonçalves, Lídia Maria; Ribeiro, Helena Margarida; Duarte, Aida; Tomás, Andreia; Falcão, Soraia; Vilas-Boas, Miguel; Miguel, Maria Graça; Figueiredo, Ana Cristina

Owing to its applications in both food and pharmaceutical industries honey is regarded as a functional product. This study evaluated 32 Portuguese monofloral honeys and their activity was compared with manuka honey 850 + . The antimicrobial activity was determined against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and yeast. Antioxidant activity, wound healing ability, and cell viability were studied in the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Phytochemical profile analysis was performed by UPLC/DAD/ESI-MSn. Chestnut, bell heather, eucalyptus, manuka, and strawberry tree honeys demonstrated higher antioxidant activity and were effective against S. aureus. Incense and orange honeys showed wound healing rates of 89 % and 86 %, respectively. All the honeys had cell viability above 76 %. Bell heather and strawberry tree honeys showed the highest total phenolic content, while incense and orange honeys, showed the lower ones. Phytochemical profile analysis evidenced two main clusters, one dominated by isoprenoids and norisoprenoids, as well as phenolic acids and derivatives, while the other included flavonoids as main compounds. Blending different Portuguese monofloral honeys may be an alternative to faster wound healing, by combining their diverse bioactive components. The gathered knowledge can be further explored in formulations that consider the biological activity capacity and composition of each honey.

2025Journal article

Open access