Exploring the Palynological, Chemical, and Bioactive Properties of Non-Studied Bee Pollen and Honey from Morocco

Abstract

Bee products are known for their beneficial properties widely used in complementary medicine. This study aims to unveil the physicochemical, nutritional value, and phenolic profile of bee pollen and honey collected from Boulemane–Morocco, and to evaluate their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity. The results indicate that Citrus aurantium pollen grains were the majority pollen in both samples. Bee pollen was richer in proteins than honey while the inverse was observed for carbohydrate content. Potassium and calcium were the predominant minerals in the studied samples. Seven similar phenolic compounds were found in honey and bee pollen. Three phenolic compounds were identified only in honey (catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid) and six phenolic compounds were identified only in bee pollen (hesperidin, cinnamic acid, apigenin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol). Naringin is the predominant phenolic in honey while hesperidin is predominant in bee pollen. The results of bioactivities revealed that bee pollen exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and effective α-amylase and α-glycosidase inhibitory action. These bee products show interesting nutritional and bioactive capabilities due to their chemical constituents. These features may allow these bee products to be used in food formulation, as functional and bioactive ingredients, as well as the potential for the nutraceutical sector.

Assessing monofloral bee pollens from Türkiye: Palynological verification, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity

“…Similarly, the maximum levels of pinocembrin (19.775 µg/g) and pinobanksin (10.826 µg/g) were detected in Ea. Hesperetin, detected in Citrus HBP by Bakour et al (2022) at 488.9 mg/kg, had the highest values in Sin (4.815 µg/g) and Cc 2 (4.513 µg/g) in our study.…”

“…(2017) also detected kaempferol, myricetin, and quercetin in C. creticus HBP. The rutin content in HBPs from Türkiye and Morocco ranged from 25.59–692.85 µg/100 g to 182.4 ± 2.4 mg/kg, respectively (Bakour et al., 2022; Ulusoy & Kolayli, 2014). Rutin contents were found within these ranges, with the highest amount detected in Q.…”

“…Hesperetin, detected in Citrus HBP by Bakour et al. (2022) at 488.9 mg/kg, had the highest values in Sin (4.815 µg/g) and Cc 2 (4.513 µg/g) in our study.…”

Bee Bread: A Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties—First Report on Some Antimicrobial Features

“…(Lamiaceae) [100]. A fact recently reconfirmed by Bakour et al [101], who showed that BP with 50% Citrus aurantium had the highest hesperidin content among PCs (488.90 µg/g BP), and also showed more potent antioxidant activity.…”

Bioactive compounds enrichment in rabbit doe’s diet pre-and during pregnancy improved productive and reproductive performance and cost-effectiveness under hot climates

“…In honey bee, three phenolic compounds were characterized, these are; catechin, caffeic acid and vanillic acid; however, in bee pollens six phenolic compounds were identi ed, these are; hesperidin, cinnamic acid, apigenin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. These compounds owe antioxidant, digestive, antimicrobial, immunostimulatory, nutraceutical, and growth promoting effects (Bakour et al, 2022). Daisa et al, (2013) found that rabbit diets supplemented with BP resulted in a higher conception rate, a lower number of service conception rates, a larger litter size, and higher milk production.…”