Properties of Honey and Pollen Samples Obtained from Different Rhododendron Species Collected from Black Sea Region of Turkey

Abstract

Physicochemical properties as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities of Rhododendron honey and pollen produced in Turkey were determined. Monofloral honey samples from three different Rhododendron species (R. ponticum L., R. luteum L., and R. caucasicum L.) were collected from the mountains of the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. The experimental results revealed that each crude extract of honey and pollen exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal capacity in the bacteria and fungus. The pollen samples and SEM images have been analysed and recorded. The total phenolic contents and antioxidative activities of the samples were investigated based on DPPH free radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidative power potentials, and higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities were observed for pollen samples with respect to honey. Furthermore, the potential to inhibit Acetyl- and Butrylcholinesterase activity and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The potential to inhibit DNA damage were also studied, and R. ponticum honey was observed to influence most positively damaged DNA.

Honey’s Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties: A Bibliometric Study

“…This honey product is a potential functional food with research initiatives identifying over 300 bioactive molecules from various geographical areas worldwide, such as free amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and polyphenols [18,124]. Research on the properties of pollen and the combination of pollen with other bee products reflects the research on its antioxidant, antiradical, antibacterial, antifungal, physical, chemical, anti-inflammatory, and pharmacological characteristics [125][126][127][128][129].…”

Risks for human health related to the presence of grayanotoxins in certain honey

“…The presence of other substances in ‘mad honey’ which might exhibit similar effects to grayananes was considered by the Panel, but no evidence supporting the presence of other potential toxins in Ericaceae honey showing toxicity in humans was identified (Machado et al., 2020 ; Alkan et al., 2020 ).…”

“…Data on the qualitative characteristics of Rhododendron honeys suggest that these honeys meet the EU standard 5 requirements for honey (Oddo et al., 2004 ; Akgün et al., 2021 ; Alkan et al., 2020 ).…”

“…Pollen from Rhododendron species has characteristic shape and size and can be distinguished by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It presents in the form of relatively large tetrads (four individual pollen fused together) of 30–70 μm (Alkan et al., 2020 ; Sarwar and Takahashi, 2013 ). Pollen analysis supports the identification of territorial origin of the honey based on co‐occurring ‘accompanying species’ and the degree of purity of the honey samples (Stakeholder and focal points inputs on grayanotoxins, 2022, under Documentation as provided to EFSA).…”