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Bioactive properties of honey with propolis
S M Osés1, A Pascual-Maté1, M A Fernández-Muiño1
1Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Pza. Misael Bañuelos s/n, 09001 Burgos, Spain.
Food Chemistry
|November 24, 2015
Summary
Honey enriched with propolis extracts offers enhanced antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. This combination creates a palatable functional food, improving consumer acceptance of propolis while boosting its bioactive properties.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Propolis is recognized for its preservative and bioactive properties, but its strong flavor limits consumer acceptance.
- Honey is a popular food base with its own health benefits.
- Developing palatable food products that incorporate propolis's bioactivity is a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create an appealing food product by combining honey and propolis extracts.
- To enhance the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of honey using propolis.
- To assess consumer acceptance and the bioactivity of the enriched honey products.
Main Methods:
- Soft propolis extracts were added to honey at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%.
- Consumer preference was evaluated for the different honey-propolis mixtures.
- The total phenolic content, flavonoid content, ABTS radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and anti-inflammatory activity of selected products were analyzed.
- Antimicrobial activity of the combined products was assessed.
Main Results:
- All honey-propolis mixtures showed increased levels of total phenolics and flavonoids.
- Enhanced ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were observed in the mixtures.
- Significant increases in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities were noted, with synergistic effects observed.
- Consumer acceptance was achieved for honey enriched with specific concentrations of propolis extract.
Conclusions:
- Honey enriched with small amounts of propolis extracts is a promising functional food.
- This approach enhances the bioactive properties of honey while improving propolis palatability.
- The synergistic effects observed suggest a valuable combination for health-promoting food products.
