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Phenolic profile, colour intensity, and radical scavenging activity of Greek unifloral honeys

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Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant properties [selected polyphenol content (SPC), radical scavenging activity] and colour intensity of Greek unifloral honeys. For this purpose, one hundred and seventy honey samples of different botanical origin (thyme, pine, orange blossom, and fir) were collected during the harvesting period 2011 and 2012 from thirteen different regions in Greece. The phenolic profile was evaluated based on the quantification of syringic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and chrysin using high performance liquid chromatography. Radical scavenging activity and colour intensity were estimated using spectrometric assays. Honey samples analysed showed variations in the SPC (3.86 ± 0.67 to 65.79 ± 8.08 mg/kg), colour intensity (164 ± 49 to 517 ± 110 mAU) and % radical scavenging activity (% RSA) (17.24 ± 5.50 to 50.38 ± 19.17), depending on botanical origin. On the basis of results obtained, the tested honey samples may be considered as easily accessible natural sources of antioxidants and valuable supplements to the daily diet.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Attiki honey S.A, Athens, Greece, Dr. Sofia Karabournioti and to local beekeepers from Lakonia, for the donation of honey samples. We thank Associate Professor K.A. Riganakos for the donation of pure syringic acid.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Section of Industrial and Food Chemistry, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    Ioannis K. Karabagias, Elpida Dimitriou & Michael G. Kontominas

  2. Department of Social Administration and Political Science, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100, Komotini, Greece

    Stavros Kontakos

  3. Department of Chemistry, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, 11835, Egypt

    Michael G. Kontominas

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  1. Ioannis K. Karabagias
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  2. Elpida Dimitriou
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  3. Stavros Kontakos
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  4. Michael G. Kontominas
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Correspondence to Ioannis K. Karabagias.

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Karabagias, I.K., Dimitriou, E., Kontakos, S. et al. Phenolic profile, colour intensity, and radical scavenging activity of Greek unifloral honeys. Eur Food Res Technol 242, 1201–1210 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-015-2624-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-015-2624-6

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