•All stingless bee honeys (SBH) failed CODEX honey standard but partially met MS2683.•Trehalulose was the main sugar in all SBH and notably higher in G. thoracica honey.•Malaysian and Australian SBH ...have distinctly different physicochemical properties.
Stingless bee honey (SBH) of four stingless bee species (Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, Tetragonula carbonaria, and Tetragonula hockingsi) from two geographic regions (Malaysia and Australia, n = 36) were studied for their physicochemical parameters, including total phenolic and multi-elemental contents. Sugar analysis confirmed the prominent presence of trehalulose in all samples. All SBH failed to meet the CODEX Standard for honey moisture, free acidity, and total fructose plus glucose levels. One-way ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical component analysis (HCA) confirm distinctive differences between Australian and Malaysian SBH with Australian SBH having significantly (P < 0.05) higher pH, total phenolic, total mineral, and electrical conductivity attributes. Toxic elements in all SBH were much lower than standard CODEX limit. The species G. thoracica produced honey with significantly (P < 0.05) higher trehalulose than both Australian bee species. This research will add value to SBH and hasten new international standards ensuring commercial viability, safety, quality, and marketability of SBH.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•M. citrolens leaves are good source of crude fiber, citric acid, and minerals.•M. citrolens leaves are rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity.•Caffeine was not detected in M. citrolens ...leaves.•Biochemical composition of M. citrolens leaves was influenced by different region.
Melaleuca citrolens Barlow (gulbarn) leaves (Myrtaceae family) infusion is the traditional herbal drink of Australian indigenous community from the Northern Territory (NT). The present study was conducted to determine the biochemical content and aroma of M. citrolens leaves from five different regions (R1-R5) of NT. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of M. citrolens leaves were varied from 78.02 to 126.07 mg GAE/ g dry powder and 4.55 to 9.16 mg QE/ g dry powder, respectively (P<0.05). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography shown that gallic acid and gallyoylquinic acid were the major phenolic compounds present in all the samples. Minerals, heavy metals and organic acid content of the M. citrolens samples were influenced by the different region (P<0.05). Antioxidant activity of M. citrolens collected from region-2 was highest while the lowest value was observed from region-1 (P<0.05). Aroma evaluation of samples revealed that M. citrolens from region 2 and 5 showed higher strength whereas region 3 and 4 samples showed lower strength (P<0.05). In conclusion, the biochemical content and aroma of M. citrolens leaves were varied with the different regional habitat. M. citrolens leaves collected from region 2 and 5 suggested for the high quality of aroma as well as high phenolic content and antioxidant activities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Bioactive properties of solvent extracts of
,
and
investigated. The antimicrobial activities evaluated using agar disc diffusion method against two bacteria (
and
) and six weak-acid resistant yeasts ...(
,
,
,
,
and
). The antioxidant activities determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Quantification of major active compounds using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. Extracts showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against weak-acid resistant yeasts in comparison to the standard antifungal agents, fluconazole and amphotericin B.
being the most sensitive and strongly inhibited by all extracts, while
the least sensitive. Polygodial, citral and anethole are the major bioactive compounds identified in
,
and
, respectively. Hexane extracts contain the highest amount of bioactive compounds and demonstrate the strongest antimicrobial activities. Methanol and ethanol extracts reveal the highest phenolic content and antioxidant properties. Fluorescence microscopic results indicate the mechanism of action of
against yeast is due to damage of the yeast cell membrane through penetration causing swelling and lysis leading to cell death.
Honey is a popular agricultural product containing mostly sugars and water, but due to its nutritious components and natural production by honeybees (Apis mellifera) from floral nectar, it is ...marketed as a premium health food item. As environmental monitors, honeybees can potentially transfer environmental contaminants to honey. Whilst pesticides can have ubiquitous presence in agricultural and urban areas, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be more prevalent in higher density urban/industrial environments. Australian beehives are customarily located in rural areas/forests, but it is increasingly popular to keep hives in urban areas. This study assessed the levels of environmental contaminants in honeys (n = 212) from Queensland/Australian sources including rural, peri-urban and urban areas. Honey samples were analysed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS for 53 herbicides, 83 pesticides, 18 breakdown products (for certain pesticides/herbicides) and 33 PAHs and showed low/negligible pesticide, herbicide and PAHs contamination, consistent regardless of honey origins.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•DP and DJ infusions consist of phenolics, minerals, organic acids and soluble sugars.•High level of gallic acid was detected in DP and DJ infusions.•Antioxidant capacities of DP, DJ and FF infusion ...were comparable.•Sensory properties of DP and DJ infusions were compatible with FF infusion.
Davidsonia pruriens (DP) and Davidsonia jerseyana (DJ) are a gourmet bushfood with a sweet and sour taste. This study investigated the biochemical content, antioxidant activities, and sensory attributes of DP and DJ fruit infusions in comparison with commercial forest fruits (FF) infusion. Total phenolic and anthocyanin content was higher in FF infusion compared to DP or DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). An abundant amount of gallic acid was found in DP and DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). Quercetin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and peonidin-3-sambubioside was detected only in DP and DJ fruit infusions (P < 0.05). However, a high level of oxalic acid, minerals and soluble sugars were observed in FF infusions (P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacities and overall likeness score of DP or DJ infusion were comparable with the commercial FF infusion. Therefore, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and sensory properties suggested that DP and DJ fruit infusion have the potential to become a commercial health promoting drink.
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Stingless bee (Meliponini) honey has long been considered a high-value functional food, but the perceived therapeutic value has lacked attribution to specific bioactive components. Examination of ...honey from five different stingless bee species across Neotropical and Indo-Australian regions has enabled for the first time the identification of the unusual disaccharide trehalulose as a major component representing between 13 and 44 g per 100 g of each of these honeys. Trehalulose is an isomer of sucrose with an unusual α-(1 → 1) glucose-fructose glycosidic linkage and known acariogenic and low glycemic index properties. NMR and UPLC-MS/MS analysis unambiguously confirmed the identity of trehalulose isolated from stingless bee honeys sourced across three continents, from Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi species in Australia, from Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama in Malaysia and from Tetragonisca angustula in Brazil. The previously unrecognised abundance of trehalulose in stingless bee honeys is concrete evidence that supports some of the reported health attributes of this product. This is the first identification of trehalulose as a major component within a food commodity. This study allows the exploration of the expanded use of stingless bee honey in foods and identifies a bioactive marker for authentication of this honey in associated food standards.
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The phytochemical profile, organic acid content, minerals, various antioxidant assays and consumers acceptability of indigenous Australian herbal infusions namely gulban (Melaleuca citrolens), anise ...myrtle (Syzygium anisatum), and lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) were compared with a commercial green tea (Camellia sinensis). Total phenolic content and catechin derivatives were higher in green tea as compared to indigenous herbal infusions (P < 0.05). Phytochemical profiles showed high levels of caffeine in green tea, but, it was not found in herbal infusions (P < 0.05). Australian indigenous herbal infusions were a good source of calcium and magnesium compared to green tea (P < 0.05). Oxalic acid was higher in green tea, whereas gulban and anise myrtle infusions were rich in citric acid (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activities of green tea and gulban herbal infusions were comparable (P ≥ 0.05). Overall liking scores were higher for herbal infusions compared to green tea (P < 0.05). Indigenous Australian herbal infusions particularly gulban has a potential to become a successful commercial herbal beverage.
•Gulban, anise myrtle and lemon myrtle are the Australian indigenous bush food plants.•Australian indigenous herbal infusions are a good source of Ca, Mg and citric acid.•Caffeine was not found in Australian indigenous herbal infusions.•Overall liking score was higher for Australian indigenous herbal infusions compared to green tea.
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The honey bee industry in Australia is small but has a big impact on both producers and consumers. Alarmingly, it has been recently reported that an international laboratory, specializing in honey ...authentication, found that almost half of the 28 blended and imported honey samples selected from Australian supermarket shelves were "adulterated". The Official method of honey analysis (AOAC 998.12) is based on the stable-isotope ratio mass spectrometry analysis of δ13C value of honey versus δ13C of honey protein to detect the addition of C4 plant derived sugars, such as cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This method is used as the primary C4 sugar adulteration test around the world, but honey derived from some Australian plants, particularly Manuka (Leptospermum species), fails this process. Our research aims to examine the characteristics of Australian honey and develop a test that is fit for purpose, particularly where honeys derived from Leptospermum species are concerned. We have focused on the isotopic values of "proteins" precipitated using the standard AOAC method and "proteins" precipitated after incorporation of a further modification step which removes insoluble material (including pollen) from the honey before precipitation. Our modified method includes the analysis of different isotopes of the precipitated protein, sugar profiles and Manuka markers. A key advantage of the proposed modification is that it does not preclude the detection of residual sugar feeding of bees or extension of honey with C4 sugar. The proposed modification to the AOAC test will reduce false identification of C4 sugars and improve the overall reliability of Australian honey authentication.
Honey is a widely available natural sweetener containing sugars, and small quantities of
vitamins and minerals, proteins, amino acids and fatty acids. Owing to its nutritious components,
commercial ...honeys are sold in bulk blends or as trendy and premium products. Meanwhile, honey
bees are considered as environmental monitors and have the potential to transfer environmental
contaminants, if present, to honey. In high density urban and industrial environments polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals can be prevalent, whilst pesticides and mineral
and trace elements are ubiquitous. Honey hives are traditionally located in rural and forested areas,
but there is a growing trend to locate hives in urban areas. This project has investigated the presence
of environmental contaminants in honey samples from high density urban, peri-urban as well as
rural areas. Australian honey samples (n = 211) were purchased between 2016 and 2018, including
52 honeys claiming to be of urban origin purchased online. Stingless bee honeys (n = 36) from
Queensland and Malaysia were compared. Processed samples were analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS
(herbicides), GC-MS/MS (pesticides and PAHs) and ICP-MS and ICP-OES (elemental analyses). The
results showed low or negligible pesticide, herbicide, and PAH contamination, and that these low
results were similar regardless of urban or rural origins. Wide variations of essential trace element
(Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, Co, Mn, Cr) and mineral levels (K, Na, P, Mg, Ca) were found in honey products,
which are a good dietary source of K and Zn. Relatively low levels of toxic heavy metals were found
in honeys.
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