Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (17)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = Kelulut honey

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
26 pages, 5204 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Characterization of Injectable Genipin-Crosslinked Gelatin–Kelulut Honey Hydrogels for Future Cutaneous Tissue Loss
by Raniya Razif, Nur Izzah Md Fadilah, Manira Maarof, Daniel Looi Qi Hao, Adzim Poh Yuen Wen and Mh Busra Fauzi
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1129; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091129 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1329
Abstract
Chronic wounds, particularly those associated with conditions like diabetes, present significant challenges in healthcare due to prolonged healing and high susceptibility to infections. This study investigates the development of injectable hydrogels composed of genipin-crosslinked gelatin and Kelulut honey (KH) as novel biomaterials for [...] Read more.
Chronic wounds, particularly those associated with conditions like diabetes, present significant challenges in healthcare due to prolonged healing and high susceptibility to infections. This study investigates the development of injectable hydrogels composed of genipin-crosslinked gelatin and Kelulut honey (KH) as novel biomaterials for wound healing applications. Hydrogels were prepared with varying concentrations (w/v) of gelatin (9% and 10%) and KH (0.1% and 0.5%), with genipin (0.1%) acting as a crosslinker. The physicochemical properties were extensively evaluated, including the swelling ratio, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), contact angle, porosity, enzymatic degradation, and surface roughness. The results showed that KH incorporation significantly enhanced the swelling properties of the hydrogels, with the 9GE_0.1KH formulation demonstrating a swelling ratio of 742.07 ± 89.61% compared to 500% for the control 9GE formulation. The WVTR values for KH-incorporated hydrogels ranged from 1670.60 ± 236.87 g/m2h to 2438.92 ± 190.90 g/m2h, which were within the ideal range (1500–2500 g/m2h) for wound healing. Contact angle measurements indicated improved hydrophilicity, with 9GE_0.1KH showing a contact angle of 42.14° ± 7.52° compared to 60° ± 11.66° for the 10GE formulation. Biodegradation rates were slightly higher for KH-modified hydrogels (0.079 ± 0.006 mg/h for 9GE_0.1KH), but all remained within acceptable limits. These findings suggest that genipin-crosslinked gelatin-KH hydrogels offer a promising scaffold for enhanced wound healing and potential applications in tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties and Applications)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4323 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Kelulut (Stingless Bee) Honey in Alzheimer’s Disease: Findings from a Rat Model Study
by Ammara Shaikh, Fairus Ahmad, Seong Lin Teoh, Jaya Kumar and Mohamad Fairuz Yahaya
Antioxidants 2024, 13(8), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13080926 - 30 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2636
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a major worldwide health challenge because of its profound impact on cognitive abilities and overall well-being. Despite extensive research and numerous clinical trials, therapeutic options remain limited. Our study aimed to investigate the potential of Kelulut honey (KH) as [...] Read more.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) poses a major worldwide health challenge because of its profound impact on cognitive abilities and overall well-being. Despite extensive research and numerous clinical trials, therapeutic options remain limited. Our study aimed to investigate the potential of Kelulut honey (KH) as a novel therapeutic agent for addressing the multifactorial pathology of AD. We tried to evaluate the disease-attenuating and neuroprotective potential of KH in the intrahippocampally induced AD rat model by utilizing histochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies. A total of 26 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing ~280–380 g were randomly divided into three groups: Control, AD-induced (Aβ), and AD-induced and treated with KH (Aβ+KH). The latter two groups underwent stereotaxic surgery, where 6.25 µg of amyloid β1–42 peptides were injected intrahippocampally. One-week post-surgery, KH was administered to the treatment group at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight for a period of four weeks, after which the rats went through behavior tests. After completion of behavior analysis, the rats were sacrificed, and the brains were processed for histochemistry and ELISA studies. The open field test analysis demonstrated that KH improved the locomotion of Aβ+KH compared to Aβ (p = 0.0013). In comparison, the Morris water maze did not show any nootropic effects on cognition with a paradoxical increase in time spent in the target quadrant by the Aβ group (p = 0.029). Histochemical staining showed markedly increased Congo-red-stained amyloid plaques, which were significantly reduced in dentate gyrus of Aβ+KH compared to Aβ (p < 0.05). Moreover, significantly higher apoptosis was seen in the Aβ group compared to Aβ+KH (p < 0.01) and control groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the ELISA studies deduced more phosphorylated tau in the diseased group compared to Aβ+KH (p = 0.038) and controls (p = 0.016). These findings suggest that KH consumption for twenty-eight days has the potential to attenuate the pathological burden of disease while exerting neuroprotective effects in rodent models of AD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Antioxidants on Neuroprotection)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1433 KiB  
Article
Differentiation of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Adulterated Kelulut Honey Using Physicochemical, Rheological, and Antibacterial Parameters
by Rinee Najwa Mohamat, Nur Rabiatul Adawiah Mohammad Noor, Yus Aniza Yusof, Suriana Sabri and Norhasnida Zawawi
Foods 2023, 12(8), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12081670 - 17 Apr 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3262
Abstract
Kelulut (stingless bee) honey (KH) possesses a wide range of benefits for human consumption and can exhibit medical effects. Due to its high value, this premium honey is often adulterated with different types of cheaper sugars, causing low nutrients and potential food safety [...] Read more.
Kelulut (stingless bee) honey (KH) possesses a wide range of benefits for human consumption and can exhibit medical effects. Due to its high value, this premium honey is often adulterated with different types of cheaper sugars, causing low nutrients and potential food safety threats in the final product. This study aims to determine the physicochemical, rheological, and antibacterial properties of sugar-based adulterated KH from the stingless bee species Heterotrigona itama. Adulterated samples were prepared using pure honey mixed with different concentrations of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), i.e., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Water activity, colour, total soluble solids, pH, turbidity, viscosity, and antimicrobial activity of KH were determined. In addition, the primary sugar composition (fructose, glucose, and trehalulose) was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). This study shows that the increasing percentage of HFCS addition in the KH samples significantly increases (p < 0.05) the total soluble solids, colour, pH, turbidity, viscosity, glucose, and fructose content; meanwhile, the water activity and trehalulose were reduced significantly (p < 0.05). Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus was reduced significantly (p = 0.006) by an increased percentage of HFCS compared to Control. Antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa was also found to be reduced significantly but showed non-significant effect from an increased percentage of HFCS in honey (p = 0.413). The bacterium S. aureus was more vulnerable to treatment with honey from both Control and adulterated groups compared to P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, HFCS-adulterated KH and authentic KH can be differentiated using all the parameters investigated. These data are vital for the governing bodies to ensure that KH sold in the markets is free from HFCS adulteration. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3429 KiB  
Article
Protective Role of Kelulut Honey against Toxicity Effects of Polystyrene Microplastics on Morphology, Hormones, and Sex Steroid Receptor Expression in the Uterus of Rats
by Nur Hanisah Amran, Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid, Goh Yong Meng, Annas Salleh and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Toxics 2023, 11(4), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040324 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3045
Abstract
Background: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that chronic exposure to MPs can affect animal and human reproductive health, particularly by impairing the reproductive system’s normal functions, which may increase the risk of infertility in both males and [...] Read more.
Background: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging global pollutant. Previous studies have revealed that chronic exposure to MPs can affect animal and human reproductive health, particularly by impairing the reproductive system’s normal functions, which may increase the risk of infertility in both males and females. Kelulut honey (KH), an excellent source of antioxidants, has been used to counteract the disruptive effects of Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in the rat uterus. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Kelulut honey against PS-MPs-induced uterine toxicity in pubertal rats. Methods: Prepubertal female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): (i) normal control group (NC: treated with deionized water), MPs-exposed group (M: exposed to PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), (iii) Kelulut honey group (DM: pretreated with 1200 mg/kg of KH 30 minutes before they were administered with PS-MPs at 2.5 mg/kg), and (iv) Kelulut honey control group (DC: only treated with KH at 2.5 mg/kg). The rats were treated orally once daily for six consecutive weeks. Results: Uterine abnormalities in PS-MPs-exposed rats were significantly improved after concurrent treatment with Kelulut honey. Morphology improvement was observed and luminal epithelial cells seemed thicker with more goblet cells, glandular cells had a more regular and circular shape, stromal cell increased in size, interstitial gaps between stromal cells expanded, and the myometrium layer was thicker. Kelulut honey treatment also effectively normalized the suppressive effect of PS-MPs on the expression and distribution of sex steroid receptors (ERα and ERβ), as well as the level of serum gonadotropin (LH and FSH) and sex steroid (estradiol and progesterone) hormones. Conclusion: Kelulut honey can protect the female reproductive system against the disruptive effects of PS-MPs. The phytochemical properties of Kelulut honey might be responsible for these beneficial benefits. However, future studies are warranted to identify the mechanisms involved. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6144 KiB  
Article
The Mechanism of Kelulut Honey in Reversing Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet
by Khairun-Nisa Hashim, Kok-Yong Chin and Fairus Ahmad
Molecules 2023, 28(6), 2790; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062790 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3442
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension that increase an individual’s tendency to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless bee species has a rich phenolic profile. Recent studies have demonstrated [...] Read more.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension that increase an individual’s tendency to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless bee species has a rich phenolic profile. Recent studies have demonstrated that KH could suppress components of MetS, but its mechanisms of action are unknown. A total of 18 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control rats (C group) (n = 6), MetS rats fed with a high carbohydrate high fat (HCHF) diet (HCHF group) (n = 6), and MetS rats fed with HCHF diet and treated with KH (HCHF + KH group) (n = 6). The HCHF + KH group received 1.0 g/kg/day KH via oral gavage from week 9 to 16 after HCHF diet initiation. Compared to the C group, the MetS group experienced a significant increase in body weight, body mass index, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum triglyceride (TG) and leptin, as well as the area and perimeter of adipocyte cells at the end of the study. The MetS group also experienced a significant decrease in serum HDL levels versus the C group. KH supplementation reversed the changes in serum TG, HDL, leptin, adiponectin and corticosterone levels, SBP, DBP, as well as adipose tissue 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) level, area and perimeter at the end of the study. In addition, histological observations also showed that KH administration reduced fat deposition within hepatocytes, and prevented deterioration of pancreatic islet and renal glomerulus. In conclusion, KH is effective in preventing MetS by suppressing leptin, corticosterone and 11βHSD1 levels while elevating adiponectin levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds for Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes 4.0)
Show Figures

Figure 1

34 pages, 2638 KiB  
Review
Physicochemical Characteristics and Bioactive Compounds of Different Types of Honey and Their Biological and Therapeutic Properties: A Comprehensive Review
by Mohammad A. Al-Kafaween, Mohammad Alwahsh, Abu Bakar Mohd Hilmi and Dina H. Abulebdah
Antibiotics 2023, 12(2), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020337 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 9078
Abstract
Honey is considered to be a functional food with health-promoting properties. However, its potential health benefits can be affected by individual composition that varies between honey types. Although studies describing the health benefits of Tualang honey (TH), Kelulut honey (KH), and Sidr honey [...] Read more.
Honey is considered to be a functional food with health-promoting properties. However, its potential health benefits can be affected by individual composition that varies between honey types. Although studies describing the health benefits of Tualang honey (TH), Kelulut honey (KH), and Sidr honey (SH) are scarce, these honey types showed a comparable therapeutic efficacy to Manuka honey (MH). The purpose of this review is to characterise the physicochemical, biological, and therapeutic properties of TH, KH, and SH. Findings showed that these honeys have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and respiratory system. The physicochemical characteristics of TH, KH, and SH were compared with MH and discussed, and results showed that they have high-quality contents and excellent biological activity sources. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. The activity of honey depends on the type of bee, sources of nectar, and the geographic region where the bees are established. In conclusion, TH, KH, and SH could be considered as natural therapeutic agents for various medicinal purposes compared with MH. Therefore, TH, KH, and SH have a great potential to be developed for modern medicinal use. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6126 KiB  
Article
Kelulut Honey Regulates Sex Steroid Receptors in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rat Model
by Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Azizah Ugusman and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14757; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314757 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2604
Abstract
Reproductive and metabolic anomalies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been associated with the dysregulation of sex steroid receptors. Kelulut honey (KH) has been shown to be beneficial in PCOS-induced rats by regulating folliculogenesis and the oestrus cycle. However, no study has been [...] Read more.
Reproductive and metabolic anomalies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been associated with the dysregulation of sex steroid receptors. Kelulut honey (KH) has been shown to be beneficial in PCOS-induced rats by regulating folliculogenesis and the oestrus cycle. However, no study has been conducted to evaluate KH’s effect on sex steroid receptors in PCOS. Therefore, the current study examined the effects of KH, metformin, or clomiphene alone and in combination on the mRNA expression and protein distribution of androgen receptor (AR), oestrogen receptor α (ERα), oestrogen receptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) in PCOS-induced rats. The study used female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were treated orally with 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole for 21 days to develop PCOS. PCOS-induced rats were then divided and treated orally for 35 days with KH, metformin, clomiphene, KH + metformin, KH+ clomiphene and distilled water. In this study, we observed aberrant AR, ERα, ERβ and PR expression in PCOS-induced rats compared with the normal control rats. The effects of KH treatment were comparable with clomiphene and metformin in normalizing the expression of AR, ERα, and ERβ mRNA. However, KH, clomiphene and metformin did not affect PR mRNA expression and protein distribution. Hence, this study confirms the aberrant expression of sex steroid receptors in PCOS and demonstrates that KH treatment could normalise the sex steroid receptors profile. The findings provide a basis for future clinical trials to utilize KH as a regulator of sex steroid receptors in patients with PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Nutrition in Human Health and Disease)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3124 KiB  
Article
Kelulut Honey Improves Folliculogenesis, Steroidogenic, and Aromatase Enzyme Profiles and Ovarian Histomorphology in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats
by Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Azizah Ugusman, Siti Sarah Mohamad Zaid and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204364 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3233
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to aberrant folliculogenesis and abnormalities in the aromatase enzyme (Cyp19a1) and the steroidogenic enzyme, 17-alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp17a1) expression. It has been demonstrated that Kelulut honey (KH) improves both female and male reproductive system anomalies in animal studies. [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to aberrant folliculogenesis and abnormalities in the aromatase enzyme (Cyp19a1) and the steroidogenic enzyme, 17-alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp17a1) expression. It has been demonstrated that Kelulut honey (KH) improves both female and male reproductive system anomalies in animal studies. Here, we examined the effects of isolated and combined KH, metformin, and clomiphene in improving folliculogenesis, aromatase, and steroidogenic enzyme profiles and ovarian histomorphology in letrozole-induced PCOS rats. Letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) was administered to female Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats for 21 days to induce PCOS. PCOS rats were subsequently divided into six experimental groups: untreated, treatment with metformin (500 mg/kg/day), clomiphene (2 mg/kg/day), KH (1 g/kg/day), combined KH (1 g/kg/day) and metformin (500 mg/kg/day), and combined KH (1 g/kg/day) and clomiphene (2 mg/kg/day). All treatments were given orally for 35 days. We found that KH was comparable with clomiphene and metformin in improving the expression of Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1, apart from enhancing folliculogenesis both histologically and through the expression of folliculogenesis-related genes. Besides, the combination of KH with clomiphene was the most effective treatment in improving the ovarian histomorphology of PCOS rats. The effectiveness of KH in restoring altered folliculogenesis, steroidogenic, and aromatase enzyme profiles in PCOS warrants a future clinical trial to validate its therapeutic effect clinically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutraceuticals for Women’s Reproductive Health and Disorders)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2668 KiB  
Article
Kelulut Honey Ameliorates Oestrus Cycle, Hormonal Profiles, and Oxidative Stress in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats
by Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Azizah Ugusman and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Antioxidants 2022, 11(10), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11101879 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4652
Abstract
Kelulut honey (KH) has been proven to have excellent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties with unique physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, we investigated the isolated and combined effects of KH, metformin, or clomiphene in alleviating oxidative stress and reproductive and metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovary syndrome [...] Read more.
Kelulut honey (KH) has been proven to have excellent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties with unique physicochemical characteristics. Therefore, we investigated the isolated and combined effects of KH, metformin, or clomiphene in alleviating oxidative stress and reproductive and metabolic abnormalities in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole for 21 days to induce PCOS. PCOS rats were then divided into six treatment groups: untreated, metformin (500 mg/kg/day), clomiphene (2 mg/kg/day), KH (1 g/kg/day), combined KH (1 g/kg/day) and metformin (500 mg/kg/day), and combined KH (1 g/kg/day) and clomiphene (2 mg/kg/day). All treatments were administered orally for 35 days. The physicochemical characteristics of KH were assessed through hydroxymethylfurfural, free acidity, diastase number, moisture content, sugar profile, metals, and mineral compounds. Additionally, we determined the semivolatile organic compounds present in KH through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. KH and its combination with metformin or clomiphene were shown to improve the oestrus cycle, hormonal profile, and oxidative stress in PCOS rats. However, KH did not reduce the fasting blood glucose, insulin, and body weight gain in PCOS rats. These findings may provide a basis for future studies to discover the potential use of KH as a complementary treatment for women with PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antioxidant Activity of Honey Bee Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2793 KiB  
Article
Effects of Kelulut Honey on Oestrus Cycle Regulation and Histomorphological Changes in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats: A Preliminary Study
by Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Azizah Ugusman and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Life 2022, 12(6), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12060890 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3658
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive, metabolic, and endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Kelulut honey is stingless bee honey that possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and potent antioxidative activities in most conditions. However, its value in improving PCOS remains [...] Read more.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive, metabolic, and endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Kelulut honey is stingless bee honey that possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and potent antioxidative activities in most conditions. However, its value in improving PCOS remains to be elucidated. Thus, this preliminary study aimed to determine the effective dose of Kelulut honey in oestrus cycle regulation and ovarian histomorphological changes in letrozole-induced PCOS rats. PCOS was induced in all-female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with 1 mg/kg/day of letrozole except for the control group for 21 days. Kelulut honey was then orally administered to the PCOS rats at the dose of 0.5, 1, or 2 g/kg/day, respectively, for 35 days. The oestrous cycle was determined through vaginal smears, while ovarian histomorphological changes were observed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The untreated PCOS rats were characterised by irregular oestrous cyclicity, hyperglycaemia, and aberrant ovarian histology. In this study, Kelulut honey (1 g/kg/day) increased the number of corpus luteum and antral follicles (p < 0.05), improved the cystic follicle, and normalised the oestrus cycle (p < 0.05). This preliminary study demonstrated that Kelulut honey, particularly at a dose of 1 g/kg/day, has the potential to alleviate oestrus cycle dysregulation and ovarian histomorphological changes occurring in PCOS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physiology and Pathology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 765 KiB  
Article
Botanical Origin Differentiation of Malaysian Stingless Bee Honey Produced by Heterotrigona itama and Geniotrigona thoracica Using Chemometrics
by Wen-Jie Ng, Nam-Weng Sit, Peter Aun-Chuan Ooi, Kah-Yaw Ee and Tuck-Meng Lim
Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7628; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247628 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4425
Abstract
Stingless bee honey, specifically honeydew honey, is generally valued for its better health benefits than those of most blossom types. However, scientific studies about the differentiation of stingless bee honey based on honeydew and blossom origins are very limited. In this study, 13 [...] Read more.
Stingless bee honey, specifically honeydew honey, is generally valued for its better health benefits than those of most blossom types. However, scientific studies about the differentiation of stingless bee honey based on honeydew and blossom origins are very limited. In this study, 13C NMR spectroscopy was employed to quantify the seven major sugar tautomers in stingless bee honey samples, and the major sugar compositions of both honeydew and blossom types were found not significantly different. However, several physicochemical properties of honeydew honey including moisture content, free acidity, electrical conductivity, ash content, acetic acid, diastase, hydrogen peroxide, and mineral elements levels were significantly higher; while total soluble solid, proline, and hydroxymethylfurfural were significantly lower than blossom honey. Greater antioxidant capacity in honeydew honey was proven with higher total phenolic compounds, ABTS, DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging activities, peroxyl radical inhibition, iron chelation, and ferric reducing power. Using principal component analysis (PCA), two clusters of stingless bee honey from the honeydew and blossom origin were observed. PCA also revealed that the differentiation between honeydew and blossom origin of stingless bee honey is possible with certain physicochemical and antioxidant parameters. The combination of NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics are suggested to be useful to determine the authenticity and botanical origin of stingless bee honey. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Foods Ingredients as Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals)
Show Figures

Figure 1

48 pages, 604 KiB  
Review
Monofloral Honeys as a Potential Source of Natural Antioxidants, Minerals and Medicine
by Rodica Mărgăoan, Erkan Topal, Ralitsa Balkanska, Banu Yücel, Titanilla Oravecz, Mihaiela Cornea-Cipcigan and Dan Cristian Vodnar
Antioxidants 2021, 10(7), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10071023 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 85 | Viewed by 10776
Abstract
Background: vegetative diversity is based on different climate and geographical origins. In terms of beekeeping, herbal diversity is strongly correlated to the production of a wide variety of honey. Therefore, based on the existing plant diversity in each country, multiple honey varieties are [...] Read more.
Background: vegetative diversity is based on different climate and geographical origins. In terms of beekeeping, herbal diversity is strongly correlated to the production of a wide variety of honey. Therefore, based on the existing plant diversity in each country, multiple honey varieties are produced with different health characteristics. While beekeeping potential and consumption preferences are reflected in products’ variety, this leads to an increase in the region’s economy and extensive export. In the last years, monofloral honey has gained interest from consumers and especially in the medicinal field due to the presence of phytochemicals which are directly linked to health benefits, wound healing, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. Scope and approach: this review aims to highlight the physicochemical properties, mineral profiles and antioxidant activities of selected monofloral honeys based on their botanical and geographical origin. Moreover, this review focuses on the intercorrelation between monofloral honey’s antioxidant compounds and in vitro and in vivo activities, focusing on the apoptosis and cell proliferation inhibition in various cell lines, with a final usage of honey as a potential therapeutic product in the fight towards reducing tumor growth. Key findings and conclusions: multiple studies have demonstrated that monofloral honeys have different physicochemical structures and bioactive compounds. Useful chemical markers to distinguish between monofloral honeys were evidenced, such as: 2-methoxybenzoic acid and trimethoxybenzoic acid are distinctive to Manuka honey while 4-methoxyphenylacetic acid is characteristic to Kanuka honey. Furthermore, resveratrol, epigallocatechin and pinostrobin are markers distinct to Sage honey, whereas carvacrol and thymol are found in Ziziphus honey. Due to their polyphenolic profile, monofloral honeys have significant antioxidant activity, as well as antidiabetic, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. It was demonstrated that Pine honey decreased the MDA and TBARS levels in liver, kidney, heart and brain tissues, whereas Malicia honey reduced the low-density lipoprotein level. Consumption of Clover, Acacia and Gelam honeys reduced the weight and adiposity, as well as trygliceride levels. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effect of chrysin, a natural flavone in Acacia honey, was demonstrated in human (A375) and murine (B16-F1) melanoma cell lines, whereas caffeic acid, a phenolic compound found in Kelulut honey, proves to be significant candidate in the chemoprevention of colon cancer. Based on these features, the use of hiney in the medicinal field (apitherapy), and the widespread usage of natural product consumption, is gaining interest by each year. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products as a Source of Natural Antioxidants)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 4980 KiB  
Article
Radioprotective Effects of Kelulut Honey in Zebrafish Model
by Mohd Noor Hidayat Adenan, Latifah Saiful Yazan, Annie Christianus, Nur Fariesha Md Hashim, Suzita Mohd Noor, Shuhaimi Shamsudin, Farah Jehan Ahmad Bahri and Khairuddin Abdul Rahim
Molecules 2021, 26(6), 1557; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26061557 - 12 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3606
Abstract
Large doses of ionizing radiation can damage human tissues. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the radiation effects as well as identify effective and non-toxic radioprotectors. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of Kelulut honey (KH) from stingless bee (Trigona sp.) [...] Read more.
Large doses of ionizing radiation can damage human tissues. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the radiation effects as well as identify effective and non-toxic radioprotectors. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of Kelulut honey (KH) from stingless bee (Trigona sp.) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Viable zebrafish embryos at 24 hpf were dechorionated and divided into four groups, namely untreated and non-irradiated, untreated and irradiated, KH pre-treatment and amifostine pre-treatment. The embryos were first treated with KH (8 mg/mL) or amifostine (4 mM) before irradiation at doses of 11 Gy to 20 Gy using gamma ray source, caesium-137 (137Cs). Lethality and abnormality analysis were performed on all of the embryos in the study. Immunohistochemistry assay was also performed using selected proteins, namely γ-H2AX and caspase-3, to investigate DNA damages and incidences of apoptosis. KH was found to reduce coagulation effects at up to 20 Gy in the lethality analysis. The embryos developed combinations of abnormality, namely microphthalmia (M), body curvature and microphthalmia (BM), body curvature with microphthalmia and microcephaly (BMC), microphthalmia and pericardial oedema (MO), pericardial oedema (O), microphthalmia with microcephaly and pericardial oedema (MCO) and all of the abnormalities (AA). There were more abnormalities developed from 24 to 72 h (h) post-irradiation in all groups. At 96 h post-irradiation, KH was identified to reduce body curvature effect in the irradiated embryos (up to 16 Gy). γ-H2AX and caspase-3 intensities in the embryos pre-treated with KH were also found to be lower than the untreated group at gamma irradiation doses of 11 Gy to 20 Gy and 11 Gy to 19 Gy, respectively. KH was proven to increase the survival rate of zebrafish embryos and exhibited protection against organ-specific abnormality. KH was also found to possess cellular protective mechanism by reducing DNA damage and apoptosis proteins expression. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 7186 KiB  
Article
Effect of Kelulut Honey Nanoparticles Coating on the Changes of Respiration Rate, Ascorbic Acid, and Total Phenolic Content of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) during Cold Storage
by Bernard Maringgal, Norhashila Hashim, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Mahmud Tengku Muda Mohamed, Muhammad Hazwan Hamzah and Maimunah Mohd Ali
Foods 2021, 10(2), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020432 - 16 Feb 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3998
Abstract
This study evaluated the respiration rate of coated and uncoated (control) papayas (Carica papaya L.) with 15% of Kelulut honey (KH) nanoparticles (Nps) coating solution during cold storage at 12 ± 1 °C for 21 days. The respiration rate of the papayas [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the respiration rate of coated and uncoated (control) papayas (Carica papaya L.) with 15% of Kelulut honey (KH) nanoparticles (Nps) coating solution during cold storage at 12 ± 1 °C for 21 days. The respiration rate of the papayas significantly changed during storage, with an increase in CO2 and a decrease in O2 and C2H4, while the ascorbic acid and total phenolic content was maintained. The changes in respiration rate were rather slower for coated papayas when compared to control ones. A kinetic model was established from the experimental data to describe the changes of O2, CO2, and C2H4 production in papayas throughout the storage period. All O2, CO2, and C2H4 were experimentally retrieved from a closed system method and then represented by the Peleg model. The outcomes indicated the Peleg constant K1 and K2, which were gained from linear regression analysis and coefficients of determination (R2), seemed to fit well with the experimental data, whereby the R2 values exceeded 0.85 for both coated and control papayas. The model confirmed both the capability and predictability aspects of the respiration rate displayed by papayas coated with KH Nps throughout the cold storage period. This is supported by the differences in the stomatal aperture of coated and control papaya shown by microstructural images. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Preservation Technology for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 4970 KiB  
Review
Physicochemical and Medicinal Properties of Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut Honeys: A Comprehensive Review
by Datu Agasi Mohd Kamal, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Haziq Kamal, Mohd Izhar Ariff Mohd Kashim and Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
Nutrients 2021, 13(1), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010197 - 10 Jan 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 9570
Abstract
Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut honeys are tropical rainforest honeys reported to have various medicinal properties. Studies related to the medicinal properties and physicochemical characteristics of these honeys are growing extensively and receiving increased attention. This review incorporated and analysed the findings on the [...] Read more.
Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut honeys are tropical rainforest honeys reported to have various medicinal properties. Studies related to the medicinal properties and physicochemical characteristics of these honeys are growing extensively and receiving increased attention. This review incorporated and analysed the findings on the biological and physicochemical properties of these honeys. Tualang, Gelam and Kelulut honeys were found to possess a wide variety of biological effects attributed to their physicochemical characteristics. Findings revealed that these honeys have anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties and effects on the cardiovascular system, nervous system and reproductive system. The physicochemical properties of these honeys were compared and discussed and results showed that they have high-quality contents and excellent antioxidant sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Benefits of Bee Products)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop