The assay was based on the Sigma protocol with slight modifications 17. Louis, MO) and methanol by Merck KGaA, Darmstandt, Germany).Īntihyaluronidase activity was measured against bovine testes hyaluronidase as a spectrometric assay. Acetonitrile, methanol and ethanol were supplied by Sigma-Aldrich Co. +), (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) Trolox®, 5-hydroxymethlfurfural (HMF), bovine testes hyaluronidase (400–1000 U/mg solid), Jack bean urease, thiourea, hyaluronic acids sodium salt, bovine serum albumin (BSA), sodium phosphate dibasic (Na 2HPO 4), sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate (NaH 2PO 4.H 2O), gallic acid, sodium carbonate (Na 2CO 3), sodium acetate trihydrate (NaCH 3COO.3H 2O) and vanillin were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Co.2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS Folin–Ciocalteau reagent was obtained from LiChrosolv® (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany). Phenolic standards gallic acid, protocatechuic, p-OH benzoic, vanillic acid, catechin, syringic acid, ferulic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, rutin, luteon, sugar standards fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, trehalose, melebiose and melezitose) were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Munich, Germany). For this reason, this study was intended to investigate some physical, chemical and biological active properties of chestnut honeys containing three different levels of nectar sources. There are many chestnut honey studies in the literatures, but there are no studies of its unifloral characterization with its associated biologically active properties 2,7,10,12,15. And also, the chestnut honey contained a valuable among of phenolic substances that were responsible for its biological active features 14. Previous studies about chestnut honeys have showed that the honey have important antioxidant 10, antimicrobial 11, antihepatoprotective 12, immunomodulator 6 and antitumoral 13 properties, which is reported to possess high levels of apitherapeutic and biologically active properties. The many active biological properties of honey, which vary depending on the type of honey, such as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antiviral, antimicrobial and antitumor activities, are thought to derive from differences in these components 8, 9.
Polyphenols consist of some subclasses, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, stilbenes and lignins, the natural compounds are important formation of many sensory properties such as aroma, taste, color, texture and biologically active properties 10. Secondary metabolites comprising approximately 2% of the honey content, such as essential oils, polyphenols, vitamins, alkaloids, organic acids, amino acids and proteins, are largely responsible for its sensory, aromatic and active biological properties 2, 5, 7. The honey consists largely of carbohydrate (75–76%) and water (16–21%), with very small amounts of various proteins, amino acids, polyphenols, vitamins organic acids and minerals 5–7. This honey, which does not crystallize easily, is widely used in the treatment of colds, reflux, gastritis and other disorders of the upper respiratory tract and gastric system 4. With its color ranging from light amber to dark and woody taste and aroma, chestnut honey differs significantly from blossom honeys 1, 3. Trees are also cultivated in the north of Turkey, especially around the Black, Marmara and Aegean seas 2. Chestnut flowers are one of the best sources of nectar and pollen for honeybees at the beginning of summer 1. A higher unifloral character was found associated with greater apitherapeutic capacity of the honey, as well as biological active compounds.Ĭhestnut ( Castanea sativa Mill.) trees are abundant in central and southern Europe, as well as around the Mediterranean basin (e.g.
All studied physicochemical and biological active properties were changed in line with the unifloral character of the chestnut honeys. Color, optical rotation, conductivity, moisture, pH and ash content were evaluated as physicochemical parameters, and some sugars content, prolin, diastase, HMF and minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn) were evaluated as chemical and biochemical parameters. Total phenolic contents, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic profiles, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), scavenging activities of 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS +) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals were evaluated as antioxidant properties. Antihyaluronidase, antiurease and antimicrobial activities were evaluated as anti-inflammatory characteristics. This study was planned to investigate some physicochemical and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties of three different degrees of unifloral characters of chestnut honeys.