Evaluation of antioxidant activity of bee products of different bee races in Turkey

Abstract

Bee products with high bioactive properties have a very important place in human nutrition. Biochemical properties ofthese products such as honey, pollen, and propolis vary according to flora, season, bee race, and production methods. In this study, thebiological activities of honey, bee pollen, and propolis samples from four bee races in Turkey (Apis mellifera caucasica, Apis melliferaanatoliaca, Apis mellifera syriaca, and Apis mellifera carnica) were examined. Besides the determining of total polyphenol and totalflavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity was investigated by three different assays: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicalscavengingactivities, CUPRAC (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power). The rank orderof antioxidant potencies was as follows in the four bee races: propolis > pollen > honey. The polyphenol content of the products wasevaluated and Apis mellifera syriaca for honey, Apis mellifera anatoliaca for pollen, and Apis mellifera carnica for propolis were foundhigher than the others. When bee races were compared, it was seen that flora is a more effective factor than bee race for antioxidantcapacity.