Total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. armata honey and propolis produced in Bomet, Kisii and Maralal, Kenya

Background

Bee products are gaining interest in the field of research due to their biochemical and nutritive properties. Honey bee products have been researched extensively but little has been done in regards to stingless bees. There are many species of stingless bees including Plebeina armata, which are found in the Afrotropics. They are underground nesting and produce honey, propolis, wax, pollen and bee bread. These products are known to be rich in polyphenols that comprise of flavonoids and phenolic. In our study, we analysed colorimetrically the total flavonoid, phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of honey (n = 22) and propolis (n = 25) from Bomet, Kisii and Maralal in Kenya.

Results

Honey and propolis had total flavonoid content of 12.00–22.67 mg QE/100 g and 288.15–944.76 mg QE/100 g while total phenolic content was 87.01–239.93 mg GAE/100 g and 524.14–1225.01 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. In considerations to the regions, Maralal had the highest phenolic and flavanoid content followed by Bomet and Kisii was the least. The same trend was observed in the radical scavenging activity. Except for the total flavonoid content in honey, the difference was significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The polyphenol content of both honey and propolis of P. armata are equally affected by geographical location as a result of different vegetation. They are good source of antioxidants, which can be utilized in diet due to their radical scavenging properties.