Melissopalynological determination of the Pollen density, Botanical origin and Ogiek Honey types in Eastern Mau Forest, Kenya

Propolis production by honey bees is the result of a selective harvest of exudates from plants in the neighborhood of the hive. This product is used in Argentina as a food supplement and alternative medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the botanical origin of propolis from the arid regions of Monte of Argentina using rapid histochemical techniques and by comparison of TLC and HPLC-DAD chromatographic profiles with extract profiles obtained from Zuccagnia punctata, Larrea divaricata and Larrea cuneifolia, plant species that grow in the study area as a natural community named “jarillal”. Microscopical analysis revealed the presence of several Z. punctata structures, such as multicellular trichomes, leaflets, stems and young leaves. Remarkable was the richness of the propolis in two bioactive chalcones, also present in Z. punctata resin; these compounds can be regarded as possible markers for propolis identification and justify its use as a dietary supplement, functional food and medicinal product. This study indicates that the source of resin used by honey bees to produce propolis in the Monte region of Argentina is only Z. punctata, a native shrub widespread in this phytogeographical region, while other more abundant species ( L. divaricata and L. cuneifolia) in the region were not found, indicating that this propolis could be defined as a mono-resin, type- Zuccagnia.

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Elemental Composition of Different Slovenian Honeys Using k0- Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Journal of AOAC International ◽

10.5740/jaoacint.17-0146 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 100 (4) ◽

pp. 871-880 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Urška Kropf ◽

Vekoslava Stibilj ◽

Radojko Jaćimović ◽

Jasna Bertoncelj ◽

Terezija Golob ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neutron Activation Analysis ◽

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis ◽

Activation Analysis ◽

Neutron Activation ◽

Elemental Content ◽

Botanical Origin ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

The Difference ◽

Instrumental Neutron Activation

Abstract The botanical origin of seven types of Slovenian honey was investigated by analysis of their elemental content using k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis. A total of 28 representative samples were collected from beekeepers all over Slovenia in 2 consecutive years. Nineteen of the 37 elements measured were present in amounts above their LOD. The present study suggests that the determination of only alkali elements might be sufficient for the classification of Slovenian honeys according to their botanical origin. Linden and multifloral honeys can be differentiated on the basis of Na content. The differentiation of forest, spruce, and fir honeys is possible on the basis of differences in Cs, K, and Rb content. The difference between Na and Rb content can be used as a discriminating tool between light and dark honeys, because light honeys (black locust, linden, and multifloral) contained more Na than Rb, whereas it was the opposite for dark honeys (chestnut, forest, spruce, and fir). Statistically significant correlations were found between K and Rb and between K and Cs content. This study represents a considerable step in filling the knowledge gap concerning both the determination of elements present in low concentrations and the botanical origin of Slovenian honey.

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