Physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and cellular protective effects of honeys from southern Africa

The southern Africa region is a region of unique floral biodiversity; this study was undertaken to address the limited knowledge regarding the physiochemical, antioxidant activity and the ability of these honeys to protect biomolecules and cells against oxidative damage. The physicochemical properties, total polyphenolic and flavonoid content (TPC and TFC), catalase and antioxidant activity (DPPH, TEAC, and ORAC assays) of 13 representative honey samples was determined. Biological and cellular protection was investigated using the erythrocyte haemolysis, the pBR322 plasmid, as well as the dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assays in SC-1 and Caco-2 cells. High TPC, TFC, catalase and antioxidant activity was obtained, and all honeys protected DNA, erythrocytes and cells in vitro. Colour, TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity correlated well but no correlation was seen between these parameters and catalase activity, biological and cellular effects. Nevertheless, honeys with high catalase activity and/or are dark in colour with high TPC, TFC and/or antioxidant activity did show the highest degree of biological and cellular protection. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.