Physicochemical profiles, minerals and bioactive compounds of stingless bee honey (Meliponinae)

This study investigates the physicochemical properties, majority minerals, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of stingless bee honey. Thirty-three samples from ten species were analyzed. The results show moisture as 23.1-43.5% (w/w), the electrical conductivity as 0.150-1.34 mS cm(-1), the free acid as 16.2-139 mEq kg(-1), the pH as 3.33-6.56, the diastase activity as 4.34-49.6 in Gothe units, the insoluble solids as 55.2-76.1 degrees Brix, the carbohydrates as 48.6-70.5% (w/w) sucrose and the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) was below the limit of quantitation (LOQ). The most abundant element in the samples was potassium followed by calcium sodium, magnesium and manganese. Stingless bee honeys possess relevant amounts of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, suggesting a source of natural antioxidants. The results show that there is great variability in the composition of honey from stingless bees of different species, predominantly flowering and geographical origin. However, it was not possible to identify the real factor influencing its features. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.