Changes in the antioxidative properties of honeys during their fermentation

Abstract

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether the fermentation process affects the antioxidative properties of honeys. Therefore, the total antioxidant potential (TAP) of eleven meads was examined. TAPs were estimated using DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and amperometric measurements in the flow-through HPLC system. The results were correlated with the total content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Additionally, the concentrations of ethanol, sugars, and hydrogen peroxide were measured. The influence of side reactions and the presence of hydrogen peroxide, glucose, ethanol, and anthocyanins on the free radicals generation were also tested. The use of HPLC electrochemical detection for TAP measurements is particularly preferred. Depending on the potential used, different antioxidants can be measured. It turned out that fruit and species meads are characterized by much higher TAPs measured at high potential of the working electrode than at lower potential due to the high concentration of weak antioxidants which do not provide signals at low potentials. It was found that dark honeys (buckwheat, honeydew) are characterized by much higher TAP values than light ones (acacia, linden, multi-floral). The concentration of anthocyanins decreased during fermentation. They are removed together with the sediment.

Keywords

• mead
• honey
• total antioxidant potential
• high-performance liquid chromatography
• free radicals
• fenton reaction