Antioxidant Capacity, Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Chemical Pollutants in Worker Honey Bee (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.) Broods from Northern Thailand: A Safe and Sustainable Food Source
Phannika Tongchai,
Sumed Yadoung,
Kunrunya Sutan,
Saweang Kawichai,
Khanchai Danmek,
Jakkrawut Maitip,
Sampat Ghosh,
Chuleui Jung,
Bajaree Chuttong,
Surat Hongsibsong
Affiliations
Phannika Tongchai
School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Sumed Yadoung
Environmental Science Program, Faculty of Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Kunrunya Sutan
Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Saweang Kawichai
Environmental, Occupational Health Sciences and NCD Center of Excellence, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Khanchai Danmek
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Jakkrawut Maitip
Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus, Bankhai, Rayong 21120, Thailand
Sampat Ghosh
Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
Chuleui Jung
Agriculture Science and Technology Research Institute, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
Bajaree Chuttong
Meliponini and Apini Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Surat Hongsibsong
School of Health Sciences Research, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Honey bee brood (HBB) (Apis mellifera L.), a traditional protein source, has been studied for its nutritional value, but bio-functional properties and safety concerns have not been verified. This study examined the Antioxidant capacity, phytochemicals, minerals, and chemical pollutants in worker broods from several apiaries in Northern Thailand. HBB samples were lyophilized to evaluate antioxidant capacity using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, tests with water, and 70% ethanol extracts. Phytochemicals were identified using LC-QTOF-MS; pollutants were analyzed chromatographically, and minerals were determined using ICP-OES. The results showed that the evaluated antioxidant capacity of the ethanol extracts included DPPH 2.04–3.37 mg/mL, ABTS 21.22–33.91 mg/mL, and FRAP 50.07–104.15 mg AAE/100 g dry weight. Water extracts had outstanding antioxidant activities except for ABTS, with DPPH 10.67–84.97 mg/mL, ABTS 9.25–13.54 mg/mL, and FRAP 57.66–177.32 mgAAE/100 g dry weight. Total phenolics and flavonoids in ethanol extracts ranged from 488.95–508.87 GAE/100 g to 4.7–12.98 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. Thirteen phytochemicals were detected and contained adequate mineral contents in the HBBs from different locations found, which were K, Ca, Mg, and Na, and no heavy metals or pollutants exceeded safe levels. These results imply that HBB from different apiaries in Northern Thailand is a nutritious food source with considerable antioxidants and a safe and sustainable food source.
