Compositional Characterization and Bioactive Potential of Two Bee Formulas with the Addition of Natural Oils
Abstract
Bee products and natural oils are appreciated due to their beneficial effects on health, which are strongly related to several pharmacological and biological activities. The present study aimed to assess the bioactive potential of two bee products with the addition of natural oils, the first product consisting of honeydew honey, soft propolis extract and Thymus sp. (thyme) essential oil, whereas the second product comprises honeydew honey and Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) oil. In order to reach the proposed goal, the following analyses were carried out: determination of the physico-chemical parameters of the honeydew honey sample, used as a common basis for the two products; compositional analysis of sea buckthorn oil (total carotenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols, sterols) and thyme essential oil (organic compounds); evaluation of the total polyphenols and flavones/flavonols content; evaluation of the antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP methods). The results highlighted the superior quality and compliance with the legal framework of the honeydew honey sample and natural oils. Moreover, the two investigated products exhibited a rich content of bioactive compounds as well as good antioxidant activity.
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