Comparatively study on physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of Punica granatum honey produced by Apis cerana ceraca and A.mellifera ligustica in Yunnan

In the present work,the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant properties of Punica granatum honey,produced by Apis cerana ceraca and A.mellifera ligustica in Yunnan,were investigated.The results showed that the ash,lactonic acidity,total phenol,and fructose contents in P. granatum honey of A. cerana ceraca were significantly higher than those in the P.granatum honey of A.mellifera ligustica.However,glucose content,amylase,amino acid content and essential amino acid content in P.granatum honey of A.cerana ceraca were all significantly lower than those in the P. granatum honey of A. mellifera ligustica. The results of in vitro antioxidant experiments showed that the OH radical scavenging activity and reducing power of P.granatum honey produced by A.cerana ceraca were higher than those of P. granatum honey produced by A. mellifera ligustica. While,the DPPH radical scavenging activity of P.granatum honey produced by A.cerana ceraca was weaker than that of P.granatum honey produced by A.mellifera ligustica. Generally,in the present work,the difference between P. granatum honey of A.cerana ceraca and A.mellifera ligustica was reported for the first time,and the results might provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of honey in Yunnan.