1Post Graduate Teaching Department of Zoology, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur440033, Maharashtra, India
2Department of Zoology, Shri Shivaji Education Society Amravati’s Science College, Nagpur440012, Maharashtra, India
*Email: wardhedevyani@gmail.com (corresponding author)
This study evaluated antioxidant properties of honey from two native Asian bee species, Apis florea (dwarf honeybee) and A. cerana (eastern honeybee), collected from Maharashtra’s Nagpur district. Seven biochemical assays (DPPH, CUPRAC, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, superoxide scavenging, ABTS, and FRAP) revealed distinct antioxidant profiles between species. A. florea honey demonstrated superior CUPRAC activity (IC50: 0.9835 μg/ ml vs 1.549 μg/ ml) and superoxide scavenging capabilities (IC50: 930.7 vs 148070 μg/ ml). Conversely, A cerana honey excelled in nitric oxide neutralization (IC50: 555.3 μg/ ml vs 756.8 μg/ ml) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50: 96.06 μg/ ml vs 8793 μg/ ml). The multi-assay approach revealed complex correlations between different antioxidant mechanisms, highlighting honey’s multidimensional bioactive properties. These complementary profiles suggest potential synergistic applications in medicinal and nutritional contexts, demonstrating that indigenous bee species produce honeys with unique therapeutic potentials warranting clinical investigation.
Antioxidant activity, Apis florea, Apis cerana, native bees, Maharashtra honey, IC50 values, therapeutic potential, electron transfer assays, free radical scavenging
