Analytical possibilities for the relative estimation of the antioxidative capacity of honey varieties harvested in different regions of Serbia

Abstract

Two different approaches, spectroscopic and electrochemical, were applied for rough determination of antioxidative potential of honey samples. Honey samples of diverse botanical origin were collected in different geographical regions in Serbia. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Cyclic voltammograms on a glassy carbon electrode in KCl supporting electrolyte were used to check electrode sensitivity to the presence of honey. In order to calculate Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) of studied honey, cyclic voltammograms were recorded for Trolox standard. The results were expressed as ?mol of Trolox Equivalents per kg of sample (?mol TE kg-1). Good correlations were observed between cyclic voltammetry data and total phenolic content (TPC) determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and radical scavenging activity (RSA) determined using DPPH?(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) test. Cyclic voltammetry appears to be a highly attractive alternative method for rapid estimation of antioxidative potential of honeys. It was found that polyfloral honey samples had the highest, whereas acacia honey showed the lowest values of TPC.