Bee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly are renowned for their biological properties, particularly their antioxidant activities. These products contain bioactive compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals, which are responsible for oxidative stress, a key factor in the development of various diseases. This study specifically focused on evaluating the antioxidant activity of five bee products : honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly, collected from the region of Akbou.
This study assessed the antioxidant content and activities of these products by analyzing their levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Antioxidant activity was measured using two established methods: radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and reducing power. These analyses aimed to identify the strength and efficacy of each product in neutralizing oxidative stress.
The results indicated that all five bee products from Akbou contain significant amounts of antioxidant compounds. Among them, propolis and honey exhibited the highest concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids. The DPPH analysis revealed that propolis had the highest radical scavenging activity, followed closely by honey and pollen. The reducing power analysis supported these findings, highlighting the effectiveness of propolis and honey as potent antioxidants. The presence of ascorbic acid and carotenoids in these products further contributed to their antioxidant capacity.
This study demonstrates that bee products from Akbou are rich sources of natural antioxidants, with propolis and honey standing out for their strong ability to neutralize free radicals. The findings underscore the importance of these products as functional foods or supplements to enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms in the body. Further investigation into their botanical origins may provide insights into their unique properties and enhance their characterization as high-value natural products.
