Analysis of active substances in honey

This diploma thesis was focused on biologically active compounds determination. 26 samples of honey, one sample of propolis and one sample of royal jelly were analyzed. Honey were harvested in year 2006 and 2007 and bought in retail chain, special shops and directly from bee-keeper. Samples were analyzed by titration, spectrofotometry, LC/MS and RP-HPLC methods. The study was focused on analysis of antioxidants. Followed groups of antioxidants were determined: flavonoids, catechins, carotenoids, vitamins E, C, A. Authenticity of quality was determined by hydroxymethylfurfural analysis. Average values of total antioxidant capacity ranged (12.75-137.49) mmol .100 g-1. Average values of total phenolic ranged (8.51-61.34) mg .100 g-1 and average values of total flavonoids ranged (0.75-6.04) mg .100 g-1. Honey samples contained (41.83-585.10) g .100 g-1 of rutin, (9.30-313.40) g .100 g-1 of myricetin, (6.5-171.90) g .100 g-1 of luteolin, (3.19-436.37) g .100 g-1 of quercetin, (2.10-242.66) g .100 g-1 of apigenin, (0.15-105.12) g .100 g-1 of caempferol and (0.07-17.52) mg .100 g-1 of naringenin. From group of catechins there were measured (5.98-310) g .100 g-1 of catechin, (17.77-486.29) g .100 g-1 of epicatechin, (0.18-64.90) g .100 g-1 of catechin gallate and (0.59-140.56) g .100 g-1 of epicatechin gallate. From lipophilic compounds the most abundant in honey samples was tocopherol, its value ranged (29.20-8531.17) g .100 g-1. Content of ascorbic acid ranged (0.65-4.65) mg .100 g-1. Content of hydroxymethyl.furfural. ranged (0.26-4.06) mg .100 g-1. By LC/MS method luteolin, naringenin, protocatechin acid, coffee acid and p-cumaric acid in honeydew were detected and, furthermore, kyanidin and pinocembrin in floral honey were found. Mono-floral honey contained biologically active compounds the most, imperceptibly less contained multi-floral honey and honeydew honey. Acacia honey contained the lowest amount of biologically active compounds