Estudio preliminar de la calidad nutracéutica y autenticidad de la miel con base en parámetros bioquímicos y capacidad antioxidante

Honey is considered one of the most commercialized products, therefore it´s important an authentic product with high quality characteristics. The objective of this study was to assess the nutraceutical quality and authenticity of honey based on biochemical parameters (polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins) and antioxidant capacity. Eight honeys marketed in the Peripheral Market of Merida (Venezuela) (samples C) were selected, as well as 8 authentic samples (A) and an artificial honey (AR). The concentration of proteins, polyphenols and flavonoids was measured in all the samples; and the antioxidant capacity of the honeys was determined using total antioxidant capacity (TAC) method, % inhibition of the hydroxyl radical (RH) and antioxidant activity method (AOA). An important correlation was found between the concentration of phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity for each of the methods used. A dendogram was prepared using the cluster method, which allowed the honeys to be grouped by common properties. The cluster analysis allowed determining that the concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols, as well as the antioxidant capacity determined through the CAT and AOA methods, are useful parameters to determine the nutraceutical quality and authenticity of the honey samples. Protein concentration and antioxidant activity as measured by the hydroxyl radical inhibition method are not useful in this regard. In summary, these parameters could be included in the quality standards of honey samples, valuing this type of product as nutraceutical foods.