THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF HONEY PRODUCED BY APIS CERANA INDICA, REARED IN THE COLLEGE CAMPUS, COIMBATORE, TAMILNADU

Abisha T. J., Sruthy S., *Dr. Pawlin Vasanthi Joseph

ABSTRACT

Honey is a natural supersaturated sugar solution, made by bees from the nectar of flowers. Honey consumption by humans has been reported to increase total plasma antioxidant and reducing capacity, which can be protective to human health. The aim of the present work was to characterize the honey produced by Apis cerana indica reared in the college campus with the commercially available honey in the market. Physical and Biochemical analysis, vitamin, Phenolic and Flavonoid content, anti microbial property and antioxidant activity of honey was determined. The anti microbial and antioxidant activity of honey produced by Apis cerana indica was higher when compared to the commercial honey. The commercial honey showed high values for the physical, biochemical analysis, vitamin content, phenolic and flavonoid content. No zone of inhibition was observed for the antimicrobial activity of commercial honey. Honey is used by human beings as food and medicine. It possesses anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties that may be beneficial for combating multidrug resistant bacteria as well as for preventing chronic inflammatory processes.

Keywords: Honey, anti microbial, antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid content, zone of inhibition, Apis cerana indica.