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Exploring the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Characteristics of Honey from Eastern Morocco: Insights into Potential Health Benefits and Molecular Docking Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Azzedine Abeslami

    (Laboratory of Environment and Applied Chemistry (LCAE), Team: Physical Chemistry of the Natural Resources and Processes, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

  • Hammadi El Farissi

    (Laboratory of Environment and Applied Chemistry (LCAE), Team: Physical Chemistry of the Natural Resources and Processes, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

  • Ali El Bachiri

    (Laboratory of Environment and Applied Chemistry (LCAE), Team: Physical Chemistry of the Natural Resources and Processes, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

  • Mariane Sindic

    (Laboratory of Agro-Food Quality and Safety, Faculty of the Agronomic Sciences, University Liege of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Beekeeping Research and Information Centre (CARI), 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Marie-Laure Fauconnier

    (Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Molecules, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, Liege University, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium)

  • Etienne Bruneau

    (Beekeeping Research and Information Centre (CARI), 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)

  • Abdelmonaem Talhaoui

    (Laboratory of Environment and Applied Chemistry (LCAE), Team: Physical Chemistry of the Natural Resources and Processes, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda 60000, Morocco)

Abstract

This study evaluates the physicochemical properties, phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and molecular docking interactions of honey from eastern Morocco. Analysis confirmed compliance with European Commission standards, with moisture content ranging from 15.39% to 19.74% and pH between 3.79 and 4.94. Carob honey exhibited the highest protein content (0.42%), polyphenol concentration (720.16 mg gallic acid/kg), flavonoid content (90.5 mg catechin/kg), and antioxidant activity (63.5% DPPH inhibition). Strong correlations were observed between phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant properties. Molecular docking identified ethyl phenylacetate and thymol as key compounds with significant interactions with cytochrome c peroxidase, suggesting potential therapeutic effects. DFT calculations supported these findings, indicating these compounds may enhance antioxidant activity. The study highlights the exceptional quality and antioxidant capacity of honey from eastern Morocco, reflecting its unique floral sources and potential as a natural source of antioxidants with therapeutic benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Azzedine Abeslami & Hammadi El Farissi & Ali El Bachiri & Mariane Sindic & Marie-Laure Fauconnier & Etienne Bruneau & Abdelmonaem Talhaoui, 2024. "Exploring the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Characteristics of Honey from Eastern Morocco: Insights into Potential Health Benefits and Molecular Docking Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:9:p:1540-:d:1472725
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