Nutritional Composition, Glycemic Index, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Five Monofloral Honeys from Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Component-Effect Relationship Study.

Background

Honey possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties due to its complex mixture of carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. However, comprehensive data on monofloral honeys from Saudi Arabia's Qassim region are lacking.

Objective

This study evaluated the nutritional composition, glycemic index, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of five Qassim honeys (Talh, Keina, Samr, Berseem, Ashr) and identified chemical components responsible for their therapeutic potential.

Methods

Physicochemical parameters, sugar profiles, minerals, vitamins, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), diastase activity, and HMF were analyzed. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays, anti-inflammatory activity by BSA denaturation inhibition, and in vitro glycemic index by simulated digestion. Statistical comparisons used one-way ANOVA with Fisher's LSD (n = 5).

Results

All honeys met international quality standards (moisture < 20%, HMF < 40 mg/kg, F + G > 60 g/100 g). Samr honey showed the highest TPC (890 mg GAE/kg) and TFC (226 mg QE/kg). Ashr and Berseem exhibited the highest DPPH scavenging (92% and 91%). Samr was the most potent ABTS scavenger (IC50 26.7 μg/mL). Ashr displayed the strongest anti-inflammatory activity (86.9%), followed by Berseem (72.0%). All honeys had low glycemic index (51-55). Talh and Samr (Acacia-derived) were richest in K, Mg, P, Fe, and Zn; Keina (Eucalyptus) was highest in Ca; Berseem (clover) had the lowest mineral content. Samr honey contained the highest levels of vitamin C and B vitamins.

Conclusions

The five Qassim monofloral honeys possess distinct nutritional and bioactive profiles. Samr honey is exceptionally rich in phenolics, flavonoids, and B vitamins, contributing to high antioxidant capacity. Ashr and Berseem honeys showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. All honeys are low-glycemic and meet quality standards. These findings support their use as functional foods and provide a basis for botanical authentication and quality control.