Analysis of Selected Antioxidant and Anti-nutrient Content and Palynological Evaluation of Honey Samples from Southern Guinea Savanna Vegetation of Nigeria

Aims: To investigate the presence of selected antioxidant and anti-nutrient and pollen profile of four honey samples from the southern guinea savanna vegetation of Nigeria.

Study Design: Purposive sampling method was used in selecting the study areas for the honey samples

Place and Duration of Study: The study was done in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, between June to October, 2019.

Methodology: The analyzed antioxidants (flavonoids, total phenols, vitamin C and alkaloids) and anti-nutrient (phytate and oxalate) were subjected to standard chemical treatment in four replicates. The stock samples of the honeys were thoroughly shaken and 10g collected from each sample for pollen analysis. Each sample was dissolved in acidified warm (40°C) water, centrifuged at 2000 rpm and the residues collected. Subsequently, they passed through standard acetolysis treatment. The polliniferous deposits were put in specimen bottles containing glycerol-alcohol. Routine pollen counts and identification were done at x400 magnifications. The pollen counts were presented as percentage values, while results obtained from the chemical analyses were subjected to analysis of variance and mean separation test using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test at P=.05.

Results: All the selected antioxidants (flavonoids, total phenols, vitamin C and alkaloids) and anti-nutrients (phytate and oxalate) analyzed were detected in variable quantities in the samples. The honeys were acidic having pH range within acceptable internationally standard. Eighty-two pollen types (39 families) were recorded and composed of nectariferous (90.2%) and non-nectariferous (9.8%) plants. All the honey samples were polyfloral and the most common pollen types occurring across the samples were Elaeis guineensis, Asteraceae and Phyllanthus muellerianus.

Conclusion: The honey samples were acidic and contained the selected antioxidants and anti-nutrients parameters in variable quantities. The honey samples were polyfloral with a high number of nectariferous and few non-nectariferous honey plants.