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Antifungal of bee products have been shown to be protective against microbial biofilms invasion Sahara honey and propolis were applied as an antimicrobial in treatment for many infections in Algeria. In this study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was utilized to characterize the chemical structures and functional groups. In addition, in this study, we determined the anti-candida activity of honey used alone or in combination with propolis. Proteins, carbohydrates, carboxylic acids, free amino acids, cellulose and lipids, ketones and phenol compounds were identified by FTIR analysis. Combination of Sahara honey and propolis increased antifungal efficacy, compared to compounds tested alone. Propolis increased the anti-candidal effect of Sahara honey. In addition, the treatment of Sahara honey and Propolis-Sahara honey catheters with a Candida albicans biofilms reduced biofilm formation after 24 and 48-h exposure period. The results provide evidence that honey/propolis combination may help in designing a more potent novel, natural antibiofilm blend at sufficiently low concentrations in medical domain.

Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant effect of honey using two classical methods generally used, and for the first time to test the effect of honey on the oxidation, chlorination and nitration by purified equine myeloperoxidase (MPO). Methods: The antioxidant activity of three Algerian honey samples (nectar honey, mixed honey and honeydew honey) was evaluated by two classical methods, the ferric- reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity. Results: Honeydew honey had the highest reducing power and DPPH radical-scavenging activity, whereas nectar honey showed the lowest reducing power and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. All honey samples showed a significant inhibitory effect on the chlorination activity of equine MPO, but honeydew honey was the weakest inhibitor. The three samples were poorly inhibitor on the MPO oxidation and nitration activities, except for nectar honey that exerted an inhibitory effect at the highest tested concentration of 10%. These later results seem to contradict those obtained with DPPH and FRAP. Conclusions: The antioxidant capacity of honey is mainly due to the phenolic compounds and flavonoids it contained. It has been suggested that MPO might be involved in the antioxidant, not pro-oxidant, activity of phenolic compounds.

Three Algerian honey samples (nectar honey, mixed honey and honeydew honey) were analysed for their total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and total flavonoid content (TFC) by the aluminium chloride method. The antioxidant activity was tested both against reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated equine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and on purified equine myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity. The ROS production by stimulated PMNs was measured by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. Specific immunological extraction followed by enzymatic detection (SIEFED) was used to measure specifically the activity of equine MPO. Nectar honey, mixed honey and honeydew honey had TPCs of 59.52 ± 1.31, 68.36 ± 1.20 and 122.76 ± 4.20 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g honey, respectively (mean ± SD). As for the TPC, the highest TFC was observed for honeydew honey [20.55 ± 0.72 mg catechine equivalents (CE)/100 mg honey], followed by mixed ...

To evaluate the in vitro activity and synergism of the combinations of natural honey and curcuma starch against Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in correlation with total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and diastase activity.The Folin-Ciocalteu test was used to determine the total polyphenols content and the flavonoid content was analyzed using by the aluminum chloride method. The antifungal activity of the natural honey, determined by an agar well diffusion assay and agar incorporation method.Total phenolic content varied from (63.930.11) to (95.366.08) mg GAE/100 g honey as gallic acid equivalent. Total flavonoids content varied from (5.41±0.04) to (9.94±0.54) mg CE/100 g. Diastase activity values were between (7.3±2.8) and (26±2.8). The zone inhibition diameter for the six honey samples without starch ranged between 6 and 20 mm. When starch was mixed with honey and then added to well, a zone inhibition increase diameter 7 and 21 mm. The percentage increase was noticed with each variety and it ranged between 5% and 62.5%. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for the six varieties of honey without starch against Rhodotorula mucilaginosa ranged between 28% and 36% (v/v). When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media, a minimal inhibitory concentration drop has been noticed with each variety. It ranged between 6.66 % and 20% (w/v). No significant correlation was established between diastase activity and bioactive compounds.The mixture of curcuma starch and honey could lead to the development of new combination antibiotics against Rhodotorula infections.

The aim of this study was to determine the anti-Candia albicans activity of 6 varieties of honey and their combination with Curcuma starch in correlation with diastase number (α-amylase) andphenolic compounds. The quality parameters (principally, diastase number and hydroxymethyl furfural levels (HMF) of honey were investigated. The total flavonoids contents by the aluminum chloride method. An agar incorporation technique was used to assess the Minimum inhibition concentration (MICs) and Minimum additive inhibitory concentration (MAICs) of honey against C. albicans ATCC10231. Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) content shows values between 3.8 and 78.4 mg kg-1(Mean=23.15); diastase values were between 7.3 and 26 (Mean = 16.55). The mean total flavonoid content was found to be 8.11 mg CE/kg, with a minimum of 5. 41 mg CE/ kg, and a maximum of 9.94 mg. The MICs for the six samples of honey without starch against C. albicans ranged between 40 % and 50 % (vol/vol). When starch was incubated with honey and th...

Sahara honey samples from Algeria were screened for total phenolic contents by Folin Ciocalteau method and colour characteristics.Two different assays were performed to evaluate the antibacterial capacity of the honey samples: agar-well diffusion and Growth inhibition %.Total phenolic content varied from 0.620 to 1.044 mg/100 g honey as gallic acid equivalent.The colour of the Sahara honeys, analysed in this study was very variable and ranged from pale yellow to dark brown.In the antibacterial tests using two bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosawere moderately sensitive to honey samples. There was no correlation between antibacterial activity and total phenolic contents

The objective of this research work was to evaluate the effect of heat processing on antibacterial capacity of Sahara honey (SH). Various thermal treatments were carried out at 25°C, 50°C, 75°C and 100°C for 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min, and the parameters were determined: colour intensity, phenolic contents and antibacterial activity of two species of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The total phenolic contents in honey samples varied from 0.55 and 1.54 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) in gram of honey. MIC values respectively 3.12 to 12.5 mg/ml and zone of growth inhibition respectively 2.65 mm to 19 mm. Exposures of SH at 75°C and 100°C, no inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth was detected. Statistical analysis demonstrated positive correlations between color intensity and polyphenol contents and negative correlations with antibacterial capacity. Data from present results revealed that unheated and heat-treated Sahara honey showed growth inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with variable degrees.

To evaluate the synergistic action of starch on the antifungal activity of honey, a comparative method of adding honey with and without starch to culture media was used. Aspergillus niger was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of five varieties of honey. In the second step, lower concentrations of honey than the MIC were incubated with a set of concentrations of starch and then added to media to determine the minimum synergistic inhibitory concentration (MSIC). The MIC for the five varieties of honey without starch against A. niger ranged between 46% and 50% (v/v). When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media, an MIC drop was noticed with each variety and it ranged between 6% and 19.5%. Negative correlation has been established between the MIC drop and the Diastase Number.

Alternative therapy for Klebsiella pneumoniae eradication from natural products is gaining much attention. The aim of the present study was to determine the physico-chemical parameters and the synergistic effects of six natural honeys in combination with potato starch against pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae. Physico-chemical parameters, such as fructose, glucose, maltose, sucrose, Diastase number and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content were measured. The antibacterial activity was tested using the well-agar diffusion assay. The fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose values range between 25.20-37.81%, 21.45-30.95%, 4.72-78.45% and 0.00-0.68%. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content shows values between 3.8 and 78.4 mg/kg, diastase values were between 7.3 and 22.1 Schade. The zone inhibition diameter (ZID) for the six honey samples without starch against Klebsiella pneumoniae ranged between 18 and 24 mm. When starch was mixed with honey and then added to well, a zone inhibition increase diameter (ZIID) 25 and 32 mm. The percentage increase (PI %) was noticed with each variety and it ranged between 25 and 66.66%. Positive correlation has been established between the zone increase of inhibition and the fructose, glucose and Diastase number. Negative correlation has been established between the zone increase and the sucrose. The results of the present study showed that the combination effects of honey and potato starch were predominately synergistic. The in vitro synergistic activity of honey and potato starch against bacteria is reported here for the first time.

Honey production in Algeria has very long traditions dating back to ancient times. The purpose of the present work was to study the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of Raw Honey of different botanical sources from Algeria. The study of the physicochemical parameters such as free acidity, pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, Hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) content, diastase activity, invertase activity, fructose, glucose and disaccharide content were also identified and fructose/glucose ratio was calculated. Different types of honey were assessed for their contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids. The antioxidant capacity of honey was evaluated by Ferric-Reducing/Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) and Free Radical-Scavenging Activity (DPPH). Mean values obtained for physicochemical parameters were: pH 4.17 ± 0.2; 16.77 ± 0.2% moisture; 0.64 ± 0.01 mS/cm electrical conductivity; 17.22 ± 1.05 meq/kg free acidity; 8.46 ± 1.9 unit /kg honey invertase activity 17.44 ± 2.8 Gothe scale diastase activity and 11.65 ± 1.9 mg/kg HMF. The glucose and fructose contents of honey samples are ranged from 21.45 to 28.26 g/100 g and 25.20 to 37.64 g/100 g respectively. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents of four raw honey samples from different origins were found to range from 70.95 to 128.87 mg GAE/100 g and 8.57-21.77 mg QE/100 g respectively. The radical-scavenging activity of 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was found to range from 22.70% to 29.76% and the total antioxidant activity as measured by the Ferric-Reducing/ Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay was found to range between 223.19-958.42 μM Fe(II)/kg, indicating that raw honey has good antioxidant properties. No significant correlation was found between phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. In general, the raw honeys from Algeria had a good level of quality according to the results obtained for international regulation.

Honey samples produced by Apismellifera, both unifloral and multifloral from different sources in Algeria were examined for their antibacterial capacity and their synergism with potato starch. An agar incorporation technique was used to assess the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and the minimum inhibition additive concentration (MIAC) of honey against K. pneumoniae ATCC 27736. The physicochemical properties, α-amylases activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, of six representative honey samples were determined. The MIC for the six varieties of honey without potato starch against K. pneumoniae ranged between 14% and 24% (v ⁄ v). When starch was incubated with honey and then added to media, an MIC drop was noticed with each variety and it ranged between 5.55 % and 16.66%.The total phenolic content of honey samples was between 1.50–108.21 mg GAE/100 g honey as gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoid content varied from 5.41 to 9.94 mg Catechin/kg . Mean value for diastase was 16.55 ± 2.8 (range 7.3–23.5) expressed as diastase number in Gothe’sscale. No significant correlation was established between α-amylases activity and bioactive compounds. Honey: potato starch combinations show real potential for future use as a treatment for infections caused by K. pneumonia.

Diets rich in polyphenols are epidemiologically associated with lower risk of developing some age-related diseases in humans. Apparent disease-protective effect of polyphenols is often attributed to their powerful antioxidant activities, as established in vitro. However, polyphenols can also exert pro-oxidant activities under certain experimental conditions. Neither pro-oxidant nor anti-oxidant activities have yet been clearly established to occur in vivo in humans, nor are they likely given the limited levels of polyphenols that are achievable in vivo after consumption of foods and beverages rich in them [1]. Polyphenols oxidize readily in beverages [2-4]. They can also oxidize in cell culture media and in the oral cavity. Often, these pro-oxidant effects involve interactions of polyphenols with transition metal ions. Flavonoids can chelate metal ions, often decreasing the pro-oxidant activity of metal ions [5,6]. On the other hand for many individuals, minerals can be difficult for the body to absorb and use efficiently. Chelated minerals can include any ligand that helps the body to absorb the mineral during digestion. The benefits of proper trace mineral intake include support of muscle tissue and heart rhythm, immune system function, proper bone and collagen formation, mental wellbeing and healthy metabolism [7-9]. However, there are some studies that can make the link between this oxidant/pro-oxidant effective, but unfortunately they do not seem to have attracted the interest of many researchers. Though polyphenols may modulate human neutrophil functions, there are some documents showing that neutrophils may modify polyphenolic compounds biochemically [10]. It is hypothesized that inflammatory cell-specific metabolism of polyphenolics can modify the properties of these compounds at the local site of inflammation [11,12]. Polyphenols are capable of both scavenging and generating radicals and may exert their beneficial effects by a combination of both mechanisms [13], the more effective antioxidants the polyphenols were, the more are they cytotoxic and antiproliferative. This could be due to a dual antioxidant/pro-oxidant effect of polyphenols or better to their capacity to either scavenge or generate radicals depending on the environment. However, the reaction between flavonols and HOCl may be more complicated than a simple oxidant-antioxidant interaction, and that phenolic compounds can react with HOCl to form stable chlorinated components, with each product potentially having a unique reactivity [14,15]. The flavonoids and iso-flavonoids have been shown to react with peroxyl radicals, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and ONOO-. The antioxidant behavior of the flavonoids and isoflavonoids is related to the structure of the compound [16-18]. The aromatic nature of polyphenols makes them potential targets of HOCl and ONOO-. These reactions may create novel pharmacophores at the site of inflammation [12]. Under certain pathological conditions in vivo (e.g., inflammation), flavonols may be converted to chlorinated derivatives, which exhibit an enhanced antioxidant potential and thereby play a role in cardio protection. Quercetin chlorinated derivatives exhibited significantly greater antioxidant capacity than the unmodified quercetin. The chlorination of quercetin enhances the inhibition of LDL oxidation, increases the Total Radical Antioxidant Potential and plays a role in cardioprotection [19]. References

Six Algerian honeys from different floral origins, were examined for potential antibacterial and antiradical activity. The Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to measure total phenol content (TPC) and the 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to determine the scavenging activity of the honey samples. An agar well diffusion assay and spectrophotometric method were used to assess antibacterial activity against two Gram negative strains (Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 50071).Total phenolic content varied from 63.93 to 95.36 mg/100 g honey as gallic acid equivalent. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was found for an average (30.14 % ± 9.28). The honey samples were found to inhibit all of the tested bacteria. Correlation existed between phenolic content and antiradical activity. Thus Algerian honeys, being a rich source of natural antioxidants, may be used in the prevention of various free radicals related diseases.

Honey has been acknowledged worldwide as a good source of natural carbohydrates and sweetner. Six honey samples of Apis mellifera forged on plants from western Algeria were analyzed to determine Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), Diastase Number (DN), Hydroxy Methyl Furfural (HMF) content and antibacterial activity alone and in combination with Curcuma Starch. The total phenol content was determined by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the flavonoid content was analyzed using by the aluminum chloride method. The HMF and DN were determined by harmonized methods. An agar incorporation technique was used to assess the Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MICs) and Minimum Inhibition Additive Concentration (MIACs) of honey against two strains of Gram-Negative bacteria (Escherchia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 2154). Total phenolic content of honeys ranged from 63.93 to 95.36 mg GAE/100 g honey, while Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) ranged from 5.41 to 9.94 mg CE/100 g. Hydroxy Methyl Furfural (HMF) content shows values between 3.8 and 78.4 mg kg-1; diastase values were between 7.3 and 26. The MAIC for the six varieties of honeys tested ranged between 12 and 18% (vol/vol) and 11 and 15% (vol/vol) against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The MIC range for honey alone was 5-70% (vol/vol) and 5-40 % (vol/vol) against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between total phenolic content and diastase activity (r=0.248) and between diastase activity and total flavonoid content (r=0.240). No clear correlation has been established between the MIC drop and the Diastase Number. The use of curcuma starch allows honey benefit and would constitute a synergetic effect to the antibacterial activity of honey.

The versatility of Aluminium chemistry will ensure its burgeoning use in the future in all manner of applications. This very same chemistry will also ensure its increased biological availability in all biota including man. We do not know enough about the biological chemistry of a chronic and sub-acute exposure to Aluminium to be able to predict its impact on human health. Although the hypothesis of a link between Aluminium and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has been supported by several epidemiological studies, there is much controversy regarding these findings and their interpretation. There is no doubt that the drugs discovered for neurodegenerative disease are far from ideal, and are not more than acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors, in fact alternative medicine could be moderate and protect nerves from neurotoxicity and AD. Curcumin is one of strong medicinal species that prove antioxidative stress effect against reactions cascade of neurofibrillary tangles. Our aims is to clarify the role of Curcumin with a fixative of absorption as a protective and therapeutic agent against neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer's disease induced by AlCl3 on the pyramidal cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of albino mice, by means of two experiences realized with a different exposition of albino mice; sub acute and chronic exposure with a different manner (PO and IP) on Curcumin with a fixative of absorption and AlCl3.