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The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological properties of Tunisian propolis from four different regions: Kasserine, Béja, Kèf and Monastir. Ethanolic extracts of propolis were prepared using two extraction methods; solvent and ultrasonic extraction. Total phenolics, flavonoids, ABTS free radical and hydroxyl radicals scavenging abilities, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, as well as antimicrobial activities of propolis extracts were determined. Identification and quantification of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were performed by using both HPLC-UV and HPLC-ESI-MS. The results revealed high contents of total phenolics and flavonoids and polyphenols extraction was more efficient by sonication. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), galangin, and genistein were the major identified compounds. Antihypertensive activity, evaluated in propolis extracts for first time by HPLC-UV, was higher than 90% for all extracts. Tunisian propolis is an important natural source of polyphenols and flavonoids. The best extraction method was ultrasonic for antioxidants and most of biological activities; conventional method seems to be more suitable for anti-inflammatory activity. Propolis from Béja contains the highest amount of antioxidants and have a stronger potential biological activities. Tunisian propolis could be, therefore, a promising raw material for food and pharmaceutical industry. • Phenolic compounds were determined in propolis from Tunisia. • Propolis ultrasonic extraction yielded higher bioactive properties. • Antihypertensive activity was evaluated for the first time in propolis extracts. • Tunisian propolis has properties that may be useful in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites playing a major role as potentially functional components. They can also be used for honey authentication. This review gathers the recent literature references about honey extraction procedures, as well as instrumental analysis of phenolic compounds found in honey. Liquid-Liquid extraction is widely used for both extraction and purification purposes, with adequate recovery percentages. However, the use of high solvent volumes is a major disadvantage. More environmentally friendly methods include accelerated solvent extraction, and dispersive and inverse dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Solid phase extraction is the most common method for honey polyphenols’ isolation. Polyphenol isolation by a combination of liquid-liquid and solid phase extraction allows good recoveries for a variety of different compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet or mass spectrometry detectors is by far, the most commonly employed instrumental procedure to separate and quantify polyphenols in honey although capillary electrophoresis has been also successfully used for these purposes. The use of new sorbents, the optimization of current procedures and the development of other simple and rapid analytical techniques are challenges for future analysis of polyphenols found in honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Film-shaped polymer extracts selectively 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes from honey. • Extracted honey allows the assessment of the catalase and glucose oxidase activities. • The polymer avoids the classical purification method, saving 22 h and 6 L of buffer. • 29 honeys were measured, and results contrasted with a reference method. Glucose oxidase (GOX) and catalase (CAT) regulate the amount of H2O2 in honey, by generating or consuming it, so they are related to the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of honey. However, their activities are hardly analysed, since the process requires a previous dialysis that is non-selective, very time-consuming (>24 h), eco-unfriendly (>6L of buffer) and expensive. This research shows the design and performance of a material that selectively removes the actual interferents. The film-shaped-polymer is immersed for 90́ within a honey solution (12.5 mL of buffer), where it interacts exclusively with 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes, which we proved to be the real interferents (the material contains motifs derived from phenylboronic acid to interact with 1,2-diols). Polymeric chains favour condensation to occur exclusively with 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes, excluding monosaccharides. The interferents' removal using our designed polymer is selective, low cost (1.42€ per test), rapid and eco-friendly (saves 6L of buffer and 20.5 h of experimental workout per sample). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sensors (film-shaped polymers) change their colour in presence of phenols. • The sensory materials are polymers with chemically anchored sensory motifs. • Sensors allow onepod determination of total phenolic content & antioxidant activity. • Proof of concept: 8 honeys were measured with the proposed sensors and a smartphone. We have developed a new method for the rapid (2 h) and inexpensive (materials cost < 0.02 €/sample) "2-in-1" determination of the total phenolic content (TPC) and the antioxidant activity (AOX) in honey samples. The method is based on hydrophilic colorimetric films with diazonium groups, which react with phenols rendering highly colored azo groups. The TPC of the sample is correlated to its trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity ( TEAC ). The intensity of the color allows us to determine both TPC and TEAC of the sample by the analysis of a picture taken with a smartphone that is analysed by the use of the color-definition-parameters (RGB). The controlled light conditions and the systematic use of the same camera avoid the periodical calibration of the system improving the efficiency of the method. Thus, it is a simple method carried out by non-specialized personnel and it involves much lower money and time investment compared to traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]