Physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic profiles of selected Malaysian honey

Four selected Malaysian honey namely Gelam, Nenas, Acacia and Tualang were studied to identify their physicochemical properties such as moisture content, electrical conductivity, total ash content, free acidity, pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and sugar and diastase activity. The parameters were measured using methods recommended by International Honey Commission (IHC) and Council Directive (2001/110/EC). Total sugar content ranges from 34.7-47.6 g/100g, free acidity 32.98-121.9 meq/kg, pH 3.1-3.5, electrical conductivity 0.1-0.6 mS/cm, total ash content 0.1-0.3 %, moisture content 21.4-27.9%, HMF 0.4-5.6 mg/kg, diastase activity 0.6-4.1 DN and water insoluble solid 0.4-2.5%. All the physicochemical properties are within the acceptable limit except for moisture content due to high relative humidity in Malaysia. Furthermore, the intestinal absorption study of honey was carried out using a model drug, carboxyfluorescein (CF), in order to study its pharmacokinetic profiles. The results showed that honey can improve the bioavailability of CF in the intestine. The area under curve (AUC) in the presence of Gelam, Nenas, Acacia and Tualang were 3.5, 4.3, 3.0, and 2.3 fold respectively as compared to CF alone. The AUC value of selected Malaysian honey can be ranked as Nenas followed by Gelam, Acacia and Tualang.