Physicochemical, nutritional and biological characterization of different Indian monofloral honeys with special emphasis on their glucose-lowering efficacy.

It is important to provide consumers with pure and natural honey. Toward this end, six biophysical, eight nutritional, and two antioxidant activity-related parameters were investigated in four different Indian monofloral honey samples using various analytical techniques, in accordance with globally accepted standards and using manuka honey for certain parameters. The honey samples were also subjected to their in vitro glucose-lowering efficacy in palmitic acid-challenged insulin-resistant HepG2 cell model. The results showed that in all the honey samples as tested here, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), free acidity, and ash levels complied with the criteria of standard pure honey. Total of twenty-two different polyphenols and twenty-four different terpenoids were found in these honey samples, although the predominant bioactive compound varied between these honey samples. Some of these honey samples also showed efficient glucose-lowering activity. Overall, the study provides a thorough insight regarding the physicochemical, nutritional and biological properties of different varieties of Indian honeys.