Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects

Honeydew honey (HH) is a distinctive type of honey known for its dark colour, high mineral and polyphenol content, and pronounced biological activity. This study continues previous research on beech and chestnut honeydew honeys by presenting a comprehensive analysis of linden honeydew honey (LHH) fr...

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Main Authors: Ana Barbarić, Lara Saftić Martinović, Zvonimir Marijanović, Lea Juretić, Andreja Jurič, Danijela Petrović, Violeta Šoljić, Ivana Gobin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1668
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author Ana Barbarić
Lara Saftić Martinović
Zvonimir Marijanović
Lea Juretić
Andreja Jurič
Danijela Petrović
Violeta Šoljić
Ivana Gobin
author_facet Ana Barbarić
Lara Saftić Martinović
Zvonimir Marijanović
Lea Juretić
Andreja Jurič
Danijela Petrović
Violeta Šoljić
Ivana Gobin
author_sort Ana Barbarić
collection DOAJ
description Honeydew honey (HH) is a distinctive type of honey known for its dark colour, high mineral and polyphenol content, and pronounced biological activity. This study continues previous research on beech and chestnut honeydew honeys by presenting a comprehensive analysis of linden honeydew honey (LHH) from Bosnia and Herzegovina—a variety that, until now, has not been characterised in detail. Physicochemical parameters confirmed its classification as HH, with high electrical conductivity (1.21 mS/cm) and low moisture (15.1%). GC-MS analysis revealed a unique volatile profile dominated by α-terpinolene (17.4%), distinguishing LHH from other HH types. The sample exhibited high total phenolic content (816.38 mg GAE/kg) and moderate antioxidant capacity (1.11 mmol TE/kg). Antimicrobial testing demonstrated strong activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA), with lower efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxic effects were observed in HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations up to 60 mg/mL, and wound healing assays showed improved scratch closure reaching approximately 30% after 24 h and 41% after 48 h compared to the control. These results indicate that LHH possesses promising bioactive properties and potential for dermatological application. Further studies with broader sample sets are needed to explore variability and confirm the therapeutic relevance of LHH in comparison to other honeydew types.
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spelling doaj-art-7e466a3f5fdb49dfb0d1f577f95cd4662025-08-20T03:47:57ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-05-011410166810.3390/foods14101668Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular EffectsAna Barbarić0Lara Saftić Martinović1Zvonimir Marijanović2Lea Juretić3Andreja Jurič4Danijela Petrović5Violeta Šoljić6Ivana Gobin7Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Zrinskog Frankopana 34, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaDepartment of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, CroatiaFaculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaDivision of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, CroatiaFaculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Zrinskog Frankopana 34, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, Zrinskog Frankopana 34, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and HerzegovinaFaculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Brace Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, CroatiaHoneydew honey (HH) is a distinctive type of honey known for its dark colour, high mineral and polyphenol content, and pronounced biological activity. This study continues previous research on beech and chestnut honeydew honeys by presenting a comprehensive analysis of linden honeydew honey (LHH) from Bosnia and Herzegovina—a variety that, until now, has not been characterised in detail. Physicochemical parameters confirmed its classification as HH, with high electrical conductivity (1.21 mS/cm) and low moisture (15.1%). GC-MS analysis revealed a unique volatile profile dominated by α-terpinolene (17.4%), distinguishing LHH from other HH types. The sample exhibited high total phenolic content (816.38 mg GAE/kg) and moderate antioxidant capacity (1.11 mmol TE/kg). Antimicrobial testing demonstrated strong activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA), with lower efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria. No cytotoxic effects were observed in HaCaT keratinocytes at concentrations up to 60 mg/mL, and wound healing assays showed improved scratch closure reaching approximately 30% after 24 h and 41% after 48 h compared to the control. These results indicate that LHH possesses promising bioactive properties and potential for dermatological application. Further studies with broader sample sets are needed to explore variability and confirm the therapeutic relevance of LHH in comparison to other honeydew types.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1668linden honeydew honey<i>Tilia</i> spp.physicochemical propertiesantioxidant activityantimicrobial activityvolatile compounds
spellingShingle Ana Barbarić
Lara Saftić Martinović
Zvonimir Marijanović
Lea Juretić
Andreja Jurič
Danijela Petrović
Violeta Šoljić
Ivana Gobin
Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
Foods
linden honeydew honey
<i>Tilia</i> spp.
physicochemical properties
antioxidant activity
antimicrobial activity
volatile compounds
title Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
title_full Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
title_fullStr Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
title_full_unstemmed Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
title_short Integrated Chemical and Biological Evaluation of Linden Honeydew Honey from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Composition and Cellular Effects
title_sort integrated chemical and biological evaluation of linden honeydew honey from bosnia and herzegovina composition and cellular effects
topic linden honeydew honey
<i>Tilia</i> spp.
physicochemical properties
antioxidant activity
antimicrobial activity
volatile compounds
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1668
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