Author(s):
Sujani Kamble, Tejaswi C
Email(s):
tejutej17@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00016 
Address:
Sujani Kamble, Tejaswi C*
Department of Pharmacognosy, Government College of Pharmacy, P. Kalinga Rao Road, Subbaiah Circle, Bengaluru – 560027, Karnataka, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 18,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background and Objectives: Honey is a natural product valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. Its quality varies with geographical origin, floral source, and environmental factors, while adulteration remains a challenge. This study aimed to explore and compare the antioxidant activity and physicochemical attributes of honey sourced from diverse geographical regions of India with that of a marketed branded honey, thereby assessing authenticity and quality. Methods: Natural honey samples were collected from five regions of India (Karnataka, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh) and authenticated through an approved laboratory. Physicochemical parameters (specific gravity, moisture, pH, free acidity, colour, optical density, pollen content, reducing sugars, sucrose, fructose–glucose ratio, hydroxymethylfurfural, viscosity, and electrical conductivity) were determined as per Indian and International Honey Commission standards. Adulteration tests, qualitative, and quantitative estimation of bioactive compounds (total phenolic content [TPC], total flavonoid content [TFC]) were carried out. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC50) and FRAP assay. Correlation and statistical analyses, including Pearson/Spearman correlation were applied. Results: Regional honeys displayed variability in physicochemical traits, bioactive content, and antioxidant activity. TPC showed strong positive correlations with both DPPH IC50 and FRAP, while TFC exhibited a moderate relationship with FRAP. Physicochemical parameters such as colour and optical density were moderately linked with antioxidant indices, whereas hydroxymethylfurfural showed a negative association. Comparative evaluation revealed superior antioxidant activity in several natural honeys relative to the branded sample. Interpretation and Conclusion: Indian honeys demonstrated distinct antioxidant potential and quality profiles depending on their geographical origin. These findings validate their therapeutic value, support honey authentication, and highlight their relevance as functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Cite this article:
Sujani Kamble, Tejaswi C. Exploring Antioxidant Potential and Quality Attributes of Naturally Sourced Honey from various Geographical regions of India and a Commercial Variant. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(2):117-3. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00016
Cite(Electronic):
Sujani Kamble, Tejaswi C. Exploring Antioxidant Potential and Quality Attributes of Naturally Sourced Honey from various Geographical regions of India and a Commercial Variant. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2026; 18(2):117-3. doi: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00016 Available on: https://rjpponline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-18-2-1