Parita V Virda and Jatin V Raval

This study aims to elucidate the palynological composition, physicochemical characteristics, and antimicrobial efficacy of honey against Escherichia coli. Eight samples of honey collected from different areas of Junagadh & Jamnagar districts of Gujarat and Four Commercial honey samples were studied for sensory and physico-chemical properties. A comprehensive pollen analysis of the collected 8 honey samples revealed a diverse botanical origin, with a total of 20 distinct plant species identified. The honey samples were categorized as multifloral or unifloral based on pollen percentage, with predominant pollen types belonging to the following 18 families: Dominant (>80%): Apiaceae (99%), Malvaceae (97%), Lamiaceae (91%), Arecaceae (85%); High Abundance (50-80%): Sapindaceae (75%), Mimosaceae (60%), Fabaceae (58%), Myrtaceae (53%); Moderate Abundance (20-50%): Asteraceae (47%), Anacardiaceae (33%), Moringaceae (32%), Combretaceae (26%), Amaranthaceae (26%), Rutaceae (21%); Low Abundance (<20%): Pedaliaceae (16%), Brassicaceae (12%), Solanaceae (7%), Rhamnaceae (6%). The moisture and ash content of the samples exhibited mean values of 27.44% ± 0.34% and 16.05% ± 0.07%, respectively. The pH and acidity of the samples demonstrated mean values of 4.91 ± 0.014 and 14.65 ± 0.02 meq/kg, respectively. The HMF (hydroxymethylfurfural) and total solids of the samples exhibited mean values of 60.86 ± 1.01 mg/kg and 96.1 ± 0.14% respectively. In order to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of honey samples, the agar well diffusion method was used. The ciprofloxacin antibiotic was used as a positive control in this method. The Ciprofloxacin (18mm) control suggests honey samples generally has comparable or better activity against E. coli.

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