Exploratory assessment of the chemical and antioxidant potential of Apis mellifera honeys from Santa Cruz, Bolivia

Abstract

This preliminary exploratory study investigates the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of <i>Apis mellifera</i> honeys from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, a region with notable honey production but limited data. Eleven samples collected between 2023 and 2024 were processed to obtain enriched extracts (EE) using solid-phase extraction. Chemical profiles were obtained by TLC and HPLC. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH•, TEAC, FRAP) were determined spectrophotometrically. Profiles revealed compositional differences, with tentative identification of phenolic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoid derivatives. Total phenolics ranged from 3.57 to 24.95 mg GAE/100 g of honey, and TEAC from 0.37 to 2.10 μmol TE/g honey. Notably, sample M11, with <i>Tessaria</i> spp. reported as a dominant floral source, exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, suggesting interest for functional applications. Darker honeys generally had higher antioxidant capacity, though not always reflecting chemical diversity. These findings highlight the complex bioactive composition of Bolivian honeys and the role of floral and environmental factors.