PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF HONEY PRODUCED FROM NSUKKA IN ENUGU STATE

ABSTRACT Honey, a bee product valued due to its sugars, nutrients, antioxidants, food source, health and rural economies of every country across the world. Although flora diversity is very rich in Nsukka, the honey produced in the market is not well characterised, which creates doubt in terms of adulteration and quality. The goal of the study is to determine the quality of the honey compared to the international standards, to define its specific property and assist the local producers to improve the quality to guarantee better yield, cultural importance, and economic value. In Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria, three samples of honey were obtained at three different market areas namely Obollo-Afor, Opi Junction and Orba. Physicochemical analysis, such as (moisture, density, specific gravity, titratable acidity, water insoluble solids, colour, pH, viscosity, sugar, electrical conductivity), phytochemical screening, GC MS profiling and Antioxidant parameters (phosphomolybdate TAC, DPPH, FRAP) were carried out. One way Analysis of Variance was applied in statistical analysis of the collected data. Six bioactive compounds (flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, phytosterols, resins and trace fats/oils) were detected in all of the samples and affirmed their botanical richness. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in specific gravity, pH, water-insoluble solids, and titratable acidity among the three samples. Significance (p < 0.05) was found in the density, viscosity, electrical conductivity, colour, sugar content and moisture. Orba honey was the most dense and the most viscous, whereas honey from Opi Junction had the highest level of moisture and sugar. Each of the samples attained 100 % DPPH radical scavenging. Orba honey was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in total antioxidant capacity and FRAP values. The GC-MS analyses conducted on the three honey samples indicated differences in the content of compounds that can be used in various fields such as the medical sector, pharmaceutical and food technology. In general, Nsukka honey could be considered to be of international quality and possess high antioxidant potential, with Orba honey being the best on the bioactivity scale. They have rich phytochemical contents that validate their nutritive and medicinal value in justifying the move to popularizing and safeguarding this regional commodity.