Fractionation of acacia honey affects its antioxidant potential in vitro

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of fractionation of acacia honey on its antioxidant potential in contrast with the pure honey from whole blood, brain and liver in vitro. Methods Honey was partitioned into three fractions (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and aqueous). Their immuno-modulatory effect on whole blood was assayed using Luminol-amplified chemiluminescence technique. Their antioxidant activities on rat brain and hepatic tissues which covers for catalase, SOD activities and lipid peroxidation. Results Fractions of the honey enhanced the production of radicals with no significant ( P >0.05) antioxidant activity on whole blood where as pure honey does. Pure honey significantly ( P P >0.05) effects on lipid peroxidation. Conclusions Fractionation of acacia honey negatively affects its antioxidant potential thereby making it a radical generating agent in contrast with the unfractionated.