Validation of nutraceutical properties of honey and probiotic potential of its innate microflora

Honey extracted from the beehives was found to be acidic (pH 4.7) with moderate moisture (17.27%), low hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) level (4.62 mg/kg) and ash content (0.46%). A linear positive relationship was observed between the honey concentration and DPPH (2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrum (EDAX) analysis of the honey revealed the presence of essential elements like K, Ca, Mn and Fe. The high R2 values obtained with dose response plot inferred the inhibitory efficiency of honey toward different bacterial pathogens. Gluconobacter oxydans isolated from honey was found to possess probiotic properties with siderophorogenic potential. Siderophore produced by G. oxydans was found to be of trihydroxamate nature and formed hexadentate ligands with Fe3+ ions. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed the trihydroxamate nature of the siderophore produced. Growth promotion activity of siderophore was ascertained by cross utilization studies. This study indicated G. oxydans as a potential probiotic bacterium bearing siderophoregenic attribute that confer health benefits to the host.