Antioxidative activities of some commercially honeys, royal jelly, and propolis

The antioxidative effects of some honeys, royal jelly, and propolis were evaluated using a lipid peroxidation model. Activities gradually decreased over time. Buckwheat honey, pure honey (Chinese milk vetch). and propolis were the most active among honeys. Excepting royal jelly and propolis. the activities of all honeys were drastically decreased by heat treatment. The superoxide-scavenging activities of each honey, royal jelly. and propolis decreased in the order: propolis > royal jelly > buckwheat honey > honey (Japanese bee) > mixed-breed honey > pure honey (acacia) > commercially available honey > pure honey (Chinese milk vetch). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.