Comparison of Honey's Physicochemical, Bioactive Components, and Biological Activities from the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the physicochemical and biological characterization of some honey samples in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Physicochemical tests investigated the compliance of honey samples with the Turkish Food Codex. The phenolic components were analyzed by RP- HPLC-PDA. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC, TFC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH), urease, glucose-oxidase, and antimicrobial activity (Disc diffusion, MIC) of the samples were determined, and FTIR and UV-Vis analyses were conducted. The spectra of the honey samples revealed the characteristic bands corresponding to the functional groups of minor components. As a result of the physicochemical analyses, it was determined that some of the samples examined did not comply with the standard values defined in the Turkish Food Codex in terms of the examined parameters. Spectral findings show that honey samples have a rich chemical composition. Anzer honey is preferable to other kinds with its rich phenolic and antioxidant content and relatively high antimicrobial activity.