We characterized, for the first time, the quality and identity of Brazilian Pampa biome honey and its antioxidant properties in vitro (FRAP, DDPH and ABTS). The potential protective effect of honey against oxidative stress induced by iron (Fe) and paraquat, (PQ) in a Drosophila melanogaster model (in vivo) was also tested. The results indicated that all honey samples tested showed antioxidant activity in vitro. Flies treated with honey showed increased lifespan and were protected against oxidative stress induced by Fe and PQ. Despite the high concentration of sugars in honey (approximately 70–80%), our results demonstrate a hypoglycemic-like effect of honey in Drosophila. Thus, this study demonstrates the high quality of Brazilian Pampa biome honey as well as its significant antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo, pointing to the potential use of this natural product as an alternative in the therapy of oxidative stress-associated diseases. 1. Introduction Honey is a complex mixture produced by honeybees from the nectar and is widely consumed as a sweetener. In addition, honey is well known for its therapeutic properties [1]. Honey is constituted primarily by sugars such as monosaccharides and disaccharide as well as organic acids, vitamins, carotenoid-derived compounds, amino acids, proteins, trace elements, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. It also contains enzymes such as glucose oxidase, diastase, invertase, catalase, and peroxidase [2]. The composition of each honey is influenced by a number of factors including geographical origin, botanical sources of nectar, and environmental and climatic conditions as well as handling and processing techniques [3]. In addition, honey phenolic content has been correlated with the antioxidant capacity of honey samples from different regions [4, 5]. Thus, it becomes important to characterize the identity and quality of honeys from distinct regions around the globe. The Brazilian Pampa biome is one of the six biomes occurring in Brasil and covers a large area shared with Argentina and Uruguay in the southern portion of South America. It presents distinctive characteristics of vegetation, climate, and soil types, making it a unique ecosystem on the planet [6]. Brazil is one of the largest honey producing countries, exporting this natural product to almost all continents, including Europe. The Rio Grande do Sul state (where the Pampa biome is located) is the largest honey producer in Brazil [7]. But so far, no studies on the characterization of honeys from the Pampa biome are available. It is shown from previous
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