Journal of Plant Pathology & Microbiology

Abstract

The Influence of Botanical Origin and Physico-chemical Parameters on the Antifungal Activity of Algerian Honey

Ahmed Moussa, Djebli Noureddine, Aissat Saad, Meslem Abdelmalek Abdelmalek and Bacha Salima

The purpose of the study was to characterize the physicochemical of 6 natural honeys, and to evaluate the antifungal activity of honey. Honey samples were collected from different locations of Algeria Republic. Pollen profile, colour, moisture content, ash, electrical conductivity and pH, were the parameters analyzed in each honey sample. The antifungal activity of honey samples were tested by 100% and 50% (wt per vol) concentration against Candida albicans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and by the agar well diffusion method and spectrophotometric assay. Ketoconazole 2% and Nystatin (100 U), were used as positive controls.

The floral identification of honeys allowed to cluster them, as monofloral and polyfloral honeys. Concerning the physicochemical parameters, all honey samples were found to meet European Legislation (EC Directive 2001/110) for all parameters. The mean values obtained for the physico-chemical parameters were: pH 4.1; 15.31% moisture; 0.24% ash, 0.39 ms cm-1 electrical conductivity and11.95 free acidity. Inhibition zones for C. albicans (6 of 10 mm) and R. mucilaginosa (6 of 20 mm) were observed. Also, the percentage inhibition(%) for C. albicans (69.76 of 99.85) and R. mucilaginosa (83.03 of 99.77). The antifungal activity of honeys is related to their floral origin, and physicochemical properties constitute a useful resource for the generation of functional foods.