Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: H002
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.H002
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, H002 (2024)
Exploring the therapeutic potential of honey. A comprehensive study on cholinesterase inhibition for Alzheimer’s disease prevention
Dorota Gajowniczek-Ałasa1*, Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik1, Dominik Szwajgier1, Anna Winiarska-Mieczan2
1 Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
2 Department of Bromatology and Nutrition Physiology, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: dorota.gajowniczek@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is rapidly increasing globally, emphasizing the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. This study investigates the potential of 19 types of honey as sources of cholinesterase inhibitors, crucial in addressing the neurodegenerative processes associated with AD. Current treatments involve acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase (AChE/BChE) inhibitors, but prevention through dietary intake of inhibitors remains an unexplored avenue. Material and Methods: The research focuses on evaluating the inhibitory effects of honeys on AChE and BChE using Ellman’s colorimetric method, addressing the “false-positive” effect. Chemical analyses determine the total polyphenolic content (TPC) of honeys, considering their potential role in cholinesterase inhibition. The study employs statistical analysis to discern significant correlations between TPC and cholinesterase inhibition. Results with Discussion: Thyme honey demonstrated the highest potential for AChE inhibition (21.17%), while goldenrod honey exhibited the highest capacity for BChE inhibition (33.89%). The diverse inhibitory profiles among honeys indicate their potential as natural sources of cholinesterase inhibitors. The TPC varied widely among the honeys, suggesting a connection between polyphenolic content and cholinesterase inhibition. The positive correlation between TPC and anti-AChE activities supports previous findings in the literature. Conclusions: This research underscores the potential role of honey as a rich source of cholinesterase inhibitors, with implications for AD prevention. The significant correlations observed between TPC and cholinesterase inhibition highlight the importance of polyphenols in the observed effects. Future investigations will delve deeper into the isolation and structure-activity relationships of inhibitors in selected honeys, paving the way for potential therapeutic applications. The results contribute valuable insights for those exploring natural sources of cholinesterase inhibitors and underscore the need for further research using animal models to validate the observed effects.
Keywords: acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, honey, Alzheimer’s disease
How to cite
D. Gajowniczek-Ałasa, E. Baranowska-Wójcik, D. Szwajgier, A. Winiarska-Mieczan, 2024. Exploring the therapeutic potential of honey. A comprehensive study on cholinesterase inhibition for Alzheimer’s disease prevention. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.H002