Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of <i>Apocynum</i> Honey in Different Regions of Xinjiang

ABSTRACT In this study, honey produced from Apocynum venetum L. was collected from BC (Bachu County), SY (Shaya County), and YL (Yuli County) in Xinjiang. The basic physical and chemical properties of the honey, and the contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, and amino acids were analyzed, and 16 types of polyphenols were quantified using triple quadrupole liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (TQ‐LCMS). The antioxidant activity of the honey was evaluated using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazil (DPPH•), 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonate) (ABTS• + ), and ferric ion–reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The correlations of basic physical and chemical properties with antioxidant activity were analyzed. Results showed that the basic indices of honey from the three production regions were consistent with the GH/T 18796‐2012 industry standard. The antioxidant activity of honey from the three regions was ranked as follows: YL &gt; SY &gt; BC. The data of physical and chemical indexes and polyphenol content were correlated with antioxidant capacity. This study found that the physical and chemical indices and the types and contents of active components were different among the three honey samples owing to differences in the production regions.