The quality of twenty Algerian honeys was assessed based on their palynological and physicochemical properties, and their trace and toxic elements composition. A qualitative pollen analysis was conducted to estimate the botanical origin. The physicochemical analyses included moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), colour, and the content of 3 sugars (fructose, glucose, and sucrose). The analysis of mineral and heavy metals included Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and As. The pollen spectrum showed a great diversity with 60 taxa identified. The palynological analyses revealed the presence of 15 honeys with pollen dominance (unifloral): Citrus sp., Eucalyptus sp., Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., Sinapis arvensis L., Dorycnium sp., Bupleurum sp., Echium sp., Lotus sp., and 5 honeys without pollen dominance (polyfloral). The physicochemical results showed that the samples conform to international quality standards, with few exceptions related to HMF, mainly due to beekeeping practices. The colour was from water white to dark amber. Pb and Cd concentrations were found to be below the maximum residue limits set by the European Directive with which the toxic elements were compared. These results would contribute to the assessment of Algerian honey and provide a database for the regulation of honey trade and consumer protection.

Description of the subject. In Algeria, jujube honey has a socio-economic and therapeutic importance. In the absence of quality standards, it is often exposed to fraudulent practices in its designation of origin and quality. Objectives. To identify the characteristics of pollen and to determine the pollen spectrum, making it possible to specify Algerian jujube honeys, as well as the morphological characteristics of the pollen of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Method. Forty samples of Z. lotus honey were subjected to qualitative and quantitative pollen analyses according to the methods recommended by the International Commission of Bee Botany. The morphological description of Z. lotus pollen was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results. The jujube honeys belong to Maurizio’s class II and III; they do not contain any honeydew indicator. Fifty-four pollen taxa belonging to 35 families were identified. The number of pollen types per sample varied from 16 to 37. All the honey samples analyzed had a jujube pollen dominance of over 46%, with an average percentage of 65.2% ± 13.3. The pollen of Peganum harmala L. was found to be ubiquitous in the honey samples. The combination of pollen from P. harmala, Retama raetam, the Euphorbia and Brassica form genera, as well as some Asteraceae species from the genera of Centaurea, Echinops, Calendula and Carduus type, were found to characterize the Algerian jujube honey samples studied. The pollen of Z. lotus is tricolporate with long meridian colpi, isopolar with radial symmetry, triangular in polar view, mostly medium-sized and prolate-shaped. The exine ornamentation is rugulated. Conclusions. This study enables the construction of a referential pollen database of jujube honeys from Algeria.

This study biodiversity of the use of medicinal plants among the population of eastern Algeria for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. A total of 210 respondents, primarily women (63%), participated in the survey, revealing a significant inclination towards traditional remedies, particularly among individuals over 40 years old and those with no formal education (70%). The findings indicate that 70% of the participants reported using medicinal plants, with a notable preference for oral administration due to its patient-friendly nature and effectiveness in addressing internal disorders. The research highlights the predominant use of aerial parts of plants, with decoction being the most common preparation method, facilitating the extraction of active compounds. The study also emphasizes the socio-demographic profile of medicinal plant users, noting that married individuals constitute 70% of the respondents, reflecting their role as primary caregivers. The results suggest that the local population's reliance on traditional remedies stems from accumulated knowledge passed down through generations, although there is a concerning decline in this knowledge among younger individuals. The research also revealed the presence of 35 medicinal plants categorized into 21 families, with Apiaceae and Lamiaceae being the predominant ones. This research contributes to the understanding of the cultural significance and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in Algeria, advocating for further clinical studies to validate their efficacy in treating IBS. By documenting local practices and preferences, this study aims to preserve traditional knowledge and promote the integration of herbal medicine into modern healthcare approaches, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment options for IBS.

Description of the subject. In Algeria, jujube honey has a socio-economic and therapeutic importance. In the absence of quality standards, it is often exposed to fraudulent practices in its designation of origin and quality. Objectives. To identify the characteristics of pollen and to determine the pollen spectrum, making it possible to specify Algerian jujube honeys, as well as the morphological characteristics of the pollen of Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. Method. Forty samples of Z. lotus honey were subjected to qualitative and quantitative pollen analyses according to the methods recommended by the International Commission of Bee Botany. The morphological description of Z. lotus pollen was performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results. The jujube honeys belong to Maurizio's class II and III; they do not contain any honeydew indicator. Fifty-four pollen taxa belonging to 35 families were identified. The number of pollen types per sample varied from 16 to 37. All the honey samples analyzed had a jujube pollen dominance of over 46%, with an average percentage of 65.2% +/- 13.3. The pollen of Peganum harmala L. was found to be ubiquitous in the honey samples. The combination of pollen from P. harmala, , Retama raetam, , the Euphorbia and Brassica form genera, as well as some Asteraceae species from the genera of Centaurea, , Echinops, , Calendula and Carduus type, were found to characterize the Algerian jujube honey samples studied. The pollen of Z. lotus is tricolporate with long meridian colpi, isopolar with radial symmetry, triangular in polar view, mostly medium-sized and prolate-shaped. The exine ornamentation is rugulated. Conclusions. This study enables the construction of a referential pollen database of jujube honeys from Algeria.

Our survey was carried out at the level of 17 Municipalities of the Province of Skikda. Questionnaire sheets were distributed to 55 herbalists and 350 locale population (informants). The processing of survey data with the local population shows us that women (52 %) have more knowledge of phytotherapy compared to men (48 %) with a fairly high level of education. For the herbalists, we found that most are men (85.45 %) aged between 31-40 years (29.09 %) and 41-50 years (25.45 %), and with level of university study (36.36 %). On the other hand, 52.73 % of herbalists said they inherited their knowledge from their families and only 20 % of them were trained in institutes. From a pharmacological point of view, the leaves are the most used part of the plant (81.76 %), prepared in the form of different recipes generally intended for local use (66.65 %), while some plants can be used alone, or with honey and olive oil. Regarding the diversity of species, we have identified 24 antihemorrhagic species among them the most cited are; Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter. (Asteraceae) (137 citations), Chamaecytisus triflorus (Lam.) Skalická (Fabaceae) (81 citations) and Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae) (72 citations). Finally, this study is interesting and forms a starting point for researchers and must be completed by in vitro and in vivo antihemorrhagic tests.

Despite the challenging conditions in the pre-Saharan areas of Algeria, such as weak plant cover and a harsh climate, beekeeping is being developed and spread. In the present work, honey samples collected from ten locations in the El Oued region were examined during the spring of 2021. A melissopalynological analysis was carried out, followed by a floristic investigation. The 10 honey samples were also investigated for their physicochemical properties and antioxidant and antibacterial activity against five strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Listeria innocua, and Micrococcus luteus. The floristic analysis found 65 species belonging to 33 botanical families, with a dominance of the Asteraceae family accounting for 18.461% of the total. The melissopalynological study revealed only one monofloral honey (Ziziphus lotus), whereas the nine others were multi-floral. The honey's color changed from light to dark amber, and most tested honey was of high quality, fulfilling international criteria. The total phenol and flavonoid contents varied considerably amongst the various honey samples. Furthermore, LC-MS-MS phenolic profile analysis identified the presence of 20 chemicals, of which only three phenols were found in all honey types. Antioxidant capacity analyzed with FRAP test and antiradical activities against DPPH differed from one honey sample to another. Moreover, a significant correlation was recorded between the antioxidant activity, honey's color, polyphenol, and flavonoid contents. The S. aureus strain was the most sensitive regarding honey antibacterial activity, while M. luteus and B. subtilis strains were only moderately sensitive.

Honey bees and beekeeping activity are of huge importance for the crop production and biodiversity conservation as well as for the economic impact due to ecosystem services. In the south of Algeria, the jujube blooming is an essential forage source for honey bees. The aim of this study was to determine the melissopalynological and sensory characteristics of Algerian jujube honey. Nineteen samples of jujube honey collected in south Algeria over the period from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed. The unifloral designation attributed to the honey was confirmed by a pollen analysis following the established standard methods. Sensory analysis is carried out testing the color, the odor and aromas. The results showed that Ziziphus lotus pollen was predominant in all samples, and in terms of sensory analysis, color ranged from amber yellow to light brown; the determined scent classes were warm, floral and woody with medium intensity; the aroma was represented by medium intensity with the warm caramelized, floral fruity and woody classes. Sweet flavor is perceived at medium intensity, acidic flavor is weak, astringent sensation is average and the piquant note is perceived with a low intensity. This work proves to be important for improving the knowledge in typical honeys.

L’objectif de l’étude est la connaissance des potentialités alimentaires naturelles utiles aux abeilles et l’utilisation vernaculaire du miel dans la région de la Mitidja. Sur 103 espèces à fleurs identifiées, 32 d’entre elles sont les plus butinées. Des spectres floraux sont établis montrant deux périodes de disponibilité florale: importante et faible. Lorsque la source alimentaire est fortement disponible, les abeilles sélectionnent les fleurs à butiner. Elles chercheraient la qualité de la miellée. Le miel occupe une place importante dans la thérapie traditionnelle de la région.

Characterization of honeys produced in the region of Djelfa steppe land in Algeria. Description of the subject. This paper deals with the quality of honeys produced in the steppe areas of Algeria and discusses the possibility of their valorization. Objectives. The objective was to characterize and compare the physical and chemical quality of honeys and to determine their pollen composition according to their geographical origin in three areas of the Djelfa semi-arid region of Algeria. Method. Thirty-eight samples of honey produced in 11 localities in the north, centre and south of the Djelfa semi-arid steppe region were harvested in July for two consecutive years. Pollen analyses were performed and the following properties of the honey samples were determined: water content, pH level, electrical conductivity, color, hydroxymethylfurfural content, saccharase index, diastase index and carbohydrate profile. Results. The results of the pollen analyses identified 34 taxa of pollen. The most abundant pollens were from the Ziziphus lotus, which were present in 97.12% of the samples. The pollens from this shrub were dominant in 27 of the honey samples tested, with a pollen percentage of greater than 45%. Over 55% of the pollen frequencies found came from plants belonging to Asteracae, Brassicaceae, Cistaceae and more particularly to Euphorbia bupleuroides, Peganum harmala, Thapsia garganica, Echium sp. and Retama retam. Conclusions. The physicochemical parameters of the honey samples studied comply with European and international quality standards, which opens up perspectives for their valorization.

Description of the subject. This paper deals with the quality of honeys produced in the steppe areas of Algeria and discusses the possibility of their valorization. Objectives. The objective was to characterize and compare the physical and chemical quality of honeys and to determine their pollen composition according to their geographical origin in three areas of the Djelfa semi-arid region of Algeria. Method. Thirty-eight samples of honey produced in 11 localities in the north, centre and south of the Djelfa semi-arid steppe region were harvested in July for two consecutive years. Pollen analyses were performed and the following properties of the honey samples were determined: water content, pH level, electrical conductivity, color, hydroxymethylfurfural content, saccharase index, diastase index and carbohydrate profile. Results. The results of the pollen analyses identified 34 taxa of pollen. The most abundant pollens were from the Ziziphus lotus, which were present in 97.12% of the samples. The pollens from this shrub were dominant in 27 of the honey samples tested, with a pollen percentage of greater than 45%. Over 55% of the pollen frequencies found came from plants belonging to Asteracae, Brassicaceae, Cistaceae and more particularly to Euphorbia bupleuroides, Peganum harmala, Thapsia garganica, Echium sp. and Retama retam. Conclusions. The physicochemical parameters of the honey samples studied comply with European and international quality standards, which opens up perspectives for their valorization.