A Modified Folin-Ciocalteu Assay for the Determination of Total Phenolics Content in Honey

The Folin-Ciocalteu assay is a widely used method for measuring the total phenolic content (TPC) in honey, but it can be affected by presence of reducing sugars which lead to interference and an over-estimation its TPC. To optimize honey analysis, effect pH on was investigated. A number scenarios were tested using different concentrations Na2CO3 (0.00%, 0.75%, 0.94%, 7.50%) order minimize sugar maximize reaction phenolics assay. modified TPC then validated accordance with current International Council Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. findings this study demonstrate that traditional (using 7.50% aqueous solution, 10.8) leads significant overestimation due sugars. However, 7.9, achieved 0.75% provides suitable conditions account most compounds without from This finding further confirmed testing various solutions artificial yielded values below established limit detection quantification slight increase pH, even moderate deviation (pH 8.9), discrepancies absorbance readings, indicating control crucial accurate analysis honey.