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- Title
Surface Characterization of Selected Malaysian Honey Observed Under VPSEM.
- Authors
Ghazali, Farid Che; A. A., Norazlin; S. W., Shah; S. S . J., Mohsin
- Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 1989 an editorial column of the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine expressed "The therapeutic potential of uncontaminated, pure honey is grossly underutilized. It is widely available in most communities and although the mechanism of action of several of its properties remains obscure. Thus there is a need for further investigation; the time has now come for conventional medicine to lift the blinds off this 'traditional remedy' and give it its due recognition". Honey is widely used in traditional medical systems as a food supplement, an aid or remedy to manage diversity of wounds and as a preservative for herbal medicines. OBJECTIVE The present pilot study discusses the variable pressure scanning electron microscopic (VPSEM) data and its role in determining topographical minute morphology at various phases of dried honey and qualitative analysis for its elemental ingredients. Tualang, Kelulut and local forest honey, 'Hutan' were selected. Data collected can provide further advisory information with regard to the reported biochemical and pharmacological properties and the mechanism related to the beneficial effect of honey. MATERIAL AND METHODS The pilot study utilizes LEO SUPRA 50 VPSEM (incorporated with energy dispersive x-ray scanning EDX) at 27 Pascal pressure and 8mm working distance. The honey was dried on a glass plate via the critical point drying technique and then sputter coated with thin layer of titanium. RESULTS VPSEM of the dried forest honey revealed a smear that is observable in various phases. The superior most surface can be described as a top film that is presented with multiple osteonal like presentations with well defined circumferentially placed outer and inner core layers. This top film was thin, translucent and rests on the actual thick smear of the forest Hutan' honey below it. In this honey, EDX detected a 48.89 weight % of carbon and 47.40% of oxygen. VPSEM of the critically dried 'Tualang and 'Kelulut' honey also revealed a well-defined top film that is superimposed as if blanketing the actual main bulk of the 'Tualang' and 'Kelulut' honey that is situated below it. This top film is thin and easily crumpled like that of crumpled wasted tissue paper in presentation. In tualang, EDX detected a 41.81 weight % of carbon and 58.19 % of oxygen CONCLUSIONS The introduction of VPSEM in honey research can help healthcare providers acquire more knowledge on this highly commercialized entity. Research which provides information on local honey must be enhanced.
- Subjects
THERAPEUTIC use of honey; SCANNING electron microscopy; TRADITIONAL medicine; CARBON; OXYGEN
- Publication
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2007, Vol 14, Issue 1, p123
- ISSN
1394-195X
- Publication type
Article