Apicultural products from the Sibillini Mountains bio-district: Chemical characterization and bioactive potential within a circular economy perspective

Honey composition is influenced by environmental and geographical factors, including altitude. In this study, multifloral honeys collected at different altitudes within the Sibillini Mountains bio-district (Italy), together with associated apicultural by-products (honeycomb and beeswax), were investigated through an integrated chemical and biological approach. Volatile organic compounds were characterized by HS-SPME–GC–MS, while phenolic compounds were quantified by UHPLC–MS/MS. Low-altitude honeys showed higher concentrations of several phenolic acids and volatile compounds compared with high-altitude and commercial samples. Honey polyphenolic extracts reduced intracellular ROS/RNS levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HepG2 and THLE-2 cells, with more pronounced effects observed for low-altitude samples. Honeycomb extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than beeswax, suggesting their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Overall, samples collected at different altitudes displayed distinct chemical and biological profiles. These findings provide insights into honey chemical fingerprinting within a single production area and support the potential valorisation of apicultural by-products in a circular bioeconomy framework.