Measurement of sugar and ph in X-ray irradiated honey

Abstract

Honey samples collected from Obudu, Nigeria were irradiated at X-ray tube potentials between 50kVp and 90kVp (typical diagnostic potentials) and analysed for possible changes in pH and sugar concentration. It was observed that X-ray irradiation of Honey actually causes changes in its pH and sugar concentration, which did not follow any defined pattern, but had values that were significant in some cases when compared with those of the control. Being major contributors to the inhibitory property of honey, the observed changes in the values of these parameters may alter the potency of honey in wound treatment and healing. Therefore x-ray examinations during honey therapy should be avoided.

Keywords: honey, sugar, pH, Concentration, X-ray, irradiation

Nigerian Journal of Physics Vol. 17, 2005: 113-116