Characterization of markers of botanical origin and other compounds extracted from unifloral honeys

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Feb 27;61(8):1747-55. doi: 10.1021/jf302798d. Epub 2013 Feb 13.

Abstract

The possibility of tracing the botanical and geographical origin of products such as honey has become more important because of market globalization. As a consequence, numerous analytical methods have been applied to the determination of honey authenticity. The scope of the present work is to chromatographically purify and characterize 23 compounds from organic extracts of unifloral (chestnut, linden, orange, acacia, eucalyptus, honeydew) and polyfloral honeys. Of these compounds, 17 were identified as specific markers and were used for botanical discrimination in a previous study based on multivariate statistical analysis of proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) data. Together with the botanical markers, 6 other substances were isolated and characterized using NMR and mass spectrometry. These phytochemicals belong to several classes, that is, terpenes, organic acids, flavonoids, and others. For the first time, a diacylglyceryl ether and 5 other compounds present in different types of honey were identified and characterized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bees / chemistry
  • Bees / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / chemistry*
  • Flowers / chemistry*
  • Flowers / classification
  • Honey / analysis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Plant Extracts