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Preliminary Research of Organic Extractives from Satureja spp. Honey (Croatia)

The search for honey chemical markers indicating floral origin has been focus of many studies in last 15 years in order to specify organic compounds (particularly headspace, volatile and semi-volatile compounds) that are more closely associated with a particular honey type and consequently would be helpful for a fast and reliable identification of its botanical source (Kaškonienè, 2010). The isolation method may also have an effect on the results of analysis of honey volatiles (Alissandrakis, 2005). In our previous study (Jerković, 2007) the headspace chemical profile of S. montana honey was deter-mined by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The main headspace volatiles were: ethyl benzoate, hotrienol, cis- and trans-linalool oxides followed by minor quantity of acetoin, 2-phenylethanol, phenylacetaldehyde, β-phenylacetate, linalool and others. Hotrienol is probably formed during honey ripening. Phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol and benzaldehyde are ubiquitous in many honey types. In the present research, ultrasonic solvent extraction (with the mixture pentane : diethyl ether 1 : 2 v/v (solvent A) and dichloromethane (solvent B)) was applied for the isolation of Satureja.spp. honey volatile and semi-volatile compounds. Obtained extracts were analysed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-FID and GC-MS). Chromatographic profiles were domi-nated by methyl syringate (61.2-68.8% (solvent A) ; 44.9-59.0% (solvent B)), not found with HS-SPME due to its low volatility (the levels of methyl syringate are usually determined by GC after me-thylation). Methyl syringate has already been reported as chemical marker of Asphodel (Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. et Viv.) honey with highest level (Tuberoso, 2009). It is interesting to note that methyl syringate was detected in honeys obtained from plants of different botanical families: black locust, rape, sweet chestnut, clover, lime, dandelion, sunflower, thyme and manuka. In addition, methyl syringate is contributor of the honey antibacterial activity since the honey peroxide-generating system does not account for all of the observed antimicrobial activity.

chemical markers; methyl syringate; Satureja spp.; honey

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