Abstract
The constituents of honey's volatile compounds depend on the nectar source and differ depending on the place of origin. To date, the volatile constituents of Tualang honey have never been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the volatile compounds in local Malaysian Tualang honey. A continuous extraction of Tualang honey using five organic solvents was carried out starting from non-polar to polar solvents and the extracted samples were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 35 volatile compounds were detected. Hydrocarbons constitute 58.5% of the composition of Tualang honey. Other classes of chemical compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). This is the first study to describe the volatile compounds in Tualang honey. The use of a simple one tube, stepwise, non-thermal liquid-liquid extraction of honey is a advantageous as it prevents sample loss. Further research to test the clinical benefits of these volatile compounds is recommended.
Highlights
IntroductionHoney has been valued for its medicinal properties
Since ancient times, honey has been valued for its medicinal properties
There are many types of honey that can be found around the world such as alfalfa honey from Canada, avocado honey from California, manuka honey from New Zealand while Malaysia is famous for gelam, coconut and tualang honeys
Summary
Honey has been valued for its medicinal properties. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey have been investigated (Jeffrey et al, 1996; Tan et al, 2009). The Tualang tree (Koompassia excelsa) is a majestic tree of the Southeast Asia rainforests best known for the diskshaped honeycombs which hang from its horizontal branches (http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tualang.htm). It is mostly found in lowland forests of Penisular Malaysia, southern Thailand, northern Sumatra and Borneo, and can grow to heights greater than 85 meters. The trees are valued by the locals due to its honey. A standing Tualang tree is more valuable for its honey than if it were felled for its timber. The honey from the combs of this tree is known as Tualang honey, and is produced by Apis dorsata or Asian rock bees
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