High-performance thin-layer chromatography profiling of Jarrah and Manuka honeys

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an in-depth study on high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) profiling of Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and Manuka (Leptospermum spp.) honeys following a simple one-step solvent extraction process. The study demonstrates that different HPTLC fingerprints are obtained from honeys from varying floral sources and that honeys of the same floral origin present a consistent reproducible HPTLC profile. In addition, the linearity and reproducibility of this technique as well as its ability to detect (accidental or deliberate) contaminations with honeys of different floral sources are demonstrated. The study thus illustrates the usefulness of HPTLC profiling as a potential quality control tool that might complement other analytical techniques used in the authentication of monofloral honeys.