Volatile fingerprints of common and rare honeys produced in Greece: in search of PHVMs with implementation of the honey code

A non-targeted metabolomic methodology using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in combination with headspace solid-phase microextraction was applied for the identification of pharmaceutical honey volatile metabolites. Common and rare honeys (citrus, fir, honeydew, pine, thyme, asfaka, arbutus, chestnut, and cotton), in a total of 32 samples, were collected from different regions in Greece. Seventy-three volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified and semi-quantified using the internal standard method. Among volatiles, the norisoprenoid 3,4,6,6-tetramethylbicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-ene-2,8-dione, was identified for the first time to contribute to Greek honey aroma. Pharmaceutical VOCs of interest included: terpenes, norisoprenoids benzene derivatives/phenolic volatiles and other compounds. The content of such metabolites was affected by honey's botanical origin (p<0.05). The honey code was developed to construe differences among honey varieties with respect to semi-quantitative data of pharmaceutical volatile metabolites. The exploitation of natural organic compounds for the treatment of diseases is of great value. [GRAPHICS] .