The phenolic profile of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey

Abstract

Despite of the many beneficial health effects of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) honey due to its strong antioxidant activity derived mostly from polyphenols, a detailed phenolic profile has not been previously studied. The aims of this study were to identify the phenolic compounds, determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and evaluate the radical scavenging activity (RSA) of strawberry tree honey from south Croatia. Fifty-two polyphenolics (twenty-seven phenolic acids and twenty-five flavonoids) were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled to a hybrid mass spectrometer (LTQ Orbitrap MS). Our overall results point to higher TPC (1038 mg gallic acid equivalents per kg of honey) and stronger RSA (3.32 mmol Trolox equivalents per kg of honey) compared to other monofloral honeys. Due to the presence of large quantities of polyphenolic compounds, strawberry tree honey may have great potential as a health promoting food.