Extractable, organic substances from New Zealand unifloral vipers bugloss (Echium vulgare) honey
Author(s)
Alistair L Wilkins; Seng-To Tan; Peter C Molan
Abstract
The levels of extractable organic substances in ten New Zealand unifloral vipers bugloss (Echium vulgare) honey samples were determined. The dominant extractive substance, present at levels of 16-28 mg/kg of honey, was identified as 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (hydroquinone). Lesser levels of 2,5-cyclohexadiene-1 ,4-dione (benzoquinone) and a number ofpara-disubstituted aromatic compounds were also detected in the extracts. 1,4-dihydroxybenzene is proposed as a floral marker compound for vipers bugloss (Echium vulgare) honey.
Keywords
honey, botanical composition, organic compounds, 1,4-dihydroxybenzene, vipers bugloss, Echium vulgare, gas chromatography, New Zealand
