Chemical Profiles and Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Essential Oils from Seseli gummiferum and Seseli corymbosum subsp. corymbosum

The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils from Seseli corymbosum subsp. corymbosum Pall. ex Sm. (SC) and Seseli gummiferum Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. corymbosum (SG) was investigated for the first time on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main constituents (determined by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses) were germacrene D (54.1%) and sabinene (22.4%) in SG oil and β-phellandrene (29.2%), α-phellandrene (8.2%) and germacrene D (2.5%) in SC oil. SC and SG oils inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 56.1 and 108.2 μg/mL, respectively. The oils also inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with IC50 values of 49.4 μg/mL (SC oil) and 95.5 μg/mL (SG oil). The inhibitory effect of SC and SG oils was accompanied by dose-dependent decreases of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The research of the reporter gene assay on nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) showed that SC and SG oils inhibited NF-κB transcriptional activity. The obtained results suggest that SC and SG oils exert the anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing NF-κB activation.

Chemical Profiles and Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Essential Oils from Seseli gummiferum and Seseli corymbosum subsp. corymbosum

The anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils from Seseli corymbosum subsp. coiymbosum Pall. ex Sm. (SC) and Seseli gummiferum Boiss. & Heldr. subsp. corymbosum (SG) was investigated for the first time on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The main constituents (determined by GC-FID and GC-MS analyses) were germacrene D (54.1%) and sabinene (22.4%) in SG oil and β-phellandrene (29.2%), α-phellandrene (8.2%) and germacrene D (2.5%) in SC oil. SC and SG oils inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 56.1 and 108.2 μg/mL, respectively. The oils also inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with IC50 values of 49.4 μg/mL (SC oil) and 95.5 μg/mL (SG oil). The inhibitory effect of SC and SG oils was accompanied by dose-dependent decreases of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expressions in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. The research of the reporter gene assay on nuclear factor KB (NF-KB) showed that SC and SG oils inhibited NF-KB transcriptional activity. The obtained results suggest that SC and SG oils exert the anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by suppressing NF-KB activation.

Traceability of Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) Honey through Nectar/Honey-Sac/Honey Pathways of the Headspace, Volatiles, and Semi-Volatiles: Chemical Markers

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE), followed by GC-MS/FID, were applied for monitoring the nectar (NE)/honey-sac (HoS)/honey (HO) pathways of the headspace, volatiles, and semi-volatiles. The major NE (4 varieties of Citrus unshiu) headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. Corresponding extracts contained, among others, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one and caffeine. The major HoS headspace compounds were linalool, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole, 1H-indole, methyl anthranilate, and cis-jasmone. Characteristic compounds from HoS extract were caffeine, 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, methyl anthranilate, and phenylacetonitrile. However, HO headspace composition was significantly different in comparison to NE and HoS with respect to phenylacetaldehyde and linalool derivatives abundance that appeared as the consequence of the hive conditions and the bee enzyme activity. C. unshiu honey traceability is determined by chemical markers: phenylacetaldehyde, phenylacetonitrile, linalool and its derivatives, as well as 1H-indole, 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one, and caffeine.

Antioxidant capacity and chemical profiles of Satureja montana L. Honey: hotrienol and syringyl derivatives as biomarkers

The present study is focused on the antioxidant capacity and chemical profiling of eight Croatian Satureja montana L. honey samples. Among the 20 compounds obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and identified by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses, hotrienol was predominant (75.9-81.7%). The honey matrix volatile/semivolatile profile was investigated by ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) followed by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. The major compounds identified by this latter method were the sinapic-acid derivatives methyl syringate (36.2-72.8%) and syringaldehyde (2.2-43.1%). Direct, targeted HPLC-DAD analyses of the native honey samples revealed the presence of methyl syringate (7.10-39.60 mg/kg) and syringic acid (0.10-1.70 mg/kg). In addition, the total phenolic content of the samples was determined by the FolinCiocalteu assay (311.0-465.9 mg GAE/kg), and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the DPPH radical-scavenging activity (0.5-1.0 mmol TEAC/kg) and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (2.5-5.1 mmol Fe(2+) /kg).

Screening of Satureja subspicata Vis. Honey by HPLC-DAD, GC-FID/MS and UV/VIS: Prephenate Derivatives as Biomarkers

The samples of Satureja subspicata Vis. honey were confirmed to be unifloral by melissopalynological analysis with the characteristic pollen share from 36% to 71%. Bioprospecting of the samples was performed by HPLC-DAD, GC-FID/MS, and UV/VIS. Prephenate derivatives were shown to be dominant by the HPLC-DAD analysis, particularly phenylalanine (167.8 mg/kg) and methyl syringate (MSYR, 114.1 mg/kg), followed by tyrosine and benzoic acid. Higher amounts of MSYR (3-4 times) can be pointed out for distinguishing S. subspicata Vis. honey from other Satureja spp. honey types. GC-FID/MS analysis of ultrasonic solvent extracts of the samples revealed MSYR (46.68%, solvent pentane/Et2O 1:2 (v/v); 52.98%, solvent CH2Cl2) and minor abundance of other volatile prephenate derivatives, as well as higher aliphatic compounds characteristic of the comb environment. Two combined extracts (according to the solvents) of all samples were evaluated for their antioxidant properties by FRAP and DPPH assay; the combined extracts demonstrated higher activity (at lower concentrations) in comparison with the average honey sample. UV/VIS analysis of the samples was applied for determination of CIE Lab colour coordinates, total phenolics (425.38 mg GAE/kg), and antioxidant properties (4.26 mmol Fe(2+)/kg (FRAP assay) and 0.8 mmol TEAC/kg (DDPH assay)).

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) honey: volatiles chemical-profiling and unlocking antioxidant and anticorrosion capacity

Headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) were used for red clover honey volatiles extraction. The extracts were analysed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Lilac aldehyde isomers dominated in the headspace (individual range from 7.6 % to 21.4 %) followed by phenylacetaldehyde (10.1-31.2 %) and benzaldehyde (7.0-15.7 %). Higher aliphatic alcohols and hydrocarbons were the predominant constituents of the honey extracts. The honey and its extracts exhibited rather weak anti-radical activity (DPPH assay) and total antioxidant activity (FRAP assay). On the other hand, the honey’s inhibitive properties towards the corrosion of AA 2017A alloy in NaCl solution (potentiodynamic polarisation and potentiostatic pulse measurements) revealed the honey to be a very good anodic inhibitor (efficiency up to 76 %) while the honey extracts (USE) showed better inhibition efficacy.

Evaluation of HS-SPME and ultrasonic solvent extraction for monitoring of plant flavours added by the bees to herbhoneys: traceability biomarkers

The volatile composition of 21 herbhoneys (HHs) of 7 different botanical origins was characterised for the first time. Ultrasound solvent extraction (USE) and headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by GC-FID/MS were successfully applied as complementary methods for monitoring the volatile plant flavours added by the bees. HHs showed significant compositional variability related to the botanical origin and compounds that could serve as traceability biomarkers were identified. The most important compounds with high abundance were (E,extract; H, headspace): caffeine (up to 68.7%, E) and trans-linalool oxide (up to 26.0%, H) in coffee HH, α-terpineol (up to 8.2%, E; 27.1%, H) and bornyl acetate (up to 3.1, E; 11.9%, H) in pine HH, thymol (up to 3.1%, E; 55.4%, H) in thyme HH. Hawthorn HH was characterised by the presence of herniarin (up to 13.4%, E) and lemon HH contained limonene (up to 1.6%, E; 33.2%, H). Other HHs (nettle and aloe) contained lower amounts of volatiles and their profiles were not specific. In all the HHs, methyl syringate was found and it was most abundant in thyme HH (up to 17.4%, E). The volatile fraction of HHs showed some substantial similarities and differences with the composition of herbs from which they derive. It confirms the selective bee-mediated transfer of phytochemicals, including known flavour-active volatiles into the final product, but also biotransformation of several compounds. Additionally, several similarities to the corresponding natural honeys were observed, but in general HHs exhibited less rich volatile profiles.

GC-FID/MS Profiling of Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Peels from Citrus aurantium, C. sinensis cv. Washington navel, C. sinensis cv. Tarocco and C. sinensis cv. Doppio Sanguigno from Dubrovnik Area (Croatia)

The peels of Citrus aurantium L. and Citrus sinensis Osbeck cultivars from the Dubrovnik region (south Croatia) were extracted by supercritical CO2 at 40°C and 10 MPa at 1.76 kg/h to obtain enriched extracts in comparison with simple pressing of the peels. The extracts were analyzed in detail by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS). Relevant similarities among the peel oil compositions of C. aurantium and C. sinensis cultivars were found with limonene predominance (up to 54.3%). The principal oxygenated monoterpenes were linalool (3.0%–5.9%), α-terpineol (0.7%–2.4%), linalyl acetate (0.0%–5.0%), geranyl acetate (0.0%-0.4%), ( Z)-citral (0.0%–1.8%) and ( E)-citral (0.0%–1.9%). Several sesquiterpenes were found with minor percentages. Coumarin derivatives were identified in all the samples among the relevant compounds. Isogeijerin dominated in the peels of C. sinensis cv. Tarocco (15.3%) and C. aurantium (11.2%). Scoparone ranged from 0.1% to 0.5% in all the samples. Bergapten (up to 1.4%), osthole (up to 1.1%) and 7-methoxy-8-(2-formylpropyl)coumarin (up to 1.1%) were found mostly in C. sinensis cv. Doppio Sanguigno. It was possible to indicate a few other differences among the extracts such as higher percentage of linalool, linalyl and geranyl acetates, as well as the abundance of sabinene and isogeijerin in C. aurantium or the occurrence of β-sinensal in C. sinensis cultivars.

GC-FID/MS Profiling of Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Peels from Citrus aurantium, C. sinensis cv. Washington navel, C. sinensis cv. Tarocco and C. sinensis cv. Doppio Sanguigno from Dubrovnik Area (Croatia)

The peels of Citrus aurantium L. and Citrus sinensis Osbeck cultivars from the Dubrovnik region (south Croatia) were extracted by supercritical CO2 at 40 degrees C and 10 MPa at 1.76 kg/h to obtain enriched extracts in comparison with simple pressing of the peels. The extracts were analyzed in detail by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS). Relevant similarities among the peel oil compositions of C. aurantium and C. sinensis cultivars were found with limonene predominance (up to 54.3%). The principal oxygenated monoterpenes were linalool (3.0%-5.9%), α-terpineol (0.7%-2.4%), linalyl acetate (0.0%-5.0%), geranyl acetate (0.0%-0.4%), (Z)-citral (0.0%-1.8%) and (E)-citral (0.0%-1.9%). Several sesquiterpenes were found with minor percentages. Coumarin derivatives were identified in all the samples among the relevant compounds. Isogeijerin dominated in the peels of C. sinensis cv. Tarocco (15.3%) and C. aurantium (11.2%). Scoparone ranged from 0.1% to 0.5% in all the samples. Bergapten (up to 1.4%), osthole (up to 1.1%) and 7-methoxy-8-(2-formylpropyl)coumarin (up to 1.1%) were found mostly in C. sinensis cv. Doppio Sanguigno. It was possible to indicate a few other differences among the extracts such as higher percentage of linalool, linalyl and geranyl acetates, as well as the abundance of sabinene and isogeijerin in C. aurantium or the occurrence of β-sinensal in C. sinensis cultivars.

Comparison of different methodologies for detailed screening of Taraxacum officinale honey volatiles

Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) and solid phase extraction (SPE), followed by GC-FID/MS were used for screening of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber) honey headspace, volatiles and semi-volatiles. The obtained results constitute a breakthrough towards screening of dandelion honey since dominant compounds identified in the extracts were not previously reported for this honey type. Nitriles dominated in the headspace, particularly 3-methylpentanenitrile (up to 29.9%) and phenylacetonitrile (up to 20.9%). Lower methyl branched aliphatic acids and norisoprenoids were relevant minor constituents of the headspace. The extracts contained phenylacetic acid (up to 24.0%) and dehydrovomifoliol (up to 19.3%) as predominant compounds, while 3-methylpentanenitrile and phenylacetonitrile were detected in the extracts in minor abundance. Dehydrovomifoliol can be considered more characteristic for dandelion honey in distinction from phenylacetic acid. Low molecular aliphatic acids, benzene derivatives and an array of higher aliphatic compounds were also found in the extracts. The results of SPE/GC-FID/MS were very similar to USE/GC-FID/MS with the solvent dichloromethane. The use of all applied methodologies was relevant for the comprehensive chemical fingerprinting of dandelion honey volatiles.

Bioorganic research of Galactites tomentosa Moench. Honey extracts: enantiomeric purity of chiral marker 3-phenyllactic acid

Thistle (Galactites tomentosa Moench.) honey organic extracts were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) and analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-FID and GC-MS) for the first time. Most abundant headspace compounds were terpenes, particularly linalool derivatives (hotrienol was predominant with a range of 38.6-57.5%). 3-Phenyllactic acid dominated in the solvent extracts (77.4-86.4%) followed by minor percentages of other shikimate pathway derivatives. After determination of an adequate enantioseparation protocol on Chirallica PST-4 column, the honey solvent extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chiral analysis revealed high enantiomeric excess (>95%) of (-)-3-phenyllactic acid in all samples. Therefore, previous findings of chemical markers of thistle honey were extended, providing new potential for advanced chemical fingerprinting (optical pure chemical marker).

Color evaluation of seventeen European unifloral honey types by means of spectrophotometrically determined CIE L*Cab*h(ab)° chromaticity coordinates

CIE (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage) L(*)Cab(*)h(ab)° color coordinates for 305 samples of 17 unifloral honeys types (asphodel, buckwheat, black locust, sweet chestnut, citrus, eucalyptus, Garland thorn, honeydew, heather, lime, mint, rapeseed, sage, strawberry tree, sulla flower, savory and thistle) from different geographic locations in Europe were spectrophotometrically assessed and statistically evaluated. Preliminary separation of unifloral honeys was obtained by means of L(*)-C(ab)(*) color coordination correlation. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed an expected segregation of the honeys types according to their chromatic characteristics. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) allowed to obtain a more defined distinction of the 17 unifloral honey types, particularly when using 3D graphics. CIE L(*)C(ab)(*)hab(*) color coordinates were useful for the identification of several honey types. The proposed method represents a simple and efficient procedure that can be used as a basis for the authentication of unifloral honeys worldwide.

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.) honey quality parameters: chromatographic fingerprints, chemical biomarkers, antioxidant capacity and others

The samples of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.) honey from Poland were subjected to ultrasonic solvent extraction applying the mixture of pentane and diethyl ether 1:2v/v (solvent A) as well as dichloromethane (solvent B). The major compounds of the extracts (analysed by GC-MS/GC-FID) were C13 and C9 norisoprenoids. Among them, (E)-3-oxo-retro-α-ionol (2.4-23.9% (solvent A); 3.9-14.4% (solvent B)) and (Z)-3-oxo-retro-α-ionol (3.7-29.9% (solvent A); 8.4-20.4% (solvent B)) were found to be useful as chemical biomarkers of this honey. Other abundant compounds were: methyl syringate (0.0-31.4% (solvent A); 0.0-25.4% (solvent B)) and 3-hydroxy-4-phenylbutan-2-one (1.6-15.8% (solvent A); 5.1-15.1% (solvent B)). HPLC-DAD analysis of the samples revealed lumichrome (4.7-10.0mg/kg), riboflavin (1.9-2.7mg/kg) and phenyllactic acid (112.1-250.5mg/kg) as typical compounds for this honey type. Antioxidant and antiradical properties as well as total phenolic content of the samples were found to be rather moderate by FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) and Folin-Ciocalteu assays, respectively. Additionally, CIE L(∗)a(∗)b(∗)C(∗)h chromatic coordinates were evaluated. Colour attributes of cornflower honey were characterised by elevated values of L(∗) and particularly high values of b(∗) and h coordinates, which correspond to medium bright honey with intense yellow colour.

GC-MS Fingerprints and Other Physico-chemical Characteristics of Rare Unifloral Prunus cerasus L. Honey

GC-MS fingerprints of unifloral sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus L.) honey were investigated for the first time by GC-FID and GC-MS {after headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE)}. Additionally, other physico-chemical characteristics of the samples were determined (total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and CIE L*a*b*C*h chromatic coordinates). The principal volatile components of the honey headspace were lilac aldehydes (46.0; 50.6%) along with benzaldehyde (18.0; 19.4%). The dominant component of the dichloromethane USE extract was vomifoliol (39.6; 44.9%). The abundant identified compounds may only serve as non-specific markers of the honey's botanical origin since they also occur in other honey types. The honey contained low-moderate amount of polyphenols (209.0 - 309.5 mg GAE/kg) and exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (0.4 - 0.6 mmol TEAC/kg; 1.6 - 1.9 mmol Fe2+/kg).

Chemical Composition of Hypericum richeri subsp. grisebachii Essential Oil from Croatia

The aerial parts of Hypericum richeri Vill. subsp. grisebachii (Boiss.) Nyman were collected from two different locations in Croatia and subjected to hydrodistillation. GC/FID and GC/MS analysis of the isolated essential oils revealed 64 compounds representing 94.7% and 98.2% of the total oils. Predominant constituents in both samples were: germacrene D (10.9%; 6.0%), bicyclogermacrene (4.7%; 3.5%), α-pinene (6.8%; 6.9%), β-pinene (8.1%; 5.1%), decanoic acid (4.5%; 6.8%), β-caryophyllene (3.3%; 7.5%), δ-cadinene (7.0%; 4.4%), spathulenol (6.0%; 9.5%) and tetracosane (3.1%; 5.8%). Comparison of both samples revealed similarity in the chemical composition with minor fluctuations of constituent percentages. The chemical profile of Croatian oils was in general similar to those reported for other geographic areas regarding major mono- and sesquiterpene constituents. However, spathulenol, 5-cadinene and bicyclogermacrene were more abundant in Croatian oils. The presence of decanoic acid (4.5%; 6.8%) in Croatian oils was the major difference between acids and fatty acids derivatives. Higher abundance of alkanes (particularly tetracosane and docosane) was also noticed.

Chemical composition of Hypericum richeri subsp. grisebachii essential oil from Croatia

The aerial parts of Hypericum richeri Vill. subsp. grisebachii (Boiss.) Nyman were collected from two different locations in Croatia and subjected to hydrodistillation. GC/FID and GC/MS analysis of the isolated essential oils revealed 64 compounds representing 94.7% and 98.2% of the total oils. Predominant constituents in both samples were: germacrene D (10.90%; 6.0%), bicyclogermacrene (4.7%; 3.5%), alpha-pinene (6.8%; 6.9%), beta-pinene (8.1%; 5.1%), decanoic acid (4.5%; 6.8%), beta-caryophyllene (3.3%; 7.5%), delta-cadinene (7.0%; 4.4%), spathulenol (6.0%; 9.5%) and tetracosane (3.1%; 5.8%). Comparison of both samples revealed similarity in the chemical composition with minor fluctuations of constituent percentages. The chemical profile of Croatian oils was in general similar to those reported for other geographic areas regarding major mono- and sesquiterpene constituents. However, spathulenol, delta-cadinene and bicyclogermacrene were more abundant in Croatian oils. The presence of decanoic acid (4.5%; 6.8%) in Croatian oils was the major difference between acids and fatty acids derivatives. Higher abundance of alkanes (particularly tetracosane and docosane) was also noticed.

Volatile organic compounds from Centaurium erythraea Rafn (Croatia) and the antimicrobial potential of its essential oil

GC and MS were used for the analysis of Croatian Centaurium erythraea Rafn essential oil (obtained by hydrodistillation) and headspace (applying headspace solid-phase microextraction). The headspace contained numerous monoterpene hydrocarbons (the major ones were terpinene-4-ol, methone, p-cymene, γ-terpinene and limonene). Oxygenated monoterpenes were present in the headspace and oil, while 1,8-cineole, bornyl acetate and verbenone were present only in the headspace. High headspace percentages of toluene and naphthalene were found, followed by hemimellitene. Lot of similarities were observed with Serbian C.erythraea oil [neophytadiene (1.4%), thymol (2.6%), carvacrol (6.1%) and hexadecanoic acid (5.7%)], but different features were also noted such as the presence of menthol, menthone and phytone. The oil fractionation enabled identification of other minor compounds not found in total oil such as norisoprenoides, alk-1-enes or chromolaenin. The essential oil showed antimicrobial potential on Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. On the other hand, no antibacterial activity of the oil was observed on Pseudomonas fluorescens and Lysteria monocytogenes.

Biodiversity of Salix spp. honeydew and nectar honeys determined by RP-HPLC and evaluation of their antioxidant capacity

Rare unifloral willow (Salix spp.) honeys obtained from nectar or honeydew were investigated by direct RP-HPLC-DAD method in order to identify and quantify compounds that can be used as possible markers of their origin. Antioxidant and antiradical activities of willow honeys were evaluated using FRAP (=ferric reducing antioxidant assay) and DPPH (=1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical) tests, respectively. Also HMF (=5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural), diastase activity, and CIE L*a*b*C*h* chromatic coordinates were evaluated. Abscisic acids (ABA) are typical of willow nectar honey, with a predominance of (Z,E)-ABA on (E,E)-ABA (98.2 and 31.7 mg/kg, resp.). Kinurenic acid and salicylic acid are useful to mark willow honeydew honey. The proposed HPLC-DAD method proved to be easy and reliable to identify the two different Salix spp. honeys, being not affected from any sample preparation artifact. Total antioxidant activity measured with the FRAP assay ranged from 3.2 to 12.6 mmol Fe(2+) /kg, and the antiradical activity measured with the DPPH assay ranged from 0.6 to 3.0 mmol TEAC (=Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity)/kg in nectar and honeydew honeys, respectively. Salix spp. nectar and honeydew honeys proved to be two completely different honeys, because, besides color attributes, they show different antioxidant properties and specific compounds.

Volatile compounds of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. et Viv. Honey obtained by HS-SPME and USE analyzed by GC/MS

Chemical analysis of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. et Viv. honey is of great importance, since melissopalynology does not allow the unambiguous determination of its botanical origin. Therefore, the volatile compounds of eight unifloral asphodel honeys have been investigated for the first time. The honey extracts were obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonicsolvent extraction (USE) and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. In the honey headspace, 31 volatile compounds were identified with high percentages of 2-phenylacetaldehyde (2; 14.8–34.7%), followed by somewhat lower percentages of methyl syringate (1; 10.5–11.5%). Compound 2 is not a specific marker of the botanical origin of the honey, but its high percentage can be emphasized as headspace characteristic of asphodel honey. The extraction solvent for all the samples was selected after extracting a representative sample with pentane, Et(2)O, pentane/Et(2)O 1:2 (v/v), and CH(2)Cl(2) . Compound 1 was the major constituent of all the USE extracts (46.8–87.0%). According to these preliminary results, all the honey samples were extracted by USE with the solvent pentane/Et(2)O 1:2. A total of 60 volatile compounds were identified with 1 as predominant compound (69.4–87.0%), pointing out 1 as Asphodelus honey volatile marker.