Metabolomics-based profiling enables the comprehensive identification and quantification of small molecules in honey, providing a chemical fingerprint that can be used for authentication and quality assessment.
The fructose-to-glucose ratio in honey is a key compositional parameter; higher ratios are often associated with slower glucose release and a potentially lower glycaemic response.
Honey, one of nature’s most valued products, is far more than a simple natural sweetener. Its composition reflects a complex interplay between botanical origin, geography and bee activity. Among India’s diverse honey varieties, Jamun honey derived from Syzygium cumini, has long been recognised in traditional knowledge systems for its medicinal and wound-healing properties, attributed in part to its rich antioxidant and metabolite composition. However, scientific validation of these properties, alongside reliable authentication methods, has remained limited.
At CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr Udaya Kiran Marelli and his team have undertaken a comprehensive investigation into the metabolomics-based profiling of Jamun honey, adopting a data-driven approach that combines advanced analytical techniques with large-scale sampling. Their study presents one of the most extensive metabolic profiles reported for a single-origin honey, establishing a scientific foundation for both quality assessment and functional evaluation.
The work is centred on the analysis of 82 authentic Jamun honey samples collected from the Mahabaleshwar region, produced by Apis cerana bees. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the researchers quantitatively mapped the sugar composition, including glucose, fructose, sucrose and other saccharides. Complementary analysis using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) enabled the identification and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonoids, key contributors to antioxidant activity.
A defining outcome of this study is the consistently low glucose content observed across all samples, along with reduced total glucose and fructose levels when compared with typical honey varieties. This results in a relatively high fructose-to-glucose ratio, an indicator often associated with a lower glycaemic response. These findings lend quantitative support to the long-standing perception of Jamun honey as a potentially suitable option for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
Beyond its sugar profile, the study reveals a rich composition of bioactive compounds. Several phenolic acids and flavonoids, including myricetin, kaempferol and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, were identified in significant quantities. Their presence correlates with strong antioxidant activity, as confirmed through targeted biophysical assays. This supports Jamun honey not merely as a nutritional product, but as a functional food with measurable health-related properties.
Importantly, the study also highlights limitations in conventional methods of honey authentication. Melissopalynology, or pollen analysis, showed a surprisingly low presence of Jamun pollen in the samples. This observation highlights the challenges of relying solely on pollen-based identification and points to the growing relevance of metabolomics-driven approaches for accurate floral authentication.
The quality and integrity of the samples were further supported by minimal levels of fermentation markers such as hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and ethanol, indicating stable and well-preserved honey. Such consistency strengthens the reliability of the dataset and its potential use as a reference standard.
In the context of increasing concerns over honey adulteration, this work represents a significant advancement. By establishing a detailed compositional reference for authentic Jamun honey, the study lays the groundwork for improved quality control, fraud detection and development of standardised authentication protocols. More broadly, it contributes to the creation of a data-driven ecosystem for honey authentication in India, preserving the authenticity and economic potential of India’s indigenous natural resources.
What emerges is more than just a chemical profile; it is a scientific validation of a traditional natural resource. By decoding its molecular signature, researchers are not only advancing analytical science but also enhancing the value, credibility and global potential of India’s indigenous honeys. As efforts continue to strengthen trust and transparency in the honey industry, such approaches offer a clear pathway forward, where traditional knowledge is complemented by molecular-level precision.
Metabolic profiling of Jamun (Syzygium cumini) honey: NMR and HPLC driven studies uncover low glucose levels and high antioxidant properties
Snehal Sadashiv Waghole, Shirin Hanna Moncy, Sapna Ravindranathan, Udaya Kiran Marelli