Characterization and discrimination of Rhus chinensis Mill. honeys from different geographical origins based on physicochemical parameters, minerals, volatile compounds and antioxidant activities

This study aims to characterize and discriminate Rhus chinensis Mill. honeys from different geographical origins based on their physicochemical parameters, mineral elements, volatile compounds, and antioxidant activities. Rhus chinensis Mill. honey samples were collected from four different geographical origins for analysis. The results demonstrated statistical differences in nine physicochemical parameters, nine mineral elements, 12 volatile compounds, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities of Rhus chinensis Mill. honey from different origins. The principal component analysis (PCA) biplot and partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) plot constructed with 35 statistically different variables demonstrated that different origins of Rhus chinensis Mill. honey could be effectively discriminated, among which 14 variables had variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1. These variables could serve as potential markers to discriminate Rhus chinensis Mill. honey from different origins. Our findings improve the understanding of Rhus chinensis Mill. honey and can facilitate the tracing of its origin.