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Research Note: Key phenolic compounds found in Leatherwood Honey that contribute to bioactivity

Phenolic compounds, naturally found in plants, support human health through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

 

#Phenolic CompoundFunction / Potential BenefitsCommon Food SourcesReferences
1Ellagic AcidAntioxidant; Anti-inflammatory; Neuroprotective; Supports gut microflora balance; Antimicrobial activity (notably against H. pylori).Berries; almonds; walnuts[1, 2]
2GenistinAntioxidant; Anti-inflammatory; Bone health; Reduces postmenopausal symptoms; Cardioprotective; Neuroprotective; Supports liver health.Soy-derived foods[3–5]
3Methyl SyringateAntioxidant; Anti-diabetic (Type 2 diabetes prevention); Appetite regulation; Anti-proliferative effects.Some honeys[6–8]
4Kojic AcidAntioxidant; Anti-inflammatory; Antimicrobial; Skin brightening; Reduces age spots & pigmentation.Fermented foods; shiitake mushrooms[9]
5Abscisic AcidBlood glucose regulation; Anti-inflammatory (IBD); Cardioprotective; Brain support.Avocados; citrus; apples; potatoes[10–14]
64-Methoxymandelic AcidNot yet studied in clinical trials; promising research area. Structurally related to antioxidants; chemical marker for Leatherwood honey origin.Leatherwood honey[15]
7LumichromeAnti-cancer potential; Supports bone health; Antimicrobial.Honeys; soybeans; vegetables[16, 17]
8TaxifolinAntioxidant & anti-inflammatory; Brain health; Protects vascular function & liver; Anti-cancer activity.Citrus; olive oil; grapes; onions[18]

References

  1. Gupta, A., et al., Neuroprotective potential of ellagic acid: a critical review. Advances in Nutrition, 2021. 12(4): p. 1211-1238.
  2. Harper, P., A review of the dietary intake, bioavailability and health benefits of ellagic acid (EA) with a primary focus on its anti-cancer properties. Cureus, 2023. 15(8).
  3. Gu, M., et al., Cardioprotective Effects of Genistin in Rat Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury Studies by Regulation of P2X7/NF‐κB Pathway. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016. 2016(1): p. 5381290.
  4. Islam, A., et al., The potential health benefits of the isoffavone glycoside genistin. Archives of pharmacal research, 2020. 43: p. 395-408.
  5. Sharifi-Rad, J., et al., Genistein: an integrative overview of its mode of action, pharmacological properties, and health benefits. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2021. 2021(1): p. 3268136.
  6. Ahn, D., et al., Methyl Syringate Stimulates Glucose Uptake by Inhibiting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance. Life, 2023. 13(6): p. 1372.
  7. Elamine, Y., et al., Physicochemical characteristics and antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of Moroccan Zantaz honey rich in methyl syringate. Food Chemistry, 2021. 33G: p. 128098.
  8. Kim, M.J., et al., The TRPA1 agonist, methyl syringate suppresses food intake and gastric emptying. PLoS One, 2013. 8(8): p. e71603.
  9. Saeedi, M., M. Eslamifar, and K. Khezri, Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomedicine C Pharmacotherapy, 2019. 110: p. 582-593.
  10. Guri, A.J., R. Hontecillas, and J. Bassaganya-Riera, Abscisic acid ameliorates experimental IBD by downregulating cellular adhesion molecule expression and suppressing immune cell infiltration. Clinical Nutrition, 2010. 2G(6): p. 824-831.
  11. Guri, A.J., et al., Dietary abscisic acid ameliorates glucose tolerance and obesity-related inffammation in db/db mice fed high-fat diets. Clinical Nutrition, 2007. 26(1): p. 107-116.
  12. Guri, A.J., et al., Abscisic acid ameliorates atherosclerosis by suppressing macrophage and CD4+ T cell recruitment into the aortic wall. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 2010. 21(12): p. 1178-1185.
  13. Liao, P., et al., The ameliorative effects and mechanisms of abscisic acid on learning and memory. Neuropharmacology, 2023. 224: p. 109365.
  14. Zocchi, E., et al., Abscisic acid: a novel nutraceutical for glycemic control. Frontiers in nutrition, 2017. 4: p. 24.
  15. Moore, G., P. Brooks, and A. Boufridi, 4-Methoxymandelic acid: A leatherwood (Eucryphia lucidia) honey marker for authentication. Current Research in Food Science, 2025: p. 101088.
  16. Chantarawong, W., et al., Lumichrome inhibits human lung cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis via a p53-dependent mechanism. Nutrition and Cancer, 2019. 71(8): p. 1390-1402.
  17. Liu, C., et al., Lumichrome inhibits osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption through suppressing RANKL‐induced NFAT activation and calcium signaling. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 2018. 233(11): p. 8971-8983.
  18.  Das, A., et al., Pharmacological basis and new insights of taxifolin: A comprehensive review.
    Biomedicine C Pharmacotherapy, 2021. 142: p. 112004.