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Research Note: Health Benefits of Leatherwood Honey*

Tasmania’s rich and diverse native flora contributes to its reputation as a leading producer of premium honey products. Leatherwood honey is one of Tasmania’s most iconic food products, celebrated for its distinctive floral aroma and flavour profile. It is derived from the leatherwood tree (Eucryphia lucidia), which grows exclusively in the highly biodiverse forests of Western and Southern Tasmania. The phenolic profile of Leatherwood honey is likely to be unique, setting it apart from honeys derived from other floral sources. Ms. Moore, Dr. Brooks and Dr. Boufridi at the UniSC Honey lab set out to discover the phenolic profile of mono-floral Leatherwood honey and to identify natural chemical markers that can reliably authenticate its botanical origin. The Honey Lab team found 4- methoxymandelic acid as a unique marker for leatherwood honey in addition to 13 secondary chemical markers. The research article titles “4-Methoxymandelic acid: A leatherwood (Eucryphia lucidia) honey marker for authentication” has been published in “Current Research in Food Science”.

Key Findings:

  • Unique Phenolic Profile: 14 compounds have been identified as chemical markers. These compounds constitute the chemical fingerprint of leatherwood honey. Phenolic compounds are naturally occurring, plant-based compounds with chemically complex structures that offer a range of therapeutic benefits and biological actions, contributing to overall health and wellness.
  • Identification of 4- methoxymandelic acid (4-MMA) – as far as we know, this compound is found only in leatherwood honey and at significant concentrations. This makes 4-MMA a unique phenolic marker of Leatherwood honey [1].
  • Genistin [2] and Ellagic acid [3]: consistently present in leatherwood honey, these compounds may have several potential health benefits:
    • Cardioprotective effects [4].
    • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity- reduces oxidative stress enzymes and inflammation, key contributors to chronic disease.
    • Antibacterial- fights harmful bacteria
    • Supports bone health- lowers the risk of osteoporosis and helps alleviate post- menopausal symptoms.
    • Anticarcinogenic- may help inhibit cancer cell growth.
    • Neuroprotective effects- offers potential benefits for cognitive function.
    • Hepatoprotective- helps protect the liver from inflammation and damage, supporting overall metabolic health.
    • Antifibrotic- helps reduce the formation of scar tissue.
    • Immunomodulatory- supports balanced immune function.
  • Methyl Syringate, is recognised for its health-promoting properties including antioxidant, antiproliferative [5] and anti-diabetic [6] effects. Research suggests methyl syringate may also play a role in appetite regulation and weight management by reducing food intake and delaying gastric emptying [7].
  • Abscisic acid has been studied for its benefits to human health. It is thought to play an important role in regulating blood glucose and limiting inflammation, while also offering therapeutic effects for conditions such obesity [8], atherosclerosis [9] and inflammatory bowel diseases [10]. Its benefits on atherosclerosis suggests its potential in supporting cardiovascular health[9]. It has the potential to enhance learning and memory by reducing inflammation and enhancing how the brain transmits information [11].
  • Lumichrome: Preliminary studies have shown that lumichrome exhibits pharmacological activity against some cancer cells [12].
  • Kojic acid is highly regarded in the beauty industry for its anti-aging and skin lightening properties, particularly useful in treating hyperpigmentation and age spots [13].

Conclusion: Leatherwood honey demonstrates chemical uniqueness among Australian honeys, with multiple health-relevant compounds. These findings support its classification as a high-value functional food.

Conclusion: Leatherwood honey demonstrates chemical uniqueness among Australian honeys, with multiple health-relevant compounds. These findings support its classification as a high-value functional food.

References

  1. 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.
  2. Islam, A., et al., The potential health benefits of the isoffavone glycoside genistin.
    Archives of pharmacal research, 2020. 43: p. 395-408.
  3. Gupta, A., et al., Neuroprotective potential of ellagic acid: a critical review. Advances in Nutrition, 2021. 12(4): p. 1211-1238.
  4. 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.
  5. Elamine, Y., et al., Physicochemical characteristics and antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of Moroccan Zantaz honey rich in methyl syringate. Food Chemistry, 2021. 339:p. 128098.
  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. Kim, M.J., et al., The TRPA1 agonist, methyl syringate suppresses food intake and gastric emptying. PLoS One, 2013. 8(8): p. e71603.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  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. 29(6): p. 824-831.
  11. Liao, P., et al., The ameliorative effects and mechanisms of abscisic acid on learning and memory. Neuropharmacology, 2023. 224: p. 109365.
  12. 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.
  13. Saeedi, M., M. Eslamifar, and K. Khezri, Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomedicine C Pharmacotherapy, 2019. 110: p. 582-593.