(-)-Gallocatechin Gallate: A Novel Chemical Marker to Distinguish Triadica cochinchinensis Honey

honey (TCH) is collected from the nectar of the medicinal plant and is considered the most important honey variety in southern China. TCH has significant potential medicinal properties and commercial value. However, reliable markers for application in the authentication of TCH have not yet been established. Herein, a comprehensive characterization of the botanical origin and composition of TCH was conducted by determining the palynological characteristics and basic physicochemical parameters. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to investigate the flavonoid profile composition of TCH, nectar (TCN) and 11 other common varieties of Chinese commercial honey. (-)-Gallocatechin gallate (GCG) was identified as a reliable flavonoid marker for TCH, which was uniquely shared with TCN but absent in the other 11 honey types. Furthermore, the authentication method was validated, and an accurate quantification of GCG in TCH and TCN was conducted. Overall, GCG can be applied as a characteristic marker to identify the botanical origin of TCH.