Multivariate Analysis Secondary Metabolites in Honey Samples from Terai Region of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The phenolic profile of the investigated samples revealed considerable variation in the concentrations of p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, and pinocembrin. Among the quantified compounds, pinocembrin generally occurred at the highest concentration with the highest levels observed in Maharajganj and Pilibhit, whereas the lowest concentration was recorded in Rampur. Gallic acid was the second most abundant compound, its maximum level was observed in Balarach, followed by Pilibhit, while Rampur exhibited the lowest concentration. p-Coumaric acid showed moderate variation among the samples  reaching its highest level in Bahariach and its lowest in Rampur. In contrast, caffeic acid was detected at comparatively lower concentrations, with relatively limited variation among samples. Overall, the results demonstrate distinct differences in the phenolic composition of the samples, with pinocembrin and gallic acid represented the predominant compounds, while caffeic acid contributed comparatively less to the overall phenolic profile. These variations suggested differences in the accumulation or relative abundance of individual phenolic constituents among the samples and may contribute to the differences observed in their overall phenolic and flavonoid contents. Among the locations, Bahraich exhibited the highest positive PC1 score followed by Maharajganj and Pilibhit placing these locations toward the positive phenolic gradient represented by PC1. Rampur showed the highest positive PC2 score, indicated a strong association with the positive PC2 variables, particularly quercetin, β-carotene and linalool. Conversely, Basti exhibited strongly negative scores for both PC1 and PC2, placing it toward the negative PC2 direction associated with p-coumaric acid. Shahjahanpur showed a relatively strong negative PC1 score, whereas Lakhimpur Kheri, Balrampur, Gonda and Shravasti were located close to the origin, indicated comparatively weak differentiation along the first two components.