Widely targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the profiles of vetch honey

Vicia sativa L. (VH) honeys are appreciated by consumers for their distinctive colors, tastes and potential biological properties. However, comprehensive metabolic profiles of VH are insufficient. Here, we performed a comprehensive metabolomic analysis of VH and Vicia sativa L. (V) plants. A total of 937 significantly different metabolites were identified between V and VH. These included 179 flavonoids, 163 lipids, 124 amino acids and their derivatives, 111 phenolic acids, 93 alkaloids, etc. Lysine, glutamine, (2S,4R)-4-hydroxy-1-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, 2-decenedioic acid, imidazole-4-acetic acid and 6-deoxycatalpol were found to be up-regulated in VH, which may contribute to its taste and distinctive flavor. VH also retained the bioactive flavonoids present in V, including quercetin, kaempferol, genistein, apigenin, isorhamnetin and their derivatives. These results demonstrate the potential health benefits and high commercial value of VH.