Characterisation and fate of grayanatoxins in mad honey produced from Rhododendron ponticum nectar

Mad honey from Rhododendron ponticum nectar is produced in a large quantity in the western Black Sea region of Turkey and causes poisoning due to consumption of grayanatoxins (GTX I and III). There are a few studies about characterisation of GTXs in mad honey produced from R. ponticum. This study quantified basic properties including concentrations of GTX I and GTX III in mad honey samples collected in three consecutive years. Although the chemical composition of mad honey varied annually depending on the production year, mean GTX I and GTX III contents were estimated at 20.4 ± 1.69 and 8.20 ± 1.93 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of GTXs did not change significantly during storage of 6 months.