RESULTS: Stingless bee honey treatment successfully reduced the Lee obesity index (LOI) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), improved lipid profiles and reproductive hormone levels, enhanced sperm quality, and restored renal function. The most pronounced effects were observed at 150 and 300 mg kg-1, indicating a non-linear dose-response pattern. These bioactive effects may be attributed to a diverse metabolite composition, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and the characteristic sugar, trehalulose.
CONCLUSIONS: Stingless bee honey exhibits significant therapeutic potential in ameliorating metabolic and reproductive disorders. The observed hormesis response further highlights the importance of dose optimization, with low to moderate doses conferring greater benefits than higher dosages. As far as the authors are aware, no prior study has evaluated the effects of SBH on the interconnected conditions of obesity, diabetes, and male infertility, making this investigation the first of its kind. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.