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Graphene-magnetite as adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid in stingless bee honey

Musa M, Wan Ibrahim WA, Mohd Marsin F, Abdul Keyon AS, Rashidi Nodeh H

Food Chem, 2018 Nov 01;265:165-172.
PMID: 29884368 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.04.020

Graphene-magnetite composite (G-Fe3O4) was successfully synthesized and applied as adsorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of two phenolic acids namely 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB) from stingless bee honey prior to analysis using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet-visible detection (HPLC-UV/Vis). Several MSPE parameters affecting extraction of these two acids were optimized. Optimum MSPE conditions were 50 mg of G-Fe3O4 adsorbent, 5 min extraction time at 1600 rpm, 30 mL sample volume, sample solution pH 0.5, 200 µL methanol as desorption solvent (5 min sonication assisted) and 5% w/v NaCl. The LODs (3 S/N) calculated for 4-HB and 3,4-DHB were 0.08 and 0.14 µg/g, respectively. Good relative recoveries (72.6-110.6%) and reproducibility values (RSD 

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext In Vivo Toxicity Evaluation of Sugar Adulterated Heterotrigona itama Honey Using Zebrafish Model

Fakhlaei R, Selamat J, Razis AFA, Sukor R, Ahmad S, Amani Babadi A, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Oct 15;26(20).
PMID: 34684803 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206222

Honey is prone to be adulterated through mixing with sugars, cheap and low-quality honey, and other adulterants. Consumption of adulterated honey may cause several health issues such as weight gain, diabetes, and liver and kidney dysfunction. Therefore, studying the impact of consumption of adulterated honey on consumers is critical since there is a lack of study in this field. Hence, the aims of this paper were: (1) to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) of adulterated honey using zebrafish embryo, (2) to elucidate toxicology of selected adulterated honey based on lethal dose (LD50) using adult zebrafish, (3) to determine the effects of adulterated honey on histological changes of zebrafish, and (4) to screen the metabolites profile of adulterated honey by using zebrafish blood serum. The LC50 of Heterotrigona itama honey (acacia honey) and its sugar adulterants (light corn sugar, cane sugar, inverted sugar, and palm sugar in the proportion of 1-3% (w/w) from the total volume) was determined by the toxicological assessment of honey samples on zebrafish embryos (different exposure concentrations in 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postfertilization (hpf)). Pure H. itama honey represents the LC50 of 34.40 ± 1.84 (mg/mL) at 96 hpf, while the inverted sugar represents the lowest LC50 (5.03 ± 0.92 mg/mL) among sugar adulterants. The highest concentration (3%) of sugar adulterants were used to study the toxicology of adulterated honey using adult zebrafish in terms of acute, prolong-acute, and sub-acute tests. The results of the LD50 from the sub-acute toxicity test of pure H. itama honey was 2.33 ± 0.24 (mg/mL). The histological studies of internal organs showed a lesion in the liver, kidney, and spleen of adulterated treated-honey groups compared to the control group. Furthermore, the LC-MS/MS results revealed three endogenous metabolites in both the pure and adulterated honey treated groups, as follows: (1) S-Cysteinosuccinic acid, (2) 2,3-Diphosphoglyceric acid, and (3) Cysteinyl-Tyrosine. The results of this study demonstrated that adulterated honey caused mortality, which contributes to higher toxicity, and also suggested that the zebrafish toxicity test could be a standard method for assessing the potential toxicity of other hazardous food additives. The information gained from this research will permit an evaluation of the potential risk associated with the consumption of adulterated compared to pure honey.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Effect of acacia honey on cultured rabbit corneal keratocytes

Ker-Woon C, Abd Ghafar N, Hui CK, Mohd Yusof YA

BMC Cell Biol., 2014;15:19.
PMID: 24885607 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-15-19

Acacia honey is a natural product which has proven to have therapeutic effects on skin wound healing, but its potential healing effects in corneal wound healing have not been studied. This study aimed to explore the effects of Acacia honey (AH) on corneal keratocytes morphology, proliferative capacity, cell cycle, gene and protein analyses. Keratocytes from the corneal stroma of six New Zealand white rabbits were isolated and cultured until passage 1. The optimal dose of AH in the basal medium (FD) and medium containing serum (FDS) for keratocytes proliferation was identified using MTT assay. The morphological changes, gene and protein expressions of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), marker for quiescent keratocytes and vimentin, marker for fibroblasts were detected using q-RTPCR and immunocytochemistry respectively. Flowcytometry was performed to evaluate the cell cycle analysis of corneal keratocytes.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Antibacterial activity of selected Malaysian honey

Zainol MI, Mohd Yusoff K, Mohd Yusof MY

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:129.
PMID: 23758747 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-129

Antibacterial activity of honey is mainly dependent on a combination of its peroxide activity and non-peroxide components. This study aims to investigate antibacterial activity of five varieties of Malaysian honey (three monofloral; acacia, gelam and pineapple, and two polyfloral; kelulut and tualang) against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Stingless Bee Honey, the Natural Wound Healer: A Review

Abd Jalil MA, Kasmuri AR, Hadi H

Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2017;30(2):66-75.
PMID: 28291965 DOI: 10.1159/000458416

BACKGROUND: The stingless bee is a natural type of bee that exists in almost every continent. The honey produced by this bee has been widely used across time and space. The distinctive feature of this honey is that it is stored naturally in the pot (cerumen), thus contributing to its beneficial properties, especially in the wound healing process.
METHODS: In this article, several studies on stingless bee honey that pointed out the numerous therapeutic profiles of this honey in terms of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, as well as moisturizing properties are reviewed. All of these therapeutic properties are related to wound healing properties.
RESULTS: Antioxidant in stingless bee honey could break the chain of free radicals that cause a detrimental effect to the wounded area. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of stingless bee honey could overcome the bacterial contamination and thus improve the healing rate. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory attribute in this honey could protect the tissue from highly toxic inflammatory mediators. The moisturizing properties of the honey could improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and oxygen circulation.
CONCLUSION: The application of honey to the wound has been widely used since ancient times. As a result, it is essential to understand the pharmacological mechanism of the honey towards the physiology of the wounded skin in order to optimize the healing rate in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext The Beneficial Effects of Stingless Bee Honey from Heterotrigona itama against Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet

Ramli NZ, Chin KY, Zarkasi KA, Ahmad F

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 12 07;16(24).
PMID: 31817937 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244987

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions including central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that increases the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless honey bees has stronger antioxidant properties compared to other honey types and may be a functional food against MetS. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of KH in preventing metabolic changes in rats with MetS induced by high-carbohydrate and high-fat (HCHF) diet. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control (C), HCHF diet-induced MetS (S), and MetS supplemented with KH (K) groups. The K group was given KH (1 g/kg/day) for eight weeks. Compared to the control, the S group had significant higher omental fat mass, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressures, adipocyte area, and adipocyte perimeter (p < 0.05). KH supplementation significantly prevented these MetS-induced changes at week 16 (p < 0.05). Several compounds, including 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, coumaric and caffeic acids, had been detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis that might contribute to the reversal of these changes. The beneficial effects of KH against MetS-induced rats provide the basis for future KH research to investigate its potential use in humans and its molecular mechanisms in alleviating the disease.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Antimicrobial activities of Bacillus velezensis strains isolated from stingless bee products against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Baharudin MMA, Ngalimat MS, Mohd Shariff F, Balia Yusof ZN, Karim M, Baharum SN, et al.

PLoS One, 2021;16(5):e0251514.
PMID: 33974665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251514

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have reached epidemic proportions globally. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a continuous supply of antibiotics to combat the problem. In this study, bacteria initially identified as species belonging to the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens operational group were re-identified based on the housekeeping gene, gyrB. Cell-free supernatants (CFS) from the strains were used for antimicrobial tests using the agar well diffusion assay against MRSA and various types of pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and physicochemical characteristics of the CFS were determined. Based on gyrB sequence analysis, five strains (PD9, B7, PU1, BP1 and L9) were identified as Bacillus velezensis. The CFS of all B. velezensis strains showed broad inhibitory activities against Gram-negative and -positive as well as MRSA strains. Strain PD9 against MRSA ATCC 33742 was chosen for further analysis as it showed the biggest zone of inhibition (21.0 ± 0.4 mm). The MIC and MBC values obtained were 125 μl/ml. The crude antimicrobial extract showed bactericidal activity and was stable at various temperatures (40-80°C), pH (4-12), surfactants (Tween 20, Tween 80, SDS and Triton X-100) and metal ions (MgCI2, NaCI2, ZnNO3 and CuSO4) when tested. However, the crude extract was not stable when treated with proteinase K. All these properties resembled the characteristics of peptides. The antimicrobial compound from the selected strain was purified by using solvent extraction method and silica gel column chromatography. The purified compound was subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography which resulted in a single peak of the anti-MRSA compound being detected. The molecular weight of the anti-MRSA compound was determined by using SDS-PAGE and zymogram. The size of the purified antimicrobial peptide was approximately ~ 5 kDa. The antimicrobial peptide produced from B. velezensis strain PD9 is a promising alternative to combat the spread of MRSA infections in the future.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees/microbiology*
Malaysian tualang honey and its potential anti-cancer properties: a review

Ahmad Firdaus Khalid, Yoke KY, Jun JT

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2705-2711.

The use of honey as a therapeutic agent dates back at 8000 years and has markedly increased interest into its potential
health benefits. The by-products of the flower nectar have a complex chemical composition which promotes benefits in
underlying mechanism of human diseases. Malaysian Tualang Honey (MTH) is a multifloral jungle honey produced by
the rock bee (Apis dorsata). This review consolidates the results of carious studies involving biochemical assays of tissue
culture and animal trials of anti-cancer properties of MTH. Often studied in the context of breast cancer cell lines, MTH
has promising data for possible mechanisms in anti-cancer activity. These include apoptosis via depolarization of the
mitochondrial membrane, caspase-dependent apoptosis, reduction of angiogenesis and the promotion of cell cycle arrest
without posing cytotoxic effect on normal cell lines. Despite positive outcomes in tissue cultures, the oral administration
of MTH in breast cancer animal models showed slower tumour progression, reduction in tumour size and better grading
of histological features. The alleviation of breast carcinogenesis via modulation of hematologic, estrogenic and apoptotic
activities promotes MTH as a promising anticancer agent. With confidence in a conclusion that MTH is a useful treatment
for cancer, further experimental and clinical studies should be conducted.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Anti-inflammatory effects of trihoney in hypercholesterolemic atherosclerotic rabbits: a comparative study with atorvastatin

Hamad Alfarisi, Hamad Abdulsalam, Nuraniza Azahari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Mohamed, Zenab Hamad, Asmah Hanim Hamdan, Che Anuar Che Mohamad

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(2):230-236.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia has been proven as a main pathogenic trigger for pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis characterised by chronic inflammatory process and increased expression of inflammatory markers. In this study; Trihoney (a combination of three types of natural honey namely: Trigona, mellifera, and Dorsata)
was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effect in hypercholesterolemic atherosclerotic rabbits. Methods: Thirty
male New Zealand white rabbits (NZW) were grouped into: normal diet (C), normal diet with 0.6g/kg/day of Trihoney (C+H), 1% cholesterol diet (HCD), 1% cholesterol diet with 0.6g/kg/day of Trihoney (HCD+H), and 1%
cholesterol diet with 2mg/kg/day of atorvastatin (HCD+At.). After 12 weeks of starting the experiment, animals were
sacrificed and serum analysed for homocysteine and pro-atherogenic inflammatory markers such as: interleukin-1β
(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Fasting serum glucose was analysed to assess glycaemic status. Results: Trihoney treated group showed significantly lower (p

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Transcriptome Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Following the Exposure to Malaysian Stingless Bee Honey

Seder N, Abu Bakar MH, Abu Rayyan WS

Adv Appl Bioinform Chem, 2021;14:1-11.
PMID: 33488102 DOI: 10.2147/AABC.S292143

Introduction: Malaysian stingless bee honey (Trigona) has been aroused as a potential antimicrobial compound with antibiofilm activity. The capability of the gram-negative bacillus P. aeruginosa to sustain a fatal infection is encoded in the bacterium genome.
Methods: In the current study, a transcriptome investigation was performed to explore the mechanism underlying the biofilm dispersal of P. aeruginosa after the exposure to Trigona honey.
Results: Microarray analysis of the Pseudomonas biofilm treated by 20% Trigona honey has revealed a down-regulation of 3478 genes among the 6085 screened genes. Specifically, around 13.5% of the down-regulated genes were biofilm-associated genes. The mapping of the biofilm-associated pathways has shown an ultimate decrease in the expression levels of the D-GMP signaling pathway and diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) genes responsible for c-di-GMP formation.
Conclusion: We predominantly report the lowering of c-di-GMP through the down-regulation of DGC genes as the main mechanism of biofilm inhibition by Trigona honey.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext The efficacy of Morinda citrifolia leaves extracts in diabetic wound treatment

Xin Ying Chong, Syafiiqa Parlan, Tiu Ling Yii, Dayang Nurafiqah Awang Lokman, Clementine Jrillus, Nur Syamira Zainal Abidin, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):12-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: An economical and alternative diabetic wound care product is needed to address the escalating cost of diabetic wound ulcer treatment in Indonesia. Morindac itrifolia or commonly called noni, is a medicinal plant, dietary supplement, and traditional wound care product. This leaves extract contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulant, and antimicrobial properties. Trigona honey which is currently used to treat the diabetic wound at Kitamura Wound Specialist Clinic, Pontianak, Indonesia is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative properties. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia leaves extract and Trigona honey in diabetic wound healing. Methods: A quasi-experimental study (a randomized control trial design) was conductedin the clinicon two subjects with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Trigona honey and Morinda citrifolia leaves extract packing was done to the ulcer of controlled subject and treatment subject respectively as a primary dressing. DFU assessment was done every 2 days using the MUNGS assessment tool and a wound closure rate for- mula. Wound C&S was analysed using a bacterial count machine. Results: Morinda citrifolia leaves extract was able to promote wound contraction, improved MUNGS score (from 9 to 8), reduced bacteria count significantly (from
8.51 x 105 to 1.00 x 105), reduced the percentage of slough by 70% and increased granulating tissue by 60% after the first application. Whereas, Trigona honey extract showed no wound contraction but improved MUNGS score (from 11 to 7). However, bacteria count was maintained at the lowest level (1.00 x 105), reduce the percentage of slough by 10%, and only increased granulating tissues by 10% after the first application. Conclusion: Both products were able to promote diabetic wound healing but the Morinda citrifolia leaves extract was found to be more effective, thus concludes the potential use of Morinda citrifolia leaves extract in treating DFU.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext The stingless bee honey protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro

Ooi TC, Yaacob M, Rajab NF, Shahar S, Sharif R

Saudi J Biol Sci, 2021 May;28(5):2987-2994.
PMID: 34025176 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.02.039

Oxidative stress, DNA damage, and unresolved inflammation are the predisposing factors of many chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer. Stingless bee honey (SBH) is recognized to have high medicinal value by traditional medicine practitioners and has been used to treat various illnesses traditionally. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective effects of SBH by using in vitro cell culture models. The sugar content, total phenolic content, radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of SBH were determined in this study. Then, the protective effect of SBH against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death and DNA damage was studied by using WIL2-NS human lymphoblastoid cell line, while the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages cell line was used to study the anti-inflammatory effects of SBH. Results from this present study showed that the major sugar contents of SBH were fructose (19.39 + 0.01%) and glucose (14.03 ± 0.03%). Besides, the total phenolic content, the radical scavenging activity, and the FRAP value of SBH were 15.38 ± 0.02 mg GAE/100 g of honey, 34.04 ± 0.21%, and 206.77 + 1.76 μM AAE/100 g honey respectively. Pretreatment with SBH protected WIL2-NS cells from H2O2-induced cell death and DNA damage (p

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext The Phosphofructokinase and Pyruvate Kinase Genes in Apis andreniformis and Apis cerana indica: Exon Intron Organisation and Evolution

Shullia NI, Raffiudin R, Juliandi B

Trop Life Sci Res, 2019 Jan;30(1):89-107.
PMID: 30847035 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2019.30.1.6

Genes related to carbohydrate metabolism have evolved rapidly in eusocial bees, including honey bees. However, the characterisation of carbohydrate metabolism genes has not been reported in Apis andreniformis or Apis cerana indica. This study aimed to characterise phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) genes in these honey bee species and to analyse the evolution of the genus Apis using these genes. This study found the first data regarding A. andreniformis PFK and PK-like nucleotide sequences. A BLAST-n algorithm-based search showed that A. andreniformis and A. c. indica PFK and PK genes were homologous with those of Apis florea and Apis cerana cerana from Korea, respectively. Multiple alignments of PFKs from five Apis species showed many exon gains and losses, but only one among the PKs. Thus, the exon-intron organisation of the PK genes may be more conserved compare with that of the PFKs. Another evolutionary pattern indicated that more nucleotide substitutions occurred in Apis' PK than PFK genes. Deduced PFK amino acid sequences revealed a PFK consensus pattern of 19 amino acids, while the deduced PK amino acid sequences were predicted to have barrel and alpha/beta domains. Based on these two metabolism-related genes, The Neighbour-joining and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees are congruent and revealed that the A. andreniformis and A. florea group were in the basal position. Apis mellifera, A. cerana, and Apis dorsata formed a monophyletic clade, although the positions of A. mellifera and A. dorsata were different in the nucleotide- and amino acid-based phylogenetic trees.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Effects of honey types and heating treatment on the textural, thermal, microstructural, and chemical properties of glutinous rice flour gels

Seow EK, Tan TC, Lee LK, Easa AM

J Texture Stud, 2020 12;51(6):909-916.
PMID: 32537814 DOI: 10.1111/jtxs.12544

Hardening issue in starch-based products that arises during storage, is ascribed to the long-term starch retrogradation which involves the recrystallisation of amylopectin. Present study aimed to delay storage hardening with the addition of high diastase honey bee honey (HBH) and low diastase kelulut bee honey (KBH) into glutinous rice flour (GRF) gels. As compared to KBH, retardation of texture deterioration by HBH was more prominent as evidenced by the significantly (p

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Antiulcer properties of Kelulut honey against Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer

Latifah Saiful Yazan, Nurul Amira Zainal, Muhamad Firdaus Shyfiq Muhamad Zali, Gopalsamy, Banulata, Ling, Voon Fui, Aminah Suhaila Haron, et al.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2018;26(1):121-132.
MyJurnal

Ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract refer to any appreciable depth of break in the mucosa lining that may involve submucosa. Common types of ulcer include peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcer, which may lead to chronic inflammation. Ulcers may be caused by excessive alcohol intake or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), in addition to several other factors. Conventional medication such as Omeprazole (proton pump inhibitor) and Ranitidine (H2 blockers) for management of ulcers may cause severe side effects such as myelosupression and abnormal heart rhythm. This has driven researchers to explore the potential of natural products for management of ulcers with reduced side effects. Kelulut honey (KH) is a type of honey that is produced by stingless bees from the Trigona species. It is believed to have a lot of medicinal properties such as being antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic. Yet, no scientific study has been carried out on its antiulcer properties. This study was carried out to determine the antiulcer properties of KH. Eighteen male Sprague dawley rats (5 to 6 weeks old, weighing between 200 and 300 g) were divided into three groups (n=6). The groups were 1) normal control group (without ulcer, without KH), 2) positive control group (with ulcer, without KH) and 3) treatment group (with ulcer, treated with KH). The treatment, KH (1183 mg/kg), was given twice daily for 30 consecutive days by oral administration. On Day 31, the rats were induced with absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) via oral administration after being fasted for 24 h and were sacrificed 15 min after the induction. The stomach was collected for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation. Pretreatment with KH significantly reduced (p

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Stingless Bee Honey Reduces Anxiety and Improves Memory of the Metabolic Disease-induced Rats

Arshad N', Lin TS, Yahaya MF

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, 2020;19(2):115-126.
PMID: 31957619 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200117105133

BACKGROUND: Scientific studies support the evidence of the involvement of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through oxidative stress. Consumption of antioxidant compounds was found to be beneficial for brain-health as it reduced the brain oxidative stress level and improved cognitive performance in animals. Stingless bee honey or locally known as Kelulut Honey (KH) has high phenolic content and is widely used as a food supplement.
OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of KH on the brain of MetS-induced rats.
METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups; 8 weeks (C8) and 16 weeks control groups (C16), groups that received High-Carbohydrate High Fructose (HCHF) diet for 8 weeks (MS8) and 16 weeks (MS16), and a group that received HCHF for 16 weeks with KH supplemented for the last 35 days (KH).
RESULTS: Serum fasting blood glucose decreased in the KH group compared to the MS16 group. HDL levels were significantly decreased in MetS groups compared to control groups. Open field experiments showed that KH group exhibits less anxious behavior compared to the MetS group. Probe trial of Morris water maze demonstrated significant memory retention of KH group compared to the MS16 group. Nissl staining showed a significant decrease in the pyramidal hippocampal cells in the MS16 compared to the KH group.
CONCLUSION: KH has the ability to normalise blood glucose and reduce serum triglyceride and LDL levels in MetS rats, while behavior studies complement its effect on anxiety and memory. This shows a promising role of KH in attenuating neurodegenerative diseases through the antioxidant activity of its polyphenolic content.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Tualang honey consumption enhanced hippocampal pyramidal count and spatial memory performance of adult male rats

Mohd Amiruddin Kamarulzaidi, Zulkifli Mohd. Yusoff MY, Abdul Majid Mohamed, Durriyyah Sharifah Hasan Adli

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:215-220.

As a natural anti-oxidant source, Tualang honey, produced by wild bees nesting on the Tualang tree (Koompassia excelsa) is expected to have positive influence on health, including memory. This study investigated the effect of Tualang honey on the cell count of memory formation related hippocampal pyramidal neuron and on spatial memory performance (SMP) of rats using the radial arm maze (RAM). Sprague Dawley male rats (n=24), 7-8 weeks old were divided into two groups; experimental group group force-fed 1 mL/100 g body weight with 70% honey (HG); and the control group with 0.9% saline (CG) for 12 weeks. Nissl staining technique (with cresyl violet) was employed for neurohistological analysis of the hippocampal tissue. Six randomly selected rats from each group were used for the neuronal soma counting of pyramidal cell layer CA1, CA3a and CA3c regions. Two-way ANOVA analysis showed positively significant differences between treatment and control groups for SMP comparison of working memory and reference memory components, as well as the number of pyramidal neurons. Hence, this positive effects of Tualang honey, as demonstrated behaviorally and neurohistologically, supported report that Tualang honey could improve memory and deter hippocampal morphological impairments; possibly due to its high anti-oxidant properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Acute Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Lipopolysaccharide and the Ameliorative Effect of Stingless Bee Honey

Ranneh Y, Mahmoud AM, Fadel A, Albujja M, Akim AM, Hamid HA, et al.

Comb Chem High Throughput Screen, 2021;24(6):744-757.
PMID: 32957878 DOI: 10.2174/1386207323999200918152111

BACKGROUND: Systemic acute inflammation is the hallmark of sepsis and is associated with multiple organ dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the potential of Stingless Bee Honey (SBH) to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic acute inflammation in rats and to reveal the probable mechanism of action.
METHODS: Rats received 4.6 and 9.2 g/kg SBH for 7 days followed by a single injection of LPS after which blood samples were taken 6h later.
RESULTS: LPS induced liver, kidney, heart, and lung injury, were manifested by increased serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, creatinine, and urea, along with multiple histological alterations, particularly leukocyte infiltration. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated in the serum, and NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and HMGB-1 were significantly increased in different tissues of LPS-challenged rats. SBH prevented tissue injury, ameliorated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressed NF-κB p65, p38 MAPK, and HMGB-1 in rats that had received LPS. In addition, SBH diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA damage, and enhanced glutathione and Nrf2 in LPS-treated rats.
CONCLUSION: SBH prevents systemic acute inflammation by suppressing NF-κB, p38 MAPK, HMGB-1, oxidative stress, and tissue injury in rats. Thus, SBH may represent an effective anti-inflammatory nutraceutical, pending further mechanistic studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
A simple approach for rapid detection and quantification of adulterants in stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama) honey

Se KW, Ghoshal SK, Wahab RA, Ibrahim RKR, Lani MN

Food Res Int, 2018 03;105:453-460.
PMID: 29433236 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.012

In this study, we propose an easy approach by combining the Fourier transform infrared and attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy together with chemometrics analysis for rapid detection and accurate quantification of five adulterants such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, corn syrup and cane sugar in stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama) honey harvested in Malaysia. Adulterants were classified using principal component analysis and soft independent modeling class analogy, where the first derivative of the spectra in the wavenumber range of 1180-750cm-1 was utilized. The protocol could satisfactorily discriminate the stingless bees honey samples that were adulterated with the concentrations of corn syrup above 8% (w/w) and cane sugar over 2% (w/w). Feasibility of integrating FTIR-ATR with chemometrics for precise quantification of the five adulterants was affirmed using partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The study found that optimal PLSR analysis achieved standard error of calibrations and standard error of predictions within an acceptable range of 0.686-1.087% and 0.581-1.489%, respectively, indicating good predictive capability. Hence, the method developed here for detecting and quantifying adulteration in H. itama honey samples is accurate and rapid, requiring only 7-8min to complete as compared to 3h for the standard method, AOAC method 998.12.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Thermosonication and optimization of stingless bee honey processing

Chong KY, Chin NL, Yusof YA

Food Sci Technol Int, 2017 Oct;23(7):608-622.
PMID: 28614964 DOI: 10.1177/1082013217713331

The effects of thermosonication on the quality of a stingless bee honey, the Kelulut, were studied using processing temperature from 45 to 90 ℃ and processing time from 30 to 120 minutes. Physicochemical properties including water activity, moisture content, color intensity, viscosity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, total phenolic content, and radical scavenging activity were determined. Thermosonication reduced the water activity and moisture content by 7.9% and 16.6%, respectively, compared to 3.5% and 6.9% for conventional heating. For thermosonicated honey, color intensity increased by 68.2%, viscosity increased by 275.0%, total phenolic content increased by 58.1%, and radical scavenging activity increased by 63.0% when compared to its raw form. The increase of hydroxymethylfurfural to 62.46 mg/kg was still within the limits of international standards. Optimized thermosonication conditions using response surface methodology were predicted at 90 ℃ for 111 minutes. Thermosonication was revealed as an effective alternative technique for honey processing.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees

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