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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 Metabarcoding in Diet Assessment of Heterotrigona itama Based on trnL Marker towards Domestication Program

Fahimee J, Badrulisham AS, Zulidzham MS, Reward NF, Muzammil N, Jajuli R, et al.

Insects, 2021 Feb 28;12(3).
PMID: 33671045 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030205

Honey quality is the main criterion used for evaluating honey production in the stingless bee Heterotrigona itama, and it is correlated with the plant species consumed as its main diet. The objective of this study was to obtain the metabarcode data from 12 populations of H. itama species throughout Malaysia (Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia) using the trnL marker. A total of 262 species under 70 families and five phyla of plants were foraged by H. itama in the studied populations. Spermatophyta and Magnoliophyta were recorded as the two most abundant phyla foraged, at 55.95% and 32.39%, respectively. Four species, Garcinia oblongifolia, Muntingia calabura, Mallotus pellatus, and Pinus squamata, occurred abundantly and were consumed by H. itama in all the populations. These data are considered as a fundamental finding that is specific to the diet of H. itama for strategizing the management of the domestication process specifically in a mono-cropping system and in a netted structure. Thus, based on these findings, we recommend Momordica charantia, Melastoma sp., and Cucumis sativa as the best choices of food plant species to be planted and utilized by H. itama in meliponiculture.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Methods of the Dehydration Process and Its Effect on the Physicochemical Properties of Stingless Bee Honey: A Review

Ikhsan LN, Chin KY, Ahmad F

Molecules, 2022 Oct 25;27(21).
PMID: 36364068 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217243

Stingless bee honey (SLBH) has a high moisture content, making it more prone to fermentation and leading to honey spoilage. Dehydration of SLBH after harvest is needed to reduce the moisture content. This review compiles the available data on the dehydration methods for SLBH and their effect on its physicochemical properties. This review discovered the dehydration process of vacuum drying at 60 °C and 5% moisture setting, freeze-drying at −54 °C and 5% moisture setting for 24 h, and using a food dehydrator at 55 °C for 18 h could extract >80% water content in SLBH. As a result, these methods could decrease moisture content to <17% and water activity to <0.6. These will prevent the fermentation process and microorganism growth. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) contents remain within the permissible standard of <40 mg/kg. The total phenolic content increased after dehydration by these methods. Therefore, dehydration of SLBH is recommended to increase its benefits.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Microscopic observation on pollen from foraging activity of Indo-Malayan stingless bee species (Heterotrigona itama) in Besut, Terengganu

Shamsul Bahri, A.R., Asma’-Samsudin

Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2015;11(1):1-5.
MyJurnal

Pollen distribution from the pollen loads of stingless bee foragers in KampungTempinis, Besut, Terengganu was observed and recorded using optical microscope. Heterotrigona itama, one of the most common IndoMalayan stingless bee species domesticated and widely distributed throughout Malaysia was selected for this observation.The objective of this study was to have an annual bee calendar for H. itama in Besut. Pollen collection was carried out twice a month from January to June 2015. Results showed, during the six months period of observation H. itama foraged 31 different flowering plants. Different months of the year showed different floral preference by the stingless bee. The most dominant flower visited by the stingless bee in January and February is Stevia rebaudiana while March to June is Antigonon leptopus (Honolulu creeper). This observation could be useful for conservation purposes and also in planning a good beescape in Malaysia meliponiculture industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Morphological characterization of pollen in Kelulut (stingless bee) honey

Mohamed, A.S., Muhammad Zaidi, N.F., Zolkapli, E., Aida Hamimi, I.

Malaysian Journal of Microscopy, 2016;12(1):71-77.
MyJurnal

Melissopalynology (pollen analysis) allows the identification of floral sources, botanical and geographical origin of selected Kelulut honey samples. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the origin of selected Kelulut honey by Geniotrigona thoracica and Heterotrigona itama farmed and harvested at Lenggong (Perak). Briefly, the honey was diluted in ddH2O and filtered to obtain the pollens. Subsequently, the morphology of the pollens was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the frequency classes of species were determined. Based on qualitative and quantitative analysis, G. thoracica honey was demonstrated to be a uni-floral honey and H. Itama honey as a multi-floral honey. A total of 7 types of pollens were observed in G. thoracica honey while 9 types in H. Itama honey. Some of the pollen were identified with the aid of pollen atlas while some were unidentified. Furthermore, the results obtained in this study suggested that the pollens present in Kelulut honey are crucial in identifying botanical resource of stingless bee honey, which assist in preserving the ecosystem.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Neuroscience Club in SKKK3 and SMSTMFP: The Brain Apprentice Project

Mohd Ibrahim SD, Muda M

Malays J Med Sci, 2015 Jul-Aug;22(4):64-8.
PMID: 26715909 MyJurnal

Sekolah Menengah Sains Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra (SMSTMFP) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Kubang Kerian (3) (SKKK3) were selected by the Department of Neurosciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in 2011 to be a 'school-based Neuroscience Club' via the 'Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) - Community' project. This community project was known as "The Brain Apprentice Project". The objectives of this project were to promote science and the neurosciences beyond conventional classroom teachings whilst guiding creativity and innovation as well as to assist in the delivery of neuroscience knowledge through graduate interns as part of the cultivation of neuroscience as a fruitful future career option. All of the planned club activities moulded the students to be knowledgeable individuals with admirable leadership skills, which will help the schools produce more scientists, technocrats and professionals who can fulfil the requirements of our religion, race and nation in the future. Some of the activities carried out over the years include the "My Brain Invention Competition", "Mini Brain Bee Contest", "Recycled Melody" and "Brain Dissection". These activities educated the students well and improved their confidence levels in their communication and soft skills. The participation of the students in international-level competition, such as the "International Brain Bee", was one of the ways future professionals were created for the nation. The implementation of Neuroscience Club as one of the organisations in the school's cocurriculum was an appropriate step in transferring science and neuroscience knowledge and skills from a higher education institution, namely USM, to both of the schools, SMSTMFP and SKKK3. The club members showed great interest in all of the club's activities and their performance on the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) or Primary School Achievement Test and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Malaysian Certificate of Education examinations improved tremendously.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext New and little-known species of the genus Sphecodes Latreille (Hymenoptera, Halictidae) from Southeast Asia

Astafurova YV, Proshchalykin MY, Schwarz M

Zookeys, 2020;937:31-88.
PMID: 32547298 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.937.51708

The available information about the cleptoparasitic bees of the genus Sphecodes in Southeast Asia is summarized. Thirty-one species are currently known from this area. Four new species are described: Sphecodes discoverlifei Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov. (Laos), S. engeli Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov. (Laos, Vietnam), S. ilyadadaria Astafurova, sp. nov. (Indonesia), and S. pseudoredivivus Astafurova & Proshchalykin, sp. nov. (Laos). Nine species are newly recorded from South East Asia: S. chaprensis Blüthgen, 1927 (Laos), S. howardi Cockerell, 1922 (Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand), S. kershawi Perkins, 1921 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand), S. laticeps Meyer, 1920 (Thailand, Vietnam), S. montanus Smith, 1879 (Laos), S. sauteri Meyer, 1925 (Laos), S. sikkimensis Blüthgen, 1927 (Laos, Myanmar), S. simlaensis Blüthgen, 1924 (Laos), and S. turneri Cockerell, 1916 (Laos). Based on type specimens, new synonymies have been proposed for Sphecodes kershawi Perkins, 1921 = S. javanensis Blüthgen, 1927, syn. nov.; S. simlaensis Blüthgen, 1924 = S. simlaellus Blüthgen, 1927, syn. nov.; S. laticeps Meyer, 1920 = S. biroi mariae Cockerell, 1930, syn. nov. Lectotypes are designated for Sphecodes biroi Friese, 1909, S. simlaellus Blüthgen, 1927, and S. laticeps Meyer, 1920. The female of Sphecodes sauteri Meyer, 1925, and the male of S. turneri Cockerell, 1916 are described for the first time.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext OBSERVATION OF FLOWER VISITORS TO DETERMINE THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE AS POLLINATORS OF Ixora coccinae AND Ruellia simplex

Fakhriah Kamaruddin, Mohamed Nor Zalipah

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(1):61-70.
MyJurnal

This study aimed to determine the potential pollinating agents of Ixora coccinae and Ruellia simplex at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) campus based on the foraging activities of the flower visitors. The diurnal observations (0700 hr to 1800 hr) were conducted for a total of 144 hours and 96 hours for I. coccinae, for R. simplex respectively. The flower visitor activities (landing or hovering at the flowers) and the time spent at the flowers however were recorded for only the first 10 minutes of every hour between 0700 hr and 1000 hr for four days. A total of 383 flower visitations was recorded by 17 insect species and a bird species, the olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). For I. coccinae, the most common visitors were Apis cerana, Heterotrigona itama and Xylocopa confusa, in which all species were found to show only landing behaviour to forage at the flowers, and the time spent foraging at the flowers was not significantly different between the species (Kruskal-Wallis test, H = 1.323, df = 2, p = 0.055). For R. simplex, the most common visitors were A. cerana with 100% landing, and C. jugularis which recorded 80% landing and 20% hovering during their visits to the flowers. Between the two, A. cerana recorded significantly longer time spent at the flowers as compared to C. jugularis (Mann-Whitney test, U = 17.355, p < 0.001). Based on the visitation rate and feeding behaviour of the flower visitors, A. cerana, H. itama and X. confusa were the potential pollinating agents for I. coccinae while for R. simplex, A. cerana showed higher potential to be a pollinating agent as compared to C. jugularis. Therefore, this study highlighted the importance of recording the behaviour of each flower visitor to determine the relative contribution to the pollination success of the plant species visited.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Optimising the production of succinate and lactate in Escherichia coli using a hybrid of artificial bee colony algorithm and minimisation of metabolic adjustment

Tang PW, Choon YW, Mohamad MS, Deris S, Napis S

J Biosci Bioeng, 2015 Mar;119(3):363-8.
PMID: 25216804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.08.004

Metabolic engineering is a research field that focuses on the design of models for metabolism, and uses computational procedures to suggest genetic manipulation. It aims to improve the yield of particular chemical or biochemical products. Several traditional metabolic engineering methods are commonly used to increase the production of a desired target, but the products are always far below their theoretical maximums. Using numeral optimisation algorithms to identify gene knockouts may stall at a local minimum in a multivariable function. This paper proposes a hybrid of the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm and the minimisation of metabolic adjustment (MOMA) to predict an optimal set of solutions in order to optimise the production rate of succinate and lactate. The dataset used in this work was from the iJO1366 Escherichia coli metabolic network. The experimental results include the production rate, growth rate and a list of knockout genes. From the comparative analysis, ABCMOMA produced better results compared to previous works, showing potential for solving genetic engineering problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees/metabolism*
Fulltext Optimization of power utilization in multimobile robot foraging behavior inspired by honeybees system

Ahmad FA, Ramli AR, Samsudin K, Hashim SJ

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:153162.
PMID: 24949491 DOI: 10.1155/2014/153162

Deploying large numbers of mobile robots which can interact with each other produces swarm intelligent behavior. However, mobile robots are normally running with finite energy resource, supplied from finite battery. The limitation of energy resource required human intervention for recharging the batteries. The sharing information among the mobile robots would be one of the potentials to overcome the limitation on previously recharging system. A new approach is proposed based on integrated intelligent system inspired by foraging of honeybees applied to multimobile robot scenario. This integrated approach caters for both working and foraging stages for known/unknown power station locations. Swarm mobile robot inspired by honeybee is simulated to explore and identify the power station for battery recharging. The mobile robots will share the location information of the power station with each other. The result showed that mobile robots consume less energy and less time when they are cooperating with each other for foraging process. The optimizing of foraging behavior would result in the mobile robots spending more time to do real work.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Optimization of γ-aminobutyric acid production by Lactobacillus plantarum Taj-Apis362 from honeybees

Tajabadi N, Ebrahimpour A, Baradaran A, Rahim RA, Mahyudin NA, Manap MY, et al.

Molecules, 2015 Apr 15;20(4):6654-69.
PMID: 25884548 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20046654

Dominant strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from honey bees were evaluated for their γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing ability. Out of 24 strains, strain Taj-Apis362 showed the highest GABA-producing ability (1.76 mM) in MRS broth containing 50 mM initial glutamic acid cultured for 60 h. Effects of fermentation parameters, including initial glutamic acid level, culture temperature, initial pH and incubation time on GABA production were investigated via a single parameter optimization strategy. The optimal fermentation condition for GABA production was modeled using response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that the culture temperature was the most significant factor for GABA production. The optimum conditions for maximum GABA production by Lactobacillus plantarum Taj-Apis362 were an initial glutamic acid concentration of 497.97 mM, culture temperature of 36 °C, initial pH of 5.31 and incubation time of 60 h, which produced 7.15 mM of GABA. The value is comparable with the predicted value of 7.21 mM.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees/microbiology*
Pancreatoprotective effects of Geniotrigona thoracica stingless bee honey in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced male diabetic rats

Aziz MSA, Giribabu N, Rao PV, Salleh N

Biomed Pharmacother, 2017 May;89:135-145.
PMID: 28222394 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.026

Stingless bee honey (SLBH) has been claimed to possess multiple health benefits. Its anti-diabetic properties are however unknown. In this study, ability of SLBH from Geniotrigona thoracica stingless bee species in ameliorating pancreatic damage and in maintaining metabolic profiles were investigated in diabetic condition.
METHODS: SLBH at 1 and 2g/kg/b.w. was given orally to streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced male diabetic rats for 28days. Metabolic parameters (fasting blood glucose-FBG and lipid profiles-LP and serum insulin) were measured by biochemical assays. Distribution and expression level of insulin, oxidative stress marker i.e. catalase, inflammatory markers i.e. IKK-β, TNF-α, IL-1β and apoptosis marker i.e. caspase-9 in the pancreatic islets were identified and quantified respectively by immunohistochemistry. Levels of NF-κβ in pancreas were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA).
RESULTS: SLBH administration to diabetic male rats prevented increase in FBG, total cholesterols (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. However, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and serum insulin levels in diabetic rats receiving SLBH increased. Additionally, histopathological changes and expression level of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis markers in pancreatic islets of diabetic rats decreased with increased expression level of insulin in the islets. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds in SLBH that might be responsible for these effects.
CONCLUSIONS: SLBH has great potential to be used as agent to protect the pancreas against damage and dysfunction where these could account for its anti-diabetic properties.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees/chemistry*
Pendekatan pengesanan titik sauh secara automatik bagi kesan pin peletup senjata api

Zun Liang Chuan, Nor Azura Md Ghani, Choong-Yeun Liong, Abdul Aziz Jemain

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:1339-1344.

Oleh sebab kejadian jenayah bersenjata api semakin berleluasa, pengecaman senjata api yang digunakan oleh penjenayah amat diperlukan sebagai bahan bukti dalam mahkamah. Beberapa sistem pengecaman senjata api telah diutarakan sebagai pengganti kepada cara penyiasatan tradisional yang amat bergantung kepada kepakaran ahli balistik. Pemetakan rantau tumpuan (ROI) berdasarkan kedudukan titik sauh (PAP) sempadan bulatan kesan pin peletup pada tapak kelongsong peluru merupakan langkah yang amat penting dalam sistem pengecaman senjata api automatik. Walau bagaimanapun, kaedah yang digunakan dalam kajian lepas bagi mengesan PAP sempadan bulatan tersebut adalah sangat kompleks dan memerlukan masa pemprosesan yang panjang. Kajian ini menerokai algoritma yang efisien dan berkemampuan untuk mengesan PAP sempadan bulatan secara automatik. Algoritma yang diutarakan merupakan gabungan daripada penapis penajaman reruang, penormalan histogram, pengambangan dan penganggar kuasa dua terkecil tak berpemberat. Dua kaedah pengambangan yang terkenal telah diuji dan dibandingkan, iaitu kaedah pengambangan berasaskan pengelompokan dan kaedah berasaskan entropi. Di samping itu, penerokaan kesan saiz dan bentuk ROI terhadap kadar pengelasan senjata api turut dipersembahkan. Sebanyak 747 imej kesan pin peletup jenis sempadan bulatan peletup yang dihasilkan oleh lima pucuk pistol yang berlainan daripada jenis yang sama digunakan untuk menguji algoritma yang diutarakan. Kadar pengelasan imej kesan pin peletup yang memberangsangkan (> 95%) telah dicapai dengan algoritma yang dicadangkan. Kajian juga mendapati bahawa saiz dan bentuk pemetakan ROI mempunyai kesan langsung terhadap kadar pengelasan senjata api.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Phylogenetic relationships, morphological variation, and toxin patterns in the Alexandrium ostenfeldii (Dinophyceae) complex: implications for species boundaries and identities

Kremp A, Tahvanainen P, Litaker W, Krock B, Suikkanen S, Leaw CP, et al.

J Phycol, 2014 Feb;50(1):81-100.
PMID: 26988010 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.12134

Alexandrium ostenfeldii (Paulsen) Balech and Tangen and A. peruvianum (Balech and B.R. Mendiola) Balech and Tangen are morphologically closely related dinoflagellates known to produce potent neurotoxins. Together with Gonyaulax dimorpha Biecheler, they constitute the A. ostenfeldii species complex. Due to the subtle differences in the morphological characters used to differentiate these species, unambiguous species identification has proven problematic. To better understand the species boundaries within the A. ostenfeldii complex we compared rDNA data, morphometric characters and toxin profiles of multiple cultured isolates from different geographic regions. Phylogenetic analysis of rDNA sequences from cultures characterized as A. ostenfeldii or A. peruvianum formed a monophyletic clade consisting of six distinct groups. Each group examined contained strains morphologically identified as either A. ostenfeldii or A. peruvianum. Though key morphological characters were generally found to be highly variable and not consistently distributed, selected plate features and toxin profiles differed significantly among phylogenetic clusters. Additional sequence analyses revealed a lack of compensatory base changes in ITS2 rRNA structure, low to intermediate ITS/5.8S uncorrected genetic distances, and evidence of reticulation. Together these data (criteria currently used for species delineation in dinoflagellates) imply that the A. ostenfeldii complex should be regarded a single genetically structured species until more material and alternative criteria for species delimitation are available. Consequently, we propose that A. peruvianum is a heterotypic synonym of A. ostenfeldii and this taxon name should be discontinued.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey from Lombok and Bali Islands

Huyop F, Ullah S, Abdul Wahab R, Huda N, Sujana IGA, Saloko S, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(4):e0301213.
PMID: 38578814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301213

Limited honey production worldwide leads to higher market prices, thus making it prone to adulteration. Therefore, regular physicochemical analysis is imperative for ensuring authenticity and safety. This study describes the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey sourced from the islands of Lombok and Bali, showing their unique regional traits. A comparative analysis was conducted on honey samples from Lombok and Bali as well as honey variety from Malaysia. Moisture content was found slightly above 20% in raw honey samples from Lombok and Bali, adhering to the national standard (SNI 8664:2018) of not exceeding 22%. Both honey types displayed pH values within the acceptable range (3.40-6.10), ensuring favorable conditions for long-term storage. However, Lombok honey exhibited higher free acidity (78.5±2.14 meq/kg) than Bali honey (76.0±1.14 meq/kg), surpassing Codex Alimentarius recommendations (≤50 meq/kg). The ash content, reflective of inorganic mineral composition, was notably lower in Lombok (0.21±0.02 g/100) and Bali honey (0.14±0.01 g/100) compared to Tualang honey (1.3±0.02 g/100). Electric conductivity, indicative of mineral content, revealed Lombok and Bali honey with lower but comparable values than Tualang honey. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentrations in Lombok (14.4±0.11 mg/kg) and Bali (17.6±0.25 mg/kg) were slightly elevated compared to Tualang honey (6.4±0.11 mg/kg), suggesting potential processing-related changes. Sugar analysis revealed Lombok honey with the highest sucrose content (2.39±0.01g/100g) and Bali honey with the highest total sugar content (75.21±0.11 g/100g). Both honeys exhibited lower glucose than fructose content, aligning with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in Lombok and Bali honey compared to Tualang honey, suggesting potential health benefits. Further analysis by LC-MS/MS-QTOF targeted analysis identified various flavonoids/flavanols and polyphenolic/phenolic acid compounds in Lombok and Bali honey. The study marks the importance of characterizing the unique composition of honey from different regions, ensuring quality and authenticity in the honey industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Malaysian honeys produced by Apis cerana, Apis dorsata and Apis mellifera

Moniruzzaman M, Khalil MI, Sulaiman SA, Gan SH

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2013;13:43.
PMID: 23433009 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-43

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Malaysian monofloral honey samples-acacia, pineapple and borneo honey-and compare them with tualang honey. Acacia and pineapple honey are produced by Apis mellifera bees while borneo and tualang honey are produced by Apis cerana and Apis dorsata bees, respectively.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees*
Physicochemical homogeneity of stingless bee honey (Heterotrigona itama) produced in the west coast, east coast and inland area of Peninsular Malaysia

Ramlan NAFM, Mohamad Azman E, Muhammad K, Jusoh AZ, Johari NA, Yusof YA, et al.

J Sci Food Agric, 2024 Feb;104(3):1756-1767.
PMID: 37862235 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13067

BACKGROUND: The nutritional composition of stingless bee honey (SBH) can be affected by different climates and soil composition across different geographical areas. However, the range of attributes set for a honey quality standard should be inclusive. This study analysed the sugar profile's physiochemical properties, including quantifying the rare sugar trehalulose, organic acid and mineral composition of SBH collected from inland, and west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia. Forty-three SBH (Heterotrigona itama) samples were collected and labelled as <20 and <40 West Coast (<20WC, <40WC), <20 and <40 East Coast (<20EC, <40EC) and Inland, according to their distance from the coasts.
RESULTS: The moisture, pH and sugar composition of all SBH samples adhered to the Malaysian Kelulut Honey Standard (MS2683:2017) but not to the International Codex Standard (CODEX) for honey. Trehalulose presence in all samples, regardless of geographical area, was predominant alongside fructose and glucose. Only hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content and electrical conductivity (EC) results complied with both standards. The principal component analysis biplot showed that the discrimination of SBH according to the five different areas was not feasible, indicating sample homogeneity.
CONCLUSION: The physicochemical evaluation of SBH from Peninsular Malaysia shows mainly homogeneous attributes of samples across geographical locations. These findings demonstrated that the current MS2683:2017 is relevant and accommodates all SBH of H. itama species produced in Peninsular Malaysia. Furthermore, the trehalulose range calculated in this study can be implemented as a new benchmark for the indicator of SBH honey quality standard by national and international food standard committees. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Pollination biology in a lowland dipterocarp forest inSarawak, Malaysia. I. Characteristics of the plant-pollinator communityin a lowland dipterocarp forest

Momose K, Yumoto T, Nagamitsu T, Kato M, Nagamasu H, Sakai S, et al.

Am J Bot, 1998 Oct;85(10):1477-501.
PMID: 21684899

Flowerings and flower visitors were observed continuously in alowland dipterocarp forest in Sarawak, Malaysia, for 53 mo in1992-1996. Flower visitors of 270 plant species were observed orcollected, and pollinators were assessed by observing body contact tostigmas and anthers. We recognized 12 categories of pollination systems.Among them, plants pollinated by social bees included the largest numberof species (32%) and were followed by beetle-pollinated species(20%). Pollination systems were significantly related with somefloral characters (flowering time of day, reward, and floral shape), butnot with floral color. Based on the relationships between pollinatorsand floral characters, we described pollination syndromes found in alowland dipterocarp forest. The dominance of social bees and beetlesamong pollinators is discussed in relation to the general floweringobserved in dipterocarp forests of West Malesia. In spite of high plantspecies diversity and consequent low population densities of lowlanddipterocarp forests, long-distance-specific pollinators were uncommoncompared with theNeotropics.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Polyphenols as key players for the antileukaemic effects of propolis

Abubakar MB, Abdullah WZ, Sulaiman SA, Ang BS

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014;2014:371730.
PMID: 24772179 DOI: 10.1155/2014/371730

Propolis (a bee product) which has a long history of medicinal use by humans has attracted a great deal of research interest in the recent time; this is due to its widely reported biological activities such as antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Crude form of propolis and its phenolic contents have both been reported to exhibit antileukaemic effects in various leukaemia cell lines. The ability of the polyphenols found in propolis to arrest cell cycle and induce apoptosis and differentiation in addition to inhibition of cell growth and proliferation makes them promising antileukaemic agents, and hence, they are believed to be a key to the antileukaemic effects of propolis in different types of leukaemia. This paper reviews the molecular bases of antileukaemic activity of both crude propolis and individual polyphenols on various leukaemia cell lines, and it indicates that propolis has the potential to be used in both treatment and prevention of leukaemia. This however needs further evaluation by in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies as well as clinical trials.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees
Fulltext Probiotic Properties of Bacillus Strains Isolated from Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) Honey Collected across Malaysia

Zulkhairi Amin FA, Sabri S, Ismail M, Chan KW, Ismail N, Mohd Esa N, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2019 12 31;17(1).
PMID: 31906055 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010278

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the probiotic properties of Bacillus species from honey of the stingless bee Heterotrigona itama. Bacillus spp. were isolated from five different H. itama meliponicultures, and the isolates were characterized through Gram-staining and a catalase test. Tolerance to acidic conditions and bile salt (0.3%), hydrophobicity, and autoaggregation tests were performed to assess the probiotic properties of the selected isolates, B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 and B. subtilis HTI-23. Both Bacillus isolates exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and possessed significantly high survival rates in 0.3% bile solution for 3 h. Their survival rates in acidic conditions were also comparable to a commercial probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Interestingly, the hydrophobicity and autoaggregation percentage showed no significant difference from L. rhamnosus GG, a commercial probiotic strain. The results from this study suggest that B. amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 and B. subtilis HTI-23 isolated from stingless bee honey have considerably good probiotic properties. Therefore, more studies should be done to investigate the effects of these bacteria cultures on gastrointestinal health.

Matched MeSH terms: Bees

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