Scientists have discovered antimicrobial properties in the honey of native Australian stingless bees, and the finding could open new avenues for treating infectious diseases, with several common ailments proving vulnerable to elements in the honey.
Researchers studied three species—Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsi, and Austroplebeia australis—pitting the chemical profiles of their honey against selected human pathogens.
Of the pathogens tested, Trichophyton interdigitale, the fungus behind ailments such as tinea, showed the highest susceptibility to the honey.
Staphylococcus aureus, known for causing severe infections, also responded to the honey.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Cryptococcus neoformans, both of which can cause illness in the human body, were likewise weak to the bees’ honey.
Overall, T. carbonaria, also known as the sugarbag bee, produced the most potent honey for fighting pathogens.
The study, published by the American Society for Microbiology, highlights the potential of natural products in addressing modern health challenges.
“Limitations of the current arsenal of antimicrobials and the global rise of antimicrobial resistance pose a critical public health threat that is driving the search for natural alternatives,” the study states.
Research also found that stingless bee honey is particularly heat-stable, meaning it retains potency when heated, making it a more promising option for medical use.
Scientists say further research could be key to unlocking the full potential of Australian stingless bee honey.
The research was conducted in partnership with Australian organisations, including the University of Sydney and the Native Bee Association.
About Native Bees
Australia is home to around 1,700 species of native bees, which vary in colour from black, yellow, red, metallic green, or even spotted variants.
Honey from Australian stingless bees has a more tangy and less sweet flavour compared to that of European honey bees, but production rates are lower.
A native bee hive produces around 1 kg of honey per year, compared to 13 to 45 kg from a typical European honey bee hive.
Honey from European honey bees has long been valued for its medicinal properties and is gaining renewed interest due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
However, researchers say there are significant knowledge gaps around the potential of honey from other bee species, including Australian stingless bees.
