04 January 2024 | Ankush S. Gadge, Dhananjay V. Shirsat, Parakkattu S. Soumia, Chandrashekhara L. Pote, M. Pushpalatha, Trupti Rajesh Pandit, Ram Dutta, Satish Kumar, S. V. Ramesh, Vijay Mahajan, and Vadivelu Karuppaiah
This review article explores the physicochemical, biological, and therapeutic properties of stingless bee honey (SBH). Stingless bees, found across Asia, Africa, America, and Australia, produce honey that is stored in pots rather than combs. SBH is valued for its nutritional, therapeutic, and medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. The article highlights the distinct physicochemical characteristics of SBH compared to honey produced by Apis mellifera, such as higher water content, lower reducing sugars, and more acidic pH. These differences are influenced by factors like bee species, botanical sources, and processing methods. The review also discusses the biological and therapeutic aspects of SBH, including its potential to reduce inflammation, fight infections, heal wounds, treat diabetes, and combat cancer. Additionally, it addresses the need for quality standards and regulatory guidelines to ensure the authenticity and safety of SBH, given its diverse composition and market value. The authors emphasize the importance of further research to identify chemical markers for SBH and to establish comprehensive methods for quality control.This review article explores the physicochemical, biological, and therapeutic properties of stingless bee honey (SBH). Stingless bees, found across Asia, Africa, America, and Australia, produce honey that is stored in pots rather than combs. SBH is valued for its nutritional, therapeutic, and medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects. The article highlights the distinct physicochemical characteristics of SBH compared to honey produced by Apis mellifera, such as higher water content, lower reducing sugars, and more acidic pH. These differences are influenced by factors like bee species, botanical sources, and processing methods. The review also discusses the biological and therapeutic aspects of SBH, including its potential to reduce inflammation, fight infections, heal wounds, treat diabetes, and combat cancer. Additionally, it addresses the need for quality standards and regulatory guidelines to ensure the authenticity and safety of SBH, given its diverse composition and market value. The authors emphasize the importance of further research to identify chemical markers for SBH and to establish comprehensive methods for quality control.