Australian Stingless Bee Honey: A Hidden Powerhouse Against Infections

The world of medicine is always on the lookout for new ways to fight infections. One surprising source of help comes from the tiny stingless bees of Australia. These bees produce honey with unique properties that can fight off harmful germs. This honey comes from three types of stingless bees: Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsi, and Austroplebeia australis. The honey from these bees has been tested against various germs that can make humans sick. The results were impressive. The honey was effective against a fungus called Trichophyton interdigitale, which can cause skin infections. It also worked well against common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as a fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans, which can cause serious lung infections. One interesting fact is that the honey from Tetragonula carbonaria bees was the most effective overall. On the other hand, the honey from Austroplebeia australis bees was the least effective. However, even the least effective honey showed some promise. The honey was heated to remove one of its active ingredients, hydrogen peroxide. Even after this treatment, the honey from Tetragonula carbonaria and Tetragonula hockingsi bees still showed strong activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The chemical makeup of the honey varies between the different types of bees. For example, the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced, the color, the level of antioxidants, and the density all differ. One standout feature is that the honey from these stingless bees produces hydrogen peroxide over a long period, sometimes lasting more than six days. This slow release of hydrogen peroxide is unusual and adds to the honey's effectiveness. Proteins in the honey also play a role in its antimicrobial properties. These proteins, along with other compounds like phenolics, contribute to the honey's ability to fight off germs. Even after being stored for a long time, the honey from Tetragonula carbonaria bees retained its antimicrobial properties. This shows that the honey's effectiveness can last over time. The honey from these stingless bees offers a natural and sustainable way to combat infections. As antibiotic resistance becomes a bigger problem, finding new treatments is crucial. The unique properties of stingless bee honey could provide a valuable addition to the fight against drug-resistant infections.