Abstract

STINGLESS BEE HONEY - A REMEDY REDISCOVERED: A RETROSPECTION

Fatima Fakrudheen Paimbachal* and Karunakar Hegde

ABSTRACT

An ageing population and changes in societal behaviour are contributing to a steady increase in chronic diseases such as Diabetes, Hypertension, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cancer etc which are debilitating in nature. Studies have proven that antioxidant compounds may delay the development of such diseases and attenuate the detrimental effects induced by oxidative stress. However, these compounds work best prior to the initiation of damage, suggesting that some safe and effective prophylaxis would be highly desirable. Stingless bee honey is a precious product of the stingless bees with many medicinal effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, wound healing properties and treatment of eye diseases. However, owing to its comparatively lower output of honey, focus on this honey is limited. This review aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of stingless bee honey by focussing on the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of stingless bee honey. The information summarized in this review is important for adding value to this underutilised food by spreading knowledge about its benefits and assisting future studies.

Keywords: Anti-inflammatory; Anti-microbial; Anti-oxidant; Cerumen; Stingless bee honey.