Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF STINGLESS BEE PLEBEINA HILDEBRANDTI HONEY AND POLLEN FROM BARINGO COUNTY, KENYA

Christine Chepkemoi, Timothy K. Bett, Elias Mandela, Gladys Chunge, Sabella J. Kiprono, Jared Onyancha and Sammy Kimoloi*

ABSTRACT

Background: Plebeina hildebrandti is a ground nesting Afro-tropical stingless bee, which produces honey, propolis and pollen. The honey is widely used as a traditional remedy for respiratory disorders, stomach disorders and oral thrush, commonly associated with bacterial and fungal infections. However, these traditional medicinal uses are yet to be validated scientifically. Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the in vitro antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of wild occurring Plebeina hildebrandti honey and pollen from Baringo County. Materials and Methods: Seven honey and two pollen samples were conveniently sampled from seven wild occurring stingless bee nests in two ecologically distinct areas. The honey and pollen at increasing concentrations were then prepared and tested against H. influenzae, E. coli, MRSA and C. albicans using agar well diffusion assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) were furtherdetermined by broth microdilution assay. Qualitative methods were used to profile the phytochemical properties of the honey and pollen samples. Data was analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests, with statistical significance set at p

Keywords: Plebeina hildebrandti, honey, pollen, antimicrobial properties, phytochemical compounds.