Antimicrobial compounds in stingless bee (Meliponini) honey: An integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i9.49417Keywords:
Meliponini, Meliponiculture, Bee Products, Antimicrobial Activity, Traditional Medicine.Abstract
Stingless bee honey (Meliponini) has emerged as a promising source of natural antimicrobial agents. The objective of this review was to highlight studies related to the antimicrobial components of stingless bee honey conducted in recent years. For this purpose, the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases were consulted for the period from 2014 to 2025. The results demonstrated that flavonoids (e.g., chrysin, quercetin), phenolic acids, and hydrogen peroxide act synergistically, disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting protein synthesis, and destabilizing bacterial biofilms. In vitro studies proved efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, including resistant species. However, variability in chemical composition, influenced by geographical and floral factors, coupled with the lack of standardization and specific regulation, limits its clinical application. It is concluded that, although stingless bee honey shows remarkable potential as an antimicrobial alternative, further in vivo studies and the development of standardization protocols are needed to enable its therapeutic use. This work reinforces the importance of the conservation of these bee species and the valorization of their products as sustainable medicinal resources.
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