Preliminary analysis of antibacterial activity of honey produced by various Apis species from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, mainly due to its antibacterial properties. The present study explored the antibacterial activity of honey from three different species of honeybees, including Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Apis mellifera from Punjab, Pakistan. The honey samples were tested against common harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Honey from Apis dorsata showed the strongest antibacterial effects, particularly against E. coli, with an inhibition zone of 39 mm at 100% concentration. Apis florea honey also exhibited strong inhibition, particularly against P. aeruginosa, with a maximum zone of 38 mm at 100% concentration. In contrast, Apis mellifera honey showed the weakest activity, with the highest inhibition zone of 18.8 mm against S. aureus at 100%. The study found that honey’s antibacterial power increased with higher concentrations. At 50% concentration, honey from Apis dorsata inhibited E. coli by 17.5 mm, and Apis florea showed a 25 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. The results suggest that honey from Apis dorsata and Apis florea could be a promising natural alternative for fighting bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Further research should focus on identifying active compounds like phenolics and flavonoids in these honeys, which may contribute to their antibacterial benefits.