The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2023; 12(6):366-376 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2023.12603

Research Article

In-vitro Antimicrobial Effects and Phytochemical Contents of Stingless Bee Meliponula beccarii Honey and Pollen from Baringo County, Kenya

Christine Chepkemoi¹ , Timothy K Bett² , Elias Mandela¹ , Sabella Kiprono¹ , Jared Onyancha³ , Sammy Kimoloi¹

Christine Chepkemoi,Timothy K Bett,Elias Mandela,Sabella Kiprono,Jared Onyancha,Sammy Kimoloi

1. Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
2. Department of Biological Science, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 190-50100, Kakamega, Kenya
3. Department of Pharmacognosy, Mount Kenya University, P.O Box 342-01000 Thika, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 11th September, 2023 / Accepted: 31st October, 2023 / Published : 30th December, 2023

Abstract

Background: Afro-tropical stingless bees produce several products including honey, propolis, cerumen and pollen, which are widely used as traditional medicine and food. In Baringo County, Kenya stingless bee honey in particular is widely used as a traditional remedy for respiratory disorders, stomach disorders and oral thrush, commonly associated with bacterial and fungal infections. However, scientific data on the antimicrobial activities and phytochemical content of stingless bee products from Baringo is scarce. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical content of Meliponula beccarii stingless bee honey and pollen from Baringo County. Materials and methods: Eleven honey and pollen samples were conveniently sampled from eleven wild occurring stingless bee nests in three ecologically distinct areas. Increasing concentrations of honey and pollen samples were then prepared and tested against H. influenzae, E. coli, MRSA and C. albicans using agar well diffusion assay. The broth microdilution test was further performed to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs). Standard qualitative methods were used to analyse the phytochemical contents of the honey and pollen samples. Data was analysed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests. Results: In comparison to distilled water (negative control), the honey samples had a significantly higher mean zones of inhibition at concentration of 100% v/v against E. coli (9.0±4.7 mm vs 0 mm, p