Ranunculus arvensis L., although classified as a poisonous plant, holds significant value in medicine, food, and apiculture. Its pollen is actively collected by various bee species, including honeybees, and stored as a vital nutritional reserve for their larvae. This study investigates the polyphenol and flavonoid content, as well as the antioxidant properties, of R. arvensis flower pollen. The antioxidant activity of the pollen, sourced from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, was measured as 179.102 ± 1.5919 μmol FeSO₄·7H₂O/g dw using the FRAP method and 0.137 ± 0.015 mg/mL using the DPPH method. The phenolic content of the methanolic extract was determined to be 17.952 ± 0.160 mg/g, while the flavonoid content was 5.660 ± 0.055 mg/g. Phenolic profiling via HPLC identified six key compounds: ferulic acid (521.163 µg/g), caffeic acid (170.119 µg/g), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (46.529 µg/g), protocatechuic acid (22.377 µg/g), chrysin (11.353 µg/g), and pinocembrin (10.953 µg/g). Quantum chemistry calculations revealed that ferulic acid and caffeic acid, the most abundant phenolic compounds, exhibited the most favorable profiles for antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that these two compounds are the primary contributors to the antioxidant potential of the pollen extract. Given the nutritional and pharmacological significance of bee products, continued investigation into the phytochemical composition of flower pollen is essential to better understand its functional properties and applications.

Dünya nüfusunun hızla artmasıyla birlikte, gıdaya olan ihtiyaçta artmaktadır. Sentetik katkı maddeleriyle üretilen gıdaların insan sağlığı üzerindeki olumsuz etkilerinden dolayı doğal ürünlere olan talep her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bal, doğal bir madde olup, bal arıları (Apis mellifera L.) tarafından bitki nektarlarının, bitkilerin canlı kısımlarının salgılarının veya bitkilerin canlı kısımları üzerinde yaşayan bitki emici böceklerin salgılarının toplanmasıyla olgunlaştırılan tatlı bir maddedir. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’nin farklı lokasyonlarından temin edilen 9 adet ticari bal örneğinin bazı fiziko-kimyasal özellikleri ve melissopalinolojik analizleri incelenmiştir. Bal örneklerinin ham bal, protein, balda protein ve ham balda δ 13C farkı ve δ 13C değerinden hesaplanan C4 şeker oranı, diastaz, prolin, HMF (5-hidroksimetilfurfural), su muhtevası, iletkenlik, serbest asitlik, fruktoz, glukoz, sakkaroz, maltoz, fruktoz/glukoz, fruktoz+glukoz ortalama değerleri sırasıyla -25.89±1.1‰, -26.12±0.8‰, -0.51±0.3‰, %2.22±2.5, 7.22±0.7, 1003.43±316 mg/kg, 47.18±84.7 mg/kg, %16.62±1.6, 0.55±0.2 mS/cm, 38.56±4.4 mmol/kg, %31.85±6.76, %25.84±6.98, %0.40±0.30, %0.63±0.63, 1.34±0.47 ve %57.69±5.93 olarak bulunmuştur. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, bazı bal örneklerinin Türk Gıda Kodeksi Bal Tebliğine uygun olmadığı tespit edilmiştir.

The discovery of new therapeutic agents is crucial in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The antimicrobial potential of apitoxin from Apis mellifera caucasica and A. m. carnica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was tested in vitro against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC-29212), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC-25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-27853) bacterial strains and a fungal pathogen (Candida albicans ATCC-10231). Using an electro stimulation technique, Apitoxin was extracted from honey bee colonies under standardized conditions between May 2022 and April 2023. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the disk diffusion method and the results were compared with standard antibiotics (ampicillin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, itraconazole) to calculate the antibiotic equivalence of the apitoxins. Apitoxin from both subspecies showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects against all microorganisms tested. The highest activity was observed against E. coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 16.6±0.2 mm for A. m. caucasica and 17.0±0.2 mm for A. m. carnica (p0.05). The results indicate that apitoxin has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and could be used as a therapeutic agent.

This study aimed to identify and evaluate the major and minor bee forage sources to recommend seasonal colony management practices. Conducted in the Bambasi, Homosha, and Mao Komo districts of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State in western Ethiopia, the research involved a survey of 90 beekeepers using semi-structured questionnaires from three peasant associations per district. Honey and pollen samples were collected from established colonies in each district for melissopalynological analysis. 71 plant species were identified as forage sources for honeybees in the study area. Two primary flowering periods were observed in 2020, 2021, and 2022 G.C., corresponding to the honey harvesting seasons. During the first season, key plants included Pterocarpus lucens, Bidens prestinaria, Glycine species, Guizotia abyssinica, Guizotia scabra, and several Bidens species. From February to May, the main sources of pollen and nectar in the second season were woody plants such as Cordia africana, Syzygium guineense, Turraeanthus africanus, and Terminalia laxiflora. In the first honey flow season, Guizotia scabra and Guizotia abyssinica made up 62.13% of monofloral honey. In the second season, Turraeanthus africanus and Syzygium guineense contributed 48.23%. In Benishangul Gumuz, beekeepers report that food scarcity peaks during the rainy season (late July to August) and the dry season (December to January) when flowering plants are limited. Providing supplemental food and water and conducting regular inspections is important to support the bee colonies during these times. Additionally, rapid biodiversity loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion reduces available bee forage in the region.

Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) is a sour spice widely used in Türkiye and especially in the Southeastern Anatolia region to give a distinctive color and sharp taste to dishes. Propolis is a resinous natural product collected from beehives, and due to its wide range of biologically active properties, it is an important dietary supplement. In this study, the phenolic and antioxidant properties of sumac and propolis from Malatya region were examined and compared. Ethanolic extracts of sumac and propolis were analyzed for their phenolic properties, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and phenolic composition. The phenolic profile was determined using HPLC-PDA based on 26 phenolic standards. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and ABTS radical scavenging activity. The total phenolic content was measured at 49.12 mg GAE/g in sumac and 159.30 mg GAE/g in propolis. Sumac was found to be particularly rich in phenolic acids, including gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and syringic acid. In contrast, propolis exhibited a higher content of flavonoids such as pinocembrin, hesperetin, caffeic acid, and CAPE. Chrysin was identified as a common flavonoid present in both natural products. The findings indicate that sumac contains a significant concentration of biologically active compounds, similar to propolis, and therefore has the potential to be utilized not only as a spice but also as a dietary supplement.

Plant-pollinator interactions showcase mutualistic coevolution, but the role of microorganisms in these relationships is often overlooked. Nectar-dwelling microorganisms, mainly yeasts and bacteria, significantly influence floral chemistry, pollinator behavior, and plant reproduction. These microorganisms alter nectar’s sugar content, amino acid profiles, pH, and scent emissions, shaping pollinator preferences. For example, the yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii produces fruity esters that attract bumble bees, while some bacteria lower pH, repelling honey bees. Pollinators spread these microorganisms between flowers, creating a feedback loop that shapes microbial communities and drives coevolution. Beyond nectar, microorganisms' impact on thermal regulation through metabolic heat, pollen health, and pollinator gut microbiomes. Specialized bacteria like Rosenbergiella nectarea and Acinetobacter spp. thrive in nectar’s high-sugar environment, while pollinator microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus kunkeei, protect honey bees from pathogens. Microbial diversity varies by region, with tropical flowers hosting richer communities than temperate ones. This review highlights how microorganisms act as key players in plant-pollinator networks, boosting pollinator nutrition, immunity, and foraging efficiency. It explores microbial spread, competition, and chemical influence, calling for studies that blend microbiology, ecology, and evolution. Understanding these interactions is vital for predicting how climate change and habitat loss threaten pollination, affecting agriculture and biodiversity.

Bu araştırma, Artvin yöresinde arılarda varroosis tedavisinde kullanılan ticari bir preparat ile Coriandrum sativum L. (kişniş otu) bitki ekstraktının %5 ve %20’lik yoğunlukta hazırlanmış solusyonlarının erken ilkbahar ve geç sonbaharda etkinliğinin karşılaştırılması amacıyla yapılmıştır. Her iki mevsimde de arılı 7 kovana ilaç verilmemiş, 7 kovana %5’lik Coriandrum sativum L., 7 kovana %20’lik Coriandrum sativum L. ve 7 kovana da 500mg Amitraz şerit uygulanmıştır. Uygulamalar sonrasında kovandaki Varroa etkenleri toplanmıştır. İlkbahar uygulamasında %5’lik Coriandrum sativum L. solusyonunun %16.07, %20’lik solusyonun ise %49.02 oranında etkili olduğu görülmüştür. Sonbaharda bu oran %5’lik solusyonda %11.91, %20’lik solüsyonda ise %54.12 olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışmanın sonuçları Coriandrum sativum L. bitki ekstraktının varroasid etki gösterdiğini ortaya koymaktadır.

This investigation focuses on exploring the physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity of loofah honey in the Egyptian governorates of Kafr El-Shaikh and El-Beheira. A novel variety of honey, designated as a supplementary resource, has been identified as a means of sustenance for bees during periods of scarcity. Pollen analysis of the examined honey samples revealed its natural origin from various plant sources in trace amounts. The physicochemical analysis produced noteworthy results, with estimated reducing sugars ranging from 61.10±0.20 to 69.29±0.12 g/100g and pH values varying between 3.53±0.01 and 3.74±0.01. There were notable variations amongst the samples in terms of free acidity, total lactone, and total acidity, while no significant distinctions were noted in ash content. The study further identified the highest recorded values for H2O2, DN, and HMF as 76.80±0.01 mg/kg, 12.50±0.06 U/kg, and 5.35±0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, the maximum levels of phenols, flavonoids, and DPPH were determined as 210.56±0.01 mg/kg, 52.84±0.01 mg/kg, and 83.33±0.01 %, respectively. In terms of antimicrobial activity, all samples exhibited efficacy against Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae, except for one sample that demonstrated antimicrobial activity against all six tested microorganisms’ types.

This study investigates pesticide, antibiotic, and heavy metal levels in Bayburt and the Upper Çoruh Valley honey. Thirteen honey samples were collected from different apiaries managed by stationary and migratory beekeepers. These samples were analysed for heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb), antibiotics, pesticides, and chemical residues such as naphthalene. The results revealed that lead (Pb) levels exceeded international food safety standards in 2 honey samples, while pesticide residues were detected in 5 samples. Additionally, antibiotic residues were found in 6 samples, including sulfamethazine, tetracycline, and streptomycin. However, no naphthalene was detected in any of the samples. These findings highlight the importance of stricter regulations and monitoring systems to control chemical use in beekeeping practices. Enhancing awareness among beekeepers regarding the risks associated with pesticide and antibiotic use is crucial for improving honey quality and ensuring the health of beekeepers and consumers. The adoption of safer practices and adherence to guidelines are necessary to mitigate these health hazards.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and antimicrobial activity of two taxa which are important nectar and pollen plants for honey bees. Thymus nummularius M. Bieb. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. which produced by local people of Anzer. For this purpose, chemical compounds scanned by GC–MS system and antimicrobial activities were tested against major oral pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Streptococcus salivarius DSM 13084, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans ATCC 90028 by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution. Aldehydes, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters, ketones, terpenes, fatty acids and esters, acetic acids and esters and other chemical components were detected in different percentages in both T. nummularius. and V. myrtillus plants. A total of 30 chemical components were detected in T. nummularius. while 26 chemical components were found in V. myrtillus. Carvacrol, lauryl acetate, and thymol were detected 20.34%, 6.31% and 3.36%, respectively at high levels in T. nummularius. On the other hand, diethyl succinate, hexanoic acid, lauryl acetate and benzoic acid were determined 12.68%, 11.29%, 10.89% and 10.16% respectively predominantly in V. myrtillus. As a result of antimicrobial activity of two taxa, V. myrtillus. exhibited more potent antimicrobial activity when compared to T. nummularius. Antimicrobial activity of V. myrtillus against viridans streptococci and C. albicans was promising and maybe used for the treatment of cariogenic microorganisms or oral Candidiasis in future studies. Antimicrobial activity of V. myrtillus against viridans streptococci and C. albicans was promising and maybe used for the treatment of cariogenic microorganisms or oral Candidiasis in future studies.