Apis

Dietary supplementation with a molybdenum-based complex is associated with higher emergence weight in Apis mellifera queens under field conditions

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The quality of the queen is a key factor in the performance of honeybee colonies. Yet the role of trace-element supplementation in queen rearing remains insufficiently documented. This study investigated whether dietary supple-mentation with the molybdenum-based complex abbreviated Na-Mo₂O₄-EDTA affected queen-rearing traits in Apis mellifera under field conditions. Experiments were conducted in spring 2024 in two apiaries in western France. Supplemented colonies received sugar syrup containing Na-Mo₂O₄-EDTA, whereas control colonies received the same syrup without supplementation. Queen emergence weight was assessed at both sites, and additional queen-rearing traits were measured at one site.

Three replicates were conducted at both sites, although one replicate at site 1 was excluded because of high mortality. After accounting for colony identity, site, and week effects using mixed-effects models, dietary supplementation with Na-Mo₂O₄-EDTA was significantly associated with increased queen emergence weight. In contrast, no consistent treatment effect was detected for queen cell length, royal jelly production, or morphometric traits. These results provide preliminary evidence that molybdenum supplementation may influence queen developmental outcomes under field conditions and support further investigation of trace-element supplementation in honey bee queen rearing.

Use of Bee Bread and Drone Larvae Homogenate in the Treatment of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: Results of an Early-Phase Clinical Study

Valentyna Knizhenko, Viktor Iolkin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The development of apitherapy began many centuries ago. However, currently, it is still not a widespread method for the treatment of various diseases. To strengthen the evidence base for apitherapy, a series of clinical studies of bee products was organized.

In 2021, at the Kharkiv National Medical University (Ukraine), at the clinical sites of the Department of Urology, Nephrology and Andrology, an early-phase clinical study was conducted on the use of bee products in the complex treatment of chronic bacterial prostatitis.

The study included 60 patients with chronic prostatitis who had previously used standard treatment methods. In the complex treatment of these patients, the following combination of bee products was used: 1) lyophilized drone larvae homogenate, 2) suppositories with drone homogenate, 3) bee bread (perga). An important objective of the study was to investigate the tolerability and safety of these bee products, as well as to assess the potential for further in-depth research on this topic.

As a result of the complex treatment, high and moderate effectiveness was achieved for 93.3% of patients, and low - only for 6.7%. A significant improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters was achieved: 1) pain on palpation disappeared, 2) the size of the prostate gland decreased and the heterogeneity of its structure disappeared, 3) the number of leukocytes decreased, 4) the number of erythrocytes decreased, 5) testosterone levels increased, etc.

It is important to note that this study was conducted as an early-phase study using a «patient-as-own-control» methodology, which was reflected in both the study design and the interpretation of its results.

An early-phase clinical study of the use of homogenate of drone larvae and bee bread for patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis showed their high effectiveness and tolerability. Therefore, these natural and safe products are very promising for further research and practical application for the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

Experimental Investigation of the Oncobiological Effects of Apitoxin in a Sarcoma-45 Model

Vyacheslav Vasilyevich Ovechkin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Intensive research is currently being conducted worldwide into novel biologically active compounds and integrative therapeutic approaches for the treatment of malignant diseases. Bee venom (apitoxin) is a natural substance with a complex biological composition containing peptides, enzymes, and other bioactive components. Over recent decades, preclinical studies have increasingly focused on the oncobiological activity of melittin, phospholipase A2, and other peptide components of bee venom.

The aim of the present study was to describe the antitumour effects of bee venom observed in an experimental Sarcoma-45 tumour model and to provide a brief overview of the relevant preclinical literature. Native dried apitoxin obtained by electrical stimulation was administered to rats implanted with Sarcoma-45 tumours using different solvent systems. The control group received no treatment.

Marked tumour regression was observed in the apitoxin-treated groups by days 3–4 of treatment. By day 10, tumour size had decreased to approximately half of the initial volume. The treated animals demonstrated improvement in general condition, increased activity, and improved appetite, whereas the control group exhibited progressive tumour growth and significant mortality.

These findings suggest that the bioactive components of bee venom may influence several biological mechanisms involved in tumour progression and may also affect immunological and inflammatory regulatory pathways. Although further controlled preclinical and clinical studies are required to assess clinical applicability in humans, the available molecular, cellular, and experimental evidence supports further investigation of apitoxin within the field of integrative oncology.

Effects of Bee-Derived Products, Yoga, and Dietary Intervention on Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly increasing global health concern, closely associated with lifestyle-related factors such as obesity, dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Integrative approaches combining nutritional and life-style interventions may offer complementary strategies for improving metabolic outcomes under real-world clinical conditions.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined intervention including bee-derived products (propolis and bee bread), dietary modification, and structured physical activity on glycaemic control and metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM.

Methods

This pilot, practice-based observational study applied a within-subject design, in which each participant served as their own control. A total of 130 patients initiated the intervention, and 10 participants who completed the full protocol were included in the final analysis. The intervention consisted of daily supplementation with propolis (15 drops) and bee bread (10 g), a structured yoga programme (three sessions per week), and a progressive dietary intervention including timerestricted feeding over a three-month period. Primary outcome measures included fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and liver function parameters (SGPT and SGOT).

Results

Significant improvements were observed in glycaemic and metabolic parameters. Mean fasting blood glucose decreased from 234.1 ± 71.5 mg/dL to 110.0 ± 23.7 mg/dL (p = .001), while HbA1c levels decreased from 9.5 ± 2.1% to 5.8 ± 0.6% (p = .001). Liver function parameters also improved, with reductions in SGPT and SGOT levels. Postprandial physical activity was associated with additional reductions in blood glucose levels. HPLC-DAD analysis of propolis identified bioactive compounds including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and chlorogenic acid.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that a combined intervention including bee-derived products, dietary modification, and structured physical activity may be associated with substantial improvements in metabolic parameters in patients with T2DM.

These results support the potential relevance of integrative, multimodal approaches in real-world clinical settings. Further studies with larger sample sizes and optimised intervention protocols are required to confirm these findings.

Propolis: Research, Apitherapy and Clinical Applications

José Maurício Sforcin — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The literature shows that propolis has been widely used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and wound healing for centuries.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to present the key findings from in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as clinical trials, involving propolis.

Methods

Publications related to research conducted in vitro using different cell cultures, and in vivo using mice and other experimental animals, were examined. Clinical trials involving propolis were also analysed.

Results

Literature revealed the significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects of propolis, either on its own or when combined with medicines, indicating its efficiency and usefulness. The pharmacological activities of propolis demonstrate its potential as an adjuvant or alternative to conventional drugs, either on its own or in combination with drugs commonly used to treat various diseases.

Conclusion

The in vitro and in vivo assays allowed for the conducting of clinical trials, which confirmed the benefits of propolis for human health.

Erasmus+ Supported Citizen Science on Bee-Relevant Flora: A Hungarian Field Study Informing Estonian Beekeeping

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study presents a citizen science–based field survey of bee-relevant plant species conducted during a professional visit to the National Botanical Garden and Institute of Ecology and Botany. The aim was to document plant taxa of apicultural importance and to support cross-border knowledge transfer in beekeeping education between Hungary and Estonia within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme.

Beekeeping educators were divided into four working groups responsible for recording scientific (Latin), English, and Estonian plant names, photographic documentation, and key ecological and apicultural characteristics. The collected data were later integrated into a unified dataset. The recorded species were documented in a structured format, including multilingual nomenclature, resource type (nectar and/or pollen), and flowering periods in Estonia and Hungary.

The results highlight differences in flowering phenology between the two regions and demonstrate the value of collaborative, multilingual data collection in documenting bee forage plants. The approach supports applied learning and enhances the transferability of ecological knowledge across regions.

However, the study is limited by the botanical garden context, where curated plant collections may not represent typical regional flora. As a result, the observed species composition, flowering periods, and apicultural relevance may differ from those found in natural habitats. Further studies in more representative environments are recommended.

Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of citizen science and international collaboration in strengthening beekeeping education and improving the understanding of pollinator-supporting plant resources.