Search Results (132)

Honey bee populations face significant threats from viral pathogens, Nosema ceranae, Varroa destructor, and the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida), all of which contribute to colony losses worldwide. RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising molecular tool for controlling these pathogens and pests through sequence-specific gene silencing. This review summarizes current advances in RNAi applications against major honey bee diseases and parasites, including antiviral strategies, suppression of Nosema development, interference with Varroa reproduction, and RNAi-based control of small hive beetles. Particular attention is given to recent developments in delivery technologies, including oral administration, nanoparticle-assisted formulations, and symbiont-mediated RNAi systems. The opportunities, limitations, and future challenges associated with large-scale implementation, environmental safety, regulatory approval, and field deployment are also discussed. Collectively, these advances highlight the potential of RNAi as a valuable component of sustainable honey bee health management and integrated pest management programs. Full article

Honey maturity is increasingly discussed in relation to product integrity, fair trade, and the classification of immature honey production as a form of adulteration. This narrative critical review examines honey maturity using evidence from peer-reviewed microbiological, physicochemical, and metabolomic studies, combined with an analysis of international and European regulatory frameworks, including Codex Alimentarius CXS 12-1981, Council Directive 2001/110/EC, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, and Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. Particular attention is given to the interpretation of osmophilic yeast counts, water activity ($a_w$), moisture content, comb cell capping, fermentation, and technological dehumidification. The reviewed evidence indicates that osmophilic yeasts are natural components of honey and that their presence, expressed as colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g), should not be treated as an independent non-compliance criterion in the absence of active fermentation. Existing honey standards define compositional and quality requirements, including moisture, hydroxymethylfurfural, enzymatic activity, and absence of fermentation or effervescence, but do not establish a honey-specific CFU/g limit for yeasts. On this basis, the review formulates a functional maturity assessment framework integrating $a_w$, moisture, enzymatic indicators, and metabolomic biomarkers. The proposed framework is presented as a conceptual model derived from the synthesis of the existing literature and requiring further multilaboratory validation prior to adoption in official control practice. This approach may improve proportionality in honey quality assessment and reduce the risk of misclassifying microbiologically stable honeys as immature or adulterated. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive contaminants that have been detected throughout the food chain. Their presence raises concerns in foods intended for health-related purposes, as these products are often consumed by vulnerable populations such as infants, older adults, and patients requiring clinical nutrition support. These groups may be more susceptible to contaminant exposure and may rely heavily on specialized foods. Therefore, understanding the occurrence and potential risks of MPs in such products is important. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the presence, sources, and health implications of plastic particles in several categories of health-oriented foods, including dietary supplements, medicinal herbs, plant-based beverages, honey, infant formulas, and clinical nutrition products, including enteral and parenteral formulations. Microplastics have been reported across these matrices. Fibers and fragments dominate, and common polymers include polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). These particles can originate from polluted water, soil, and air, as well as from production processes, packaging wear, and clinical delivery systems. Current evidence suggests that improving methodological consistency and expanding targeted toxicological research relevant to vulnerable populations will be crucial for strengthening risk assessment. Full article

Background: The rapid expansion of functional ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages—formulated with prebiotic fibers, botanical extracts, and reduced sugar—has outpaced systematic characterization of their small-molecule composition. Methods: We applied dual-mode untargeted high-resolution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), integrating hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) and reversed-phase C18 separations, to profile five commercial RTD beverages spanning distinct formulation categories: Coca-Cola^®, Poppi^® Orange, OLIPOP^® Cream Soda, Pure Leaf^® Unsweetened Black Tea, and BeePop™ Peach + Orange Blossom Honey. Results: Across all products, 478 compounds were structurally annotated at Metabolomics Standards Initiative (MSI) Levels 1 and 2, of which 42 matched compounds with reported bioactivity in a curated literature-based reference database. Seventeen compounds—including the NAD+ precursor trigonelline and multiple B vitamins—were detected across all five products. The number and diversity of compounds with reported bioactivity varied substantially by product and correlated with botanical ingredient complexity. Conclusions: This work presents a qualitative molecular survey of the RTD beverage category using standardized, dual-mode untargeted metabolomics, providing a reference dataset for future targeted quantitation studies. Full article

Honey bees are constantly exposed to various environmental threats, among which pesticide pollution, including fungicides, is one of the most serious. The bees were 3 days old when they received the experimental solution. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior and mortality of honey bee workers exposed to a commercial formulation of the fungicide tebuconazole (Tebu^® EW, a.i. 25.8%; HELM, Hamburg, Germany). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions and lasted 7 days for all experimental groups. The fungicide solution was prepared by adding 6.25 mL of Tebu^® EW per 1 L of water, corresponding to 156.25 mg of tebuconazole (active ingredient) in the prepared solution of sugar syrup. The solution was served in 5 mL dispensers (=group feeding) placed in the cages. This concentration was used for the acute-exposure group (24 h). After 24 h bees were supplied with untreated sugar syrup for the remainder of the experiment. For the chronic-exposure group (168 h), the solution was a 1000-fold dilution of the acute solution, containing 0.15625 mg tebuconazole, dissolved in sugar syrup, provided continuously for 7 days with daily replacement. After 7 days, bee behavior was recorded using a camera and analyzed with Noldus Observer XT software (12.5: Windows 7 64-bit (SP1) version) Five basic honey bee behaviors were examined: walking, flight, self-grooming, contact between individuals and stillness. The results showed statistically significant differences between the experimental groups and the control group (α = 0.05) in the duration of walking, contact between individuals and self-grooming, and the frequency of walking and flight. This was particularly evident for self-grooming; the longer the group was exposed to tebuconazole, the less time the bees spent on this behavior (the acute group spent 47% less time self-grooming and the chronic group spent 88.8% less time self-grooming compared to the control group). Meanwhile, the frequency of walking and flying increased significantly with increasing exposure. No significant differences were observed in the survival between the groups. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the fungicide containing tebuconazole significantly affects the behavior of honey bee workers. Full article

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) is a plant species with a multitude of uses in medicine, food science and agriculture. Xanthohumol, the major prenylflavonoid in hop cone extract, possesses anti-cancer activity. Xanthohumol also exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., S. aureus), but not against Gram-negative bacteria. Xanthohumol can reduce blood glucose levels and body fat in obese male rats (not females), and mature hop bitter acids (MHBAs) have been found to decrease visceral and abdominal human fat. Xanthohumol can increase bone mineral density, decrease osteoclast numbers, and protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress in osteoporotic mice. Further clinical research, xanthohumol and bitter acids could be sourced from hop cone extracts to formulate novel drugs that can successfully treat a variety of diseases and potentially replace current therapies that have negative effects. In the food industry, hop cone extracts are mainly used in the brewing industry, with 98% of the world’s hop cones being used in brewing beer. Hop cone extracts are also used as food/drink preservatives due to their antimicrobial abilities, as previously mentioned, although there is less of a need for hops in extending food/drink shelf-life. Finally, hop cone extracts have several uses in agriculture, mainly as pesticides. For example, hop extracts can kill varroa mites, a parasite that impairs honeybee health. This benefits honeybee farmers as increased bee survival means more honey production, increasing profits. Overall, this review paper brings together recent studies that highlight hop extracts as valuable bioactive compound mixtures with many useful applications. Full article

Honey and propolis from the stingless bees Tetragonula drescheri and Tetragonula pagdeni remain underexplored for their health-promoting application. This study investigated the bioactive compounds, and antiviral and anticancer activities of honey and propolis extracts against herpes simplex virus (HSV), and human papillomavirus (HPV-16/18)-positive cervical cancer cells. Water and ethanol extracts were prepared and evaluated for anti-HSV activity using plaque assay, and for anticancer effects on CaSki and HeLa cells using apoptosis, colony formation, cell migration, and candidate gene expression analysis. Propolis water extract most potentially inhibited HSV wild-type and drug-resistant strains. Propolis ethanol extract from T. drescheri markedly suppressed CaSki and HeLa cell growth, induced apoptosis, downregulated HPV-16/18 E6, and upregulated BAX expression. Chemical profiles were identified by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Most candidate compounds displayed preferable drug-likeness properties. Prototype herbal soup formulations containing selected extracts significantly inhibited HSV-1 drug-resistant strain and HPV-16 E6 expression. These findings demonstrated the high antiviral and anticancer potential of the extracted compounds from T. drescheri and T. pagdeni propolis, supporting their application in health-promoting products against HSV and HPV infection. Full article

Kombucha, a traditionally fermented tea, has gained increasing scientific and commercial interest due to its sensory quality and bioactive metabolites profile associated with different health-related activities. Recent research highlights the value of enriching traditional and honey kombucha with plant-based biomolecules to create new functional beverages with enhanced functional and nutraceutical properties, improved flavor, and chemical stability. Therefore, this study aimed to review and update the research on the enrichment of kombucha with these natural biomolecules that have been shown to expand the spectrum of health-promoting activities (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-aging), while also enhancing the physicochemical stability of raw kombucha. Yet this innovation must be navigated with a thoughtful understanding of safety, biochemical stability, and sensory evaluation. Thus, this review strongly advocates that the integrative enrichment approach presents a promising strategy for developing next-generation functional beverages with synergistic nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Further controlled studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic interactions between the kombucha’s microbiome and these added bioactive substrates, as well as to optimize formulations for targeted health applications. Full article

Managed colonies of the Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, are essential to global food security by ensuring the pollination of a wide array of crops that are crucial for human consumption. However, substantial declines in managed honey bee populations have been reported worldwide, including in Australia, the United States and Europe. These losses have been attributed to the multifaceted interplay of stressors encompassing agrochemical impact, climate fluctuations, pathogens, suboptimal forage conditions, and habitat reduction. In particular, Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American foulbrood (AFB), is one of the most destructive bacterial pathogens for honey bees due to its high transmissibility, environmental persistence, and capacity to cause complete colony collapse. Recurrent and widespread AFB outbreaks impose significant economic and biosecurity burdens on apiarists, exacerbating declines in pollination services and agricultural productivity. This review synthesises the current landscape of therapeutic strategies targeting AFB, including bacteriophage-based approaches, vaccine development, probiotics, and essential oils, and evaluate their reported field applications, efficacy, and practical limitations. Bacteriophages and immune-priming approaches show the greatest potential to reduce larval mortality and pathogen load, although their application is constrained by formulation stability, delivery challenges, and limited large-scale field validation. Probiotics and essential oils produce highly variable and inconsistent effectiveness under field conditions. Overall, these alternatives currently represent promising complementary tools rather than standalone treatments, underscoring the need for further investigation. Full article

Leucania loreyi (Duponchel, 1827) is a major lepidopteran pest that infests a wide range of crops worldwide. Effective mass production of insects for pest management programs depends on the availability of suitable artificial diets. Here, we evaluated 14 artificial diets (D1–D14) formulated from maize or cowpea seeds (19.5 g) plus standard diet components and supplemented with 1 g of pollen from different sources (rapeseed, date palm, maize, common hollyhock, saffron, and honey bee), along with control diets. We assessed their effects on demographic traits of L. loreyi. The maize seed–maize pollen diet (D3) and the cowpea seed–maize pollen diet (D10) produced the shortest developmental times (37.53 and 38.10 days, respectively), whereas the maize seed–saffron pollen (D5) and cowpea seed–saffron pollen (D12) diets resulted in the longest development (45.83 and 45.56 days, respectively). Diet also D3 yielded the shortest adult and total pre-oviposition periods (APOP and TROP), the greatest female longevity, and the highest fecundity and net reproductive rate (R₀) (801.69 and 88.69 offspring, respectively). In contrast, diet D12 produced the lowest fecundity and R₀ (339.73 and 68.15 offspring, respectively). Consistent with these patterns, D3 generated the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), while diets D5 and D12 were associated with lower population growth rates. Cluster analysis further identified D3 as the most nutritionally favorable formulation under our experimental conditions, supporting its potential utility for large-scale L. loreyi rearing. Full article

The development of shelf-stable functional foods remains a key challenge in probiotic product formulation, particularly for non-dairy alternatives adapted to traditional diets. Amlou, a Moroccan spread made from argan oil, almonds, and honey or sugar, may serve as a promising plant-based probiotic carrier. This study evaluated the viability of three LAB strains, Lactobacillus gasseri (commercial), Latilactobacillus sakei AE126, and Enterococcus durans Y17, in seven Amlou formulations containing varying argan oil (5–10%) and sugar (0–10%) concentrations. Samples were stored at ambient temperature (25 °C) for 45 days. Viability, pH, and water activity were monitored periodically. Probiotic survival significantly depended on formulation (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Viability losses remained below 1 log CFU/g across all samples. The best results were observed in formulations containing 10% argan oil and either 0% or 5% sugar, depending on the probiotic strain, suggesting a synergistic protective effect of lipids and moderate carbohydrate levels. These findings indicate that Amlou could serve as a shelf-stable, culturally relevant carrier for probiotic delivery. Full article

The aim of this study was to identify chemical formulations that stimulate Apis mellifera colony development by enhancing queen egg-laying under protein-supplemented conditions. Feeding trials were conducted in early spring, when natural food sources are scarce. The experiment was conducted in two Romanian apiaries and included four treatment groups. Three formulations included protein-enriched bee food: two standard variants and one supplemented with essential fatty acids. All were administered alongside behavioral stimulants (T1–T3). A fourth treatment served as a control, containing only protein-based food without brood pheromones or additional stimulants (T4). Pheromone blends were formulated based on brood-emitted volatiles identified by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS). The effects of the treatments were evaluated by measuring queen egg-laying and brood area development. Results showed that treatments based on brood ester pheromones (BEP)–T1 and a fatty acid blend (FAB)–T3 significantly stimulated queen egg-laying and brood production, with comparable performance and a slight advantage for T3. In contrast, combining BEP with a fatty acid-supplemented protein diet (T2) produced a moderate effect, consistent with regulated lipid intake in honey bee colonies. These findings indicate that brood-associated semiochemicals, combined with protein supplementation, can effectively stimulate colony growth. Full article

The decline of honey bee health has intensified interest in microbiome-based strategies to support colony resilience and reduce reliance on chemical interventions. In this study, we performed an in vitro probiotic screening of five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains of honey bee origin and two multi-strain consortia for prospective application in apiculture. Two formulations were evaluated: LAB Mix 1 (Apilactobacillus kunkeei and Lactobacillus apis) and LAB Mix 2 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Fructobacillus fructosus, and A. kunkeei). Functional and safety-related traits were investigated, including auto-aggregation, cell-surface hydrophobicity, inter-strain compatibility, organic acid production, oxidative detoxification capacity, antibiotic susceptibility, haemolytic activity, and growth dynamics in sugar-based feeding syrups. All strains exhibited time-dependent increases in aggregation and hydrophobicity, with A. kunkeei and F. fructosus showing particularly strong surface-associated properties. No mutual antagonism or haemolytic activity was observed. Organic acid profiling revealed strain-specific metabolic signatures, with high lactic and citric acid production by L. plantarum and LAB consortia. Several strains displayed peroxidase activity, suggesting a role in oxidative stress mitigation. Growth assays demonstrated that high sugar concentrations severely limited bacterial growth, whereas moderate dilution significantly improved growth. Under osmotic stress conditions, mixed cultures generally achieved higher optical density values than individual strains. Collectively, these findings support bee-associated LAB and multi-strain formulations as promising candidates for further probiotic development. Full article

This study examines how changes in salivary α-amylase and calcium affect the rheological properties and stability of food emulsions thickened with Locust Bean Gum (LBG) and Pre-gelatinized Rice Flour (RF), containing 10% Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCT). Increasing the LBG: RF ratio improves resistance to simulated saliva dilution. The 1:4 (LBG: RF) emulsion maintained an apparent viscosity within the NDD nectar-like range after simulated saliva addition, making it suitable for patients with dysphagia. Calcium sources from lactate (LC) and gluconate (GC) enhanced the emulsion’s resistance to α-amylase degradation, especially at a shear rate of 10 s⁻¹. The study also evaluated levels according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). Both NDD honey-like and pudding-like samples were classified as IDDSI Level 3 by the syringe test, showing that different grading systems and food compositions can lead to variations. After simulated saliva treatment, the 1:4 (LBG: RF) sample showed the least degradation. These findings highlight the significant role of salivary α-amylase in thickened foods and emphasize the importance of optimizing thickener types and formulation ratios to enhance dietary safety for individuals with dysphagia. Full article

The valorization of waste cooking oils (WCOs) provides a strategy to reduce environmental impact while converting residues from the food industry into valuable products. This study developed and characterized antimicrobial soaps from purified WCOs (sunflower, palm, and pumpkin oils) enriched with natural bioactive ingredients. WCOs were purified by filtration, treatment with 10% NaCl, and bleaching with 3% H₂O₂, followed by cold saponification with NaOH. Twelve soap formulations were prepared, including six enriched with bee products (propolis, poly-floral honey, linden, acacia, honeydew, and sunflower) and six enriched with essential oils (EOs) (clove, rosemary, mace, nutmeg, white pepper, and juniper). The WCOs, natural bioactive ingredients, and soaps were characterized using physico-chemical methods (FTIR, GC-FID, phenols, flavonoids, etc.), while their antibacterial activity was determined against two microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity of soaps is related to their alkaline pH, while the addition of honey, propolis, or EOs contributes to additional antimicrobial effects. Among honey- and propolis-enriched soaps, those with propolis produced the largest inhibition zones (up to 8.67 mm for S. aureus and 7.0 mm for E. coli). EO-based soaps exhibited higher activity, with rosemary EO-based soap showing the largest zones (up to 9.5 mm for S. aureus and 7.5 mm for E. coli). These data support the potential of enriched soaps containing honey, propolis, and EOs for antimicrobial applications, highlighting their value as a sustainable alternative in the valorization of WCOs. Full article