Stingless Bee Honey from Nagaland Found Rich in Antioxidants, Offering Health and Livelihood Potential: USTM Research

            

 

A groundbreaking scientific study has shed new light on the powerful health benefits of honey and propolis derived from Tetragonula iridipennis, a stingless bee species native to India and Sri Lanka. Found in Nagaland, this bee’s products are now being recognized for their potent antioxidant properties, promising new opportunities in both healthcare and rural livelihoods across Northeast India.

Published in the International Journal of Entomology Research, the study was conducted by Pier Kepevitso and Dr. Rashmimala Kakoti from the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. The researchers carried out extensive biochemical analyses on honey samples collected in both summer and winter, as well as propolis extracted from hive structures in Nagaland.

The findings are striking: winter-collected honey showed the highest phenolic content (128.97 mg GAE/kg) and the strongest antioxidant activity, in some cases outperforming even ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in laboratory assays. Meanwhile, propolis exhibited the highest flavonoid concentration (75.83 mg QE/kg) and demonstrated strong radical scavenging and antimicrobial effects.

“These antioxidant levels are not only scientifically significant but also underline the therapeutic and commercial value of stingless bee products from Nagaland,” the authors noted.

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees from plant exudates and mixed with beeswax and saliva, is used in hive construction and known for its medicinal properties. Stingless bees like Tetragonula iridipennis produce smaller amounts of honey than the widely known Apis mellifera, but their honey is much richer in bioactive compounds.

Despite being traditionally kept by Naga communities for generations, meliponiculture (stingless bee-keeping) has remained underdeveloped in the region due to a lack of scientific research—until now. The study also highlighted seasonal variations in antioxidant activity, which correlated with changes in floral resources and climate. This underscores the importance of region-specific, sustainable beekeeping practices that respect local ecology and traditional knowledge.

With these new findings, there’s renewed hope for integrating stingless bee products into natural health remedies and rural income generation, making this native species a valuable asset for both people and biodiversity in Northeast India