Journal of Ecology and Environment

The Ecological Society of Korea (한국생태학회)
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Evaluation of stingless bee (Tetragonula pagdeni) honey properties and melissopalynological analysis from different geographical origins in Thailand

  • Jakkrawut Maitip (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Amonwit Polgate (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Woranika Promsart (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Jinatchaya Butdee (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Athitta Rueangwong (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Tanatip Sittisorn (Faculty of Science, Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Rayong Campus) ;
  • Wankuson Chanasit (Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Thaksin University) ;
  • Satasak Jorakit (SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited) ;
  • Prapai Kodcharin (Community Enterprise of Stingless Beekeeper of Ban Thap Ma)
  • Received : 2023.10.10
  • Accepted : 2023.11.24
  • Published : 2024.03.31
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Abstract

Background: Honey from different geographical origins can have distinct characteristics due to variations in the floral sources available to stingless bees in different regions. The most abundant stingless bee for meliponiculture in Thailand is Tetragonula pagdeni. However, only a few studies about the properties of honey from a different origin were carried out. The objective of this study was focused on a comparative study to evaluate the melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant activities, and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of stingless bee honey produced by T. pagdeni from different parts of Thailand. Results: Fifty honey samples were collected from five locations, and the physicochemical properties of T. pagdeni honey samples are acidic (pH 3.02-4.15) and have a high water content (18.42-25.06 %w/w), which is related to the regions of meliponary. Melisopalynological analysis reveals the predominant pollen from Melaleuca quinquenervia, Cocus nuciferca, Nephelium lappaceum, Salacca wallichiana, and multiflora honey. All honey samples were analyzed for their TPC and 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The results show that all samples had high TPC and antioxidant activities with a strong correlation (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The data from this study indicates the importance of geographical origin, which links physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and functional characteristics to their floral. Besides, the floral sources and harvesting location affected the properties of stingless bee honey. Our results identify Melaleuca honey as a promising source of phenolic content and antioxidant activity that can be used as a functional food, as well as multiflora and Cocus honey. However, further studies are required to characterize the phenolic compound and its biological potential, which could be a stingless bee honey biomarker and quality control, simultaneously with the physicochemical analysis.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the stingless beekeepers in Chiang Mai, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Phatthalung, and Songkhla provinces for supporting the stingless bee honey samples.

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