Antimicrobial resistance is a global health concern – and scientists are looking at a tiny candidate: stingless bee honey.
Findings from the University of Sydney
A University of Sydney team – Dr Kenya Fernandes, Professor Dee Carter and Dr Ros Gloag – analyzed honey from three native stingless species: Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsi and Austroplebeia australis. They found:
The honey shows antimicrobial activity that is consistent across samples.
Activity remains after heat treatment and long storage.
Unlike regular honeybee honey, activity persists when hydrogen peroxide is removed – pointing to a different mechanism.
The researchers note the honey has not yet been tested directly against drug-resistant bacteria – that is the next step.
Trehalulose – a special sugar
Earlier, the University of Queensland found that stingless bee honey is rich in trehalulose, a sugar with a low glycemic index that is absorbed slowly. It is one reason for the honey's characteristic mild tartness and growing interest as a functional food.
Use it wisely
Stingless bee honey is a nutritious food, not a replacement for antibiotics or medical advice.
Do not give honey to infants under 1 year old.
Choose honey with clear origin, properly harvested and stored (it has high moisture and should be kept cool).
Why origin matters
The value of stingless bee honey depends on the bee species, flower source and harvesting process. At Đất Rồng Stingless Bee Farm, honey is fully traceable to forage-planned source areas, so every drop is transparent.
References: Fernandes K., Carter D., Gloag R. – University of Sydney (2025); University of Queensland – trehalulose research (2020).