Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Nurdarina Ausi Zulkifli, Zurina Hassan, Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa, Wan Norlina Wan Azman, Siti Nurma Hanim Hadie, Nurhafizah Ghani, Anani Aila Mat Zin
Summary: Studies have shown that tropical Meliponini bees produce stingless bee honey (SBH) with beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. SBH contains high concentrations of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which contribute to its therapeutic benefits. SBH can stimulate synaptic plasticity and synaptogenesis through BDNF/TrkB pathways, promoting learning and memory.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Azri Shahir Rozman, Norhashila Hashim, Bernard Maringgal, Khalina Abdan
Summary: Nanoemulsions (NEs) are widely used in various industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to their stability and long shelf life. This study successfully formulated stingless bee honey (SBH) NEs using a high-pressure homogeniser, with results showing reliable models developed through response surface methodology and particle sizes of SBH NEs ranging between 10 and 100 nm. This suggests a new direction for by-products of stingless bee honey.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Patricia Brugnerotto, Ana Carolina Oliveira Costa, Adrian Fuente-Balleseros, Ana Maria Ares, Luciano Valdemiro Gonzaga, Roseane Fett, Jose Bernal
Summary: Pesticide residues in Brazilian Mimosa scabrella honeydew honey were found to be low and within the established limits, indicating that it can be exported to other countries.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Isabel Escriche, Marisol Juan-Borras, Mario Visquert, Jose Miguel Valiente
Summary: The complexity and lack of standardization in pollen analysis result in discrepancies among different laboratories, leading to potentially misleading results.
Article
Biology
Enos Tangke Arung, Rico Ramadhan, Binti Khairunnisa, Yhiya Amen, Masako Matsumoto, Maki Nagata, Irawan Wijaya Kusuma, Swandari Paramita, Sukemi, Yadi, Nataniel Tandirogang, Naomichi Takemoto, Syafrizal, Yong-ung Kim, Kuniyoshi Shimizu
Summary: The study found that products from Homotrigona fimbriata stingless bees have stronger cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, and identified mangiferonic acid as the active compound. This suggests that ethanol extracts from propolis of H. fimbriata have potential medicinal value.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiangtao Qiao, Zhouxu Feng, Yong Zhang, Xingying Xiao, Jie Dong, Eric Haubruge, Hongcheng Zhang
Summary: This study investigated phenolamides and flavonoid glycosides in 20 types of monofloral bee pollen. The plant origins of pollen samples were determined using DNA barcoding with a purity of over 70%. A total of 31 phenolamides, including 33 cis/trans isomers, and 25 flavonoid glycosides were identified. Additionally, 19 phenolamides and 14 flavonoid glycosides were discovered as new compounds in bee pollen. The phenolics and flavonoids were found in their amidation or glycosylation forms. The study also summarized the MS/MS cleavage modes of phenolamides and flavonoid glycosides.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Azri Shahir Rozman, Norhashila Hashim, Bernard Maringgal, Khalina Abdan
Summary: This article summarises recent reports on stingless bee products, elucidating the function and application of their properties, highlighting their antimicrobial properties and anticancer potential, and discussing future trends and potential of these products.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Adriane Costa dos Santos, Fabiola Carina Biluca, Patricia Brugnerotto, Luciano Valdemiro Gonzaga, Ana Carolina Oliveira Costa, Roseane Fett
Summary: This study investigated the presence of fourteen aliphatic organic acids (AOA) in honeys produced by different species of Brazilian stingless bees and characterized their physicochemical properties. The study found significant differences in physicochemical properties among the samples and identified acetic, gluconic, and lactic acids as the major AOA in all the samples. Further research on the physical and chemical characteristics of honey from different species of stingless bees is needed.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wei Chean Chuah, Huei Hong Lee, Daniel H. J. Ng, Ai Ling Ho, Mohd Rosni Sulaiman, Fook Yee Chye
Summary: Stingless bee honey (SBH), produced by stingless bees, is a natural sweet product used in traditional medicine. It has high nutritional value and health-promoting properties due to its plant bioactive compounds from various foraged nectar sources.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fatin Haniza Zakaria, Ismail Samhani, Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa, Nazlahshaniza Shafin
Summary: Depression is a debilitating mental disorder with a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Current treatments primarily focus on increasing neurotransmitter levels, but there is a need for safer and more effective alternatives. Stingless bee honey, known for its high antioxidant content, shows potential as a new candidate for antidepressants.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Salma Malihah Mohammad, Nor-Khaizura Mahmud-Ab-Rashid, Norhasnida Zawawi
Summary: Stingless bee-collected pollen, also known as bee bread, is a mixture of bee pollen, bee salivary enzymes, and regurgitated honey fermented by indigenous microbes. Research on bee bread is focused on promoting the meliponiculture industry and exploring its physiochemical properties and health benefits. Studies also aim to identify beneficial microbes associated with bee bread for potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Beatriz Lozano-Torres, M. Carmen Martinez-Bisbal, Juan Soto, Marisol Juan Borras, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Isabel Escriche
Summary: This study demonstrates the ability of the voltammetric electronic tongue (VET) to predict honey adulteration, with good performance and an average error lower than 5%.
Review
Entomology
David W. Roubik
Summary: Stingless bees are perennial honey-making insects that have a long evolutionary history in tropical forests. They have diverse ecological adaptations, excel in nesting site selection and mutualisms with other organisms, and display opportunistic behaviors. However, the expansion of human activities and exploitation pose challenges to their survival and reproduction.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Salomon Virginia Maria, Gianni De Carvalho Katia, Arroyo Florencia, Maldonado Luis Maria, Gennari Gerardo, Vera Nancy, Romero Cintia Mariana
Summary: The study revealed that isolates from honey and pollen of stingless bees in Northern Argentina are able to produce various hydrolytic enzymes, with one isolate identified as Bacillus sp. Additionally, these isolates can produce antimicrobial exopolysaccharides (EPS) and are capable of forming emulsion hydrogels with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Evaluation of prebiotic properties on Lactobacillus casei showed better growth in the presence of EPS and its mix with omega-3 PUFA.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Francieli Braghini, Fabiola C. Biluca, Mayara Schulz, Luciano Gonzaga, Ana C. O. Costa, Roseane Fett
Summary: Stingless bee honey, with its distinctive physicochemical characteristics and properties, does not comply with most current honey regulations. This review aims to showcase the diversity of stingless bee honeys, comparing their thresholds with existing regulations and suggesting control measures. Additionally, it provides valuable data on the chemical composition and health benefits of this lesser commercially explored honey, supporting future research and product dissemination.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Rita Giraldes Simoes, Ponprom Pisuttimarn, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz, Carol Furness, Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng, Lars W. Chatrou
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of pollen variation in Decalobanthus, offering a pillar for further systematic and evolutionary studies. Pollen from seven out of 17 species has been documented, totaling a characterization of 14 species in the genus and revealing some unique features of the pollen.
Article
Plant Sciences
Valeria Leobina dos Santos, Catarina Carvalho Nievola, Adriana de Oliveira Fidalgo, Shoey Kanashiro, Maria das Gracas Lapa Wanderley, Eduardo Pereira Cabral Gomes, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz
Summary: The present study describes the floral morphology and evaluates pollen viability for the bromeliad Nidularium minutum Mez. during the flowering period 2018-2019 through histochemistry and pollen germination tests. In summary, the inflorescences are nidular, capituliform with short branches, each bearing two to three odorless, bisexual and greenish-white flowers, with an androecium shorter than the gynoecium and six stamens with anthers featuring rimose dehiscence.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andressa Camargo Valese, Heitor Daguer, Carmen Maria Oliveira Muller, Luciano Molognoni, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz, Daniel de Barcellos Falkenberg, Luciano Valdemiro Gonzaga, Patricia Brugnerotto, Silvana Lima Gorniak, Fabiano Barreto, Roseane Fett, Ana Carolina Oliveira Costa
Summary: This study investigated the determination of eight pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in honeys, pollen, and Senecio brasiliensis samples from Santa Catarina state, Brazil using LC-MS/MS. The study found that PAs were present in higher levels in honeys with certain pollen sources, and also identified the transfer of PAs in beehive products.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH PART B-PESTICIDES FOOD CONTAMINANTS AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Higor Antonio-Domingues, Ana Paula Fortuna Perez, Monica Lanzoni Rossi, Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz
Summary: Pollen morphology and ultrastructure of Poiretia were analyzed using multiple microscopy techniques. The study identified different pollen types and discussed their systematic implications. The findings contribute to the characterization of Poiretia pollen grains and help recognize problematic species and species groups.
Article
Neurosciences
Cinder Faith Cohen, Arthur Silveira Prudente, Temugin Berta, Sang Hoon Lee
Summary: The study revealed the crucial role of TRPC4 in pain and migraine, with the TRPC4 antagonist ML204 showing promising effects in reducing migraine-like behaviors induced by nitroglycerin and lowering CGRP levels in mice. These findings suggest TRPC4 as a potential target for novel clinical treatments for migraineurs.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Cynthia Fernandes Pinto Da Luz, Marcia Aguiar De Barros, Shana Yuri Misumi, Ingrid Horak-Terra, Felipe Mesquita De Vasconcellos, Claudia Gutterres Vilela, Cynthia Lebrao De Abreu Pires, Ortrud Monika Barth
Summary: This study reconstructs the dynamics of restinga vegetation and environment during the Mid-Holocene in Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Brazil. The research reveals a Holocene Marine Transgression event and a subsequent influx of freshwater. It also provides insights into the composition and distribution of the vegetation during that period.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Camila Rodrigues Costa, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto Da Luz, Ingrid Horak-Terra, Plinio Barbosa de Camargo, Uidemar Morais Barral, Carlos Victor Mendonca-Filho, Thamyres Sabrina Goncalves, Alexandre Christofaro Silva
Summary: This study investigates the paleoenvironmental changes in the Cerrado biome in Brazil over the past 23,000 years. The findings indicate a humid and cold climate during the late Pleistocene, with changes in temperature and humidity during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. The study also reveals landscape instability and a reduction in humidity during the early Holocene, with the current sub-humid climate conditions established in the mid-/late Holocene.
JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ortrud Monika Barth, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz
Summary: Restinga is an ecosystem in the Atlantic Forest biome located along the Brazilian coastal plains. The characteristics of honey, bee pollen, propolis, and geopropolis produced by Apis mellifera and native stingless bees vary based on the pollen morphology of the plants. Different regions in Brazil have different main nectariferous and polliniferous sources.
Article
Dermatology
Francesco De Logu, Roberto Maglie, Mustafa Titiz, Giulio Poli, Lorenzo Landini, Matilde Marini, Daniel Souza Monteiro de Araujo, Gaetano De Siena, Marco Montini, Daniela Almeida Cabrini, Michel Fleith Otuki, Priscila Lucia Pawloski, Emiliano Antiga, Tiziano Tuccinardi, Joao Batista Calixto, Pierangelo Geppetti, Romina Nassini, Eunice Andre
Summary: The study reveals that the genetic deletion or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 can attenuate itch in a mouse model of psoriasis. Human psoriatic lesions express multiple microRNAs, including miR-203b-3p, which can induce itch in mice through the activation of 5-HTR2B and TRPV4. Computer simulation shows that the core sequence of miR-203b-3p (GUUAAGAA) targets the extracellular side of 5-HTR2B.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Higor Antonio-Domingues, Ana Paula Fortuna-Perez, Monica Lanzoni Rossi, Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli, Gwilym Peter Lewis, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto Da Luz
Summary: This study provides phylogenetically useful palynological information to support taxonomic studies of the least diverse genus within the Adesmia clade - Amicia. The analysis of pollen grains using microscopy techniques revealed variations in size and aperture features, which can be used to delimit pollen types. The study also identified diagnostic morphological features for two infrageneric taxa within Amicia.
Article
Plant Sciences
Kingsley Chinedu Daraojimba, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz
Summary: There has been an increase in adulterated honey in Nigeria's commercial market due to the profitable nature of the honey business. This study used melissopalynology analyses to determine the pollen composition and diversity of commercial honey samples from three states in Nigeria, in order to establish their botanical and geographical origins.
Article
Plant Sciences
Higor Antonio-Domingues, Ana Paula Fortuna-Perez, Monica Lanzoni Rossi, Rafael Felipe De Almeida, Adriana Pinheiro-Martinelli, Gwilym Lewis, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto Da Luz
Summary: By studying the pollen morphology, ultrasculpture, and ultrastructure of Nissolia species, we found that pollen morphology and types are related to species and phylogenetic distribution, providing valuable characters for taxonomic studies in the Adesmia clade.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz, Valeria Leobina dos Santos, Gisele de Oliveira Silva, Maria Das Gracas Lapa Wanderley
Summary: Previous studies on Abolboda pollen lacked statistical analyses of morphological data. In this study, the pollen morphology of four Brazilian species and three varieties was described, and a multivariate analysis was performed to identify key features for species and infraspecific delimitation within the genus. The combination of pollen size, nexine thickness, and dimensions of sexine excrescences were found to be the most important characteristics for species-level identification and grouping of varieties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Higor Antonio-Domingues, Lorena Lana Camelo Antunes, Monica Lanzoni Rossi, Adriana Pinheiro Martinelli, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz
Summary: Pollen morphology and ultrasculpture are important tools for taxonomy and systematics studies of Aeschynomene and Ctenodon. This study provides new data on their pollen features and supports the current classification and phylogenetic relationships of these genera.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cynthia Fernandes Pinto da Luz, Sergio Augusto de Miranda Chaves, Cristiane Bonaldi Cano
Summary: By analyzing the pollen content of Brazilian honey samples and comparing the similarity between different samples, distinctive pollen characteristics of different floral honeys were identified, providing a basis and reference for ensuring the geographical origin and quality of honey.
