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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Collection and Identification of Pollen from Honey Bee Colonies
Published on: January 19, 2021
Antimicrobial activity and pollen composition of honey samples collected from different provinces in Turkey
Nazime Mercan1, Aykut Guvensen, Ali Celik
1Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey. nmercan@pamukkale.edu.tr
Abstract:
The antibacterial activity of honey samples from different sources were collected and investigated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 27736, Morganella morganii, Micrococcus luteus NRRL B-4375, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, and Candida albicans. Pathogens exhibited different sensitivities towards the honey samples. The results showed that majority of the honey samples (75%) generally inhibitied the bacteria tested. The honey samples which were obtained from Izmir (samples 1 and 2) proved more effective as inhibitors against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus. The honey which was obtained from Muğla (sample 5) exhibited high anticandidal activity on C. albicans. A comparison of the honey samples on the basis of pollen content revealed that they were heterofloral, and samples which had highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus were dominated by pollen from Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae (sample 1), and Trifolium, Trigonella, Cyperaceae, Zea mays and Anthemis taxa (sample 2). The honey proved more effective on bacteria than antibiotics.
Insights
This study investigated honey
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Honey possesses known antimicrobial properties.
- Understanding the specific antibacterial and anticandidal activities of honey from different floral sources is crucial for its therapeutic applications.
- Pathogen resistance to conventional antibiotics necessitates the exploration of alternative antimicrobial agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and anticandidal activity of various honey samples.
- To identify specific honey sources and their floral origins associated with potent antimicrobial effects.
- To compare the efficacy of honey against common bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Antibacterial and anticandidal assays were performed on honey samples against a panel of microorganisms including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.
- Pollen analysis was conducted to determine the floral sources of the honey samples.
- Honey's inhibitory effects were compared against standard antibiotics.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (75%) of the tested honey samples exhibited general inhibition against bacteria.
- Honey samples from Izmir demonstrated superior inhibitory activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Honey from Muğla showed high anticandidal activity against Candida albicans.
- Specific pollen types, including Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae, Trifolium, Trigonella, Cyperaceae, Zea mays, and Anthemis, were associated with enhanced antibacterial activity.
Conclusions:
- Honey exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacterial and fungal pathogens.
- The floral origin of honey significantly influences its antimicrobial potency, with specific pollens correlating to enhanced activity.
- Certain honey samples demonstrate superior efficacy compared to conventional antibiotics, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents.
