Physicochemical Characterization of Apis dorsata Binghami Honey from the Wallacean Zone of Indonesia: Insights into an Under-Researched Resource for Human Health
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Apis dorsata Binghami (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is a vital, under-researched wild honeybee endemic to the Wallacea Zone. This baseline study characterized honey from A. dorsata Binghami colonies across four natural forest locations in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Physicochemical properties varied, with pH from 4.00 to 4.50, moisture from 12.40 to 18.20%, ash from 1.20 to 1.80%, and reducing sugar from 65.00 to 68.52%, reflecting diverse foraging ecologies. All honey samples exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity (69.94–80.27%), linked to total phenolic (512.69–916.75 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (2.7–3.6 mg/g) content. Notably, lead (0.002–0.448 mg/kg) and mercury (0.014–0.305 mg/kg) were detected, indicating environmental exposures that may influence wild bee populations. Further chemical profiling of the most active sample identified 111 derivative compounds by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, including novel honey constituents like 1H-Imidazole, 2-ethyl-4,5-dihydro; Furan, 2,5-dimethyl; and 6-Hepten-1-ol, 2-methyl. High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of gallic acid and protocatechuic acid. This characterization provides fundamental data on A. dorsata Binghami honey, offering critical insights into its potential as a natural resource for human health.
Institution: Manado State University
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7125598379