A natural remedy long used by Indigenous Australians may hold the key to fighting modern superbugs. New research led by the University of Sydney has revealed that Australian native bee honey often called sugarbag honey has strong antimicrobial properties, even after heat treatment and long-term storage.
This discovery not only supports traditional First Nations knowledge but also opens up exciting possibilities for a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Stingless Bees, Powerful Honey
The study, led by Dr Kenya Fernandes, examined honey from three species of Australian stingless bees:
• Tetragonula carbonaria
• Tetragonula hockingsi
• Austroplebeia australis
These stingless bees produce small amounts of honey about half a litre per hive each year but what they lack in quantity, they make up for in potent antimicrobial strength. Indigenous Australians have traditionally used this honey to treat wounds, itchy skin, and sores.
Why This Honey Stands Out
Unlike European honeybee honey (Apis mellifera), which primarily relies on hydrogen peroxide for its antimicrobial effects, the native stingless bee honey exhibits both peroxide and non-peroxide activity. This makes it:
• More stable over time
• Effective even after heating
• Broadly active across different floral sources and seasons
In other words, it’s not just about the plants these bees forage from something about the bees themselves is contributing to the honey’s consistent antimicrobial power.
“There’s something special about these bees,” said Dr Fernandes. “This goes beyond nectar.”
Commercial and Medical Potential
Although each hive produces a small yield, researchers believe native stingless bees could still be commercially viable. These hives:
• Require less maintenance than traditional ones
• Can be managed in larger numbers
• Have recently gained regulatory approval by Food Standards Australia New Zealand
“With proper incentives, this could become a niche but high-value market,” said Dr Ros Gloag, co-author of the study.
Importantly, microbes don’t develop resistance to honey the way they do with synthetic antibiotics making native bee honey a compelling addition to future therapeutic approaches.
What’s Next?
The research team is now working to identify the specific compounds behind the non-peroxide antimicrobial activity. Though they haven’t yet tested it on drug-resistant bacteria, the presence of multiple antimicrobial factors suggests it could be effective where many antibiotics fail.
“The consistent activity across all sugarbag samples is promising,” said Professor Dee Carter, another co-author. “This could reduce the risk of resistance and enhance long-term treatment options.”
Conclusion: Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Science
The healing potential of sugarbag honey, recognised by Indigenous Australians for generations, is now backed by modern science. As the world searches for solutions to antibiotic resistance, Australian native bee honey’s antimicrobial properties stand out as a natural, sustainable, and scientifically validated option.