South African Honey Bee Research

Antimicrobial Activity of Southern African Medicinal Plants on Helicobacter pylori and Lactobacillus Species (2024) : Dinat, A. Orchard, S. Van Vuuren

This Wits University study investigated 21 medicinal plants traditionally used in South Africa for treating gastric ulcers, evaluating their antimicrobial effects on the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori and their interactions with beneficial Lactobacillus species. Twelve plants showed promising activity against H. pylori, and notably, when combined with Lactobacillus strains, their antimicrobial effectiveness increased. Importantly, the extracts did not harm beneficial gut bacteria, supporting their potential use in natural ulcer treatment strategies that preserve microbiome health.

Antimicrobial Properties and Isotope Investigations of South African Honey (2014) : F. Khan J. Hill S. Kaehler M. Allsopp and S. van Vuuren

This study evaluated 42 raw and processed South African honey samples from across all provinces, comparing their antimicrobial activity against common wound pathogens. Several local honeys showed strong, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, comparable to or surpassing those of Manuka honey. The researchers also used stable isotope analysis to verify the honeys’ purity and link chemical markers to antimicrobial potency. The findings underscore the untapped therapeutic potential of South African honey in wound care and suggest a path toward developing standardized, medical-grade local honey.

Chemical Profiling and Chemometric Analysis of South African Propolis (2014) Deepak Kasote Tasneem Suleman Weiyang Chen Maxleene Sandasi Alvaro Viljoen and Sandy van Vuuren

In this extensive study, 39 South African propolis samples were chemically profiled and compared to Brazilian propolis using advanced UPLC-MS and chemometric analysis. The results revealed distinct regional chemical signatures, with most South African samples clustering together and differing significantly from Brazilian types. South African propolis contained rich phenolic and flavonoid compounds—such as pinocembrin, quercetin, and galangin—known for their health benefits. This research provides a critical foundation for future standardization and commercial development of locally sourced propolis products.

A scoping review of African natural products against gastric ulcers and Helicobacter pylori : S. Dinat, A. Orchard, S. Van Vuuren

This 2022 scoping review from the University of the Witwatersrand examined natural African remedies, including bee products, traditionally used to treat gastric ulcers. The review identified 360 medicinal plants, yet only 11% have been scientifically tested against Helicobacter pylori—a bacterium linked to ulcers and gastric cancer. Among the bee products tested, South African honeys (“Pure Honey” and “Champagne Royal Train”) showed significant antimicrobial effects against H. pylori in vitro. The study highlights the untapped potential of African natural products, especially honey, as affordable treatments for widespread infections.

Antimicrobial activity and chemometric modelling of South African propolis : T. Suleman, S. van Vuuren, M. Sandasi, A.M. Viljoen

This 2015 study investigated the antimicrobial properties of 39 South African propolis samples. Using MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) tests, several samples demonstrated strong activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, with MICs as low as 6 μg/mL. Chemometric modelling linked this activity to flavonoids like chrysin, pinocembrin, and galangin. The findings suggest that South African propolis holds great promise as a natural antimicrobial agent and could support the local bioeconomy.

Headspace analysis and characterisation of South African propolis volatile compounds using GCxGC–ToF–MS : Guy Kamatou, Maxleene Sandasi, Sidonie Tankeu, Sandy van Vuuren, Alvaro Viljoen

Published in 2019, this paper analysed the volatile compound profiles of 39 South African propolis samples using advanced gas chromatography (GCxGC–ToF–MS). The study found that the chemical makeup of propolis varies by region, with specific volatile markers linked to samples from the Northern Cape, Gauteng, and Western Cape. These variations influence the aroma, therapeutic properties, and potential applications of propolis. The research adds valuable insight into the complexity and regional uniqueness of South African propolis chemistry.