Phytochemical screening and Antimicrobial activity of honey bee (Apis cerana indica)-produced apiary honey against clinical strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans

Honey made by honeybees (Apis cerana indica) and used in traditional medicines was tested for chemical components and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical analysis of the honey (MPH) revealed the presence of resins, steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, saponification, protein, and saponins. The antimicrobial activity of honey (MPH) on fresh hospital isolates: Staphylococcus aureus-902, E.coli-443, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans obtained at MTCC, Chandigarh, India was tested using the well diffusion method. The results demonstrate that Cerana indica honey has antimicrobial properties against S. aureus, A. niger and C. albicans but not against E. coli. The sample (MPH) exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (15.5±0.7071) against A. niger at 20 mg/ml. Our findings demonstrate that honey, in addition to its role as a food additive and supplement, can be used as an effective and inexpensive source of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial and fungal illnesses