Effect of bee species on the physicochemical, bioactive, and microbiological properties of longan honey in Thailand

In this study, we compared physicochemical, bioactive, and microbiological properties among longan honeys produced by five bee species in Thailand: Apis mellifera and Apis cerana (honey bees) as well as Tetragonula laeviceps , Tetragonula pagdeni , and Heterotrigona itama (stingless bees). Stingless bee honey had higher moisture content, total acidity, and trehalulose levels, whereas honey bee honey had higher fructose and glucose levels. Among the samples, T. laeviceps honey had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents and exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Furthermore, T. pagdeni honey exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity, and H. itama honey exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Microbiota analysis revealed distinct bacterial community structures—Firmicutes were prevalent in stingless bee honey, whereas Proteobacteria were prevalent in honey bee honey, reflecting host-specific microbial signatures. These findings suggest that bee species influence the properties and health benefits of longan honey. • Bee species affect physicochemical and bioactive properties of longan honey. • Stingless bee honey has higher moisture, acidity, and trehalulose levels. • Tetragonula laeviceps honey shows the highest antioxidant capacity. • Distinct host-specific microbiota separate stingless bee and Apis honey.