A Review of Methylglyoxal Content and Antioxidant Potential of Apis cerana and Apis dorsata Honey from Sumbawa for Functional Livestock Products and Veterinary Health

Honey produced by Apis cerana and Apis dorsata in Sumbawa, Indonesia, is widely recognized for its medicinal value, primarily due to its rich content of methylglyoxal (MGO), phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These bioactive components contribute to the honey’s strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, offering potential benefits for improving livestock health. This review explores the MGO concentration and antioxidant activity of both A. cerana and A. dorsata honey from Sumbawa, while assessing its potential as a functional livestock supplement within the One Health approach. Relevant literature from 2004 to 2025 was systematically reviewed using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Honey from managed colonies (A. cerana) and wild nests (A. dorsata) was typically analyzed using HPLC, SERS, or qNMR for MGO quantification, while antioxidant potential was measured through Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Findings indicate that A. cerana honey shows varying MGO levels influenced by floral sources and location, while studies on A. dorsata honey remain limited. Both types demonstrate significant antioxidant activity linked to their phenolic and flavonoid content. Evidence suggests their role in reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and promoting livestock well-being. Overall, Sumbawa honey, especially from A. cerana, shows promise as a natural additive for livestock health management, aligning with sustainable agriculture and One Health principles. Further in vivo research is required to validate its therapeutic potential, particularly for A. dorsata honey.