Antimicrobial and Physiochemical Activities of Semi-Arid Honey and Beeswax Quality

Abstract

Many ethnic groups have historically employed bee products, such as honey and beeswax, to treat a variety of ailments due to their known inhibitory impacts on bacteria and fungi (p. 2). In this study, honey and beeswax collected from the semi-arid University of Dodoma apiary were evaluated for their physiochemical and antibacterial qualities (p. 2). Each honey sample was examined for moisture content, ash, acidity, pH, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) (p. 2). Using the disk diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of both honey and beeswax samples was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans (p. 2). The results showed that all tested honey parameters met accepted international standards (p. 2). Honey and beeswax gel samples demonstrated high sensitivity against the tested microbes (p. 2). Consequently, it was concluded that the honey and beeswax from this study align with international quality standards (p. 2). Additionally, the presence of bioactive components in the studied samples justifies their traditional use for treating various ailments across Africa (p. 2