Malaysian stingless bee honey reduces cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells infected with wild-type and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants

Ismail, Che Muhammad Khairul Hisyam and Ismail, Azlini and Mohd Abd Razak, Mohd Ridzuan and Abdul Hamid, Azzmer Azzar and Mokhtar@Makhtar, Khairani Idah and Lestari, Widya and Mustafa Al-Ahmad, Basma Ezzat (2026) Malaysian stingless bee honey reduces cytopathic effect in Vero E6 cells infected with wild-type and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 36 (1). pp. 1-9. ISSN 0102-695X E-ISSN 1981-528X

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Abstract

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in the global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Continuous viral mutation and adaptation have led to the emergence of novel variants with enhanced transmissibility and greater immune escape capabilities. Stingless bee honey, also known as Kelulut honey, possesses various medicinal properties attributed to its wide range of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, studies on the antiviral properties of Kelulut honey against SARS-CoV-2 remain scarce. This study aimed to screen the potential antiviral activity of Kelulut honey against SARS-CoV-2 using a cytopathic effect-based assay. Kelulut honey produced by Heterotrigona itama species, collected in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, was evaluated for its ability to reduce SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effects in Vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 wild-type and Omicron variants. Kelulut honey reduced the cytopathic effect induced by the wild-type strain at 1- and 4-h pretreatment settings, with Emax values of 56.7 ± 9.96% and 40.9 ± 11.6%, respectively. For the Omicron variant, the Emax values were 100 ± 0% and 92.7 ± 4.44% for 1- and 4-h pretreatment settings, respectively. In conclusion, Kelulut honey reduced SARS-CoV-2-induced cytopathic effects in Vero E6 cells, with greater effects observed against the Omicron variant. These findings support further investigation of the potential biological activity of Kelulut honey against SARS-CoV-2. Further studies employing direct viral quantification assays and in vivo validation are required to determine its effects on viral replication and evaluate its potential for future therapeutic development.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ACE-2, COVID-19, CPE assay, Inhibition, Kelulut honey, Stingless bee honey
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM214 Diet therapy. Diet and dietectics in disease R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM216 Diet Therapy. Clinical Nutrition R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM300 Drugs and their action R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Dentistry Kulliyyah of Dentistry > Department of Fundamental Dental and Medical Sciences Kulliyyah of Science Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Biotechnology
Depositing User:	AP. Ts DR. AZLINI ISMAIL
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2026 10:04
Last Update:	15 Sep 2026 10:04
Queue Number:	2026-09-Q5094
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131171
Indexed In:	WOS and SCOPUS, Google Scholar

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