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Plants and Their Derivatives as Promising Therapeutics for Sustainable Control of Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Pathogens

Summary

This research examines how natural plant-based compounds can be used to treat diseases in honeybees, offering safer alternatives to synthetic chemicals. The study shows that essential oils and plant extracts can effectively combat various bee pathogens while being environmentally friendly and less likely to contaminate honey products. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps protect honeybees that are crucial for pollinating many food crops we depend on • Supports production of cleaner, chemical-free honey products for consumers • Provides beekeepers with natural treatment options that are less likely to cause resistance • Contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices • Helps maintain healthy bee populations needed for ecosystem balance

Background

The Western honeybee (Apis mellifera) is the most important commercial pollinator for agricultural crops, providing over $200 billion in annual services. However, honeybee colonies face numerous diseases and stresses that threaten their survival and productivity, causing economic losses for beekeepers and negative impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. Traditional chemical treatments can contaminate hive products and lead to resistance, creating a need for sustainable natural alternatives.

Objective

This review aims to summarize the scientific advances in using natural products (NPs), particularly plant-derived compounds and essential oils, for treating and preventing honeybee diseases. The study examines their effectiveness against major pathogens and parasites affecting honeybees, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites, while investigating both laboratory and field trial results.

Results

The review found numerous plant-derived compounds showing promise in controlling major bee pathogens. Essential oils from plants like thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and lemongrass demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Thymol was particularly effective against multiple pathogens. Many plant extracts showed activity against Nosema infections, while certain essential oils proved effective against Varroa mites. The studies revealed various mechanisms of action including membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and immune system modulation.

Conclusion

Natural products, especially essential oils and plant extracts, show significant potential as sustainable treatments for honeybee diseases. While some challenges exist regarding standardization and stability of natural compounds, they offer promising alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Further research is needed to address practical implementation challenges and optimize delivery methods. The review supports the continued development of plant-derived therapeutics for bee health management.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/pathogens12101260
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