MICRO-CCS student projects
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Why does honey have antiviral properties? Honey has multiple chemical and physical properties that may contribute to its inhibitory effects. Previous studies have examined a low pH level as a potential cause for its inhibitory properties. Propolis is a waxy substance that honey bees, Apis mellifera, produce and place throughout the hive to protect themselves from various infections. Propolis contains numerous plant-derived chemicals from the bee’s environment, including water-soluble chemicals that end up leeching into their food, honey1. For this experiment, we collected data on the effects of a sucrose-propolis extract diet compared to honey on Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) infection in honey bees. The purpose of this research was to better understand the mechanisms behind the antiviral properties of honey through the lens of chemical content in propolis. Understanding how to combat viruses like Israeli acute paralysis virus which is linked to Colony Collapse Disorder a major threat to many agricultural crops2. If honey’s inhibitory effects on IAPV infection are primarily attributed to the chemical content derived from propolis, then propolis extract will show equal or greater inhibitory effects.
Rights
Copyright is owned by the creators of this work.
Recommended Citation
Dillenburg, J; Mowery, Sam; and Dolezal, Adam, "Propolis and Honey: Examining Antiviral Mechanisms Against Israeli acute paralysis virus" (2024). MICRO-CCS student projects. 1.
https://spark.parkland.edu/micro_ccs_student/1
