New research has shown that bacteria isolated from the digestive tracts of native bees have potential benefits for human health, including anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. These bacteria could also help native bee populations combat mite infections and viral diseases.
The research project “Characterization of lactic bacteria isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of native bees” led by Guiomar Melgar Lalanne, a specialist from the Biomedical Research Center at the Universidad Veracruzana, focused on the melipona bee variety in Veracruz. Melgar Lalanne emphasized the importance of native bees for environmental conservation, particularly their role in pollinating cloud forests and tropical ecosystems.
However, the use of pesticides and the introduction of Africanized bee species have threatened the survival of native bee populations. To address this issue, the research team collaborated with honey producers in Teocelo, Veracruz, to study the beneficial microorganisms present in the digestive tracts of native bee species.
During their research, the team identified two key microorganisms, Weissella sp and Fructobacillus sp, with potential benefits for both bees and humans. These bacteria possess anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and could help combat mite infections and viral diseases in bees. The researchers are now studying the encapsulation of these bacteria to explore their effectiveness against pesticides like glyphosate, which have been linked to declines in native bee populations.
The results of this research have significant implications for environmental balance and the conservation of native bee populations. By finding ways to support and increase the presence of native bees, researchers hope to contribute to the preservation of forests, agricultural fields, and ultimately human health. Previous studies have suggested that certain bacteria may be able to digest pesticides and reduce harm to bees, highlighting the potential of microbiota research for insect conservation.
Native bees play a crucial role in ecological systems, with Mexico being home to numerous bee species. Yucatán and Veracruz are among the states with the highest populations of native
