Application of the Natural Products NOZEMAT HERB and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS Can Decrease Honey Bee Colonies Losses during the Winter

Abstract

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are crucial pollinators for many crops and natural ecosystems. However, honey bee colonies have been experiencing heavy overwinter mortality in almost all parts of the world. In the present study we have investigatеd, for the first time, the effects from the application of the herbal supplements NOZEMAT HERB® (NH) and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS® (NHP) on overwintering honey bee colony survival and on total protein and lysozyme content. To achieve this, in early autumn 2019, 45 colonies were selected and treated with these herbal supplements. The total protein and lysozyme content were evaluated after administration of NH and NHP twice the following year (June and September 2020). The obtained results have shown that both supplements have a positive effect on overwintering colony survival. Considerable enhancement in longevity of “winter bees” has been observed after the application of NHP, possibly due to the increased functionality of the immune system and antioxidant detoxification capacity. Although the mechanisms of action of NH and NHP are yet to be completely elucidated, our results suggest a new holistic approach on overwintering honey bee colony survival and welfare.

Nosemosis Prevention and Control

“…Herbal supplements (with or without C vitamin), have shown to reduce the N. ceranae infection levels in affected honey bee colonies enhancing their strength [68] and reducing the winter mortality [69]. Feeds containing Brassica nigra and Eruca sativa, with different amounts of glucosinolates (GSLs), reduced the N. ceranae infection [70].…”

Impact of the Plant-Based Natural Supplement Imмunostart Herb on Honey Bee Colony Performance

“…Another study investigated the effect of two Laurus nobilis L. extracts on colony strength [48], and the obtained results demonstrated that the hydroalcoholic extract from the aromatic herb clearly had a positive impact on honey bee colonies strength, presumably due to the antioxidant effect related to the phenolic compounds contained in the hydroalcoholic extract. Our previous research [49] has also shown the benefi cial effect on honey bee colony strength from the application of two plant extracts (produced by Extract Pharma, Sofi a, Bulgaria) -NOZEMAT HERB® (1.65 ± 0.05 kg) and NOZEMAT HERB PLUS® (1.63 ± 0.12 kg). It should be noted that the treatment with IMMUNOSTART HERB® resulted in an additional increase of about 0.5 kg in the mass of frames (kg) covered with bees, i.e.…”

Functional Yogurt Fortified with Honey Produced by Feeding Bees Natural Plant Extracts for Controlling Human Blood Sugar Level

“…Thus, there is an urgent need for controlling the feeding process of bees as an effective method to enrich honey with desirable bioactive plant components, which can be achieved using natural herbs. This method is considered a creative and innovative way of producing bee products rich in bioactive compounds as reported by recent studies (e.g., [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]). These bioactive compounds mainly depend on the plant species, such as the coumarin in the case of using the flowers of the Melilotus officinalis herb [ 42 ], or patented herbal extract [ 44 ].…”

“…This method is considered a creative and innovative way of producing bee products rich in bioactive compounds as reported by recent studies (e.g., [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]). These bioactive compounds mainly depend on the plant species, such as the coumarin in the case of using the flowers of the Melilotus officinalis herb [ 42 ], or patented herbal extract [ 44 ]. This current study is a new and patented technology, crucial as a new solution for supporting beekeepers and their feeding of bees with a preservative material as compared to the known beekeeping technologies.…”