Journal of Indonesia Vascular Access
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Available online : 1 December 2025

The wound-healing potential of honey and propolis from stingless bees in acute wounds

Wafi, Viky Hibatu (Unknown)
Boenjamin, Abdul Azis (Unknown)
Mangara Tua, Ivan Joalsen (Unknown)
Paramita, Swandari (Unknown)
Sawitri, Endang (Unknown)
Arius, Yudhy (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Oct 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Honey and propolis from stingless bees have been reported to promote wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing activities. However, variations in compounds and biological activities of these products can arise due to geographical and bee origin differences. This study aimed to investigate the wound-healing potential of stingless bee honey and propolis from East Kalimantan in an acute wound animal model. Honey and propolis from stingless bees have been reported to promote wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and moisturizing activities. However, variations of compounds and biological activities of these products can arise due to geographical and bee origin differences. This study aimed to investigate the wound-healing potential of stingless bee honey and propolis from East Kalimantan in an acute wound animal model. Method: A post-test-only control group design was employed in this study. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, i.e., a control receiving tulle and treatment groups receiving stingless bee honey and propolis, respectively. Wound healing activity was evaluated from wound diameter changes and histological evaluations following a hole punch wound.    Result: Kruskal Wallis test results showed no significant changes in the proliferation phase of wound healing, as reflected by the diameter changes (p = 0.989), the rate of histopathological re-epithelization (p = 0.730) as well as number of fibroblasts (p = 0.779), collagen (p = 0.779), and neovascularization (p = 0.756) among the groups. Conclusion: Honey and propolis from stingless bees have the potential to treat acute wounds in the proliferation phase, where their wound healing properties are equivalent to tulle.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JINAVA

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Journal of Indonesia Vascular Access; peer-reviewed journal aiming to communicate high-quality research articles, reviews, and general articles in the field. INAVA publishes articles that encompass basic research/clinical studies related to the cardiovascular and thorax field. The Journal aims to ...