Impressive Impact of Hemp Extract on Antioxidant System in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Organism

Abstract

We examined the effect of hemp extract on the activity of the antioxidant system (catalase, peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) in the hemolymph of adult honey bees (Apis mellifera). The bees were divided into three groups: (1) an experimental group fed with pure sugar syrup with cotton strips soaked with hemp extract put inside the cage; (2) an experimental group fed with a mixture of sugar syrup with hemp extract; and (3) a control group fed with a mixture of sugar and a water–glycerine solution. Hemolymph samples were collected on the 1st day of this study and then every week, until all bees in the group died. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes were higher for the experimental groups, compared to those for the control group. The highest antioxidant activities were noted in the group supplemented with cannabis with the use of syringes. Supplementation with hemp also increased the lifespan of bees in this group compared to that of the bees consuming only sugar syrup (control: 35 days), with 49 and 52 days for groups of cannabis on strips and in syrup, respectively. Hemp extract, thanks to its antioxidant properties, increased the activities of key antioxidant enzymes that protect the bee’s organisms against free radicals and thus delay the aging processes.

CBD Supplementation Has a Positive Effect on the Activity of the Proteolytic System and Biochemical Markers of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) in the Apiary

“…Supplementation could increase the concentration of Ca 2+ ions, which affect the functioning of many enzymes involved in the body’s defense [ 39 ]. The activity of specific calcium phospholipases (cPLA2-Ca +2 -dependent cytosolic phospholipase (A2), mentioned in Skowronek et al (2022)), depends on the calcium content [ 26 ]. They influence the production of eicosanoids, which support immune processes at the level of the humoral response of the fat body [ 40 ].…”

“…Despite the large range of tested substances, it has not been possible to find one effective agent that meets the needs of modern bee breeding and meets the strict requirements for the safety of its use. The gap can be filled with hemp, which has a strong antioxidant effect due to the content of active substances from the cannabinoid group [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The positive effects of hemp extracts have been described many times in relation to diseases such as depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, appetite disorders, as an aid in the treatment of cancer and in multiple sclerosis [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”

“…In the case of tests on invertebrates, in our previous studies we have shown that bees fed with hemp extract in a cage experiment showed a positive increase in immunity by stimulating the proteolytic and antioxidant system (growth recorded for all tested antioxidants) [ 23 , 26 ]. Taking into account our previous research and the results obtained showing the main effects of cannabidiol (CBD), for further testing we chose a commercial preparation containing the active ingredient CBD with a known concentration, which is one of the most described and tested active substances of cannabis along with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (THC has not been tested due to its psychoactive effect and legal conditions).…”

Effect of Rearing in Small-Cell Combs on Activities of Catalase and Superoxide Dismutase and Total Antioxidant Capacity in the Hemolymph of Apis mellifera Workers

“…The hemolymph collected from each group of five worker bees was transferred into a separate Eppendorf tube (0.5 mL) filled with 150 µL of 0.6% NaCl and placed in a CoolBox to prevent melanization [ 25 , 31 , 34 ]. The number of hemolymph samples collected in consecutive years is shown in Table 1 .…”

“…To date, it has been confirmed that the effectiveness of the antioxidant system in honeybee workers is influenced by such external environmental factors as pesticides [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], acaricides used against Varroa destructor [ 22 ], nutritional supplements [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ], and the electromagnetic field [ 27 ].…”