Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Stingless Bee Honey as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Stroke Models

Stroke has been the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and approximately 87% of cases are attributed to ischemia. A worrying trend towards a rise in cases of stroke in an ageing population is seen and strokes have become more prevalent in Malaysia. In fact, it is predicted that Malaysia will become an ageing country by 2030 which warrants attention. In the present study, new insights on the potential neuroprotective influences of stingless bee honey (SBH) in treating middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model was tested. After occluding rats with stroke via MCAO, the rats were treated with SBH for a period of 14 days. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained brain for ischemic stroke model showed a distinct presence of infarction confirming the reliability of MCAO method. Following confirmation, Modified Neurological Severity Score scoring was used to assess neurological deficits exhibiting a significant improvement after 14 days. Behavioural analysis encompassing cognitive and sensorimotor performance was conducted using several tests exhibiting significant positive changes. Furthermore, histological studies exhibit improved neuronal morphology, reduced neuronal loss and decreased inflammation. These studies provide encouraging results in the improvement of neurological impairments and brain tissue, highlighting the potential neuroprotective benefits of SBH in the setting of ischemic stroke.