Effect of curcumin supplementation on colony population, longevity, body weight and total antioxidant capacity of honey bee under heat stress

Abstract

Introduction: Heat stress causes the production of free radicals in the body of honey bee,
which has a negative effect on its longevity, health and performance. Addition of antioxidants
to the diet of bees is effective in eliminating the negative effects of free radicals. The purpose
of this study was to assess the effect of curcumin supplementation on the total antioxidant
capacity, longevity and population of honey bee under heat stress.
Materials & methods: Thirty-two honey bee colonies were randomly assigned to four
treatments and eight replicates. Ambient temperature was 38-42°C for 4-h per day. Treatments
were as: control group received syrup without supplement and three groups received 5, 10 and
15 curcumin mg per liter syrup. Malondialdehyde level, total antioxidant capacity, body weight
and composition of new emerged bees were determined. Longevity test was done in cage with
similar temperature condition and the same treatments.
Results: Curcumin supplementation at doses of 10 and 15 mg/l increased body weight and total
antioxidant capacity of new emerged bees. Longevity of honey bees received 10 mg/l was
higher, but at dose of 15 mg/l was lower than the control group (P<0.05). Spawning rate of
queen and colony population was lower (P<0.05) when curcumin fed at dose of 15 mg/l as
compared with 10 mg/l.
Conclusion: Supplementation of curcumin at dose of 10 mg/l had positive effect on total
antioxidant capacity, longevity, body weight of new emerged bees and colony population. Dose
over 10 mg/l resulted in a decrease of spawning rate and colony population.