Pollen contains natural antimicrobials to protect bee colonies
Scientists have identified natural antimicrobial compounds in pollen that could safeguard bee colonies against infections. The discovery, detailed in a recent study, highlights pollen's role beyond nutrition in bee health. This finding offers potential new strategies for managing bee diseases amid declining populations.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have uncovered antimicrobial peptides in pollen, which bees collect and store in their hives. These compounds exhibit strong activity against common bee pathogens, including bacteria that cause American foulbrood, a devastating disease. The study, published on September 30, 2025, in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, analyzed pollen from various floral sources and found that the peptides disrupt bacterial cell membranes without harming beneficial microbes in the hive.
"Pollen isn't just food for bees—it's a natural pharmacy," said lead researcher Dr. Phil Stevenson from the University of East Anglia. The team tested extracts from pollen loads collected by honeybees and bumblebees, revealing that certain peptides match the potency of synthetic antibiotics. This is particularly timely, as bee populations worldwide face threats from pesticides, habitat loss, and diseases like foulbrood, which can wipe out entire colonies.
The research builds on prior observations that stored pollen, or bee bread, rarely spoils due to its antimicrobial properties. However, this is the first detailed identification of the specific compounds responsible. Experiments showed the peptides effective against Paenibacillus larvae, the bacterium behind American foulbrood, in lab settings. While field trials are needed, the findings suggest supplementing hives with enriched pollen could reduce reliance on chemical treatments, which sometimes harm bees.
Bee health experts welcome the news. "This could be a game-changer for sustainable beekeeping," noted a representative from the British Beekeepers Association. The study emphasizes pollen's dual role: providing nutrition and defense. Samples were sourced from UK apiaries, but the compounds appear widespread in pollen globally, potentially benefiting beekeepers everywhere.
Challenges remain, including scaling production of these natural antimicrobials and ensuring they don't affect non-target species. Nonetheless, the discovery underscores nature's solutions to ecological problems, offering hope for pollinator conservation.