Kelulut honey, or stingless bee honey (SBH), produced by stingless bee species from the Meliponini tribe, has long been recognised and is gaining increasing global attention for its unique nutritional and medicinal properties
This honey is often referred to as a ‘superfood’ in Malaysia due to its distinct profile compared to European honey from Apis mellifera. The uniqueness of kelulut honey lies in its pronounced sour taste, thinner texture, and high levels of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols
Studies have revealed a wide range of promising therapeutic benefits, making kelulut honey an important candidate in the functional food and health supplement industry.
1. Neutralise Free Radicals and Protect Cells
The antioxidant properties of kelulut honey are among its key therapeutic qualities. This honey is known to be highly effective as an antioxidant agent, with studies indicating that kelulut honey has broader antioxidant activity compared to Apis mellifera honey
This high antioxidant capacity is due to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids, which are often reported to be higher than those found in Apis mellifera honey
Non-enzymatic compounds present in kelulut honey, such as ascorbic acid, tocopherol, and phenolic compounds, function to neutralise reactive oxygen species. This function is crucial as it prevents and interrupts damaging chain reactions caused by free radicals
The abundant polyphenols in kelulut honey have also been shown to support cell proliferation, protect cellular structures, and combat free radicals at wound sites. In addition, studies show that kelulut honey can protect cells from DNA damage and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity.
2. Fight Harmful Bacteria and Prevent Infections
Kelulut honey is well-documented for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which are highly important in wound healing. Its antibacterial strength arises from several factors, including the presence of hydrogen peroxide, low pH levels, and high osmolarity
Furthermore, non-peroxide compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other antimicrobial peptides also contribute to this activity. The high acidity of kelulut honey, due to its low pH, effectively inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria
Current research shows that kelulut honey is effective against a wide range of harmful microorganisms without side effects. Its antibacterial activity covers broad-spectrum pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
In the context of wound treatment, these properties help sterilise wounds and accelerate healing through epithelialisation. Traditional medicine practitioners widely use kelulut honey to treat infections such as oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans.
3. Reduce Inflammation and Support Immune Response
Kelulut honey is also recognised as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. It demonstrates the ability to reduce inflammation directly and not merely as a result of eliminating bacterial infections. It is effective in suppressing inflammatory processes, including inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO)
Kelulut honey also protects against chronic subclinical systemic inflammation (CSSI) and oxidative stress by modulating NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and Nrf2 signalling. Because of this, kelulut honey has been proposed as a functional food for reducing the severity of pulmonary manifestations in certain infections, as previously suggested in the context of COVID-19, due to its ability to suppress IL-6 production
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory capabilities of kelulut honey help reduce oedema and scarring resulting from superficial wounds.
4. Accelerate Wound Healing and Retain Moisture
The use of honey in wound treatment is well known worldwide, and kelulut honey possesses properties that greatly aid this process. Kelulut honey, in particular, has natural moisturising qualities that are highly important for rapid patient recovery. Its high moisture content helps maintain a moist environment around wound tissues through its osmotic effect
This moist environment is essential for promoting healing and preventing wound dryness. Furthermore, the high osmolarity of the honey protects the skin from maceration, a condition that can occur when the wound environment becomes excessively moist.
Kelulut honey also supports cell proliferation and cell viability, thereby enhancing the rate of wound healing. Clinically, kelulut honey has been used to assist in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers.
5. Control Blood Sugar and Protect Brain Function
Kelulut honey contains a unique disaccharide known as trehalulose, an isomer of sucrose. Uniquely, trehalulose is the main component, representing between 13 and 44 grams per 100 grams of kelulut honey from various species. This sugar has a low glycaemic index (GI) of only 32 and is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood glucose as seen with regular sugars
Due to its low GI nature, kelulut honey is traditionally used to support individuals with diabetes. Additionally, trehalulose is acariogenic, which means it is unlikely to cause tooth decay
In terms of neurological health, kelulut honey exhibits neuroprotective potential and antidepressant-like effects. Preclinical studies have found that kelulut honey supplementation can reduce anxiety-like and depressive behaviours in chronic stress models
These effects are achieved by preserving serotonin levels and increasing the availability of dopamine. Kelulut honey also enhances the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is closely linked to neuroplasticity and cognitive function
The phenylalanine content in kelulut honey is also important, as it acts as a precursor to tyrosine, the receptor of BDNF that supports brain function.
6. Support Gut Health, Hormonal Balance and Longevity
Kelulut honey is considered a complete natural food product, supplying safe energy through its low-GI sugars and providing a rich source of nutrients, vitamins (such as B, E, and K), amino acids, and essential minerals (such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium)
Due to its unique fermentation process within cerumen pots, kelulut honey contains beneficial bacteria and yeasts that act as probiotics. This microbial activity produces bioactive compounds, including aliphatic organic acids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support gut health and the immune system
Traditionally, kelulut honey has also been used for various other treatments, including eye conditions (such as slowing cataract progression and shortening the duration of eye infections). It is also used for gastrointestinal issues (such as diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, and indigestion)
This honey has even been reported to increase fertility hormones such as FSH, LH, and testosterone. Interestingly, kelulut honey also possesses chemopreventive and genoprotective properties, indicating potential in the management of chronic diseases and cancer.
Where to Buy Kelulut Honey in Malaysia
To truly experience the health benefits of kelulut honey, it’s important to choose a source that preserves its natural integrity. PurelyB, a leading Malaysian wellness brand, offers premium stingless bee honey that is 100% raw, unprocessed, and rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and trehalulose — a natural low-GI sugar. Sourced from Heterotrigona itama bees and certified by the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia, every bottle is designed to support digestion, energy, immunity, and skin health.
Explore PurelyB’s signature kelulut honey range:
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Blue Diamond Barrel-Aged Kelulut Honey: Aged in French Oak barrels for a smooth, bold flavour with woody and vanilla notes — the first of its kind in Asia.
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Obsidian Fresh Kelulut Honey: Straight from hive to bottle, this variant has a fruity, floral taste perfect for sipping or culinary use.
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Alexandrite Time-Aged Kelulut Honey: A bright, citrus-forward honey with a refreshing tang and energising finish.
Discover the full range at PurelyB, and elevate your daily wellness ritual with this scientifically supported superfood from Malaysia’s ancient rainforest.
