Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A024
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, A024 (2023)
Effect of CBD oil on the activity of the antioxidant system in honey bees
Patrycja Skowronek1*, Aneta Strachecka1
1 Department of Invertebrate Ecophysiology and Experimental Biology, Faculty of Environmental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Doświadczalna 50a, 20-280 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: patrycja.skowronek@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Bees are an indisputable element of the biodiversity of our environment, performing many important ecological services, i.e. pollination. Despite the great attention devoted to these pollinators, they are still exposed to factors that weaken their immunity and, as a result, shorten their lives. These factors include: anthropogenic, i.e. chemicalization and environmental pollution (pesticides, heavy metals), the formation of numerous monocults, and natural (parasites and pathogens). Due to the number of these factors and their impact, in recent years substances with strong health-promoting properties (often natural active substances) may turn out to be a solution asdiet supplements. One of them may be cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp. Cannabidiol in the latest scientific research is characterized by a strong regenerating and protective effect on tissues/cells/muscles. It is also suggested that CBD oil has strong antioxidant properties, thanks to which it supports the organism in the fight against the negative impact of a polluted environment, which may affect the catalysis of free radical reactions. In connection with these reports, the aim of our research was to check how CBD oil affects the basic antioxidant enzymes, i.e. superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione in the hemolymph of honey bee workers in an apiary experiment. For the purposes of the experiment, we created 6 mini-colonies placed in mating hives. The mini-colonies were divided into 3 groups: 1) CBD oil in sugar syrup, 2) CBD oil on a textile strip and 3) control with pure sugar syrup. To obtain hemolymph samples, we bred and placed 1-day-old bees in each mating hives and started supplementation. The supplement was administered on the 2nd, 4th and 7th day of the experiment. Once a week, we collected hemolymph from 10 bees from each group. In the hemolymph, we determined the activity of antioxidant enzymes: SOD, CAT, GPx, GST. Activity analysis was performed using commercial analysis kits. In the experiment, the activities of all antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST) were higher in bee hemolymph in the experimental groups compared to bees in the control group. Bees consuming syrup with CBD oil lived a week longer than the other two groups. This suggests that supplementation with CBD in sugar syrup may significantly contribute to keeping bees in good health condition.
How to cite
P. Skowronek, A. Strachecka, 2023. Effect of CBD oil on the activity of the antioxidant system in honey bees. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A024