Multifunctional Bioactivities of Apis dorsata Binghami Nest Extract-Fortified Tea: Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antidiabetic Activities of a Combined Tea Extract Enriched with Beehive

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Bee-derived products are increasingly acknowledged as valuable functional ingredients because of their abundant phenolic and flavonoid content; yet, the biological potential of honeycomb or nest extracts is still inadequately investigated. The current research examined the bioactive characteristics and multifunctional properties of a tea formulation enhanced with Apis dorsata Binghami nest extract. The total phenolic and flavonoid concentrations were measured with Folin–Ciocalteu and AlCl₃ colorimetric tests, respectively, with results reported as equivalents of gallic acid and quercetin. The antioxidant capacity was examined by DPPH radical scavenging, anticancer activity was determined by cytotoxicity against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells through the Presto Blue™ assay, and antidiabetic potential was investigated via α-glucosidase inhibition. The formulation demonstrated significant quantities of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which were associated with pronounced free radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in MCF-7 viability, with IC₅₀ values reflecting moderate potency relative to cisplatin, although above the potency of crude extracts noted in previous investigations. The extract exhibited notable α-glucosidase inhibitory actions, indicating its promise in glycemic management. Collectively, our data underscore the potential synergistic interaction of tea polyphenols and nest-derived bioactives in augmenting antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. This is, to our knowledge, the inaugural integrated study assessing the multifunctional bioactivities of Apis dorsata Binghami nest extract prepared as tea. The findings highlight its promise as an innovative functional beverage and nutraceutical option, offering scientific validation for the enhancement of underutilized bee resources in combating oxidative stress–related ailments.

Keywords: Apis dorsata Binghami, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, Multifunctional Bioactivities, phenolic content