Beehive air - composition and application

Abstract

Beehive air, a unique combination of volatile compounds produced within the hive, has gained increasing attention for its potential applications in apitherapy. This aerosolised mixture, consisting of essential oils, organic acids, and other bioactive substances, plays a crucial role in the health of honeybees (Apis mellifera) and is now being explored for therapeutic use in humans. It has been reported that 56 volatile compounds were identified from beehive air and its individual components and categorised into fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ether, hydrocarbons, phenol, ketones, nitrogenous compounds, and terpenes [1]. Profiling other beehive aroma from other localities or of bees reared on different crops and in a different climate could provide more detailed information on variation in the composition of volatiles among beehives. Honey, for example, includes more than 600 volatile compounds, including hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, acids, esters, terpenes and cyclic compounds. The aroma contents and biological properties of honey are influenced qualitatively and quantitatively by a botanical and geographical origin [2]. Studies suggest that exposure to beehive air may have beneficial effects on respiratory conditions, stress reduction, and overall well-being, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The construction of specialised beehive houses is designed to optimise the therapeutic benefits of beehive air. This includes structural considerations to maintain hive safety, as well as architectural designs that allow for the controlled exposure of individuals to hive air without disturbing the bees’ natural processes. Key elements of the construction include air flow control systems, insulation techniques to maintain ideal hive temperatures, and natural materials that enhance sustainability and support the well-being of both the honeybees and the patients. By leveraging natural substances from the beekeeping environment, beehive air presents a promising, non-invasive approach to holistic health treatments.