
“We examined the effect of hemp extract on the activity of the antioxidant system (catalase, peroxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity) in the hemolymph of adult honey bees (Apis mellifera).
The bees were divided into three groups: (1) an experimental group fed with pure sugar syrup with cotton strips soaked with hemp extract put inside the cage; (2) an experimental group fed with a mixture of sugar syrup with hemp extract; and (3) a control group fed with a mixture of sugar and a water-glycerine solution. Hemolymph samples were collected on the 1st day of this study and then every week, until all bees in the group died.
The activities of all antioxidant enzymes were higher for the experimental groups, compared to those for the control group. The highest antioxidant activities were noted in the group supplemented with cannabis with the use of syringes. Supplementation with hemp also increased the lifespan of bees in this group compared to that of the bees consuming only sugar syrup (control: 35 days), with 49 and 52 days for groups of cannabis on strips and in syrup, respectively.
Hemp extract, thanks to its antioxidant properties, increased the activities of key antioxidant enzymes that protect the bee’s organisms against free radicals and thus delay the aging processes.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35453392
“The aim of our research was to determine the effect of hemp extract on the activities of enzymes in the antioxidant system in bees’ hemolymph, along with the aging processes.”
“Hemp extract significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, extending the life of bees to 49 days (for the strip method) and 56 days (for the syringe method). In addition, we showed that a faster and stronger effect was obtained during supplementation in syrup in syringes, where the activities for the enzymes SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and TAC were the highest.
Thanks to this, we believe that hemp extract can in the future contribute to the improvement of the natural immunity of honey bees and help them with the fight against environmental pollution and the increase of oxidative stress.”










