Honey as a mood booster? small study tests stingless bee honey for depression

NCT ID NCT06723249

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether taking stingless bee honey daily for two months could improve depression symptoms, memory, and stress markers in adults with major depressive disorder. 45 participants either took the honey or nothing (no placebo). Researchers measured mood, blood markers, and verbal memory. The goal was to see if honey could be a helpful add-on to standard care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

stingless bee honey

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a natural supplement to help ease depression symptoms and improve memory.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with no placebo, so results may be unreliable. The honey is a supplement, not a replacement for standard depression treatment.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

    Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150, Malaysia