Impact of stingless bee honey on excessive weight gain, hyperglycemia, and male fertility impairment in an obese–diabetic rat model

Abstract Background Stingless bee honey (SBH) obtained from Heterotrigona itama possesses high phenolic content and can potentially be used as a health supplement to ameliorate metabolic diseases such as obesity, which is often comorbid with diabetes and male infertility. However, how SBH can ameliorate these multiple conditions in a single treatment still requires thorough investigation. This preliminary study therefore aimed to characterize the physicochemical characteristics and metabolite profiles of SBH before evaluating its impact on obese–diabetic male rats in a pre‐clinical study. Results Stingless bee honey treatment successfully reduced the Lee obesity index (LOI) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), improved lipid profiles and reproductive hormone levels, enhanced sperm quality, and restored renal function. The most pronounced effects were observed at 150 and 300 mg kg −1 , indicating a non‐linear dose–response pattern. These bioactive effects may be attributed to a diverse metabolite composition, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and the characteristic sugar, trehalulose. Conclusions Stingless bee honey exhibits significant therapeutic potential in ameliorating metabolic and reproductive disorders. The observed hormesis response further highlights the importance of dose optimization, with low to moderate doses conferring greater benefits than higher dosages. As far as the authors are aware, no prior study has evaluated the effects of SBH on the interconnected conditions of obesity, diabetes, and male infertility, making this investigation the first of its kind. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.