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HomeArticlesBay laurel (Laurus nobilis) as potential antiviral treatment in naturally BQCV infected...

Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) as potential antiviral treatment in naturally BQCV infected honeybees

Viral diseases are one of the multiple factors associated with honeybee colony losses. Apart from their innate immune system, including the RNAi machinery, honeybees can use secondary plant metabolites to reduce or fully cure pathogen infections. Here, we tested the antiviral potential of Laurus nobilis leaf ethanolic extracts on forager honeybees naturally infected with BQCV (Black queen cell virus). Total viral loads were reduced even at the lowest concentration tested (1 mg/ml). Higher extract concentrations (≥5 mg/ml) significantly reduced virus replication. Measuring vitellogenin gene expression as an indicator for transcript homeostasis revealed constant RNA levels before and after treatment, suggesting that its expression was not impacted by the L. nobilis treatment. In conclusion, plant secondary metabolites can reduce virus loads and virus replication in naturally infected honeybees.

Aurori AC, Bobiş O, Dezmirean DS, Mărghitaş LA, Erler S (2016) Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) as potential antiviral treatment in naturally BQCV infected honeybees. Virus Research, 222: 29-33. DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.05.024

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168170216301150
COLOSS Association
COLOSS Associationhttps://coloss.org/
COLOSS (Prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) is an international, non-profit association headquartered in Bern, Switzerland that is focussed on improving the well-being of bees at a global level. We are composed of scientific professionals that include researchers, veterinarians, agriculture extension specialists and students. We understand that cooperation and open dialogue are key to better understanding the reasons why bee populations are threatened in today’s world.