Associate Professor Norhasnida Zawawi
Honorary Senior Fellow
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Researcher biography
Dr. Norhasnida Zawawi is an Honorary Senior Fellow at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), University of Queensland, Australia, where she contributed to the discovery of trehalulose, a rare low-GI sugar in stingless bee honey. She is currently Head of the Halal Science Laboratory at the Halal Products Research Institute and Senior Lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), leading the Halal Healthcare and Wellness Research Programme.
She has played key roles in developing honey standards, including contributions to the FSANZ-approved native bee honey standard (2024), and previously served with the Department of Standards Malaysia and Apimondia Asia. Dr. Zawawi is an Editorial Board Member of the Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science and a reviewer for high-impact journals such as Food Chemistry and Journal of Apicultural Research.
With over RM 1 million in research funding, 46 Scopus-indexed publications, and an H-index of 20, her work bridges food science, halal innovation, and bee product research.
Dr. Zawawi's future research is centred on advancing functional foods and halal-certified bioactive products, with a strong emphasis on native bee honey and plant-based milk alternatives. Her goals include:
- Exploring bioactive compounds and unique compositions of stingless bee honey, plant seed beverages, and other alternative foods to enhance human health.
- Integrating omics technologies to identify molecular markers of efficacy and quality in halal-certified functional foods.
- Promoting sustainable innovation in the halal wellness industry through translational research and commercialisation pathways.
- Expanding global collaborations to support cross-disciplinary research in food science, nutrition, and halal product development.
These goals reflect her commitment to bridging traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science, enhancing public health, and supporting the growth of the native bee honey and halal food industries worldwide.
Journal Articles
Ridzwan, Muhammad Hairul, Abidin, Zurina Zainal, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Jusoh, Arif Zaidi (2025). Assessing a strategy to recover trehalulose sugar from stingless bee honey Geniotrigona thoracica sp. via cation exchange adsorption. Food Chemistry, 491 145317, 145317-491. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145317
Kembabazi, Stellamaris, Mutambuka, Martin, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mugampoza, Ediriisa, Shukri, Radhiah and Muranga, Florence Isabirye (2025). Optimizing extrusion for maximum resistant starch: unlocking the potential of banana flour. Measurement: Food, 19 100238, 100238. doi: 10.1016/j.meafoo.2025.100238
Padmanabhan, Kousalya, Rahim, Muhamad Hafiz, Rukayadi, Yaya, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Chong, Kah Hui, Mohammad Sabri, Nur Shahera, Jiang, Shan, Abdul Jabar, Nor Azmiraah and Nor-Khaizura, Mahmud Ab Rashid (2025). A systematic literature review on the effectiveness of lycopene and probiotics in eradicating the
Helicobacter pylori
causing gastritis. Nutrition and Health 02601060251349878. doi: 10.1177/02601060251349878
Saeed, Amna, Anwar, Farooq, Mohd Adzahan, Noranizan Binti, Wan Ibadullah, Wan Zunairah, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid, Nor-Khaizura, Bhandari, Bhesh and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2025). Underutilized Tropical Seeds as a Source for Development of Sustainable Plant-Based Milk Alternatives -A Review. Food Reviews International, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-44. doi: 10.1080/87559129.2025.2513011
Kembabazi, Stellamaris, Mutambuka, Martin, Shukri, Radhiah, Anwar, Farooq and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2025). Unlocking the potential of resistant starches from underutilized tropical fruits as substrates for fermentation into short-chain fatty acids. Journal of Functional Foods, 124 106630. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106630
Seevanathan, Yogaletchumy, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Salleh, Abu Bakar, Oslan, Siti Nurbaya, Ashaari, Nur Suhanawati, Amir Hamzah, Amir Syahir and Sabri, Suriana (2024). Trehalulose: Exploring its benefits, biosynthesis, and enhanced production techniques. Carbohydrate Research, 545 109293, 109293-545. doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2024.109293
Nevara, Gita Addelia, Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah Syed, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mustapha, Nor Afizah and Karim, Roselina (2024). Fractionation and physicochemical characterization of dietary fiber of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 104 (6), 3216-3227. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13208
Ramlan, Nurul Ainaa Farhanah Mat, Mohamad Azman, Ezzat, Muhammad, Kharidah, Jusoh, Arif Zaidi, Johari, Nor Azfa, Yusof, Yus Aniza and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2024). Physicochemical homogeneity of stingless bee honey (Heterotrigona itama) produced in the west coast, east coast and inland area of Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 104 (3), 1756-1767. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.13067
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zawawi, Norhasnida, Zhu, Tianqi (Evonne), Carter, Steve J., Melksham, Kevin J. and Fletcher, Mary T. (2024). Analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in stingless bee honey and identification of a botanical source as Ageratum conyzoides. Toxins, 16 (1) 40, 40. doi: 10.3390/toxins16010040
Cheng, Mohamad Zulhafiz Shafiq Zulhilmi, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Ooi, Der Jiun, Chan, Kim Wei, Ismail, Norsharina, Ishak, Nur Akmal and Esa, Norhaizan Mohd (2023). In vitro investigation of antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of phenolic-rich extract from stingless bee honey (heterotrigona itama). Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 19 (6), 141-150. doi: 10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.19
Cheng, Mohamad Zulhafiz Shafiq Zulhilmi, Amin, Fatin Aina Zulkhairi, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Chan, Kim Wei, Ismail, Norsharina, Ishak, Nur Akmal and Esa, Norhaizan Mohd (2023). Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona Itama) honey and its phenolic-rich extract ameliorate oxidant–antioxidant balance via KEAP1-NRF2 signalling pathway. Nutrients, 15 (13) 2835, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/nu15132835
Zulkhairi Amin, Fatin Aina, Shafiq Cheng, Mohamad Zulhafiz, Sabri, Suriana, Ismail, Norsharina, Chan, Kim Wei, Mohd Esa, Norhaizan, Mohd Lila, Mohd Azmi, Nur-Fazila, Saulol Hamid, Khalifa, Shaden A. M., El-Seedi, Hesham R. and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2023). In vivo toxicity assessment of the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HTI-19 isolated from Stingless Bee (Heterotrigona itama) honey. Nutrients, 15 (10) 2390, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/nu15102390
Mohamat, Rinee Najwa, Noor, Nur Rabiatul Adawiah Mohammad, Yusof, Yus Aniza, Sabri, Suriana and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2023). Differentiation of high-fructose corn syrup adulterated kelulut honey using physicochemical, rheological, and antibacterial parameters. Foods, 12 (8) 1670, 1-10. doi: 10.3390/foods12081670
Syamimi Zaini, Nur, Karim, Roselina, Abdull Razis, Ahmad Faizal, Saulol Hamid, Nur Fazila and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2022). A pilot study of toxicological safety evaluation in acute and subacute (28-day) oral assessments of kenaf seed beverage in rats. Food Research International, 162 (Part A) 111988, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111988
Nevara, Gita Addelia, Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah Syed, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mustapha, Nor Afizah and Karim, Roselina (2022). Alternative dietary fiber sources from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seeds and their by-products. Jurnal Gizi dan Pangan, 17 (3), 167-176. doi: 10.25182/jgp.2022.17.3.167-176
Vit, Patricia, Chuttong, Bajaree, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Diaz, Maria, Van der Meulen, Jane, Ahmad, Hajar F., Tomas-Barberan, Francisco A., Meccia, Gina, Danmek, Khanchai, Moreno, Jorge Enrique, Roubik, David W., Barth, Ortrud Monika, Lachenmeier, Dirk W. and Engel, Michael S. (2022). A novel integrative methodology for research on pot-honey variations during post-harvest. Sociobiology, 69 (4) e8251, 1-27. doi: 10.13102/sociobiology.v64i4.8251
Rahim, Farah N. A., Ibadullah, Wan Z. W., Saari, Nazamid, Mustapha, Nor A., Shukri, Radhiah, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Karim, Roselina and Rashedi, Ismail F. M. (2022). Comparison of different protein extraction methods of rice bran protein concentrates. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 27 (6) APST-27-06-19, 1-7.
Zaini, Nur Syamimi, Karim, Roselina, Abdull Razis, Ahmad Faizal and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2022). Utilizing nutritional and polyphenolic compounds in underutilized plant seeds for health application. Molecules, 27 (20) 6813, 1-27. doi: 10.3390/molecules27206813
Zawawi, Norhasnida, Zhang, Jiali, Hungerford, Natasha L., Yates, Hans S.A., Webber, Dennis C., Farrell, Madeleine, Tinggi, Ujang, Bhandari, Bhesh and Fletcher, Mary T. (2022). Unique physicochemical properties and rare reducing sugar trehalulose mandate new international regulation for stingless bee honey. Food Chemistry, 373 (Pt B) 131566, 131566. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131566
Nevara, Gita Addelia, Ibrahim, Shafa'atu Giwa, Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah Syed, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mustapha, Nor Afizah and Karim, Roselina (2022). Oilseed meals into foods: an approach for the valorization of oilseed by-products. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63 (23), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2031092
Mat Ramlan, Nurul Ainaa Farhanah, Md Zin, Aina Syahirah, Safari, Nur Fatihah, Chan, Kim Wei and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2021). Application of heating on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Malaysian and Australian stingless bee honey. Antibiotics, 10 (11) 1365, 1365. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10111365
Ramlan, Nurul Ainaa Farhanah Mat, Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Karim, Roselina, Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah Syed, Ismail, Maznah and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2021). Nutritional composition, techno-functional properties and sensory analysis of pan bread fortified with kenaf seeds dietary fibre. Sains Malaysiana, 50 (11), 3285-3296. doi: 10.17576/jsm-2021-5011-12
Nevara, Gita Addelia, Syed Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mustapha, Nor Afizah and Karim, Roselina (2021). Physicochemical and functional properties of carbohydrate–protein gum extracted from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57 (1), 258-267. doi: 10.1111/ijfs.15421
Muhialdin, Belal J., Zawawi, Norhasnida, Abdull Razis, Ahmad Faizal, Bakar, Jamilah and Zarei, Mohammad (2021). Antiviral activity of fermented foods and their probiotics bacteria towards respiratory and alimentary tracts viruses. Food Control, 127 108140, 108140. doi: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108140
Zawawi, Norhasnida, Chong, Pei Juin, Mohd Tom, Nurul Nadhirah, Saiful Anuar, Nurkhairina Solehah, Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Ismail, Norra and Jusoh, Arif Zaidi (2021). Establishing relationship between vitamins, total phenolic and total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities in various honey types. Molecules, 26 (15) 4399, 4399. doi: 10.3390/molecules26154399
Nevara, Gita Addelia, Muhammad, Sharifah Kharidah Syed, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Mustapha, Nor Afizah and Karim, Roselina (2021). Dietary fiber: fractionation, characterization and potential sources from defatted oilseeds. Foods, 10 (4) 754, 1-19. doi: 10.3390/foods10040754
Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Badrul Hisham, Amirun Afiq, Mustapa, Nur Atifa, Chan, Kim Wei and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2021). Proximate analysis, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of fish sausages fortified with bee bread extract. Journal of Food Quality, 2021 6657553, 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2021/6657553
Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid, Nor-Khaizura and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2021). Stingless bee-collected pollen (bee bread): chemical and microbiology properties and health benefits. Molecules, 26 (4) 957, 1-29. doi: 10.3390/molecules26040957
Hungerford, Natasha L., Fletcher, Mary T. and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2021). Study gets the buzz on stingless bee honey. TheScienceBreaker, 7 (1). doi: 10.25250/thescbr.brk453
Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid, Nor-Khaizura and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2020). Probiotic properties of bacteria isolated from bee bread of stingless bee Heterotrigona itama. Journal of Apicultural Research, 60 (1), 172-187. doi: 10.1080/00218839.2020.1801152
Ngalimat, Mohamad Syazwan, Abd Rahman, Raja Noor Zaliha Raja, Yusof, Mohd Termizi, Hamzah, Amir Syahir Amir, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Sabri, Suriana (2020). A Review on the Association of Bacteria with Stingless Bees. Sains Malaysiana, 49 (8), 1853-1863. doi: 10.17576/jsm-2020-4908-08
Fletcher, Mary T., Hungerford, Natasha L., Webber, Dennis, Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Zhang, Jiali, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T. and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2020). Stingless bee honey, a novel source of trehalulose: a biologically active disaccharide with health benefits. Scientific Reports, 10 (1) 12128, 1-8. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-68940-0
Amin, Fatin Aina Zulkhairi, Sabri, Suriana, Ismail, Maznah, Chan, Kim Wei, Ismail, Norsharina, Esa, Norhaizan Mohd, Lila, Mohd Azmi Mohd and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2020). Probiotic properties of bacillus strains isolated from stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) honey collected across Malaysia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (1) 278, 1-15. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17010278
Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Mahmud-Ab-Rashid, Nor-Khaizura and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2020). Botanical origin and nutritional values of bee bread of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) from Malaysia. Journal of Food Quality, 2020 2845757, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2020/2845757
Cheng, Mohamad Zulhafiz Shafiq Zulhilmi, Ismail, Maznah, Chan, Kim Wei, Ooi, Der Jiun, Ismail, Norsharina, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Lila, Mohd Azmi Mohd and Esa, Norhaizan Mohd (2019). Comparison of sugar content, mineral elements and antioxidant properties of Heterotrigona itama honey from suburban and forest in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 15 (SP1), 104-112.
Mohammad, S. M., Razali, S.F. Mohd, Mohamad Rozaiman, N. H.N., Laizani, A. N. and Zawawi, N. (2019). Application of seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) in Malaysian food products. International Food Research Journal, 26 (2), 1677-1687.
Giwa Ibrahim, Shafa'atu, Karim, Roselina, Saari, Nazamid, Wan Abdullah, Wan Zunairah, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Ab Razak, Abdul Fattah, Hamim, Nur Aqilah and Umar, Rabi'u Aliyu (2019). Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) seed and its potential food applications: a review. Journal of Food Science, 84 (8), 2015-2023. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.14714
Zawawi, Norhasnida and Ismail, Maznah (2018). Extract reduces respiratory exchange ratio in obese mice fed high fat and low fat diets. Malaysian Journal of Medical Science, 25 (6), 46-58. doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.6.5
Abubakar, Bilyaminu, Yakasai, Hafeez Muhammad, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Ismail, Maznah (2018). Compositional analyses of white, brown and germinated forms of popular Malaysian rice to offer insight into the growing diet-related diseases. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 26 (2), 706-715. doi: 10.1016/j.jfda.2017.06.010
Zulkhairi Amin, Fatin Aina, Sabri, Suriana, Mohammad, Salma Malihah, Ismail, Maznah, Chan, Kim Wei, Ismail, Norsharina, Norhaizan, Mohd Esa and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2018). Therapeutic properties of stingless bee honey in comparison with european bee honey. Advances in Pharmacological Sciences, 2018 6179596, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2018/6179596
Lee, Soo Yee, Mediani, Ahmed, Maulidiani, Maulidiani, Khatib, Alfi, Ismail, Intan Safinar, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Abas, Faridah (2018). Comparison of partial least squares and random forests for evaluating relationship between phenolics and bioactivities of Neptunia oleracea. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 98 (1), 240-252. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.8462
Abubakar, Bilyaminu, Zawawi, Norhasnida, Omar, Abdul Rahman and Ismail, Maznah (2017). Predisposition to insulin resistance and obesity due to staple consumption of rice: Amylose content versus germination status. PLoS One, 12 (7) e0181309, 1-15. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181309
Lee, Soo Yee, Abas, Faridah, Khatib, Alfi, Ismail, Intan Safinar, Shaari, Khozirah and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2016). Metabolite profiling of Neptunia oleracea and correlation with antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities using 1H NMR-based metabolomics. Phytochemistry Letters, 16, 23-33. doi: 10.1016/j.phytol.2016.02.014
Sarega, Nadarajan, Imam, Mustapha Umar, Esa, Norhaizan Md, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Ismail, Maznah (2016). Effects of phenolic-rich extracts of Clinacanthus nutans on high fat and high cholesterol diet-induced insulin resistance. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 16 (1) 88, 1-11. doi: 10.1186/s12906-016-1049-5
Sarega, Nadarajan, Imam, Mustapha Umar, Ooi, Der-Jiun, Chan, Kim Wei, Md Esa, Norhaizan, Zawawi, Norhasnida and Ismail, Maznah (2016). Phenolic rich extract from Clinacanthus nutans attenuates hyperlipidemia-associated oxidative stress in rats. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016 (1) 4137908. doi: 10.1155/2016/4137908
Zawawi, N., Azizah, A. H. and Maznah, I. (2016). Strobilanthes crispus leaves extracts (SCE) induced lipolysis and increased leptin level in diet-induced obese rats fed high-fat diet. International Food Research Journal, 23 (3), 1115-1122.
Zawawi, N., Gangadharan, P., Ahma Zaini, R., Samsudin, M. G., Karim, R. and Maznah, I. (2014). Nutritional values and cooking quality of defatted Kenaf seeds yellow (DKSY) noodles. International Food Research Journal, 21 (2), 603-608.
Conference Papers
Zaini, N.S., Md Razip, N.N., Mat Ramlan, N.A.F., Khaza’ai, H., Ismail, N., Ramli, N.S., Ng, J. and Zawawi, N. (2025). Supplementation of trehalulose in stingless bee honey improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic-induced rats In Vivo. Nutrition Society Winter Conference 2025, London, United Kingdom, 21-22 January 2025. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/s0029665125100967
Hungerford, N. L., Zhang, J., Smith, T. J., Yates, H. S. A., Carpinelli de Jesus, M., Webber, D., Stone, I. S. J. , Blanchfield, J. T., Zawawi, N. and Fletcher, M. T. (2022). Stingless bee honeys feature an unusual bioactive sugar, trehalulose. 3rd Australian Native Bee Conference, Rosehill, NSW Australia, 11-12 June 2022.
Ramlan, Nurul Ainaa Farhanah Mat, Zaini, Nur Syamimi, Hungerford, Natasha, Fletcher, Mary and Zawawi, Norhasnida (2022). Determination of phenolic compounds and organic acids of stingless bee honey from Malaysia and Australia. TropAg International Agriculture Conference 2022, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 31 October - 2 November 2022.
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Smith, Tobias J., Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans S. A., Chowdhury, Sadia A., Carter, James F., Webber, Dennis, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida, Schirra, Horst J., Tran, Trong D. and Fletcher, Mary T. (2021). Stingless bees produce honey rich in the beneficial disaccharide, trehalulose. Symposium of Research & Innovation for Food (SoRIF), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia via WebEX, 23-24 June 2021.
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Smith, Tobias J., Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans S. A., Chowdhury, Sadia A., Carter, James F., Webber, Dennis, Stone, Isobella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida and Fletcher, Mary T. (2021). Stingless Bee Honey’s unique properties. Australian Apitherapy Association Global Conference 2021, Online, 26-27 November 2021.
Hungerford, Natasha L., Zhang, Jiali, Carpinelli de Jesus, Matheus, Yates, Hans, Webber, Dennis, Stone Isolbella S. J., Blanchfield, Joanne T., Zawawi, Norhasnida and Fletcher, Mary T. (2020). Stingless bee honey as a unique source of trehalulose. 5th Queensland Annual Chemistry Symposium, QACS 2020, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 27 November 2020.
Melksham, K.M., Hungerford, N.L., Martin, C.L., Fletcher, M.T., Carter, S.J., Anuj, S.R., Tianqi, Z., Zawawi, N., Sharma, E., Yin, M., Nguyen, T.T.P., Were, S.T. and Tan, B. (2018). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey. ICFA 2018, 2nd International Conference on Food Analysis, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 19-22 November 2018.