Manuka Honey's Superbug-Fighting Properties Hailed After Welsh Study

By Madeleine Brindley, Health Editor, WalesOnline, Jan 31 2012

Research by Welsh scientists suggests “miracle” manuka honey can fight and prevent bacteria that makes wounds hard to heal.

The latest results add to the growing evidence showing how manuka honey dressings are effective in treating wounds and combating super-bugs, such as MRSA.

But researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University, which is the forefront of such work, have advised people to only use medical grade manuka honey on wounds and not the edible forms.

The latest study, by Dr Sarah Maddocks, has found manuka honey is effective against the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, which can make wounds hard to treat.

Although it is a normal skin bacteria, when Streptococcus pyogenes infects wounds it can clump together into a biofilm, or barrier, which means antibiotics are ineffective.

Dr Maddocks said: “People with this bacteria quite often find that the wound doesn’t heal properly. The biofilm makes them especially difficult to treat with antimicrobials because the film offers a layer of extra protection.

“We have grown these biofilms in the laboratory and found the manuka honey kills off some of the bacteria but we’ve also found that it can inhibit the growth of these biofilms.”

Dr Maddocks’ study, which is published today in the online version of the Society for General Microbiology’s journal Microbiology, show very small concentrations of manuka honey prevented the development of a biofilm and treating established biofilms with honey for just two hours killed up to 85% of bacteria within them…

Honey Protects Against Cigarette Smoke Induced-Impaired Sexual Behavior

Protective Effect of Honey Against Cigarette Smoke Induced-Impaired Sexual Behavior and Fertility of Male Rats
Toxicol Ind Health, 2012 Jan 24

Cigarette smoking is associated with sexual dysfunction and impaired fertility in males. The aim of this study was to determine the potential protective effect of honey against the toxic effect of cigarette smoke (CS) on sexual behavior and fertility of male rats.

Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats/group) as control, honey (H), CS and H plus CS (H + CS) groups. Rats in control and CS groups received oral administration of distilled water daily while rats in H and H + CS groups received honey (1.2 g/kg body weight/day) by oral gavage. Rats in CS and H + CS groups were also exposed to CS for 8 min 3 times/day. From 10 to 13 weeks of treatment, each male rat was cohabited with 3 untreated female rats for sexual behavioral and reproductive performance studies.

Honey significantly increased the percentages of rats achieving intromission and ejaculation as well as increased mating and fertility indexes of male rats exposed to CS. Thus, honey has a protective effect against CS-induced impaired sexual behavior and fertility in male rats.

Honey Dressing Better Than Tradition Burn Treatment

Honey Dressing Versus Silver Sulfadiazene Dressing for Wound Healing in Burn Patients: A Retrospective Study
J Cutan Aesthet Surg, 2011 Sep;4(3):183-7


OBJECTIVE:

The aim was to evaluate the effect of honey dressing and silver sulfadiazene (SSD) dressing on wound healing in burn patients.


MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 108 patients (14-68 years of age), with first and second degree burns of less than 50% of the total body surface area admitted to our institution, over a period of 5 years (2004-2008). Fifty-one patients were treated with honey dressings and 57 with SSD. Time elapsed since burn, site, percentage, degree and depth of burns, results of culture sensitivity at various time intervals, duration of healing, formation of post-treatment hypertrophic scar, and/or contracture were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS:

The average duration of healing was 18.16 and 32.68 days for the honey and SSD group, respectively. Wounds of all patients reporting within 1 h of burns became sterile with the honey dressing in less than 7 days while there was none with SSD. All wounds treated with honey became sterile within 21 days while for SSD-treated wounds, this figure was 36.5%. A complete outcome was seen in 81% of all patients in the "honey group" while in only 37% patients in the "SSD group."

CONCLUSION:

Honey dressings make the wounds sterile in less time, enhance healing, and have a better outcome in terms of hypertropic scars and postburn contractures, as compared to SSD dressings.

Royal Jelly Helps Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers

The Efficacy of Topical Royal Jelly on Diabetic Foot Ulcers Healing: A Case Series
J Res Med Sci, 2011 Jul;16(7):904-9.

BACKGROUND:

Foot ulcers and infections are the major sources of morbidity in individuals with diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of topical Royal Jelly (a worker honey bee product) on healing diabetic foot ulcers.

METHODS:

Diabetic patients with foot ulcers that were referred to our clinic at Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran; were evaluated three times a week and treated according to standard treatments consisted of offloading, infection control, vascular improvement and debridement if required. In addition, all ulcers were measured and then topical sterile 5% Royal Jelly was applied on the total surface area of the wounds. Eventually, they were covered with sterile dressings. Each patient was followed for a period of three months or until the complete healing.

RESULTS:

A total of eight patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, two had two ulcers and, therefore, ten ulcers were evaluated. Two ulcers were excluded. Seven of the remained eight ulcers healed. Mean duration of complete healing was 41 days. One ulcer did not completely heal but improved to 40% smaller in length, 32% in width and 28% in depth. The mean length, width and depth reduction rates were 0.35 mm/day, 0.28 mm/day and 0.11 mm/day, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Royal Jelly dressing may be an effective method for treating diabetic foot ulcers besides standard treatments.

Honey Polyphenols Needed for Anti-Bacterial Action of Hydrogen Peroxide

Unraveling a Mechanism of Honey Antibacterial Action: Polyphenol/H2O2-Induced Oxidative Effect on Bacterial Cell Growth and on DNA Degradation

Food Chemistry, Available online 24 January 2012

Several compounds with antibacterial activities were identified in honey. However, a mechanism by which they lead to bacterial growth inhibition and bacterial death remains still unknown.

We recently found that honeys possess DNA degrading activity mediated by honey hydrogen peroxide and an unknown honey component(s). Here we provide evidence that active honeys (MIC90 of 6.25% to 12.5% v/v) possessed significantly higher levels of phenolics (p<0.02) of higher radical scavenging activities (p<0.005) than honeys of average activity.

Removal of H2O2 by catalase eliminated bacteriostatic activities caused by both phenolics and H2O2 suggesting that the growth inhibition resulted from the coupling chemistry between these compounds. Both phenolics and H2O2 were involved in DNA degradation by honeys. Treatment of plasmid DNA with H2O2 alone did not affect the DNA integrity but H2O2 removal from honey by catalase prevented DNA degradation. Polyphenols extracted from honeys degraded plasmid DNA in the presence of H2O2 and Cu (II) in the Fenton-type reaction. The extent of DNA degradation was inversely related to the polyphenol concentration in this system as well as in honeys. At low content, honey polyphenols exerted pro-oxidant activity damaging to DNA.

In conclusion, honey phenolics with pro-oxidant activities were necessary intermediates that conferred oxidative action of H2O2. Phenolic/H2O2-induced oxidative stress constituted the mechanism of honey bacteriostatic and DNA damaging activities.

Highlights 

► A coupling chemistry between polyphenols and H2O2 was the mechanism underlying DNA degradation by honey. ► Honey polyphenols emerged as active intermediates that were necessary to confer oxidative action of hydrogen peroxide. ► The antioxidant/prooxidant properties of honey polyphenols play a critical role in bacterial DNA degradation.

Malaysian Honey Protects Against UVB Radiation Damage

Tualang Honey Protects Keratinocytes from Ultraviolet Radiation Induced Inflammation and DNA Damage
Photochemistry and Photobiology, Accepted Article

Malaysian tualang honey possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we evaluated the effect of tualang honey on early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis employing PAM212 mouse keratinocyte cell line.

Keratinocytes were treated with tualang honey (1.0%, v/v) before a single UVB (150 mJ/cm2) irradiation. We found that treatment of tualang honey inhibited UVB-induced DNA damage, and enhanced repair of UVB-mediated formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG).

Treatment of tualang honey inhibited UVB-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, activation of IKKα; and degradation of IκBα in murine keratinocyte cell line. Treatment of tualang honey also inhibited UVB-induced inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression. Furthermore, treatment of tualang honey inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production.

Taken together, we provide evidence that treatment of tualang honey to keratinocytes affords substantial protection from the adverse effects of UVB radiation via modulation in early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis and provide suggestion for its photochemopreventive potential.

Propolis Modulates Immune/Inflammatory Response

The Effects of Propolis and Its Isolated Compounds on Cytokine Production by Murine Macrophages
Phytotherapy Research, Early View

Since propolis and phenolic compounds, such as cinnamic and coumaric acids, have several biological properties, their immunomodulatory effect on cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10) was investigated.

Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were incubated with propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids in different concentrations and the concentrations that inhibited cytokine production were tested before or after macrophage challenge with LPS, to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action. Propolis and the acids stimulated IL-1β production, while IL-6 production was significantly inhibited after incubation with propolis (5, 50 and 100 µg/well), coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well).

In LPS-challenge protocols, inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic and coumaric acids after LPS incubation prevented efficiently its effects on IL-6 production, whereas propolis inhibited LPS effects both before and after its addition. Propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well) inhibited IL-10 production as well. Both acids showed a similar inhibitory activity on IL-10 production when added after LPS challenge, while propolis counteracted LPS action when added before and after LPS incubation.

Propolis modulated the immune/inflammatory response, depending on the concentration. Its efficiency may occur due to the synergistic effect of its compounds, and cinnamic and coumaric acids may be involved in the action of propolis on cytokine production.

Flavonoid Content of Mexican Propolis Studied

Structural and Genetic Alterations of Fungal Cells Caused by Mexican Propolis
Science against Microbial Pathogens: Communicating Current Research and Technological Advances, VOL. 2 (pp. 693-1348)

In order to study the antifungal activity of propolis ethanol extracts (PEE) from Apis mellifera bees from Mexico we used optical microscopy and we were able to see that PEE induced inhibition of germ tube formation of C. albicans.

Ultrastructural findings were seen using transmission electron micrographs of ultrathin sections of Candida albicans revealed that these cells suffered vacuolization, increased formation of storage granules as well as alteration and disruption of the outer structures of yeast, with release of intracellular material. In order to describe the molecular mechanism of action, we evaluate gene expression.

We were able to identify some over- and under-expressed genes. ADH1 y PIK1 genes were under-expressed in a manner dependent on concentration and exposure time. On the other hand, our team has determined the chemical profile of several Mexican propolis, with interesting results as the diversity of content and different levels of antifungal and antibacterial activities…

In summary, we succeeded in establishing the chemical content of propolis, with a significant presence of flavonoid type compounds, a prerequisite for such high activity. Similarly, we must remember that the characteristic flora of each region determines the type of propolis bees collect in that locality, and this accounted for the differences in the antimicrobial activity which we found in this study.

Volatile Organic Compounds Could Contribute to Biomedical Activities of Honey

Volatile Compounds in Honey: A Review on Their Involvement in Aroma, Botanical Origin Determination And Potential Biomedical Activities
Int J Mol Sci, 2011;12(12):9514-32, Epub 2011 Dec 20

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in honey are obtained from diverse biosynthetic pathways and extracted by using various methods associated with varying degrees of selectivity and effectiveness. These compounds are grouped into chemical categories such as aldehyde, ketone, acid, alcohol, hydrocarbon, norisoprenoids, terpenes and benzene compounds and their derivatives, furan and pyran derivatives. They represent a fingerprint of a specific honey and therefore could be used to differentiate between monofloral honeys from different floral sources, thus providing valuable information concerning the honey's botanical and geographical origin.

However, only plant derived compounds and their metabolites (terpenes, norisoprenoids and benzene compounds and their derivatives) must be employed to discriminate among floral origins of honey. Notwithstanding, many authors have reported different floral markers for honey of the same floral origin, consequently sensory analysis, in conjunction with analysis of VOCs could help to clear this ambiguity. Furthermore, VOCs influence honey's aroma described as sweet, citrus, floral, almond, rancid, etc. Clearly, the contribution of a volatile compound to honey aroma is determined by its odor activity value.

Elucidation of the aroma compounds along with floral origins of a particular honey can help to standardize its quality and avoid fraudulent labeling of the product. Although only present in low concentrations, VOCS could contribute to biomedical activities of honey, especially the antioxidant effect due to their natural radical scavenging potential.

Propolis Boosts Protection of Liver, Kidneys and Brain

Combined Treatment of HEDTA and Propolis Prevents Aluminum Induced Toxicity in Rats
Food Chem Toxicol, 2012 Jan 11

A study was undertaken to evaluate protective effect of chelating agent, N-(2-hydroxy ethyl ethylene diamine triacetic acid) [HEDTA] with and without propolis against aluminum (Al) induced toxicity in liver, kidney and brain.

Toxicity was induced by single administration of aluminum nitrate at a dose of 32.5mg/kg (½ of LD(50)). HEDTA (20mg/kg, ip), propolis (200mg/kg, po), and combination of HEDTA and propolis, respectively, were administered for 3days after 24h of Al exposure. Significant enhancement in AST, ALT, uric acid, urea, cholesterol, and triglyceride contents was found in serum, whereas albumin was decreased after Al exposure. Hepatic, renal, and neuronal LPO were found significantly increased after Al exposure, whereas it inhibited AChE activity in forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

Al caused significant alteration in the activity of adenosine triphosphatase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and fall in GSH contents in hepatic, renal and nervous tissues. However, individual treatment of HEDTA and propolis restored biochemical parameters towards control but combined treatment of HEDTA and propolis offered better protection in comparison to monotherapy.

Combined treatment of HEDTA and propolis preserved histological features, mitigated oxidative stress and improved liver, kidney and brain function tests more profoundly.

Propolis Extract has Anti-Ageing, Anti-Wrinkle Properties

OLEOS Uncovers Extract Harvested by Bees for Anti-Aging
Cosmetics Design, 1/20/2012

Oleos has carried out an eco-extraction process on waxes, vitamins, acids and unsaponifiable matter from Propolis, a resinous substance harvested by bees that contains anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle properties…

185 Organic Compounds Identified in Royal Jelly

Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric Investigation of Volatile and Extractable Compounds of Crude Royal Jelly
J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci, 2011 Dec 30

Using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by diethyl ether and methanol extraction, it was possible to isolate as many as 185 organic compounds out of 17 samples of crude royal jelly (RJ). Of the above compound number, 169 compounds were positively identified by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The volatile fraction of RJ consists of 25 different compounds where approximately 47% of the total ion current (TIC) of volatile compound chromatograms were composed of substances characterized by bactericidal (phenols) and repelling (octanoic acid and 2-heptanone) activities. Preliminary investigations have shown that RJ stored for 10 months at -18°C and 4°C keeps its composition of volatile compounds unchanged, however, at the same time at room temperature RJ phenol contents is decreased twice, whereas the fraction of aliphatic acids is increased 2.8 times due to the presence of both acetic and butyric acids.

The chromatogram of RJ ether extracts showed 85 different compounds, however about 88% of TIC consisted exclusively of 8 compounds, i.e. 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic, 10-hydroxydecanoic, 3,10-dihydroxydecanoic, 8-hydroxyoctanoic, 2-decene-1,10-dioc and (Z)-9-hydroxy-2-decenoic acids. Nine aliphatic acids, which were detected for the first time, are the homologues of hydroxy- and oxo-acids identified earlier in RJ. In the RJ methanol extracts 82 compounds were identified, mainly carbohydrates and their derivatives.

Approximately 87% of TIC consisted of fructose, glucose and sucrose. Special attention was paid to discrepancies between obtained and literature data concerning the presence of free amino acids in RJ. It was suggested that these inconsistencies can be explained by the differences in the methods of RJ collection and/or sample preparation.

Manuka Honey Effective in Treating Pilonidal Sinus Disease

Manuka Honey as an Effective Treatment for Chronic Pilonidal Sinus Wounds
J Wound Care, 2011 Nov;20(11):528-33

Objective: A retrospective study to investigate the effectiveness of topical manuka honey in the treatment of chronic or recurrent pilonidal sinus disease (PSD), assessing the ability of this simple dressing technique to achieve complete wound healing, the time taken to achieve healing and the recurrence rate.

Method: All patients who received manuka honey dressing therapy following surgical intervention for chronic or recurrent PSD were identified over a 4-year period. In a retrospective review of case notes, data were collected on patient sex, age, nature of surgical procedures performed, time to achieve complete wound healing, and recurrences after completion of honey therapy.

Results: Seventeen patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Mean time to commence honey therapy post-surgery was 93 days (5-517 days; median 33 days); 15 patients achieved complete wound healing, in a mean time of 65 days (14-264 days; median 49 days). Honey was discontinued in one patient due to an adverse event, and two patients experienced recurrence several months after completing honey therapy.

Conclusion: Manuka honey dressing therapy provides an effective topical treatment for chronic/recurrent PSD. Further research is necessary to determine the optimum dressing protocol.

Honey Boosts Effectiveness of Anti-Viral Drug

Effects of Honey to Acyclovir in the Rabbit Eye Transport Kinetics (Chinese)
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 2011 Oct;36(19):2723-6

OBJECTIVE:

Using pharmacokinetics to explore the mechanism of honey to enhance the efficacy of acyclovir (ACV) treatment of herpes simplex keratitis (HSK), providing the basis for combination of the prescription of two drugs and dosage regimen designed.

METHOD:

Single dosages of 5% honey and 0% honey Meyasu eye ointment are injected into rabbit eyes. The aqueous humor of rabbit eye is measured at different times, specifically the content of ACV in aqueous humor by HPLC. Mathematical models are established, from which pharmacokinetic parameters are extracted and compared by mathematics and statistics methods.

RESULT:

Both the 5% and 0% honey Meyasu eye ointment in rabbit eyes are belong to a two-compartment model. The absorption half-life of the 5% Meyasu eye ointment in aqueous humor is as 2.30 times longer, the distribution half-life is 2.12 times longer, the peak concentration is 1.17 times longer, the peak time is 1.36 times longer, AUC is 1.41 times longer when compared to the 0% Meyasu eye ointment.

CONCLUSION:

Honey can significantly increase the ACV concentration and bioavailability in the eye, extend the action time of ACV in target cells and increase the retention capacity of ACV in the target tissue; thereby improving treatment success.

Honey Demonstrates Strong Antimutagenicity

Suppression of Error Prone Pathway is Responsible for Antimutagenic Activity of Honey
Food and Chemical Toxicology, In Press, Accepted Manuscript

Honey, both unifloral (Syzygiumcumuni) and bifloral, demonstrated strong antimutagenicity against physical (UV, γ) and chemical (Ethylmethane sulfonate) mutagens as ascertained by rpoB/RifR and Ames tests.

The effect of honey was evaluated in radiation (UV or γ) exposed E. coli cells for SOS response, a well known error prone repair pathway known to significantly contribute to mutagenicity by quantifying LexA repressor level, measuring cell filamentation frequency, and prophage induction by SIVET (Selectable – In - Vivo Expression Technology) assay. LexA was almost completely degraded, phenotypically long filamentous cells (∼30 μm) were formed, and SIVET induction frequency was increased in radiation exposed E. coli cultures, however these changes were significantly inhibited in presence of honey confirming its strong antimutagenic nature. Further, rpoB/RifR mutation frequency upon UV exposure in E. coli recA- cells was found to be negligible, whereas, E. coliumuC- and umuD- knockouts showed comparatively higher mutation frequency. Honey did not show any effect on mutagenesis in these knockouts, indicating the SOS dependence of the observed mutagenesis.

Honey was also found to suppress EMS induced mutagenesis but through SOS independent mechanism.

Phenolics present in honey were found to be one of the important factors contributing to the antimutagenicity of honey.

Highlights

► Pollen analysis indicated commercial Indian honey as unifloral and bifloral.
► It showed broad spectrum antimutagenicity by Ames and E .colirpoB/RifR tests.
► Honey suppressed E. coli SOS response, an error-prone repair process.
► Error-prone repair is one of the major causes of mutagenesis.
► Honey inhibited LexA degradation, cell filamentation and prophage induction.