Saturday, June 30, 2007

Propolis Extract May Help Protect Skin from UVB Damage

Development of Topical Functionalized Formulations Added with Propolis Extract: Stability, Cutaneous Absorption and In Vivo Studies
International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Article in Press

Abstract: Propolis, which is a natural product widely consumed in the folk medicine, is a serious candidate to be applied topically due to its outstanding antioxidant properties. So, the purpose of this study was to develop stable topical formulations added with propolis extract in an attempt to prevent and/or treat the diseases occurring in skin caused by UV radiation…

It was found in this study, that the formulations prepared with Polawax® showed functional and physical stability in the period of study. In addition, this formulation presented good results in the percutaneous study, allowing the antioxidant compounds present in the propolis extract to reach lower layers in pig ear skin and in the whole hairless mice skin (retention = 0.12 and 0.13 μL of propolis/g of skin, respectively).

In the in vivo study, it was also suggested that this formulation may be effective in protecting skin from UVB photodamage, nevertheless other assays need to be done in order to have a complete understanding of the protective effect of formulations added with propolis extract.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Health Benefits of Honey Boost Sales in UK

Shoppers Make a Bee-Line for Honey as Healthy Image Creates a Buzz
This is London (UK), 6/29/2007

Sales of honey are soaring thanks to its reputation as both a natural sweetener and remedy.

It has overtaken marmalade as the second-biggest seller in the sweet spread market Jam, the firm favourite, is sticking solidly in first place.

But those stocking up on honey aren't necessarily slathering it on their toast.

They are swallowing it by the spoonful for sore throats, drizzling it on their morning porridge for energy and stirring it into recipes and drinks.

Manuka honey, a New Zealand variety, is enjoying a renaissance of its own. It is said to have antibacterial properties that can be used to treat everything from skin conditions to digestive disorders.

There are also suggestions that eating certain types of honey can ease hayfever.

Traces of pollen in the honey can apparently help desensitise a sufferer to the allergens carried on the wind…

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Medicinal Use of Propolis Growing in Uganda

Bees Make Wonder Drug
By Halima Shaban, New Vision (Uganda), 6/27/2007

BEES have given mankind unique products that scientists have failed to copy. Apart from honey and wax, bees also give something useful to health but human beings have ignored it. It is called propolis. Sometimes called bee glue, propolis is a sticky resin that seeps from the buds of some trees.

The project manager of Malaika Honey, Simon Turner, says bees gather propolis, carry it to their hives in their pollen baskets and blend it with wax flakes secreted from special glands on their abdomens to deposit it on the interior of their hives.

"Bees use propolis, which has antiseptic properties to neutralise any bacteria, fungi or virus that enters the hive," Turner says. "Propolis ensures a clean environment for the bees."

Turner, however, regrets that people simply destroy it when they harvest honey. Even those who do organised bee rearing, never harvest propolis mainly because of ignorance.

Turner started a project, Malaika Honey, to teach bee farmers the importance of all bee products. The project, found at Musajjalumbwa Road also harvests propolis and processes it into medicinal products.

Turner says propolis contains about 55% resinous compounds and balms, 30% beeswax, 10% aromatic essential oils and 5% bee pollen...

"Propolis is a medicinal product that can work as an antibiotic, soothe inflammations, speed up healing of wounds, ease rheumatic pains, combat fungal infections and strengthen the body's immune system," Turner says…

Malaika Honey has filed an application to the National Drug Authority (NDA) for permission to dispense propolis as a drug. A letter signed by the NDA executive secretary, Apollo Muhairwe, says propolis has been placed on the list of notified local herbal medicines…

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Review: Venom Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Neuropharmacology, Article in Press

Abstract: To date many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) seek complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to treat their symptoms as an adjunct to conventionally used therapies.

Among the common CAM therapies, there is a renewed interest in the therapeutic potential of venoms in MS. The efficacy of this therapeutic method remains unclear. However, venom-based therapy using bee, snakes and scorpions venom and/or sea anemones toxin has been recently developed because current investigations have identified the various components and molecular mechanism of the effects of venoms under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

The aim of this review is to describe the recent findings regarding the role of venoms and their components in treatment of MS disease and that whether venom therapy could be recommended as a complementary treatment or not.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Propolis Gaining Favor with Doctors

Alternative Remedies: Propolis
By Jessica Kiddle, The Scotsman (UK), 6/26/2007

PROPOLIS is the rather unattractive-sounding name for the rather unattractive-looking resin usually found oozing from young tree buds or conifer bark. However, once you realise that this waxy substance - which is used by bees to seal their hives - is said to be one of nature's most powerful cure-alls, you might look upon it in a more favourable light.

Egyptian priest-doctors used propolis in the mummification process and, in the modern land of the living, advocates of complementary medicine recommend sucking on a piece of propolis to ease a sore throat, among its other applications.

It is said that thanks to potent antiviral and antibiotic properties, it can do much more than soothe those tonsils, however. Not only is it believed to kill strains of bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics, but thanks to its high content of antioxidant flavonoids, it is also though to bolster the immune system, strengthening the body's own defences.

The medical establishment is generally wary of claims regarding a plant's curative powers. But after a recent German study reported that propolis may be effective in treating neurofibromatosis - a little-known and unpredictable genetic condition causing non-cancerous tumours to grow around the body - it is even gaining favour with doctors...

UK Skin Balm Contains Honey, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen

Tried & Tested: Egyptian Magic
By Wendy Cain, Coventry Evening Telegraph (UK), 6/25/2007

Price: pounds 25.50, http://www.hqhair.com/

COMES in a rather difficult to get at block form. It's in a large tub and the product is like a block of resin which you have to scratch at to get out.

Ingredients include honey, Royal Jelly and bee pollen and it claims you can use it on just about anything - rashes, burns, scar tissue, stretch marks, insect bites - so is ideal for your first aid kit.

Worked like magic on my elbows overnight.

Verdict: Looks very strange, but very effective.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Malaysian University to Study Effect of ‘Tualang’ Honey on Immune System

FAMA, USM Sign MoU for Research on Tualang Honey
Bernama (Malysian National News Agency), 6/24/2007

KOTA BAHARU, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) signed a memorandum of understanding to undertake research on "tualang" honey. Tualang honey gets its name from the tualang tree…

FAMA Deputy Director-General Samah Hasan said the authority had successfully produced tualang honey but there was no scientific proof saying it was of the highest quality…

Samah said the cooperation with USM would focus on the effectiveness of tualang honey in strengthening human immune system.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Royal Jelly Component Involved in Synthesis of Molecule that Stimulates Immune Response

Evidence for New β1-3 Galactosyltransferase Activity Involved in Biosynthesis of Unusual N-Glycan Harboring T-Antigen in Apis Mellifera
Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, Vol. 71 (2007) , No. 4 pp.1111-1114

In a previous study (Y. Kimura et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 70, 2583–2587, 2006), we found that new complex type N-glycans harboring Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (Galβ1-3GalNAc) unit occur on royal jelly glycoproteins, suggesting the involvement of a new β1-3galactosyltransferase in the synthesis of the unusual complex type N-glycans. So far, such β1-3galactosyltransferase activity, which can transfer galactosyl residues with the β1-3 linkage to β1-4 GalNAc residues in N-glycan, has not been found among any eucaryotic cells. But using GalNAc2GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2-PA as acceptor N-glycan, we detected the β1-3 galactosyltransferase activity in membrane fraction prepared from honeybee cephalic portions. This result indicates that honeybee expresses a unique β1-3 galactosyltransferase involved in biosynthesis of the unusual N-glycan containing a tumor related antigen in the hypopharyngeal gland.

Book Review - Health and the Honeybee by Charles Mraz

Health Status, 6/21/2007

I became interested in apitherapy (the use of bee products for healing and health) when doing some online research about allergies. That led me to this book.

This is an autobiography of Charles Mraz who has been a leader in bee venom therapy (BVT) in America since 1934. In this book Charles Mraz walks you through how he became a bee keeper in Vermont and began experimenting with bee stings to help people with arthritis...

He seems a very humble man frustrated with the lack of the pharmaceutical world to pursue what seems to be a no-brainer. Bee venom can heal. This is a quick little book to read. It may have been written for other apitherapist to learn from, but I found a curious person like me enjoyed the read very well. If you have interest in alternative therapies you may want to give this book a try.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Honey Inhibits Bacterial Growth in Milk

Honey as a Natural Preservative of Milk
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, Vol. 45, May 2007, pp. 459-464

The anti-bacterial property and preservative nature of honey has been studied by evaluating the role of hydrogen peroxide in these properties, against bacterial strains isolated and identified from pasteurized milk samples. The anti-bacterial property of honey examined by agar incorporation assay and turbidometry, indicated a concentration dependent inhibition of bacterial growth in all catalase negative strains in comparison with catalase positive strains, highlighting a probable role of hydrogen peroxide. Samples of commercial milk stored at 4°C in presence of honey were shown to inhibit opportunistic bacterial growth better compared to samples stored without honey. Due to the bactericidal property of hydrogen peroxide and its preservative nature, honey which is chiefly a combination of various sugars and hydrogen peroxide, can be used a preservative of milk samples.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Bee Venom Has ‘Therapeutic Potential for Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases’

Bee Venom and Melittin Reduce Proinflammatory Mediators in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated BV2 Microglia
International Immunopharmacology, Volume 7, Issue 8, August 2007, Pages 1092-1101

Abstract: Bee venom (BV), well known as a traditional Oriental medicine, has been shown to exhibit anti-arthritic and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of BV have not been elucidated in microglia.

In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of BV and its major component, melittin (MEL), on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. Our results indicate that BV and MEL suppress LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in a dose-dependent manner, without causing cytotoxicity in BV2 microglia. Moreover, BV and MEL suppressed LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) by blocking degradation of IκBα and phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Akt, which resulted in inhibition of iNOS expression.

Our data also indicate that BV and MEL exert anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the transcription of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 genes and proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. BV and MEL also attenuated the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). These results demonstrate that BV and MEL possess a potent suppressive effect on proinflammatory responses of BV2 microglia and suggest that these compounds may offer substantial therapeutic potential for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are accompanied by microglial activation.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Propolis Component May Help Prevent Dangerous Blood Clots

Characterization of a Novel and Potent Collagen Antagonist, Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, in Human Platelets: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Cardiovascular Research, 10 May 2007

Objective: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is derived from the propolis of honeybee hives, has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities. In the present study, CAPE (6–25 μM) specifically inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation and the ATP release reaction in platelet suspensions.

Methods: Platelet aggregation, flow cytometric analysis, immunoblotting, and electron spin resonance (ESR) were used to assess the anti-platelet activity of CAPE. Fluorescein sodium-induced platelet thrombi in mesenteric microvessels of mice were used for an in vivo study.

Results: CAPE (15–100 μM) produced a concentration-related rightward displacement of the collagen concentration–response curve, and the Schild plot gave pA2 and pA10 values of 4.28 ± 0.07 and 3.14 ± 0.73, respectively, with a slope of − 0.83 ± 0.16, indicating specific antagonism. CAPE (25 μM) also inhibited platelet aggregation stimulated by the glycoprotein VI agonist, convulxin, and the α2β1 integrin agonist, aggretin. CAPE (25 μM) also markedly interfered with FITC-collagen binding to platelet membranes. CAPE (15 and 25 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited collagen-induced platelet activation accompanied by [Ca+2]i mobilization, phosphoinositide breakdown, activation of protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinases (i.e., ERK2, JNK, and p38 MAPK), Akt phosphorylation, and thromboxane A2 formation. In the ESR study, CAPE (15 and 25 μM) markedly reduced hydroxyl radical (OH) formation in collagen-activated platelets. In an in vivo study, CAPE (5 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the latency in inducing platelet plug formation in mesenteric venules of mice.

Conclusions: The most important findings of this study suggest that CAPE specifically inhibits collagen-induced platelet activation. Thus, CAPE treatment may represent a novel approach to lowering the risk of or improving function in thromboembolism-related disorders.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Patients Flock to Indonesian Bee Venom Therapy Center

Muntowib: Bees and Lessons for Humans
P.J. Leo, The Jakarta Post (Indonesia), 6/20/2007

Visitors are warmly greeted at the clinic in the Scout Apiary Center in Cibubur, East Jakarta, where Muntowib, 45, offers bee-sting therapy, also known as cultivar api-puncture.

Before treating patients, Muntowib asks details of their complaints and diseases, if any, they have suffered. He then promptly picks up a cultivated bee with a pair of tweezers and makes it sting nerve points on the body of his patients.

"Bees are harmless until we disturb them," Muntowib said while treating patients, who come from all over the country.

"Most of them have given up on medical treatments and are tired of taking drugs without any recovery prospect," said Muntowib, who dropped out of Sunan Ampel Islamic Institute in Kediri, East Java.

Yongki, a stroke patient with a paralyzed arm and leg, has enjoyed improved muscle movement after regular bee stings at the Cibubur apiary. Previously he dragged his foot when walking. Now he can walk normally and move his hand.

Cultivar api-puncture, a healing method dating back to ancient civilizations, is one of the many alternative treatments mushrooming in the country. And therapists like Muntowib believe that disease caused by nervous disorders or blood vessel clogging can be cured with bee venom, called apitoxin, which stimulates the heart and produces a "warmth" through the cardiovascular system.

While the healing power of apitoxin is yet to be proven scientifically, response to the bee-sting clinic in Cibubur has been overwhelming and the apiary center appointed Wardoyo as Muntowib's assistant in 2004…

Api-puncture, according to Muntowib, was already widespread in China 2,000 years ago. "It applies the methods of acupuncture. But while metal needles are used in acupuncture, bee stings replace needles in api-puncture."

The points of the bee stings on the body are the same as in acupuncture, where illnesses can be healed. In api-puncture, ailments of the nerves and blood vessels are treated with the venom of worker bees, which in the Cibubur apiary belong to the honeybee colony of Apis Mellifera, a species from Australia.

"Three species are raised here in Cibubur, which are Apis Mellifera, Apis Screna and Apis Dorsata. In the scout apiary center, the bees are raised for api-puncture as well as for their honey."…

Ugandan Women Urged to Produce Propolis, Pollen, Royal Jelly


Women Make Candles Using Simple Technology
By John Kasozi, New Vision (Ugandan), 6/19/2007

CHRISTENE Nalubega looked attentively at her facilitator splitting the paw-paw stem mold after making a candle. "I just can't believe it," she said marvelling at Alice Kangave, the National Honey expert.

Recently, over 60 women members of Masaka Organic Farmers Association were passed out after completing a three-day bee-keeping workshop at St. Jude Rural Organic Training Centre in Masaka.

The capacity building workshop was conducted by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, the Uganda Integrated Programme and The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation.

Participants were trained in making candles from bee wax using paw paw and bamboo stems. The stems acted as molds…

She urged farmers not to only look at the production of honey, propolis, medicine, pollen and royal jelly, but also wax. ..

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

New Spanish Apitherapy Book to be Released in July

Apiterapia 101 Para Todos
By Moises Asis

Pre-Order at Amazon.com.

Comprehensive and state-of-the art textbook on Apitherapy, the use of bee products, i.e. honey and honeydew, bee pollen and bee bread, drone larvae or Apilarnil, propolis, royal jelly, apitoxin or bee venom, beeswax, as a food supplement or as a Complementary and Alternative Medicine in applications such as nutrient supplements, massage, stipers, injections, stings, acupuncture microapplications, capsules, tables, raw oral, electrophoresis, and many others, for preventing diseases and healing autoimmune diseases, cancer, addictions, ulcers, malaria, herpes zoster, burn care, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, wound care, Parkinson's disease, Lyme's disease, parasites, dermatological diseases, and other neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgery, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fungal diseases, viral diseases, bacterial diseases, cosmetics, and other uses.

About the Author:

Dr. Moises Asis is the International Coordinator for "Bees for Life - World Apitherapy Network" (http://www.beesforlife.org/) based in Miami, United States, and has published other five books on Apitherapy since 1979. He has university degrees in Social Work, Law, Information Science, Experimental Hypnosis and Alternative Medicine. His contact emails are Apitherapy101@gmail.com and MoisesAsis@comcast.net

A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to for "Bees for Life - World Apitherapy Network."

Monday, June 18, 2007

Could Honey Beat MRSA?

Carmel Thomason, Manchester Evening News (UK), 6/18/2007

Professor Molan recently researched an MRSA outbreak in a New Zealand's largest hospital, in which all victims were treated with manuka honey ApiNate Dressing (manuka honey which is impregnated into a calcium alginate fibre dressing). The results were astonishing.

"A couple of years ago, Waikato hospital took up my suggestion to use Manuka honey to try to prevent MRSA infections," he says.

"In one of the wards, where they had a long-history of problems with MRSA, the charge nurse tried putting honey dressings on all patients with wounds when they had an MRSA outbreak. As well as clearing up the wounds which were already infected, there were no cases of cross infections.

"Now, whenever they get a patient with MRSA, rather than putting them in isolation they just put honey dressings on everybody with open wounds and they've never had a case of cross infection since.

"We've since tested manuka honey against MRSA and other superbugs, and they are all very sensitive to it."…

"People don't realise just how much evidence there is and the reason why honey works - it's not just an antibacterial activity - there are other beneficial healing elements, so even if a wound isn't infected it's still the best thing to use to get the most rapid healing without scarring."…

Manuka Honey: What to Look For

In addition to its use in hospitals, manuka honey can also be used in the home, both in its pure form to aid digestion and for first aid as ointments and dressings.

But Prof Molan says to take care when buying products that they contain the unique manuka factor of UMF. "You need to make sure that it says UMF, or non-peroxide activity," he says. The UMF trademark is an attempt to prevent customers being mislead by companies who imply their ordinary manuka honey, which has the same properties as ordinary honey, is as beneficial as Active UMF Manuka honey…

Prof Molan believes that taking a teaspoonful of manuka honey half an hour before meals could help to relieve uncomfortable digestive symptoms, including, indigestion, gastric reflux and diarrhoea, as well as more severe conditions such as gastritis and stomach ulcers…

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Bee Venom Therapy Popular in Malaysia

Just a Sting Away From Pain Relief
By Sim Bak Heng, New Straits Times (Malaysia), 6/15/2007

Most of us duck and run when it comes to bees, but there are people who look forward to a sting or two, or three, or more. These people are undergoing bee venom therapy, which has become a popular alternative to acupuncture for a host of painful conditions including arthritis, rheumatism and gout, asthma and pre-menstrual tension.

Some proponents claim the therapy also relieves male impotence, the symptoms of psoriasis, epilepsy and depression, and the pain of cancer…

The owner of one bee farm says it is important for clients to be tested first to check the reaction to the venom. A allergic reaction can be fatal.

Yazid Mohamad, who has had arthritis for years, goes to a bee farm for treatment.

"I read about bee venom therapy and tried it on my own. It works for me, and I have introduced it to many of my friends," he said.

"The stings are much less painful than a jab. The venom injected into my knees and finger joints relieves my pain within 15 minutes and lasts for at least a day."

Bee venom contains more than 40 active substances, including the protein melittin, which stimulates cortisol production by the adrenal glands, which is a natural anti-inflammatory.

The venom also contains "Peptide 401" which is believed to be 100 times more powerful than synthetic cortico-steroids…

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Study Compares Propolis Extraction Techniques

Different Extraction Methods of Biologically Active Components from Propolis
Chemistry Central Journal, 6/7/2007

Background: Propolis is widely used in apitherapy, preparations, and food and beverage additives. Various extraction techniques were applied in the extraction of the biologically active constituents of poplar type propolis in order to compare their efficiency. The methods employed were: traditional maceration extraction, ultrasound extraction (UE), and microwave assisted extraction (MAE).

Results: The total amounts of extracted phenolics and flavonoids were determined, and the effectiveness of the methods compared. MAE was very rapid but led to the extraction of a large amount of non-phenolic and non-flavonoid material. UE gave the highest percentage of extracted phenolics.

Conclusions: Compared to the maceration extraction, MAE and UE methods provided high extraction yield, requiring short timeframes and less labour. UE was shown to be the most efficient method based on yield, extraction time and selectivity.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Honey Wound Care Product Approved in Canada

Derma Sciences Receives Health Canada Clearance for API-MEDTM Antimicrobial Dressings with Active Manuka Honey
Business Wire, 6/14/2007

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Derma Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: DSCI), a manufacturer and full line supplier of advanced wound care products, today announced that it has obtained clearance from Health Canada to market and sell as Class II devices its line of API-MED Antimicrobial Dressings with Active Manuka Honey. This represents the first honey-based products to be cleared for medical use in North America. Active Manuka Honey based products have been available throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand for the past two years…

Barry Wolfenson, VP of Marketing and Business Development added, “The World Health Organization (WHO) cites that, since 1970, the development of new classes of antimicrobials has slowed to a virtual standstill. This, along with the growing number of resistant microbes, has led the WHO to call for greater investment in R&D in this area as well as for faster approval times to allow novel products to get to market more quickly. With its well documented activity against MRSA and other resistant strains, we are confident that clinicians will readily adopt Active Manuka Honey products. We are currently awaiting the results of a standard in vitro study which quantifies the possibility of resistant organisms to a given antimicrobial. Although antimicrobials such as silver have been shown to create resistant organisms, to date Active Manuka Honey has not. We expect this to hold true in the study. Added to this the lack of toxicity – a common issue with other topical antimicrobials including silver – and the growing base of evidence for Active Manuka Honey as having powerful benefits conducive for wound healing, the API-MED line of products should provide clinicians in Canada a powerful new tool for chronic wounds and burns.”…

About Active Manuka Honey: Most varieties of honey will produce hydrogen peroxide upon dilution. This hydrogen peroxide, in low enough concentrations to not be cytotoxic to tissue, results in a strong antimicrobial activity. However, upon introduction to a wound, much of this hydrogen peroxide is converted to water and oxygen through a reaction with a common enzyme – catalase – found in wound fluid. Thus, typical honeys would require numerous daily dressing changes to be effective as topical antimicrobials. However, Active Manuka Honey is one of only a few identified species of honey that has a strong antimicrobial activity that continues on even in the presence of catalase, making it an effective and commercially viable topical antimicrobial. This attribute, along with the large supply of pure Active Manuka Honey harvested in New Zealand – a country known for its tightly controlled agricultural industry – are the reasons why Active Manuka Honey has been the most often studied honey for wounds and burns…

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Honey Used to Treat Wound Infections in German Hospital

The Healing Touch of Honey
By Kirsten Traynor, Humbolt Scholar, Celle, Germany
American Bee Journal, June 2007
Excerpts reprinted with permission.

[The open back of the premature newborn described in the article. Using traditional wound care, the back refuses to heal due to infection from three different types of resistant bacteria. (Photos by Kai Santos)]

[Through regular application of Medihoney, the infected wound cleared. After two weeks of treatment, the child was released home.]

[Dr. Arne] Simon, consultant of the oncology department at the children’s clinic in Bonn, Germany has helped his patients find relief through the application of honey. Most of his patients suffer from a suppressed immune system, due to their underlying illness (i.e. leukemia) and the chemotherapy they undergo.

Immunosuppression leaves the body open to attack; natural defenses are weakened and the body mends itself poorly. This frequently results in chronic wounds that refuse to heal, leaving the patient susceptible to wound infections. Unfortunately these infections spread easily and can cause sepsis, a potentially life-threatening state where the body goes into overdrive and attacks its own organs and tissues.

Five years ago a 12-year-old patient was submitted to the children’s clinic in Bonn. Prior to his arrival at the clinic, doctors at another hospital had partially removed an abdominal tumor, leaving an open drainage site on his stomach. Under Simon’s care the wound was treated with Octenidin for 12 days. When no improvements occurred, the doctor tested the wound and discovered a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection…

One of the clinic’s wound care nurses, Ms. Blaser had heard of Medihoney’s successful application against MRSA and suggested the clinic try treating the patient’s infected wound. Although the patient was scheduled to receive multi-pronged chemotherapy, treatment could not commence until the infection cleared. After only two days of application, Medihoney cleared the wound of MRSA, and the patient could start his cancer treatment…

In Europe, Medihoney has received CE Certification, so it can be prescribed by a dermatologist or general physician, in which case medical insurance must cover the cost. It is also available over the counter from pharmacies and online, but without a prescription the buyer bears the brunt of the cost.

So what makes Medihoney so effective? Honey works differently than prescribed antibiotics, a selective poison that attacks the bacteria’s cell-wall building mechanism. Instead of poisoning bacteria, to which resistance can develop, honey works in a multi-pronged attack. Honey is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture out of the environment and thus dehydrates bacteria.

Its sugar content is also high enough to hinder the growth of microbes, but the sugar content alone is not the sole reason for honey’s antibacterial properties. When honey is diluted with water, reducing its high sugar content, it still stops the common bacteria S. aureus in its tracks. In fact honey’s natural antibacterial properties inhibit the growth of approximately 60 species of bacteria, including aerobes and anaerobes, gram-positives and gram-negatives.

Medihoney, a combination of two different honeys, works in a two-fold punch. The first honey, rich in the enzyme glucose oxidase, reacts and produces gluconic acid and minute amounts of hydrogen peroxide when diluted by body fluids or wound exudates. As many know, hydrogen peroxide was once welcomed by the medical community with great applause as a fantastic healer, but then faded from the stage as it damaged tissue. In contrast, the continuous production of weak hydrogen peroxide from honey (at approximately 1/1000 of the strength of the store bought 3% solution5) helps heal without any negative drawbacks.

The second source in Medihoney is an active manuka or jellybush (Leptospermum spp.) honey, rich in plant derived antibacterial properties. Unlike glucose oxidase, the antibacterial properties from manuka and jellybush honey are light and heat stable. Over 100 substances are candidates for this antibacterial property, but the active ingredient has not yet been identified. Even if you block the hydrogen peroxide activity and the osmotic effect of honey due to its high sugar content, manuka and jellybush honey still stop bacterial growth.

Clostridium botulinum spores pervade our environment, existing in the soil, air, dust, and raw agricultural products. Since spores have occasionally been found in honey, each batch of Medihoney is gamma irradiated to avoid all possibilities of spreading botulism. According to Dr. Molan of New Zealand, the heat and light sensitive enzyme glucose oxidase in honey and the phenolic components of manuka honey are not negatively affected by this inexpensive treatment…

Due to the safeness of Medihoney, Simon and his colleagues have even applied the honey on premature neonatals. One infant patient had an open back. The wound stagnated, developing three different types of resistant bacteria. Before treatment with Medihoney was initiated, the child had received numerous antibiotics in an attempt to clear the wound, spending the first two months of its life in a hospital. Simon and his staff immediately resorted to Medihoney. The wound cleared, allowing the patient to be released home after two weeks of treatment…

Before applying Medihoney, the wound is cleaned with a Ringer solution, a sodium chloride sterile preparation. Simon explains that despite its incredible results, Medihoney is not an antiseptic. An ideal wound antiseptic, according to Dr. Kramer of the University of Greifswald, Germany meets the following criteria:

* shows a quick onset of activity and a remnant, broad spectrum effect against bacteria and fungi, even under the unfavorable condition of an exudating, colonized or infected wound;
* enhances and accelerates the physiologic process of wound healing (debridement, granulation), even if applied for prolonged periods;
* does not cause adverse local or systemic effects (allergy, toxicity related to absorption);
* is of moderate cost even if applied two times daily.

Medihoney meets all of the above criteria except “a quick onset of activity,” as it does not seem to produce the desired reduction of bacteria and fungi in a short enough time span of 1-5 minutes to be qualified as an antiseptic. According to Simon, honey is very effective, but needs a minimum application of four to five hours. Thus some patients apply the wound dressing overnight, so as not to restrict their mobility during the day. Because not enough information has been published on the amount of time Medihoney needs to kill bacteria, Simon and his staff apply an additional antiseptic during the first 24 hours of treatment…

Many cancer patients suffer from mucositis, a side effect of chemo that attacks the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus…

In a study conducted in 2003, “Biswal et al. investigated the use of honey in 40 adult patients with head and neck cancer.” Patients consumed 20 ml (1 1/3 teaspoon) of pure honey 15 minutes before, 15 minutes after and 6 hours post treatment. The honey group suffered from less mucositis than the control group. Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently suffer from severe weight loss, but 55% of the honey group maintained their weight or showed a positive gain, compared to only 25% of the control group. Due to these positive findings, Simon recommends a similar program of honey ingestion to his patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer in the head and neck region…

Since honey is made from plant secretions, it is plausible that nectar from different sources will have varying antibacterial, antifungal or antiviral effects. Other countries need to follow in New Zealand and Australia’s footsteps, investing in rigorous testing of the properties of their local honeys, both in the lab and in vivo.

[This article is based on an interview with Dr. Arne Simon of the Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Bonn, Germany and published medical reports. The research was made possible by the generous support of the Humboldt Foundation through a German Chancellor Scholarship to the author Kirsten Traynor.]

As part of her independent research project Kirsten Traynor is writing a book on the medicinal benefits of bee hive products for the lay public. She welcomes any contacts and is keen to receive information on this topic, especially published medical studies using honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom. Please send materials to: Kirsten Traynor, Humboldt Scholar, Institute for Bee Research, Herzogin-Eleonore-Allee 5, 29221 Celle, Germany. Email: kirsten@mdbee.com or kstraynor@adelphia.net

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Study: Propolis Extract Supressed Neurofibromatosis Tumors

Researchers Find New Zealand Bee Product Extract Suppresses Cancer
Scoop Independent News, 6/13/2007

Cancer researchers in Germany today announced the results of a study showing a New Zealand company's bee-product extract suppresses a type of tumour affecting one in 3000 people.

Manuka Health's Propolis Liquid Bio30™ product was tested by a team at University Hospital Eppendorf, Germany, led by Japanese researcher Dr Hiroshi Maruta.

Dr Maruta announced the results today (Wednesday) at a Neurofibromatosis conference in Utah City, USA. Neurofibromatosis is a set of genetic disorders which cause tumours to grow along various types of nerves, and can affect the development of non-nervous tissue such as bone and skin.

The German study focused on NF1 which affects one in 3000 people. Due to gene mutation, tumours and patches form in skin pigmentation. In severe cases, the disorder affects nerves throughout the body including the brain and spinal cord. About 50% of NF1 sufferers also have learning disabilities. The body's processes which form NF1 tumours are responsible for about 70% of human cancers.

Dr Maruta's tests found Bio30™ propolis liquid supressed NF1 tumours in mice by more than 90% over 100 days. By comparison, the first known natural anti-cancer ingredient, a Chinese pepper extract, suppressed NF1 tumours in mice by 50%.

Encouraged by the tests on mice, Dr Maruta is now using the Bio30™ with a group of 15 NF1 sufferers in Japan. Although the study is not yet complete, early reports suggest the condition of the group is not deteriorating…

Manuka Health's Bio30™ propolis liquid contains 30 mg/g of bioflavonoids, a natural substance which has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties…

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Apimondia 2007 to Feature Sessions on Apitherapy


The scientific program of the upcoming Apimondia 2007 conference in Melbourne, Australia, will feature several apitherapy-related sessions.

These sessions include:

* Apitherapy for Treatment of Illnesses
* Apitherapy for Health
* Apitherapy : Introduction and Update by Standing Commission President – Dr Theodore Cherbuliez

The Early Bird Registration closing date for Apimondia 2007 has been extended to June 15.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Study Outlines Therapeutic Applications of Bee Venom

Therapeutic Application of Anti-Arthritis, Pain-Releasing, and Anti-Cancer Effects of Bee Venom and its Constituent Compounds
Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 5/8/2007

Abstract: Bee venom (BV) therapy (BVT), the therapeutic application of BV, has been used in traditional medicine to treat diseases, such as arthritis, rheumatism, pain, cancerous tumors, and skin diseases. BV contains a variety of peptides, including melittin, apamin, adolapin, the mast-cell-degranulating (MCD) peptide, enzymes (i.e., phospholipase [PL] A2), biologically active amines (i.e., histamine and epinephrine), and nonpeptide components which have a variety of pharmaceutical properties.

BV has been reported to have anti-arthritis effects in several arthritis models. Melittin, a major peptide component of BV, has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties, and its inhibitory activity on nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) may be essential for the effects of BV. The anti-nociceptive effects of BV have also been demonstrated in thermal, visceral, and inflammatory pain models.

Apcupoint stimulation (apipuncture) therapy into subcutaneous region may be important in the BV-induced anti-nociceptive effects. Multiple mechanisms, such as activation of the central and spinal opiod receptor, and α2-adrenergic activity, as well as activation of the descending serotonergic pathway have been suggested. The inhibition of c-Fos expression in the spinal cord by BV apipuncture in several nociceptive models is also reported to be a possible mechanism.

BV also has anti-cancer activity. The cell cytotoxic effects through the activation of PLA2 by melittin have been suggested to be the critical mechanism for the anti-cancer activity of BV. The conjugation of cell lytic peptide (melittin) with hormone receptors and gene therapy carrying melittin can be useful as a novel targeted therapy for some types of cancer, such as prostate and breast cancer.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Manuka: A New Cure in Honey

Sunday Business Post (Ireland), 6/10/2007

…[Manuka] honey’s unique antibacterial qualities were brought to the attention of the modern world in 1982 by Professor Peter Molan, a professor of biological sciences and now director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Since then Molan says the honey has been patented for use in clinical dressings in hospitals in New Zealand, Australia and Britain, and is used by doctors down under to treat many stomach ailments, including gastro oesophageal reflux disease.

Molan says Manuka honey has been used to halt the spread of MRSA (Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus) in his local hospital in Waikato, the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere…

Molan, who was in Glasgow last month to speak at an international wound management conference, says he uses Manuka from everything to treating his nine-month-old granddaughter’s gastro reflux to chasing food eaten after its use-by date.

It has been widely known for some time that all honeys are naturally antiseptic – so what makes Manuka so special?

The antiseptic quality of most honeys is called its hydrogen peroxide activity. This activity is easily destroyed by light or heat, so when ordinary honey is applied to the skin or ingested the body breaks down its antiseptic quality, rendering it useless.

However, Molan found that Manuka’s naturally occurring antibacterial property contains a ‘‘non-peroxide antibacterial activity’’ that remains active under the most adverse conditions.

‘‘The antibacterial substance comes from the tree, not the bee, and works on every infection it has been used on," Molan says. Unlike other antibiotics, he says, ‘‘this means you can use it without having to first determine the cause of the infection’’.

The strength of the antibacterial activity varies throughout the honey produced, so Molan devised a criteria to rate its strength and label it for consumers.

The honey is rated beginning at strength 10 and rises to 35. It is also used in products such as throat lozenges and herbal preparations used to boost low immune systems.

‘‘Manuka honey with a UMF of 15 is 30 times more effective than it needs to be as an antibiotic, and is fine for treating skin ailments; however, for serious internal ailments you would need to be ingesting bucket-loads as the moment it enters the system it is diluted," Molan says. ‘‘But for treating a stomach infection or diarrhoea, where the honey stays in the gut, clinical trials have shown it to be effective."…

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Pollen Collection Strategies Shaped by Colony Requirements

Comparison of Pollen Spectra Collected by Four Different Subspecies of the Honey Bee Apis Mellifera
Apidologie, 6/6/2007

Abstract - Colonies belonging to 4 subspecies of Apis mellifera, namely A. m. capensis, A. m. ligustica, A. m. carnica and A. m. mellifera were placed, one colony per subspecies, at 5 sites with a high floral diversity in the Taunus region in Germany.

A total amount of 4008.3 g of pollen loads were trapped during 3 seasons and 214 different pollen types were identified. The comparison of pollen spectra did not result in a separation of the subspecies. Date of sampling and sampling site, however, had a major effect on the composition of pollen samples. Furthermore, subspecies were not significantly different in the structure of dominance, evenness and diversity of pollen types.

We conclude that the investigated subspecies of Apis mellifera follow a generalist pollen foraging strategy which may be mainly shaped by natural selection to meet the nutritional and social requirements of populous colonies.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Propolis Component May Protect Muscle Tissue

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Protects Rat Skeletal Muscle Against Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Stress
Vascular Pharmacology, 2007 May 5

Oxygen-derived free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle injury after ischemia-reperfusion. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of propolis extract, exhibits antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and alpha-tocopherol (vit E) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in a rat hind limb ischemia/reperfusion model…

Our results indicate that CAPE has antioxidant properties similar to those of vit E in this model and may attenuate the harmful effects of hind limb I/R in skeletal muscle.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

US Radio Station Reports on Recent Apitherapy Conference


Bee Sting Therapy
WUNC Radio (USA), 5/29/2007

Of the many alternative medical therapies gaining popularity, one is getting a lot of buzz. Some folks claim honeybees and all their products are useful for everything from cancer prevention to pain treatment. It’s an ancient alternative therapy that’s coming back into use. Practitioners and enthusiasts for all things apiary met in the Triangle recently. Rose Hoban reports.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Volunteers Sought for Canadian Apitherapy Events

Canadian Apitherapy Society Being Considered

Canadian apitherapist Annie VanAlten is seeking volunteers interested in helping to organize apitherapy-related events possibly leading to the formation of a “Canadian Apitherapy Society.”

Anyone interested in volunteering the time or talents may e-mail: anniesapitherapy@execulink.com

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Study: Honey from Apiarists Shows Superior Antibacterial Activity

Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of Honey from Different Provenance Against Bacteria Usually Isolated from Skin Wounds
Veterinary Microbiology, 29 April 2007

Abstract: The antibacterial activity of honey samples provided by apiarists and honey packers was tested against microorganisms usually isolated from skin wounds…

Most of the undiluted honey samples inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Some honey samples provided by apiarists also inhibited the growth of S. aureus even at 50% dilution.

Undiluted honey samples also inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus uberis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, although to a lesser extent. No inhibition of Micrococcus luteus and Enterococcus faecalis growth was detected. The diameters of the inhibition zones generated by honey samples provided by apiarists were larger than those generated by honey samples provided by honey packers. This observation may be explained by considering the provenance of the honey samples.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Indian Honey Shows Better Antibacterial Activity than UK, New Zealand Imports

Bactericidal Activity of Different Types of Honey Against Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, May 2007, Vol. 13, No. 4 : 439 -442

Objectives: Honey has had a valued place in traditional medicine for centuries. Renewed interest in honey for various therapeutic purposes, including treatment of infected wounds, has led to the search for different types of honey with antibacterial activity. In this study, we have assessed the antibacterial activity of different types of honey (manuka honey from Australia, heather honey from the United Kingdom, and locally marketed Indian honey).

Methods: The agar dilution method was used to assess the antibacterial activity of honey against 152 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Results and Conclusions: The locally available (khadikraft) honey produced the best activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and was found to be better than all of the imported varieties of therapeutic honey.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Honey Can Help Treat Minor Throat Ailments

Honey Health Benefits Coat Your Throat for Protection
DentalPlans.com, 6/2/2007

Honey is a cheap, natural cure to healing a host of throat ailments - from scratchy dry throats to even minor damage from clumsy swallowing. That's not even mentioning the mild anti-biotic effects courtesy of the sweet bounty of the bees…

Everything from the harshness of allergies, overuse or even physical damage from swallowing something sharp or swallowing the wrong way can be healed through using honey…

Propolis Component Destroys Tumor Cells

Un nouvel anti-cancéreux issu d'une substance naturelle utilisée par les abeilles
Les Bulletins Electroniques, 5/31/2007

Des scientifiques de Bochum et de Dortmund étudient actuellement l'effet anti-tumoral du propolis, c'est-à-dire la gomme rougeâtre présente sur les bourgeons de certains arbres et utilisée par les abeilles, contre le neuroblastome, tumeur solide la plus fréquente chez l'enfant…

Les chercheurs sont désormais parvenus à purifier, à partir du propolis d'une plante subtropicale (Clusia rosea), une molécule présentant un effet anti-tumoral. Cette molécule, du nom de CLU-502, inhibe, dans les cellules cancéreuses, un oncogène responsable du développement de la tumeur. Grâce à leurs premiers tests, les scientifiques ont déjà pu montrer que la molécule CLU-502 détruisait des cellules tumorales sans endommager les cellules saines.

Ces résultats sont donc rassurants quant aux effets secondaires potentiels d'un traitement anti-cancéreux à base de ce principe actif…

Translate

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Study: Honey-Treated Wounds Heal Better, Faster

Derma Sciences Announces Preliminary Results of Study Involving Active Manuka Honey at European Wound Management Conference

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Derma Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: DSCI), a manufacturer and supplier of advanced wound care products, announced that the results of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) using Active Manuka Honey in the treatment of chronic wounds was announced at the European Wound Management Association’s annual conference held in Glasgow, Scotland. The complete findings of the study will be published in an international journal in Q4, 2007. Preliminary results were presented at the conference by the study’s primary investigator, Georgina Gethin…

After the treatment period, it was determined that the group treated with honey experienced a higher rate of debridement, significantly faster healing, and reduced infection than in the group treated with the standard gel…

Manuka Honey Versus Hydrogel to Deslough Venous Leg Ulcers: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Georgina Gethin, Seamus Cowman
Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland

Aims: to determine if Manuka honey could deslough venous leg ulcers in comparison to a standard agent. To determine the % of wounds healed after 4 and 12 weeks in each group. To quantify the effects on healing when wounds are desloughed. To determine changes in qualitative bacterial culture wound swabs over 4 weeks when both treatments were used.

Methods: prospective, open label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Randomisation via remote telephone. Wounds with 50% area covered in slough were included. WoundCare 18+ (Comvita) or IntraSite Gel (Smith +Nephew) were applied once or twice weekly for 4 weeks in conjunction with compression therapy, followed by appropriate care based on clinical evaluation for next 8 weeks. Outcome measures included;% area covered in slough, wound size, healing rates, culture swab results, level of exudate, pain scores. Analysis was on intention to treat basis. Ethical approval was granted prior to commencement.

Results: 35 males, 73 females age 24-89 years (mean 73 yrs) recruited from 8 centres over 34 months. Baseline comparability was established. At week 12: 30% (n=24) in honey group and 21% (n=18 gel) healed. Reduction in wound size after 12 weeks reported a 1.38 risk of healing in the honey group compared to control (p = 0.037). The mean wound area covered in slough after 4 weeks was 29% (honey) v 43%(gel) (p0.065). A slough reduction of 50% or more after 4 weeks was associated with a higher probability of healing at 12 weeks (RR 3.3, p = 0.29). Epithelization was visible earlier in honey group v gel (p 0.042). Wounds of longer duration and largest size had the highest number of pathogens. MRSA was recorded at baseline in 16% (n=18) cases. Of the 10 honey treated wounds with MRSA at baseline, it was not evident after 4 weeks in 9 cases.

Conclusion: the probability of sloughy venous ulcers healing after 12 weeks is higher when wounds are effectively desloughed and when Manuka honey is used compared to control. It is recommended that further research is conducted to investigate the clearance of MRSA from chronic wounds when honey is used.

Other Research Presented at the Conference:

An Evaluation of a Medical Honey Dressing in Intractable Wounds

An evaluation of a medical honey dressing* was undertaken over a 4 week period involving 25 patients with a variety of intractable wounds. This clinical study was based on a series of case studies. The overall aim was to demonstrate how a medical honey dressing* can be used in general, hard to heal wounds and whether a lowered pH value, reduced colonisation and odour can be used as markers of reduced infection potential and signs of healing…

*Melmax®

Wounds Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts

This poster presents a series of four case studies with photographic evidence and assessment results including pain control, exudate management, odour control, patient comfort and wound progression from the use of medical honey antibacterial wound gel.

Results: These case studies demonstrate that the use of medical honey antibacterial wound gel led to improved healing outcomes, reduction in pain, reduction in exudate, reduction in odour and improved patient comfort.

The Use of Topical Medical Honey Antibacterial Gel in Leg Ulcer Management

Three patients with chronic leg ulceration were assessed as potentially benefiting from the action of medical honey to achieve wound healing. Patient selection was based on structured leg ulcer assessment rather than dressing available. Aetiology of ulceration in patient 1 was mixed arterial and venous, and in patient 2 and 3, venous. All had several years’ history of reoccurrence. Primary target in all patients was to encourage healing, protect from infection and to reduce pain.

Results: Patient 1 ­ There was a significant reduction in pain during dressing change and between dressing changes; plus, biofilm reduction with resultant granulation and epithelialisation.
Patient 2 ­ Debris was significantly reduced after only one application, sufficient to allow compression therapy reinstatement and early discharge to community care.
Patient 3 ­ Application encouraged slough removal, reduced microbial load, reduction in pain and increased psychological and physical comfort.

Discussion: Promotion of healing occurred in all instances with a reduction in the incidence of infection and the provision of comfort. Medical honey should therefore be considered as a topical dressing in the treatment of chronic leg ulceration given appropriate structured and holistic assessment.

MIC’s of Selected Honeys Against Clinical Bacterial Isolates from Surgical Wounds

A study was undertaken to determine in vitro Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of a Manuka honey of known UMF and of two previously untested Scottish Heather honeys.

Methods: 80 strains of 24 bacterial species were isolated from wound swabs sent to the laboratory in the course of clinical investigations. These isolates included MRSA and VRE. Honey MICs were determined for each of the strains using a standard method for antibiotic MIC testing (NCCLS).

Results: The bacteriostatic properties of all three honeys were established in vitro, with MICs ranging from 1% to 12% v/v honey. In most cases there was little difference in susceptibility among strains of a given species, regardless of any variations is antibiotic susceptibility.

Discussion: Both Manuka and Heather Honey exhibited antimicrobial activity. Honey could therefore be expected to exhibit the same clinically useful effects in vivo. The clinical usefulness of such activity is being evaluated as part of a wider in vivo study. However, early results indicate potential clinical usefulness.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Propolis, Bee Venom Effective in Treatment of Psoriasis

Apitherapy in Treatment of Psoriasis: A New Therapeutic Modality
Fatma A. Abd Raboo, Ahmed G. Hegazi, Faten K. Abd El Hady, Nahla E. Ramzy, Dalia M. Shaaban and Doha Y. Khader
Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Tanta University and Department of Microbiology, National Research Center

Abstract: 42 patients were included in this study. They were divided into: group I (n=12): received intradermal bee venom, group IIA (n=9): received topical propolis ointment, group IIB (n=9): received oral propolis and group III (n=12): received intradermal bee venom and oral and topical propolis. Response to treatment was assesses by calculating PASI score and measuring serum interleukin-1 (IL-1 ) before and after treatment.

A significant reduction in both PASI score and serum level of IL-1 was observed in all groups of patients except group IIA which showed non significant reduction in IL-1 level. It was concluded that propolis and bee venom are safe and effective in treatment of psoriasis, with minimal tolerable side effects, when used either separately or in combination. However, combination of both can give better clinical and laboratory results.

Greek Conference to Feature Workshops on Apitherapy

MELIAMA 2007

The Greek Scientific Apitherapy Center is organizing on the 8, 9 & 10 of June 2007, “MELIAMA 2007” together with the 4th Apitherapy congress and an open Honey festival.

The event is supported by APIMONDIA, the Greek Ministry of food and Agriculture, the Consumer Institute of Greece, the Institute of Agronomic Sciences, Mediterranean Forum for Health and the Federation of Greek Beekeeper’s Associations and it is open to the public.

In the event, that will take place in the Institute of Agronomic Sciences, Ktima Sygrou, Maroussi - Athens, the following topics will be discussed:

Apitherapy in Dermatology
Apitherapy ­ - Recent Clinical Evidence from Greece
Apitherapy in Health
Apitherapy in Pathology
Apitherapy in Dentistry
Bee Products in Sport Activity