HIV Virus May Be Killed With Bee Venom Says Study

Liberty Voice, 4/28/2014

HIV may be referred to as a slowly replicating virus that is capable of invading the human body by way of exchanging bodily fluids with another infected carrier. This invasion is said to be the primary culprit that causes the acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS), which may be at the top of the list as being one of the deadliest diseases known to mankind. Once the HIV virus has gained complete control over the human immune system, the expected survival span of the infected individual is presumed to be approximately seven to ten years. However, researchers seem to have an idea about how to increase this life expectancy for those who have been infected with the HIV. Ironically, a preventive measure could very well be found in something that has been flying over the heads of humanity for years.

At the Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, scientists have discovered an amazing aspect about the one insect most people may dread to see anywhere within close range. The idea of using the toxic venom from bees in order to destroy the HIV virus without the possibility of causing potential harm to other normal cells may not be such a far-fetched idea, according to these scientists. Mellitin, the primary toxin found in the venom of bees, is believed to be capable of obliterating the HIV virus and could be considered a primal breakthrough in the discovery for developing an antidote. Scientists may have pondered over this conclusion based on findings that may show just how effective mellitin could be at preventing the HIV virus from running rampant throughout the human bloodstream and attacking the white blood cells used to fight infections…

Honey Bee Sting Pain Index by Body Location

PeerJ, 2014 Apr 3;2:e338

The Schmidt Sting Pain Index rates the painfulness of 78 Hymenoptera species, using the honey bee as a reference point. However, the question of how sting painfulness varies depending on body location remains unanswered. This study rated the painfulness of honey bee stings over 25 body locations in one subject (the author). Pain was rated on a 1-10 scale, relative to an internal standard, the forearm. In the single subject, pain ratings were consistent over three repetitions. Sting location was a significant predictor of the pain rating in a linear model (p < 0.0001, DF = 25, 94, F = 27.4). The three least painful locations were the skull, middle toe tip, and upper arm (all scoring a 2.3). 

The three most painful locations were the nostril, upper lip, and penis shaft (9.0, 8.7, and 7.3, respectively).

This study provides an index of how the painfulness of a honey bee sting varies depending on body location.

Honey Could Play Larger Role in Fighting Infections

Honey is a new approach to fighting antibiotic resistance: How sweet it is!

DALLAS, March 16, 2014 — Honey, that delectable condiment for breads and fruits, could be one sweet solution to the serious, ever-growing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, researchers said here today.

Medical professionals sometimes use honey successfully as a topical dressing, but it could play a larger role in fighting infections, the researchers predicted. Their study was part of the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), the world’s largest scientific society.

The meeting, attended by thousands of scientists, features more than 10,000 reports on new advances in science and other topics. It is being held at the Dallas Convention Center and area hotels through Thursday.

“The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance,” said study leader Susan M. Meschwitz, Ph.D. That is, it uses a combination of weapons, including hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration and polyphenols — all of which actively kill bacterial cells, she explained. The osmotic effect, which is the result of the high sugar concentration in honey, draws water from the bacterial cells, dehydrating and killing them….

VIDEO: Clinical Trial in Los Angeles is Testing Honey Bee Venom for Treatment of Arthritis

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — An ancient folk remedy for chronic pain could be buzzing into mainstream markets.

Axis Clinical Trials in Los Angeles is testing honey bee venom for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Dr. Lydie Hazan spoke to CBS2′s Lisa Sigell about her experience treating patients with Apimed, otherwise known as standardized and purified “venom in a vial”.

“We were contracted by a pharmaceutical company which is based in Korea. They decided they wanted this product marketed in the United States,” she said. “We inject it locally in the knees of patients that are afflicted with osteoarthritis.”

Patients are monitored for months to see if their pain gets any better. The treatment must be proven safe and effective before it receives approval by the FDA…

2014 Deep Research Report on Global and China Propolis Industry

Illinois – United States – April 24,2014 (PR Carbon): 2014 Deep Research Report on Global and China Propolis Industry is a new market research publication announced by Reportstack. The report firstly introduced propolis basic information included propolis definition classification application industry chain structure industry overview; international market analysis, China domestic market analysis, Macroeconomic environment and economic situation analysis, propolis industry policy and plan, propolis product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. then statistics Global and China key manufacturers propolis capacity production cost price profit production value gross margin etc information, and Global and China propolis capacity production market share supply demand shortage import export consumption etc data statistics, and propolis 2009-2014 capacity production price cost profit production value gross margin etc information…

Greek Honeys are Rich in Phenolic Acids, Exhibit Significant Antioxidant, Anticancer Activities

Phenolic Acid composition, antiatherogenic and anticancer potential of honeys derived from various regions in Greece

PLoS One, 2014 Apr 21;9(4):e94860

The phenolic acid profile of honey depends greatly on its botanical and geographical origin. In this study, we carried out a quantitative analysis of phenolic acids in the ethyl acetate extract of 12 honeys collected from various regions in Greece.

Our findings indicate that protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid are the major phenolic acids of the honeys examined. Conifer tree honey (from pine and fir) contained significantly higher concentrations of protocatechuic and caffeic acid (mean: 6640 and 397 µg/kg honey respectively) than thyme and citrus honey (mean of protocatechuic and caffeic acid: 437.6 and 116 µg/kg honey respectively). p-Hydroxybenzoic acid was the dominant compound in thyme honeys (mean: 1252.5 µg/kg honey). We further examined the antioxidant potential (ORAC assay) of the extracts, their ability to influence viability of prostate cancer (PC-3) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells as well as their lowering effect on TNF- α-induced adhesion molecule expression in endothelial cells (HAEC).

ORAC values of Greek honeys ranged from 415 to 2129 µmol Trolox equivalent/kg honey and correlated significantly with their content in protocatechuic acid (p < 0.001), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p < 0.01), vanillic acid (p < 0.05), caffeic acid (p < 0.01), p-coumaric acid (p < 0.001) and their total phenolic content (p < 0.001). Honey extracts reduced significantly the viability of PC-3 and MCF-7 cells as well as the expression of adhesion molecules in HAEC. Importantly, vanillic acid content correlated significantly with anticancer activity in PC-3 and MCF-7 cells (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively). Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid and total phenolic content correlated significantly with the inhibition of VCAM-1 expression (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively).

In conclusion, Greek honeys are rich in phenolic acids, in particular protocatechuic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid and exhibit significant antioxidant, anticancer and antiatherogenic activities which may be attributed, at least in part, to their phenolic acid content.

Chinese Use Bee Venom to Treat MS, Arthritis

Global Times, 4/22/2014

Lying on her bed in the Beijing Apitherapy Hospital, Liu Yu, 27, gritted her teeth as she was stung repeatedly by bees.

Using tweezers to hold a bee above Liu's neck, attending doctor Wang Menglin allowed the insect to sting her jugular acupoints, and leave behind its stinger and venom sac on the skin.

"The devil of disease is more horrible than the stings of bees," said Liu, who takes an average of 80 stings over her entire body during her daily treatment.

In 2010, after experiencing numbness in her legs, Liu was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an often debilitating disease in which one's own immune system eats away at the protective myelin sheath that covers the nerves. There is no known cure for MS, but Liu sought treatment at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. After being injected with hormones for five days, Liu's condition worsened. She lost faith in Western medicine.

Based on a few recommendations, Liu then turned to the Beijing Apitherapy Hospital in Shunyi district, where she met  with Wang. After a month and a half of treatment in 2010, Liu was back on her feet.

"The treatment is definitely painful, but after being stung, I feel better and there is no pain in my legs," said Liu.

"Apitherapy is a comprehensive treatment for more than 30 diseases. This biological therapy of traditional Chinese medicine includes bee sting acupuncture and injections of bee venom," said Wang, who is also the director of the Beijing Apitherapy Institution.

The active substance in bee venom is said to strengthen the immune system by stimulating the acupoints and spreading to the surrounding area. Apitherapy is especially effective for people suffering from forms of arthritis, according to Wang…

Pilot Study to Examine Use of Bee Venom to Treat Chronic Neck Pain

Bee venom acupuncture, NSAIDs or combined treatment for chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized, assessor-blind trial

7^th Space, 4/21/2014

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a common painful medical condition with a significant socioeconomic impact. In spite of widespread usage, the effectiveness and safety of combined treatments between conventional and complementary alternative medical treatment modalities has not been fully established in a rigorous randomized clinical trial (RCT).

This pilot study will provide the clinical evidence to evaluate the feasibility and refine the protocol for a full-scale RCT on combined treatment of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in patients with CNP…

Pollen Test Not Best Way to Detect Fake Manuka Honey

Warning on pollen test to tackle phoney honey

New Zealand Farmer, 4/20/2014

The Ministry of Primary Industries has been warned by a top British food scientist that it is in danger of taking a wrong step in the battle against fake manuka honey producers.

Dr Adrian Charlton from Britain's Food and Environment Research Agency food laboratory in York, where over 500 scientists work to protect the public from adulterated and mislabelled food, warned MPI not to tell the world's food watchdogs to test the authenticity of manuka honey by microscopic pollen analysis.

Charlton, speaking at an Auckland seminar attended by manuka honey producers, was commenting on a proposal by MPI that a definition of what manuka honey is be based on "pollen count", the measurement of the concentration of pollen trapped in honey.

A definition of manuka honey is being sought as part of a strategy to tackle fakery in the manuka honey business, which is blighting the industry's reputation and hindering its ability to become a half-billion-dollar-a-year export industry for New Zealand.

But Charlton said: "Pollen analysis is subjective and, in this case, is not fit for purpose."

It was less accurate than other forms of testing as human error crept in, and honey could have pollen added by unscrupulous producers in order to turn their ordinary pot of honey into fake manuka which could be sold for a much higher price.

Another issue with pollen testing was that kanuka and manuka pollen is extremely hard to tell apart, he said.

Producers also note that a pollen test would not differentiate Australian jellybush honey from manuka, opening the door to the Aussies to cash in on the manuka name.

Charlton said that MPI should focus on defining what manuka honey is and let the world's scientists and testing laboratories work out the best methods for testing…

Honeybee Drone Milk May Help Treat Male Infertility

Androgenic effect of honeybee drone milk in castrated rats: Roles of methyl palmitate and methyl oleate

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Volume 153, Issue 2, 28 April 2014, Pages 446–453

Numerous honeybee (Apis mellifera) products have been used in traditional medicine to treat infertility and to increase vitality in both men and women. Drone milk (DM) is a relatively little-known honeybee product with a putative sexual hormone effect. The oestrogenic effect of a fraction of DM has recently been reported in rats. However, no information is available on the androgenic effects of DM. The purpose of the present study was to determine the androgen-like effect of DM in male rats and to identify effective compounds.

Materials and methods

A modified Hershberger assay was used to investigate the androgenic effect of crude DM, and the plasma level of testosterone was measured. The prostatic mRNA and protein expression of Spot14-like androgen-inducible protein (SLAP) were also examined with real-time PCR and Western blot techniques. GC–MS and NMR spectroscopic investigations were performed to identify the active components gained by bioactivity-guided fractionation.

Results

The crude DM increased the relative weights of the androgen-dependent organs and the plasma testosterone level in castrated rats and these actions were flutamide-sensitive. DM increased the tissue mRNA and protein level of SLAP, providing further evidence of its androgen-like character. After bioactivity-guided fractionation, two fatty acid esters, methyl palmitate (MP) and methyl oleate (MO), were identified as active compounds. MP alone showed an androgenic effect, whereas MO increased the weight of androgen-sensitive tissues and the plasma testosterone level only in combination.

Conclusion

The experimental data of DM and its active compounds (MO and MP) show androgenic activity confirming the traditional usage of DM. DM or MP or/and MO treatments may project a natural mode for the therapy of male infertility.

Gelam Honey and Ginger Evaluated for Treatment of Diabetes

Effect of the Combination of Gelam Honey and Ginger on Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Profile in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague-Dawley Rats

BioMed Research International, Volume 2014 (2014)

Diabetic complications occur as a result of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to long term hyperglycaemia. Honey and ginger have been shown to exhibit antioxidant activity which can scavenge ROS. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of gelam honey, ginger, and their combination.

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 major groups which consisted of diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin intramuscularly (55 mg/kg body weight). Each group was further divided into 4 smaller groups according to the supplements administered: distilled water, honey (2 g/kg body weight), ginger (60 mg/kg body weight), and honey + ginger. Body weight and glucose levels were recorded weekly, while blood from the orbital sinus was obtained after 3 weeks of supplementation for the estimation of metabolic profile: glucose, triglyceride (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH): oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA).

The combination of gelam honey and ginger did not show hypoglycaemic potential; however, the combination treatment reduced significantly () SOD and CAT activities as well as MDA level, while GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio were significantly elevated () in STZ-induced diabetic rats compared to diabetic control rats.

Study Finds Royal Jelly is Natural Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Natural Society, 4/16/2014

New research in the Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine indicates royal jelly has the ability to help maintain blood sugar levels while controlling oxidative stress. In other words, royal jelly may be one of many natural alternatives for preventing and even reversing Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 8.3 percent of the U.S. population, with an estimated 25.8 million people diagnosed with the preventable disease. Stopping diabetes before it starts is a matter of proper nutrition and dietary control. Once diagnosed, it can still be overcome with lifestyle choices, and a new study says royal jelly could aid in the fight…

Bee Venom Component May Help Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Melittin ameliorates the inflammation of organs in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal model

Exp Neurobiol, 2014 Mar;23(1):86-92

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a selective loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord, brainstem, and motor cortex, leading to weakness of the limb and bulbar muscles. Although the immediate cause of death in ALS is the destruction of motor neurons, ALS is a multi-organ disease that also affects the lungs, spleen, and liver. Melittin is one of components of bee venom and has anti-neuroinflammatory effects in the spinal cord, as shown in an ALS animal model.

To investigate the effects of melittin on inflammation in the lungs and spleen, we used hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mice that are mimic for ALS. Melittin treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory proteins, including Iba-1 and CD14 by 1.9- and 1.3-fold (p < 0.05), respectively, in the lungs of symptomatic hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mice. In the spleen, the expression of CD14 and COX2 that are related to inflammation were decreased by 1.4 fold (p < 0.05) and cell survival proteins such as pERK and Bcl2 were increased by 1.3- and 1.5-fold (p < 0.05) in the melittin-treated hSOD1G93A transgenic mice.

These findings suggest that melittin could be a candidate to regulate the immune system in organs affected by ALS.

Propolis Component May Help Treat Wide Range of Inflammatory Disorders

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE): Scavenger of Peroxynitrite In Vitro and In Sepsis Models

Shock, 2014 Mar 21

Excessive free radical production by immune cells has been linked to cell death and tissue injury during sepsis. Peroxynitrite is a short-lived oxidant and a potent inducer of cell death that has been identified in several pathological conditions. CAPE is an active component of honeybee products and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. The present study examined the ability of CAPE to scavenge peroxynitrite in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages stimulated with LPS/IFN-γ, was used as an in vitro model. Conversion of 123-dihydrorhodamine (123-DHR) to its oxidation product 123-rhodamine was used to measure peroxynitrite production. Two mouse models of sepsis (endotoxemia and cecal ligation and puncture), were used as in vivo models. The level of serum 3-nitrotyrosine, an in vivo marker of peroxynitrite.

The results demonstrated that CAPE significantly improved the viability of LPS/IFN-γ-treated RAW 264.7 cells and significantly inhibited nitric oxide production with effects similar to those observed with an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (1400W). In addition, CAPE exclusively inhibited the synthesis of peroxynitrite from the artificial substrate SIN-1 and directly prevented the peroxynitrite-mediated conversion of dihydrorhodamine-123 to its fluorescent oxidation product rhodamine-123. In both sepsis models, CAPE inhibited cellular peroxynitrite synthesis, as evidenced by the absence of serum 3-nitrotyrosine, an in vivo marker of peroxynitrite. Thus, CAPE attenuates the inflammatory responses that lead to cell damage and, potentially, cell death through suppression of the production of cytotoxic molecules such as nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.

These observations provide evidence of the therapeutic potential of CAPE treatment for a wide range of inflammatory disorders.

Does Bee Sting Therapy Help Ease MS Symptoms?

Bio News Texas, 4/15/2014

Can bee venom be an effective therapy for treating symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis and other disorders? The Lombard, Illinois, based American Apitherapy Society, which celebrates its 25 Year Anniversary this year, serves as a clearing-house for information for persons interested in Apitherapy, alternative form of health care that uses bee hive products — including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom — to treat many illnesses and to alleviate pain from injuries both chronic and acute. The organization reaches beyond the conventional Western medical model with a holistic approach to health and healing.

The Society notes that currently the most popular and well-known applications for honey bee venom therapy in the United States are for people suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and many forms of arthritis. They note that there is some scientific data supporting the use of Apitherapy for treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia, and that several articles were written in the first half of the 20th-Century about using bee venom in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as some recent and ongoing research investigating Apitherapy’s effect in MS, and that many anecdotal reports suggest that bee venom might have some usefulness in the treatment of various infectious, auto-immune, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal diseases and in neuropathic pain and other chronic pain conditions…

(VIDEO) Romania Keeps Ancient Tradition of Bee Medicine Alive

BUCHAREST, April 13 — Bee venom to combat multiple sclerosis, pollen for indigestion, honey to heal wounds — the humble bee has been a key source of alternative medicines since ancient times, and Romania is working to keep the tradition of “apitherapy” alive…

Man Says Bee Venom Therapy Helps Treat His Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Alternative therapy helps MS patient pursue lost passion

By Brandon Dumsky, The Examiner, 4/12/2014

John O’Brien of Blue Springs loved running, but a debilitating disease has prevented him to enjoy his passion for nearly 25 years.

That is until now. O’Brien has just participated in a marathon for the first time in decades – ever since the early 1970s, when the former smoker was introduced to running by his daughter.

…In 1990, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a disease in which your body’s immune system eats away the protective sheath, called myelin, that covers nerves. According to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, some symptoms include balance problems, muscle weakness, blurry vision and coordination difficulties. A cure has not been found for the autoimmune disease.

“It was devastating,” said O’Brien of the day he was told the diagnosis. “I sunk into a major depression.”

A year later, O’Brien took an early retirement from his computer programming position and has since relied on disability and his pension as sources of income. Since his diagnosis, he has used a walking cane for mobility, and for some years, he became wheelchair-bound due to his progressive form of MS. He also said he experienced “intense bouts of fever” from his condition.

“I would get limp and sometimes couldn’t even blink.”

In 1998, a person introduced him to apitherapy, the medicinal use of products made by honeybees. This includes bee venom usage, according to the American Apitherapy Society.

Using bee venom for the first time to treat John’s MS was a turning point for him, say the O’Briens. Laura said he was ailing severely due to his MS before the apitherapy treatments…

Researcher Wins Awards for Research Combatting MRSA with Manuka Honey

Cardiff Met researcher wins top industry award for combatting MRSA with manuka honey

Cardiff University, 4/12/2014

Professor Rose Cooper, Professor of Microbiology at Cardiff School of Health Sciences (CSHS), has been recognised for her extensive research into the antibacterial qualities of manuka honey, specifically in combatting hospital-borne bacteria like MRSA...

Apitherapy is Popular in Romania

Romania Keeps Ancient Tradition of Bee Medicine Alive

Isabelle Wesselingh, AFP News, 4/10/2014

Bee venom to combat multiple sclerosis, pollen for indigestion, honey to heal wounds -- the humble bee has been a key source of alternative medicines since ancient times, and Romania is working to keep the tradition of "apitherapy" alive.

The tradition goes back to ancient Greece when Hippocrates applied honey to treat wounds, and the Romans saw pollen as "life-giving".

In the past of India, China and Egypt, a resinous substance collected by bees from the buds of certain trees, known as "propolis", was popular as an antiseptic.

"The hive is the oldest and healthiest natural pharmacy," said Cristina Mateescu, director general of the Institute for Apicultural Research and Development in Bucharest.

Today in the wilderness of Romania's Carpathian mountains, honey bee products are still a familiar part of traditional medicine…

- Apitherapy pioneer -

Every town in Romania has its "plafar" -- natural pharmacies selling products made from plants, honey, beeswax and propolis.

"Romania is a pioneer of apitherapy, which it recognised very early as a component of scientific medicine," said US professor Theodor Charbuliez, head of the Apimondia Commission of Apitherapy, a group that brings together thousands of practitioners from around the world…

Manuka-Type Honeys May Be Used as Topical Anti-Biofilm Treatment Management of Wound Healing

Manuka-type honeys can eradicate biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus strains with different biofilm-forming abilities

PeerJ 2014 Mar 25;2:e326

Chronic wounds are a major global health problem. Their management is difficult and costly, and the development of antibiotic resistance by both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria necessitates the use of alternative wound treatments. Honey is now being revisited as an alternative treatment due to its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and the inability of bacteria to develop resistance to it. Many previous antibacterial studies have used honeys that are not well characterized, even in terms of quantifying the levels of the major antibacterial components present, making it difficult to build an evidence base for the efficacy of honey as an antibiofilm agent in chronic wound treatment. Here we show that a range of well-characterized New Zealand manuka-type honeys, in which two principle antibacterial components, methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide, were quantified, can eradicate biofilms of a range of Staphylococcus aureus strains that differ widely in their biofilm-forming abilities. Using crystal violet and viability assays, along with confocal laser scanning imaging, we demonstrate that in all S. aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant strains, the manuka-type honeys showed significantly higher anti-biofilm activity than clover honey and an isotonic sugar solution. 

We observed higher anti-biofilm activity as the proportion of manuka-derived honey, and thus methylglyoxal, in a honey blend increased. However, methylglyoxal on its own, or with sugar, was not able to effectively eradicate S. aureus biofilms. We also demonstrate that honey was able to penetrate through the biofilm matrix and kill the embedded cells in some cases. As has been reported for antibiotics, sub-inhibitory concentrations of honey improved biofilm formation by some S. aureus strains, however, biofilm cell suspensions recovered after honey treatment did not develop resistance towards manuka-type honeys. New Zealand manuka-type honeys, at the concentrations they can be applied in wound dressings are highly active in both preventing S. aureus biofilm formation and in their eradication, and do not result in bacteria becoming resistant. Methylglyoxal requires other components in manuka-type honeys for this anti-biofilm activity.

Our findings support the use of well-defined manuka-type honeys as a topical anti-biofilm treatment for the effective management of wound healing.

Antibacterial Effects Observed for Australian Stingless Bee Propolis Extracts

Anti-staphylococcal activity of C-methyl flavanones from propolis of Australian stingless bees (Tetragonula carbonaria) and fruit resins of Corymbia torelliana (Myrtaceae)

Fitoterapia, 2014 Apr 3. pii: S0367-326X(14)00098-7

Propolis of Australian stingless bees (Tetragonula carbonaria, Meliponini) originating from Corymbia torelliana (Myrtaceae) fruit resins was tested for its antimicrobial activities as well as its flavonoid contents.

This study aimed at the isolation, structural elucidation and antibacterial testing of flavanones of C. torelliana fruit resins that are incorporated into stingless bee propolis. Flavanones of this study were elucidated by spectroscopic and spectrometric methods including UV, 1D and 2D NMR, EI-MS, ESI-MS and HR-MS. The results indicated known C-methylated flavanones namely, 1 (2S)-cryptostrobin, its regioisomer 2 (2S)- stroboponin, 3 (2S)- cryptostrobin 7-methyl ether, and 6 (2S)- desmethoxymatteucinol, and known flavanones 4 (2S)- pinostrobin and 5 (2S)- pinocembrin as markers for C. torelliana fruit resins and one propolis type.

Ethanolic preparations of propolis were shown to be active against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and to a lesser extent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). C. torelliana flavananones inhibited the growth of S. aureus therefore contributing to the antibacterial effects observed for Australian stingless bee propolis extracts.

Honey Drops may Help Treat Allergic Eye Disease

A double blind clinical trial on the efficacy of honey drop in vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2014;2014:287540

Purpose. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical honey eye drops in patients with diagnosed VKC.

Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with diagnosed VKC. The patients were selected and randomly allocated between two groups of 30. Patients in two groups received honey eye drop (60% in artificial tear) or placebo, other than cromolyn and fluorometholone 1% eye drops, to be used topically in each eye, four times per day. The patients were examined with slit lamp and torch at baseline and the follow-up visits on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of the study for redness, limbal papillae, and intraocular pressure.

Results. Out of 60 patients who completed the study, 19 patients (31.7%) were female. There was significant increase in eye pressure and reduction in redness as well as limbal papillae, following the consumption of the honey drop in honey group compared to placebo control group (P < 0.05). At the end of trial, one patient in honey group and 7 ones in placebo group had limbal papillae (P < 0.05).

Conclusion. Topical honey eye drops, when used along with Cromolyn and Fluorometholone eye drops, might be beneficial for the treatment of VKC.

Propolis Has Positive Effects on Protein Metabolism in Dairy Cows

Effects of phenolic compounds in propolis on digestive and ruminal parameters in dairy cows

R. Bras. Zootec, vol.43 no.4 Viçosa Apr. 2014

Four rumen-cannulated primiparous lactating cows were studied in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate the effects of propolis-based products (PBP) with different concentrations of propolis and alcohol levels on total digestibility, (TD), ruminal digestibility (RD), intestinal digestibility (ID), pH, ruminal ammonia-nitrogen production (NH3-N), rumen microbial synthesis, and blood parameters. 

The feed consisted of 591.9 g/kg corn silage and 408.1 g/kg concentrate (dry matter [DM] basis), and treatments differed with regard to the inclusion (via ruminal cannula) or exclusion of PBP as follows: control (without the PBP), PBP B1 (3.81 mg of phenolic compounds/kg of ingested DM), PBP C1 (3.27 mg of phenolic compounds/kg of ingested DM), and PBP C3 (1.93 mg of phenolic compounds/kg of ingested DM). Inclusion of PBP reduced the RD of dietary crude protein (CP). Treatment PBP C1 reduced ruminal NH3-N production, while PBP B1 increased the ID of CP relative to that in the control. 

These findings indicate that propolis had a positive effect on rumen nitrogen metabolism. Rumen pH, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, and blood parameters were not affected by addition of PBP, but there were significant effects on the other parameters when the treatments containing propolis were contrasted. Higher TD of DM (0.717 vs. 0.685), OM (0.737 vs. 0.703), and CP (0.760 vs. 0.739), as well as higher NDF (0.622 vs. 0.558) and TDN (0.747 vs. 0.712) were observed when comparing PBP C1 with C3.

Inclusion of propolis in diets for dairy cows have positive effects on protein metabolism in the rumen. Variation in the amounts of phenolic compounds in the different PBP may explain the diverse effects on the digestive parameters evaluated.

Early-Bird Discount for Annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course Extended Through April 15th

"BUSY BEE" Discount for CMACC Extended through April 15th, Register Here!

Celebrate the American Apitherapy Society's 

25 Year Anniversary at the 18th Annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference

May 2-4, 2014

National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, IL

Medical Doctors, a spectrum of Holistic Health Care Practitioners, Veterinarians, Researchers, Backyard Beekeepers, and members of the general public interested in self-reliant health care will convene from all over the US and the world to learn about Apitherapy.

Conference Registration and More Information

With Special Keynote Speaker Brad Weeks, MD, and Guest Speakers Frank Yurasek L.Ac. PhD, Sheila Kingsbury ND, RH,  Hossein Yeganehrad, and now Antonio Couto!

International Symposium on Bee Products - Croatia, September 28th - October 1st, 2014

International Symposium on Bee Products, 3rd edition

Annual meeting of the International Honey Commission (IHC)

Grand Hotel 4 Opatija flowers - Opatija - Croatia

September 28th - October 1st, 2014

As you may have already been announced, the place and the date of the venue have been decided at the last IHC meeting during the APIMONDIA 2014 Congress in Kiev, Ukraine. It is our great honor and pleasure to invite you to this joint event that represent the most significant scientific meeting that deals with the particular issues of origin, quality and safety of the beehive products as well as with their properties. More specifically, during the four day program, the Symposium will deal with the following topics:

• New challenges in honey quality and standardization
•  Innovative analytical tools for bee products evaluation
•   Standards and regulations for other bee products rather than honey
•   Non-conventional uses of bee products
•   Biological and functional properties of bee products
•  Impact of the climate changes on bee products

Please note that registration is open to all interested participants. For more information about the Program and technical issues please check the official Symposium web site at http://www.ihc2014opatija.com/default.asp. Latest news related to the Symposium are also available through its' Facebook profile (https://www.facebook.com/IHC.Opatija2014). We are sure that the scientific and technical program will lead to a rewarding expansion of the further professional and scientific perspectives. In addition, all efforts of promotion and dissemmination of the information regarding the Symposium are highly regarded by the Organizers.

Looking forward to welcome you in a beautiful Opatija!

Sincerely,

Dražen Lušić, PhD, SE

Assistant Professor

E-address: drazen.lusic@ihc2014opatija.com

IHC 2014 Opatija Team

Propolis Extracted with Water Have Better Radical Scavenging Ability

Nutritional and functional properties of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts from Argentinean propolis

Nat Prod Commun, 2014 Feb;9(2):167-70

Bee propolis is a natural product extensively used as an ingredient in functional foods in amounts that may confer health benefits. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional and functional properties (antioxidant activity) of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of propolis samples from Santiago del Estero province, northern Argentina.

All propolis extracts contained macronutrients (glucose, fructose, sucrose and proteins), micronutrients (Na, K, Ca, P and Mg) and trace elements (Fe). Spectrophotometric, TLC and HPLC-DAD analyses showed the presence of several phenolic, flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds, but in all cases the flavonoids prevailed. The PCA of polyphenolic content provided a clear separation of propolis in Group 1 (SE1, 2, 3, 4 and 7) and Group 2 (SE5 and 6) associated with phenolic compound content and collection regions. Two compounds, pinocembrin and chrysin, which could be used as chemical markers of Santiago del Estero propolis, were identified in all samples.

Propolis samples extracted with water presented better radical scavenging ability than ethanolic extracts, independent of the antioxidant method (scavenging activity of ABTS*+, DPPH*, HO* and O2(-)* and beta-carotene bleaching test). Such results correlated closely with the levels of total phenols and flavonoids in samples. The results justify the use of Argentine propolis as a functional dietary supplement.

Honey Induces Wound Healing at Greater Rate Than Conventional Methods

Medical Honey and Its Role in Paediatric Patients

Br J Nurs, 2014 Mar 27;23(6):S30-4
Background: The use of complementary medical treatment in wound management has continued to grow throughout the world. There is a large body of evidence that supports the use of honey as a wound dressing for a wide range of wound types. The authors present an update of present knowledge about honey as a form of complementary medicine in paediatric wound management.

Methods: The literature cited was found by searching the PubMed, BIOSIS and ISI Web of Science databases for the phrase 'honey and wound'. Papers where honey was used in a mixture with other therapeutic substances were excluded. Randomised controlled trials as well as case studies were taken into consideration.

Results: This paper reviews data on the effectiveness of honey in wound healing; 80 citations or references were found that matched the criteria. Furthermore, the wound-healing properties of honey are described and the mechanism of action discussed. The authors' data show that honey induced enhanced epithelialisation, minimised scar formations and had an anti-microbiotic effect.

Conclusion: These results should encourage the use of medical honey in the field of paediatrics. It is a safe and natural substance that induces wound healing at a greater rate than conventional methods.

Honey for the Skin and the Body

A Sweet Escape: Bees, Honey and Skin Care

By: Michele Steinert, Skin Inc, 4/1/2014

The beauty industry is a multibillion dollar industry and the trend toward incorporating more natural ingredients is growing. Clients are interested in experiencing natural farm-to-table types of treatments. There are many products to choose from that incorporate honey, beeswax or propolis and can be added to your spa offerings, and honey itself can be one of the easiest ingredients to incorporate into spa and skin care treatments...

Fake Products Risk New Zealand Honey Exports

Radio New Zealand, 3/31/2014

A Waikato University scientist says there is a risk that fraudulent products will wreck the international reputation of New Zealand honey exports.

Associate Professor Merilyn Manley-Harris says it is extremely urgent that New Zealand sets up standardised labelling of honey, especially the lucrative manuka variety.

New Zealand produced more than 16,000 tonnes of honey in 2012 and 2013 and in 2012 honey exports were worth $120 million with manuka honey making up about 90 per cent of that.

The Ministry of Primary Industries has formed two working groups to come up with a robust labelling guideline for manuka honey - one made up of scientists and one from the industry…

Honey Has Beneficial Effect on Stress Hormone, Reproductive System

Stress hormone and reproductive system in response to honey supplementation combined with different jumping exercise intensities in female rats

Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:123640

This study was performed to determine the effects of 8-week honey supplementation combined with different jumping exercise intensities on serum cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, and reproductive organs. 

Eighty-four 9-week-old female rats were divided into 7 groups: baseline controls (C0), sedentary group (C), 20 and 80 jumps per day (Ex20J, Ex80J), honey (H), and combined honey with 20 and 80 jumps per day (HEx20J, HEx80J) groups. Jumping exercise was performed at 5 days/week and honey was given at a dosage of 1 g/kg body weight/day for 7 days/week. The level of serum cortisol was higher in Ex20J and Ex80J compared to C. There was significantly lower value of serum cortisol in HEx20J compared to Ex80J. Serum progesterone levels were significantly lower in Ex20J and Ex80J compared to C. However, serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in HEx20J and HEx80J compared to Ex20J and Ex80J. Relative uterine weights were significantly greater in HEx20J compared to C and HEx80J, respectively. There was no significant difference in estradiol level and relative ovarian weights among all the groups.

Therefore, honey elicited beneficial effects in reducing the increase of cortisol and in increasing the reduction of progesterone levels induced by different intensities jumping exercise in female rats.