Apitherapy is Effective Treatment for Plaque Psoriasis

Efficacy of the Apitherapy in the treatment of recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis and evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) serum level: a Double blind randomized clinical trial

J Dermatolog Treat. 2014 Nov 26:1-19. [Epub ahead of print]

Background: No universal consensus about optimal modality for treating the recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis (RLPP).

Objective: To evaluate the immunological and clinical therapeutic effect of using Apitherapy in the treatment of RLPP.

Methods: Randomized fifty patients with RLPP received Apitherapy (n = 25) and placebo (n = 25) every week. Both treatments were injected into lesions at weekly intervals for a maximum of 12 treatments. Following up was 6 months later. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level was measured at pre-study and at 12th week. 

Results: A significant difference was found between the therapeutic responses of RLPP to Apitherapy and placebo group (P < 0.001). In the Apitherapy group, complete response was achieved in 92 % of patients. There was statistically significant decrease in TNF-α in Apitherapy group versus placebo group. No recurrence was observed in Apitherapy group.

Conclusion: Apitherapy is effective and safe treatment for recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis, when other topical or physical therapies have failed.

Australian Stingless Bee Honey Shows Antibacterial Effect

In vitro antibacterial phenolic extracts from 'sugarbag' pot-honeys of Australian stingless bees (Tetragonula carbonaria)

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Nov 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Australian stingless bee honeys have shown to exert antioxidant and in vitro antimicrobial properties; however their bioactive factors remained unidentified. This study investigated the antibacterial properties of phenolic extracts from Tetragonula carbonaria honeys. Honeys were harvested from beehives in three sites of South East Australia. Liquid-liquid extractions yielded the phenolic concentrates, for analyses by liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Antibacterial assays were conducted against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae by in vitro agar diffusion and broth dilution assays. The phenolic extracts averaged to 5.87 mg/100 g of honeys, and constituents were 3-phenyllactic acid, lumichrome, di-glycosil flavonoids, norisoprenoids. The honeys did not contain methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone or phenolics characteristic of Leptospermum nectars. Hydrogen peroxide content amounted up to 155.8 µM in honeys. Beyond the bactericidal effects of hydrogen peroxide at 760 µM, other antibacterial factors were the phenolic extracts of 'sugarbag' honeys that were active at minimum bactericidal concentrations of 1.2 - 1.8 mg/mL.

Brazilian Propolis Stimulates Hair Growth

Stimulatory Effect of Brazilian Propolis on Hair Growth through Proliferation of Keratinocytes in Mice

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Nov 26. [Epub ahead of print]

Propolis is a natural honeybee hive product with the potential for use in the treatment of dermatological conditions, such as cutaneous abrasions, burns, and acne. In this study, we investigated whether propolis stimulates hair growth in mice. Ethanol-extracted propolis, which contains various physiologically active substances such as caffeic acid and kaempferol, stimulated anagen induction in shaved back skin. Anagen induction occurred without any detectable abnormalities in the shape of the hair follicles (HFs), hair stem cells in the bulge, proliferating hair matrix keratinocytes in the hair bulb, or localization of versican in the dermal papilla.

Propolis treatment also stimulated migration of hair matrix keratinocytes into the hair shaft in HFs during late anagen in the depilated back skin. Organotypic culture of skin containing anagen stage HFs revealed significant stimulation of hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation by propolis. Furthermore, propolis facilitated the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. These results indicate that propolis stimulates hair growth by inducing hair keratinocyte proliferation.

Propolis Component May Help Treat Osteoporosis

Anti-catabolic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of honeybee propolis on bone loss in ovariectomized mice: a micro-computed tomography study and histological analysis

Chin Med J (Engl). 2014 Nov;127(22):3932-6

BACKGROUND:

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common bone disease, which adversely affects life quality. Effective treatments are necessary to combat both the loss and fracture of bone. Recent studies indicated that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural chemical compound from honeybee propolis which is capable of attenuating osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of CAPE on bone loss in OP mice using micro-computed tomography (CT) and histology.

METHODS:

Eighteen mice were prepared and evenly divided into three groups. The six mice in the sham+PBS group did not undergo ovariectomy and were intraperitoneally injected with PBS during the curing period. Twelve mice were ovariectomized (OVX) to induce OP. Six of them in the OVX+CAPE group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 mg/kg CAPE twice per week for 4 weeks after ovariectomy. The other six OVX mice in OVX+PBS group were treated with PBS. All the mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after ovariectomy. The tibias were bilaterally excised for micro-CT scan and histological analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the statistical differences among groups.

RESULTS:

Bone loss occurred in OVX mice. Compared with the sham+PBS group, mice in the OVX+PBS group exhibited a significant decrease in bone mineral density (BMD, P < 0.05), bone volume fraction (BV/TV, P < 0.01), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th, P < 0.05), and trabecular number (Tb.N, P < 0.01), as well as a non-insignificant increase in the number of osteoclasts (N.Oc/B.Pm). With CAPE treatment, the microarchitecture of the tibial metaphyses was significantly improved with a reduction of osteoclast formation. Compared with the OVX+PBS group, BV/TV in the OVX+CAPE group was significantly increased by 33.9% (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

CAPE therapy results in the protection of bone loss induced by OVX.

New Zealand Royal Jelly Selling at a Premium

Stuff, 11/23/2014

…Happy Valley exports the goopy substance to Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Macau, Korea and Hong Kong, where consumers are willing to pay a premium. But while demand for royal jelly is high, its shelf life is an exporting challenge.

The product is good for three months when sold fresh or three years if purchased frozen. Happy Valley is working with scientists to find ways to extend the shelf life and open new markets.

New Zealand's royal jelly is believed to have a higher potency than European and Asian jelly. The company is working with scientists from Auckland University and overseas research institutes to understand how the nutritional value is affected by Aotearoa's unique environment…

Standards Authority Supports the Father of Medicinal Manuka Honey

Scoop, 11/25/2014

Dr Peter Molan is widely acknowledged as the father of NZ’s flourishing Manuka Honey industry.

A respected academic, his work over many years to unlock the healing properties of this unique food has seen many NZ businesses thrive as demand for this super-food has grown internationally.

Dr Molan has always maintained an independent stance, co-operating with the industry and sharing his knowledge willingly, but at the same time challenging claims that he believed could not be substantiated by those whose marketing efforts may have become overstated.

In a recently published decision, the Advertising Standards Authority (14/496) upheld a complaint made by Dr Molan regarding claims made by the UMF Association on their website that could lead consumers “to believe incorrectly that the UMF [UMF is a registered trade mark of the UMF Honey Association Incorporation] brand of manuka honey is the only one that adheres to the recognised NPA standard.”…

Bee Venom Destroys HIV and Spares Surrounding Cells

Pakistan Observer

Sunday, November 23, 2014 - NANOPARTICLES containing bee venom toxin melittin can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while at the same time leaving surrounding cells unharmed, scientists from Washington University School of Medicine reported in the March 2013 issue of Antiviral Therapy. The researchers said that their finding is a major step toward creating a vaginal gel that can prevent HIV spread. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

Joshua L. Hood, MD, PhD, a research instructor in medicine, said:

“Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventive measure to stop the initial infection.” Melittin destroys some viruses and malignant tumor cells Melittin is a powerful toxin found in bee venom. It can poke holes in the protective viral envelope that surrounds the human immunodeficiency virus, as well as other viruses…

Royal Jelly Effective in Reducing Mucositis Induced by Chemoradiotherapy

The effect of topical application of royal jelly on chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer: a preliminary study

Int J Otolaryngol. 2014;2014:974967

Purpose. One of the common side effects experienced by head and neck cancer patients on chemoradiotherapy is mucositis. Severe mucositis may be controllable by limiting cancer therapy, but it has resulted in decreasing the completion rate of chemoradiotherapy. The efficacy of royal jelly (RJ) as prophylaxis against chemoradiotherapy-induced mucositis was evaluated through clinical scoring of oral and pharyngeal mucositis.
Methods. In this randomized, single-blind (physician-blind), clinical trial, 13 patients with head and neck cancer requiring chemoradiation were randomly assigned to two groups. Seven patients assigned to the study group received RJ, and 6 patients were assigned to the control group. RJ group patients took RJ three times per day during treatment. The patients in both groups were evaluated twice a week for the development of mucositis using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0.

Results. A significant reduction in mucositis was seen among RJ-treated patients compared with controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion. This study demonstrated that prophylactic use of RJ was effective in reducing mucositis induced by chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. However, further studies are needed because of the small sample size and the absence of double blinding.

Manuka Honey Recommended for Digestive Disorders, Sore Throats, Hay Fever, and Even MRSA

If it’s not Manuka honey, it might as well be sugar

Lydia Slater, The Australian, November 21, 2014

PADDINGTON Bear may be flavour of the month at the cinema, but at the breakfast table it is Pooh’s tastes that reign supreme. Sales are soaring, partly thanks to honey’s growing reputation as a health superfood.

Honey is said to have antiseptic properties and to help with a variety of complaints from digestive disorders and sore throats to hay fever and even antibiotic-resistant MRSA. Several clinical studies support the traditional use of honey as a cough-soother.

Its ability to attract and retain moisture has also made it sought after as a beauty treatment — it’s said to have cleansing, exfoliating, anti-ageing and acne-ridding qualities. Beauties through the ages, from Cleopatra to Scarlett Johansson, have used honey as a complexion enhancer…

Propolis Component Used Successfully in Bone Cememt

From beehive to bone cement

Royal Society of Chemistry, 13 November 2014

Taking inspiration from honey bees, scientists in South Korea have incorporated a compound used in beehives into a new strong biomaterial with sustained antimicrobial properties.

Bone cements have been used in surgery since the 1940s and work like a grout to fill the gaps between orthopaedic implants and bones. The most commonly used bone cements are made from a synthetic resin called poly (methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, and have recently been loaded with antibiotics, such as gentamycin, in an attempt to reduce healthcare related infections. However, the addition of antibiotics has raised concerns over antibiotic resistance, potential carcinogenic effects and the reduced mechanical strength of PMMA.

To overcome these potentially harmful limitations, a team led by Jeong Ho Chang at the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, have developed PMMA bone cement loaded with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). CAPE is an active component of bee propolis, a resin-like mixture collected by honey bees from various trees and buds and used to fill small gaps in the beehive. CAPE is thought to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects and has already been approved for use in foods, drinks and cosmetics by the Food and Drug Administration.

The researchers were not only able to demonstrate that CAPE-loaded PMMA is an effective antimicrobial against Staphylococcus aureus, but it also has much better compressive strength than antibiotic-loaded PMMA…

Gelam Honey Reduces DNA Damage

Protective Effects of Gelam Honey against Oxidative Damage in Young and Aged Rats

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 673628, 8 pages

Aging is characterized by progressive decline in physiological and body function due to increase in oxidative damage. Gelam honey has been accounted to have high phenolic and nonphenolic content to attenuate oxidative damage. This study was to determine the effect of local gelam honey on oxidative damage of aged rats. Twenty-four male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into young (2 months) and aged (19 months) groups. Each group was further divided into control (fed with plain water) and supplemented with 2.5 mg/kg body weight of gelam honey for 8 months. DNA damage level was determined by comet assay and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The activity of blood and cardiac antioxidant enzymes was determined by spectrophotometer. The DNA damage and MDA level were reduced in both gelam honey supplemented groups. Gelam honey increases erythrocytes CAT and cardiac SOD activities in young and cardiac CAT activity in young and aged groups. The DNA damage was increased in the aged group compared to young group, but reduced at the end of the study. The decline of oxidative damage in rats supplemented with gelam honey might be through the modulation of antioxidant enzyme activities.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Properties of Honey

European Food Research and Technology

December 2014, Volume 239, Issue 6, pp 1003-1014

Honey is a natural product produced by bees and has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal agent and dietary supplement. It is known to cure a wide variety of ailments and can be used as a potent anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent. These vital bioactivities of honey are far less well known than its antibacterial, antioxidant, and any other biological activities. Many clinical trials have been reported and revealed that, when honey is applied to wound, there is a decrease in inflammation and will have a soothing effect. There is much evidence for the anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of honey in terms of publications in modern medical and scientific journals. The exact mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing property of honey has yet to be demonstrated. Possibly there are several mechanisms of action. There are also some reports where honey exerts negligible side effects. The article focuses on the components of honey involved in its anti-inflammatory effect, possible mechanism of action, properties of honey responsible for its wound healing activity, and its adverse effects. Overall the review presents the evidence and explanation for the anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of honey.

Manuka Honey Reduces Motility of Bacteria

Manuka honey reduces the motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by suppression of flagella-associated genes

J Antimicrob Chemother. 2014 Nov 16. pii: dku448

OBJECTIVES:

Manuka honey is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that seems to affect different bacteria in many different ways. It has been shown to be bactericidal against Pseudomonas aeruginosa by destabilizing the cell wall, but we aimed to investigate whether there were further intracellular target sites.

METHODS:

In this study inhibitory effects of manuka honey on P. aeruginosa were investigated using hydrophobicity assays, two-dimensional electrophoresis, quantitative RT-PCR, transmission electron microscopy and motility assays.

RESULTS:

Exposure of P. aeruginosa to manuka honey reduced both swarming and swimming motility. Moreover, this was a consequence of de-flagellation of the bacterial cell, which was correlated with decreased expression of the major structural flagellin protein, FliC, and concurrent suppression of flagellin-associated genes, including fliA, fliC, flhF, fleN, fleQ and fleR. The differential expression of the flagellar regulon in the presence of manuka honey was mapped schematically. Flagella are integral to bacterial adhesion, the initiation of infection and biofilm formation, and swarming has been associated with increased virulence.

CONCLUSIONS:

By limiting motility in vitro, we infer that manuka honey impacts on the virulence of P. aeruginosa. This deduction must now be tested in vivo.

Bee Venom May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Bee venom acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials

BMJ Open, 2014 Nov 7;4(11):e006140

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the clinical evidence for bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

DESIGN:

Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

SETTING:

We searched 14 databases up to March 2014 without a language restriction.

PARTICIPANTS:

Patients with RA.

INTERVENTION:

BVA involved injecting purified, diluted BV into acupoints. We included trials on BVA used alone or in combination with a conventional therapy versus the conventional therapy alone.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES:

Morning stiffness, pain and joint swelling

SECONDARY OUTCOMES:

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, the number of joints affected by RA and adverse effects likely related to RA.

RESULTS:

A total of 304 potentially relevant studies were identified; only one RCT met our inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, BVA may more effectively improve joint pain, swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, ESR and CRP but was not shown to improve morning stiffness.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is low-quality evidence, based on one trial, that BVA can significantly reduce pain, morning stiffness, tender joint counts, swollen joint counts and improve the quality of life of patients with RA compared with placebo (normal saline injection) control. However, the number of trials, their quality and the total sample size were too low to draw firm conclusions.

Pine Hone Protects Frozen Sperm Cells

Evaluation of cryoprotective effect of Turkish pine honey on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) spermatozoa

Cryo Letters, 2014 September/October;35(5):427-437

BACKGROUND:

The cryopreservation procedures that allow preserving sperm cells have been applied for sperm of many species. A sugar like glucose, fructose and sucrose were frequently used in cryomedia but up to the present pine honey was not used for cryopreservation of sperm cells.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of present study is to investigate the effect of pine honey in various concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/ml solutions on cryopreservation and fertilization ability of spermatozoa of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 12.5 % (v/v) Me2SO as a cryoprotectant and 10 % (v/v) egg yolk added all extenders. Pine honey also compared with sugars as glucose, fructose (monosaccharide) and sucrose (disaccharide). Collected semen samples were diluted at the ratio of 1:9 with the extenders. After dilutions, the sperm motility was assessed for each group and then the diluted semen samples were cryopreserved.

RESULTS:

The extenders containing 300 mg ml-1 pine honey group showed both highest post thaw motility 75.3 ± 5.1 %, motility duration (s) 47.3 ± 2.5 % and hatching ratio 42.6 ± 4.2 % than other cryopreserved groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Using the pine honey in cryomedia is effective for cryopreservation especially about hatching success of egg fertilized by frozen-thawed sperm of common carp.

Anti-Aging Serum with Bee Venom

Bénir Beauty BV-9 Platinum Provectus Super Serum with Bee Venom Review

Truth in Aging, 11/15/2014

Today marks exactly 31 days since I started using Bénir BV-9 Platinum Provectus Super Serum with bee venom ($249). I was anxious to try this serum after reading the ingredients (seven powerful peptides with antioxidants and bee venom), and their claim that, "After 30 days of use, wrinkles and lines look less pronounced, skin is firmer and behaves more youthfully…

Health from the hive: propolis as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic periodontitis - a clinicomicrobiologic study

J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Sep;8(9):ZC41-4

OBJECTIVES:

This study was aimed at the clinical and microbiological evaluation of the efficacy of subgingivally delivered Indian propolis extract as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Twenty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis presenting a minimum of two pockets (probing depth ≥5 mm) were selected. Sites were assigned randomly into control sites (n=20) which received SRP alone or test sites (n=20) which received SRP and locally delivered propolis. At selected sites, the clinical parameters were assessed and subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, 15 days and one month. The samples were cultured anerobically for periodontal pathogens.

RESULTS:

The results indicated that there was a significant improvement in both clinical and microbiological parameters (p < 0.01) in the test sites compared to the control sites at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION:

Subgingival delivery of propolis showed promising results as an adjunct to SRP in patients with chronic periodontitis when assessed by clinical and microbiological parameters.

Effectiveness of Propolis on Oral Health: A Meta-Analysis

J Nurs Res. 2014 Dec;22(4):221-9

BACKGROUND:

The use of propolis mouth rinse or gel as a supplementary intervention has increased during the last decade in Taiwan. However, the effect of propolis on oral health is not well understood.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to present the best available evidence regarding the effects of propolis use on oral health, including oral infection, dental plaque, and stomatitis.

METHODS:

Researchers searched seven electronic databases for relevant articles published between 1969 and 2012. Data were collected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to evaluate the quality of the identified articles.

RESULTS:

Eight trials published from 1997 to 2011 with 194 participants had extractable data. The result of the meta-analysis indicated that, although propolis had an effect on reducing dental plaque, this effect was not statistically significant. The results were not statistically significant for oral infection or stomatitis.

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Although there are a number of promising indications, in view of the limited number and quality of studies and the variation in results among studies, this review highlights the need for additional well-designed trials to draw conclusions that are more robust.

Honey: A Potential Therapeutic Agent for Managing Diabetic Wounds

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:169130

Diabetic wounds are unlike typical wounds in that they are slower to heal, making treatment with conventional topical medications an uphill process. Among several different alternative therapies, honey is an effective choice because it provides comparatively rapid wound healing. Although honey has been used as an alternative medicine for wound healing since ancient times, the application of honey to diabetic wounds has only recently been revived. Because honey has some unique natural features as a wound healer, it works even more effectively on diabetic wounds than on normal wounds. In addition, honey is known as an "all in one" remedy for diabetic wound healing because it can combat many microorganisms that are involved in the wound process and because it possesses antioxidant activity and controls inflammation.

In this review, the potential role of honey's antibacterial activity on diabetic wound-related microorganisms and honey's clinical effectiveness in treating diabetic wounds based on the most recent studies is described. Additionally, ways in which honey can be used as a safer, faster, and effective healing agent for diabetic wounds in comparison with other synthetic medications in terms of microbial resistance and treatment costs are also described to support its traditional claims.

New Zealand Firm Comvita Moves to Secure Manuka Honey Supply

NBR, 11/10/2104

Comvita, which produces health products derived from manuka honey, has entered into a joint venture with East Taupo Lands Trust to harvest manuka honey, securing the supply of its main ingredient.

The joint venture Kaimanawa Honey GP will initially start with 3,000 hives to harvest manuka honey on Ngati Tūwharetoa trust's land holdings, the Te Puke-based company said in a statement. Comvita will provide the beekeeping equipment and management systems while East Taupo Lands Trust will lease the land to the joint venture.

“It is not so long ago that manuka trees on Maori land blocks were being cut down for firewood," said  East Taupo Lands Trust chairman Jim Maniapoto. "Today we recognise the value of manuka and the initiatives offered by Comvita…

Bee Venom Therapy Helps Treat Adhesive Capsulitis

Long-Term Effectiveness of Bee Venom Acupuncture and Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis: A One-Year Follow-Up Analysis of a Previous Randomized Controlled Trial

J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Nov 7

Objective: An earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT) study showed that bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in combination with physiotherapy can be more effective in functional improvement and pain reduction in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC). The objective of the current study was to examine the long-term effect of BVA in combination with physiotherapy on AC of the shoulder.

Design: Retrospective 1-year follow-up analysis of a previous RCT using a telephone interview method.

Setting: Outpatient joint center at the Gang Dong Kyung Hee University Hospital of Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Patients: A total of 192 patients had been enrolled in the previous study, and 124 of these were excluded from the current study. Sixty-eight patients who had been treated with combined BVA and physiotherapy for AC of the shoulder for 2 months were interviewed at approximately 1 year after treatment by telephone.

Intervention: Sixty of 68 patients were included in the follow-up analysis. Twenty received BV 1 treatment (1:10,000 concentration BVA plus physiotherapy), 22 received BV 2 treatment (1:30,000 concentration BVA plus physiotherapy), and 18 received control treatment (normal saline injection plus physiotherapy).
Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI) score. Secondary outcome measure was score on verbal rating scale for pain and patient satisfaction.

Results: Baseline characteristics of the groups did not significantly differ. SPADI scores at 1 year significantly differed between the BV 1 group and the control group (p=0.043). No significant differences were found in pain verbal rating scores after 1 year. Treatment satisfaction with therapy was also assessed, and the BV 1 and BV 2 groups showed significantly greater satisfaction compared with the control group.

Conclusions: BVA combined with physiotherapy remains clinically effective 1 year after treatment and may help improve long-term quality of life in patients with AC of the shoulder.

Honey Reduces Pain

The antinociceptive effects of tualang honey in male sprague-dawley rats: a preliminary study

J Tradit Complement Med. 2014 Oct;4(4):298-302

Tualang honey ( Fēng Mì) is known to have anti-inflammatory property, but its antinociceptive property has not been extensively investigated.

In this study, we examined the preemptive effects on administering different doses of Tualang honey and prednisolone on the nociceptive response in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups (n = 7) and each group received either distilled water, Tualang honey (0.2, 1.2 or 2.4 g/kg) or prednisolone (10 mg/kg) for 10 days. The response to noxious thermal stimulus was assessed using tail flick test on Day 10. The well-being of the rats was also assessed by monitoring their food intake and body weight. Data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Scheffe's test and P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. In tail flick test, the tail flick latency time was significantly higher in the groups that received 1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg of Tualang honey and 10 mg/kg of prednisolone, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). 

There was significant reduction in the total food pellet intake in the groups receiving prednisolone and Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) compared to controls; however, the body weight gain was only significantly reduced in the prednisolone group. All the parameters were not significantly affected in the group receiving 0.2 g/kg of Tualang honey.

In conclusion, preemptive administration of Tualang honey (1.2 g/kg and 2.4 g/kg) and prednisolone (10 mg/kg) had reduced the pain responses. The reduced weight gain in the prednisolone group is an unwanted effect due to its metabolic and central actions. Further studies are required to confirm the antinociceptive effects and elucidate the mechanism of antinociceptive action of Tualang honey in the rats.

Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen Recommended for Mental Health, Allergies

Unsung heroes of supplements

Lovely County Citizen, 11/5/2014

Royal jelly is reserved for the aristocracy in the bee hive. The makeup of royal jelly is mostly water, about 10 percent protein, including small amounts of many different amino acids, and about12 percent simple sugars. It also contains many trace minerals, some enzymes, antibacterial and antibiotic components, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and trace amounts of vitamin C. When checking Pub Med hundreds of studies were referenced, (for example go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22995.... This one concluded, "Six-month ingestion of Royal Jelly in humans improved erythropoiesis, glucose tolerance and mental health. Acceleration of conversion from DHEA-S to T by RJ may have been observed among these favorable effects". Putting this in normal language what they are saying is that they found benefits in improving red cell numbers/production, sugar tolerance, mental health and an improvement in natural testosterone production.

Bee Pollen has long been used to reduce allergy to pollen. It has been called a nutrition super-food and described as having beneficial effect on health and beauty and cholesterol (lowers bad, increases good), while enhancing physical activity. Because this is pollen-based be careful of using this if you're prone to allergic reaction. Some people believe the more local the bee pollen, the better effect it will have. This may or may not hold true.

Fresh and Old Propolis Samples Have Similar Qualitative Composition

A Comparison between Characterization and Biological Properties of Brazilian Fresh and Aged Propolis

BioMed Research International

Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 257617, 10 pages

Objective. As propolis is a highly valued bee product, we aimed to verify the quality of aged propolis, investigating their phenolic and flavonoid composition, levels of toxic metals, radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities.

Material and Methods. Samples of fresh and aged propolis of six different beekeepers, from the same geographical location, were investigated in terms of their phenolic and flavonoid composition and levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr, as well as radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities.

Results. The two groups of propolis had similar qualitative composition by HPLC-PDA and ESI(-)-MS. Fresh propolis and aged propolis show no differences when average values of extraction yield, flavonoids, EC50, or MIC were compared and both types of propolis showed good antimicrobial activity at low concentrations. Only levels of phenolic compounds were higher in fresh propolis.

Conclusion. The propolis samples considered in this study, aged or fresh, had similar qualitative composition, although they were collected in different periods. Samples only differed in their levels of total phenolic content. Moreover, aged propolis conserves significant radical scavenging and antimicrobial properties. We suggest that aged propolis should not be discarded but explored for alternative applications.

UK Firm Launches Dressing with Honey to Help Healing

Nottingham Post  |  November 04, 2014

CHART-TOPPER Jessie J uses it to keep her voice polished, Olympian Victoria Pendleton swears by it to stave off a cold, and now manuka honey is being added to wound dressings to prevent infections.

Nottinghamshire-based firm Brightwake has developed a new dressing with the honey which could be used to treat ulcers and wounds on people who have undergone surgery.

Manuka honey is known for its medicinal qualities as it is a natural antiseptic.

The dressing, called Actilite Protect, has a silicone layer to stop it sticking to the patient and will be launched at the Wounds UK Annual Conference in Harrogate next week…

Bee Venom Therapy in Bahrain

Creating a buzz over bee sting therapy...

By Raji Unnikrishnan, Gulf Daily News, November 04, 2014

A BAHRAIN-BASED bee lover is going against the grain by using the power of stings to bring relief to others.

Frank Ryde keeps more than 50,000 bees in the garden of his home in Sehla.

This one hive, together with the hundreds more he has back home on his estate in the heartlands of Sri Lanka, provide all Mr Ryde needs for his "apitherapy" - the name given to the use of honey bee products for medicinal purposes.

"Bee sting treatment is the best natural medicine and I don't charge people who come to me seeking for cures using bee stings, as I believe this is a God-gifted talent," he said.

"I apply an ice cube on the area where there is pain for a minute so that it becomes numb and then apply the sting.

"The bee venom spreads and the body creates antibodies, which is actually the medication for such ailments."…

Bee Venom, Jellyfish DNA the Latest Beauty Trends for Younger Looking Skin

Courier-Mail, 11/2/2014

KILLER critters are creating a buzz in the beauty world with everything from bee venom to stingray DNA promising younger looking skin.

Creams and moisturisers using bee venom have generated a hive of activity in the UK and US, claiming to plump out wrinkles by tricking the skin into thinking it has been stung.

UK beauty brand Nip + Fab launched a range of bee venom beauty products in Australia last week through Target stores after achieving a loyal celebrity following including Kate Moss, Jennifer Aniston and Kylie Jenner.

“Bee venom has become so popular due to the difference it can make to your skin (and) the high following in celebrities loving the ingredient,” said Nip + Fab founder Maria Hatzistefanis.

Skin Doctors released Beetox, a similar cream, in August and the brand’s Julia Treble agreed celebrities were driving sales.

“The bee venom beauty trend certainly started with rumours that Kate Middleton used bee venom before her wedding to get great, younger looking skin — a beauty secret that was passed down from Camilla they say,” she said…

Acupuncture with Bee Venom a Popular Complementary Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Nationwide Survey of Patient Knowledge and Attitudes towards Human Experimentation Using Stem Cells or Bee Venom Acupuncture for Parkinson's Disease

J Mov Disord, 2014 Oct;7(2):84-91. doi: 10.14802/jmd.14012. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

OBJECTIVE:

Stem cell treatment is a well-recognized experimental treatment among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), for which there are high expectations of a positive impact. Acupuncture with bee venom is one of the most popular complementary and alternative treatments for PD. Patient knowledge and attitudes towards these experimental treatments are unknown.

METHODS:

Using a 12-item questionnaire, a nationwide survey was conducted of 963 PD patients and 267 caregivers in 44 Korean Movement Disorders Society member hospitals from April 2013 to June 2013. The survey was performed by trained interviewers using conventional methods.

RESULTS:

Regarding questions on experimental treatments using stem cells or bee venom acupuncture, 5.1-17.7% of PD patients answered questions on safety, efficacy, and evidence-based practice incorrectly; however, more than half responded that they did not know the correct answer. Although safety and efficacy have not been established, 55.5% of PD patients responded that they were willing to receive stem cell treatment. With regard to participating in experimental treatments, there was a strong correlation between stem cell treatment and bee venom acupuncture (p < 0.0001, odds ratio = 5.226, 95% confidence interval 3.919-6.969). Younger age, higher education, and a longer duration of PD were all associated with a correct understanding of experimental treatments.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our data suggest that relatively few PD patients correctly understand the safety and efficacy of experimental treatments and that PD patients are greatly interested in new treatments. We hope that our data will be used to educate or to plan educational programs for PD patients and caregivers.

Propolis Component Not a Risk for Drug Interaction

Effects of an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis on human cytochrome P450 enzyme activities in vitro

J. Agric. Food Chem

Publication Date (Web): October 31, 2014

Supplement-drug interaction on CYP enzyme activity are occasionally found to cause clinically adverse events, and no report on interactions of propolis is available either in vitro or clinical. In this study, we tried to estimate the risk of an interaction between an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEP-B55) and drugs in vitro and in vivo. The activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 were attenuated by EEP-B55 in a concentration-dependent manner, and artepillin C, kaenpferide, dihydrokaempferide, isosakuranetin, and kaempferol were estimated to have potential for CYP inhibition. The IC50 values of artepillin C for each CYP were approximately 33-fold higher than its Cmax in the blood of rats after dosing with 5-fold the recommended daily intake of EEP-B55. These findings suggest that liver CYP enzyme activities are not markedly affected by artepillin C at the recommended daily intake of EEP-B55.

Bee Venom Gland an Important Source of Antimicrobial Substances

A scientific note on the first report of honeybee venom inhibiting Paenibacillus larvae growth

Apidologie

November 2014, Volume 45, Issue 6, pp 719-721

In the eusocial honeybee, Apis mellifera, worker bees use a stinging apparatus for defense. The sting is supplied with venom by glands localized in the abdomen. Honeybee venom (BV) is composed of at least 18 bioactive molecules, ranging from biogenic amines to proteins whose structure and function have been largely determined. These include peptides such as melittin, apamin, adolapin, and mast cell degranulating peptide; biologically active amines; enzymes as phospholipase A2 (PLA2); and a few nonpeptide components (Peiren et al. 2005; Matysiak et al. 2011). Melittin and PLA2 are the most abundant proteins, representing 50 and 12 % of BV dry weight, respectively.

Furthermore, the venom gland has been recently reported as an important source of antimicrobial substances with proven antibacterial and antifungal action (Yu et al. 2012; Han et al. 2013). Nevertheless, data about the effects of BV on infectious pathogens of honeybees are previously absent from the literature…