Anti-Aging Serum Contains Bee Products

Sciote Advanced Bio Serum Review
Truth in Aging, 1/30/2015

I had the opportunity to test the Sciote Advanced Bio Serum ($70). This serum contains bee by-products, combined with antioxidants and "plant bio-actives," which help improve the texture and appearance of the skin by reducing redness and calming rosacea. It worked for me.

I initially used the Sciote Advanced Bio Serum on only one side of my face for about four weeks. I have had positive results, but I need to explain my skin type for you to understand why I think this worked for me. I am 50 years old and have dry, sensitive, sun-damaged skin that is prone to breakouts and redness. I used this serum along with other facial products, including a prescription for acne, a moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF 30) and a calming moisturizer as a last step in the line-up. The Sciote serum is a fragrance-free, colorless, light gel that I used morning and night. It plays well with other products and didn't seem to mind where in the order of my regimen it was placed, although I usually used it after my prescription and before the moisturizers and sunscreen.

It is important to note I have had success in the past using bee-related products, like Royal Nectar's face mask and moisturizer. For my skin, bee products seem to do a good job of addressing inflammation, reducing redness and tightening slightly (without dryness). Sure enough, this Sciote serum contains bee propolis and royal jelly, plus gotu kola, and had a similar effect.

I read that humans have been using propolis (used by bees to coat their hives) for thousands of years for many purposes, but primarily on wounds to fight infection; propolis does indeed have antiseptic properties. Royal jelly is produced by worker honey bees and typically contains about 60% to 70% water, 12% to 15% proteins, 10% to 16% sugar, 3% to 6% fats, and 2% to 3% vitamins, salts, and amino acids; it is used for various ailments including skin disorders…

Apitherapy Scientist a Finalist for New Zealand's Innovator of the Year Award

Acclaim spreads for honey's greatest fan
Bay of Plenty Times, 1/27/2015

A Tauranga-based scientist who developed honey-based products with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is a finalist for New Zealand's Innovator of the Year award.

Shaun Holt is co-founder and science director of HoneyLab, which is conducting the world's largest clinical research programme on the medical use of honey and bee products for dermatology, nutrition and pain management...

Red Propolis May Help Treat High Blood Pressure

Brazilian red propolis attenuates hypertension and renal damage in 5/6 renal ablation model

PLoS One. 2015 Jan 21;10(1):e0116535

The pathogenic role of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well known. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidant drugs has demonstrated significant renoprotection in experimental nephropathies. 

Moreover, the inclusion of natural antioxidants derived from food and herbal extracts (such as polyphenols, curcumin and lycopene) as an adjuvant therapy for slowing CKD progression has been largely tested. Brazilian propolis is a honeybee product, whose anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects have been widely shown in models of sepsis, cancer, skin irritation and liver fibrosis. Furthermore, previous studies demonstrated that this compound promotes vasodilation and reduces hypertension. However, potential renoprotective effects of propolis in CKD have never been investigated.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a subtype of Brazilian propolis, the Red Propolis (RP), in the 5/6 renal ablation model (Nx). Adult male Wistar rats underwent Nx and were divided into untreated (Nx) and RP-treated (Nx+RP) groups, after 30 days of surgery; when rats already exhibited marked hypertension and proteinuria. Animals were observed for 90 days from the surgery day, when Nx+RP group showed significant reduction of hypertension, proteinuria, serum creatinine retention, glomerulosclerosis, renal macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress, compared to age-matched untreated Nx rats, which worsened progressively over time.

In conclusion, RP treatment attenuated hypertension and structural renal damage in Nx model. Reduction of renal inflammation and oxidative stress could be a plausible mechanism to explain this renoprotection.

Invitation to the XIII-th. German Apitherapy Congress with International Participation

Dear All,

I am happy to let you know that you can find now in www.apitherapie.de the preliminary program + the application forms + details on the venue of our international event.

We already have confirmations of participation from several countries including Canada, France, Indonesia, Lithuania, Belgium, Austria and of course from Romania and Germany.

If you send us your registration before February 15-th., you will benefit of our attractive early bird registration fees.

This year we will discuss on new topics related to Apitherapy, including on new beehive air therapy related devices.

Also, for the first time, we will organize international photo and bee products quality contests.

If interested to learn more, together with us, on this fascinating field named Apitherapy, please come to Germany end of March!

Also,please kindly forward this e-mail to all your best friends and colleagues.

Thank you very much!

Best regards from Romania,

Dr Stefan Stangaciu

President of the Romanian and German Apitherapy Societies.
Secretary General of the International Federation of Apitherapy

E-mail: drstangaciu@gmail.com + drstangaciu@apitherapy.com
www.Apitherapy.com + www.Apitherapie.de + www.apiterapie.ro
Skype ID: dr.stefan.stangaciu
http://www.facebook.com/drstangaciu

Cardiac Effects of Mad Honey Poisoning

Cardiac Effects of Mad Honey Poisoning and Its Management in Emergency Department: A Review from Turkey
Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2015 Jan 23

Mad honey poisoning occurs when honey containing grayanotoxin is digested. The most common clinical signs and symptoms of poisoning involve findings of digestive system irritation, severe bradycardia and hypotension and central nervous system reaction.

In this review, we aimed to underline the cardiac effects of mad honey poisoning. We also aimed to raise the awareness of physicians about early diagnosis and treatment of this rare entity.

Manuka Honey Used to Treat Athlete’s Foot

What Are The Benefits of Manuka Honey?
The Huffington Post Canada, 1/23/2015

Nutritionists have been telling us to avoid processed foods and sugar, so it's no surprise that ingredients from different parts of the world are taking up space in our pantry to replace them.

Manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand, is one of those superfoods that claims to help a host of ailments all in one teaspoonful. It's collected from honeybees that forage at native manuka (or tea tree) trees in New Zealand, according to the NHS. Tea tree is well-known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity.

The active ingredient in the honey, methylglyoxal (MG) has been given a rating known as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor), which helps to differentiate the honey between the many fake products sold on the market. A rating of 10 or higher is considered therapeutic, explains DrWeil.com…

If you're suffering from a fungal infection like athlete's foot, nail fungus or ringworm, manuka honey could help clear it up. Put the honey on the affected area, instructs HealthRemediesWeb.com, and cover with cotton socks.

New Manuka Honey Wound Dressings

David Navazio Announces New Gentell Wound Care Products Made With Honey

Gentell Honey Gauze “Manuka” Dressing and Gentell Honey Alginate Dressing, both made with medical grade honey, are designed to treat wet or dry wounds.

Bristol, PA (PRWEB) January 24, 2015

David Navazio, Executive Vice President and Founder of Gentell, Inc. (http://www.gentell.com), a leading manufacturer of wound and skin care products, recently announced the availability of two new wound care products designed to be highly effective in treating both wet and dry wounds.

Gentell Honey Gauze Dressing, impregnated with 100% Leptospermum (Manuka) Medical Grade Honey, helps promote moist healing in challenging wounds and burns exhibiting low volumes of exudate (fluid). Gentell Honey Alginate Dressing, also infused with 100% Leptospermum Medical Grade Honey, supports moist healing in challenging wounds and burns exhibiting higher volumes of exudate. Gentell offers the Honey Gauze Dressing in 4” x 4”, and the Honey Alginate Dressings in 2”x 2” and 4.5” x 4.5” sizes.

“The use of medical grade honey for the treatment of aggressive or chronic wounds is currently resurging in popularity,” David Navazio observed. “A growing number of customers have inquired specifically about wound products designed with medical grade honey. We introduced Gentell gauze and calcium alginate dressings to meet the growing demand.”…

Honey is a Natural Cure

5 First Aid Options That Are In Your Kitchen Right Now

Health AIM, 1/23/2015

Providing an appropriate first aid is crucial in dealing with a sudden onset of injury or illness. It is always advisable to keep a professional first aid kit to combat major emergencies. But what would you do while dealing with minor ailments that really do not require a visit to the doctor? Here is a list of things that can come in handy while dealing with minor health issues. Interesting thing is that you may already have them in your kitchen.

Honey: Honey is a natural cure, if you are suffering with a terrible hangover. The antioxidants present in honey detoxify the body and provide a soothing effect. The potassium content helps with salt imbalance as well. Manuka honey, extracted from manuka tree common in Australia and New Zealand, can be extremely helpful when it comes to minor wounds and skin infections. The antibacterial properties are a result of a compound called Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)…

Brazilian Red Propolis Prevents Kidney Damage

Brazilian Red Propolis Attenuates Hypertension and Renal Damage in 5/6 Renal Ablation Model
PLoS One. 2015 Jan 21;10(1):e0116535

The pathogenic role of inflammation and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well known. Anti-inflammatories and antioxidant drugs has demonstrated significant renoprotection in experimental nephropathies. Moreover, the inclusion of natural antioxidants derived from food and herbal extracts (such as polyphenols, curcumin and lycopene) as an adjuvant therapy for slowing CKD progression has been largely tested. Brazilian propolis is a honeybee product, whose anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects have been widely shown in models of sepsis, cancer, skin irritation and liver fibrosis. Furthermore, previous studies demonstrated that this compound promotes vasodilation and reduces hypertension. However, potential renoprotective effects of propolis in CKD have never been investigated.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a subtype of Brazilian propolis, the Red Propolis (RP), in the 5/6 renal ablation model (Nx). Adult male Wistar rats underwent Nx and were divided into untreated (Nx) and RP-treated (Nx+RP) groups, after 30 days of surgery; when rats already exhibited marked hypertension and proteinuria. Animals were observed for 90 days from the surgery day, when Nx+RP group showed significant reduction of hypertension, proteinuria, serum creatinine retention, glomerulosclerosis, renal macrophage infiltration and oxidative stress, compared to age-matched untreated Nx rats, which worsened progressively over time.

In conclusion, RP treatment attenuated hypertension and structural renal damage in Nx model. Reduction of renal inflammation and oxidative stress could be a plausible mechanism to explain this renoprotection.

Allergy After Ingestion of Bee-Gathered Pollen: Influence of Botanical Origins

Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, Published Online: January 16, 2015

Bee-gathered pollen is increasingly consumed around the world because of its purported nutritive and therapeutic values. Although rare, ingested pollens can induce severe adverse reactions, particularly in allergic individuals. These risks are exacerbated by the fact that products sold as “bee pollen” are made up of variable content, making them difficult to characterize and standardize. Until recently, several case reports reviewed by Jagdis and Sussman have described anaphylactic reactions after ingesting bee pollen supplements.

New Zealand Manuka Trial Scheme Pleasing

Sun Live, 1/21/2015

A trial scheme along a small plantation for manuka honey and oil on the Rangitaiki riverbank is providing pleasing results.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is working with the Rangitaiki River Forum, Maori Lands Trusts, local landowners, Trust Power and Manuka Bioactives Limited to trial the scheme.

The international market for manuka products is strong and may provide an opportunity for landholders to plant a native species in marginal land areas to generate a small income...

Bee Venom May Help Treat Acne

Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jan 19;1:CD009436

BACKGROUND:

Acne is a chronic skin disease characterised by inflamed spots and blackheads on the face, neck, back, and chest. Cysts and scarring can also occur, especially in more severe disease. People with acne often turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary modifications, because of their concerns about the adverse effects of conventional medicines. However, evidence for CAM therapies has not been systematically assessed.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effects and safety of any complementary therapies in people with acne vulgaris.

SEARCH METHODS:

We searched the following databases from inception up to 22 January 2014: the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2014,Issue 1), MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from 1974), PsycINFO (from 1806), AMED (from 1985), CINAHL (from 1981), Scopus (from 1966), and a number of other databases listed in the Methods section of the review. The Cochrane CAM Field Specialised Register was searched up to May 2014. We also searched five trials registers and checked the reference lists of articles for further references to relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

We included parallel-group randomised controlled trials (or the first phase data of randomised cross-over trials) of any kind of CAM, compared with no treatment, placebo, or other active therapies, in people with a diagnosis of acne vulgaris.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:

Three authors collected data from each included trial and evaluated the methodological quality independently. They resolved disagreements by discussion and, as needed, arbitration by another author.

MAIN RESULTS:

We included 35 studies, with a total of 3227 participants. We evaluated the majority as having unclear risk of selection, attrition, reporting, detection, and other biases. Because of the clinical heterogeneity between trials and the incomplete data reporting, we could only include four trials in two meta-analyses, with two trials in each meta-analysis. The categories of CAM included herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, diet, purified bee venom (PBV), and tea tree oil. A pharmaceutical company funded one trial; the other trials did not report their funding sources.Our main primary outcome was 'Improvement of clinical signs assessed through skin lesion counts', which we have reported as 'Change in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts', 'Change of total skin lesion counts', 'Skin lesion scores', and 'Change of acne severity score'. For 'Change in inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts', we combined 2 studies that compared a low- with a high-glycaemic-load diet (LGLD, HGLD) at 12 weeks and found no clear evidence of a difference between the groups in change in non-inflammatory lesion counts (mean difference (MD) -3.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) -10.07 to 2.29, P = 0.10, 75 participants, 2 trials, low quality of evidence). However, although data from 1 of these 2 trials showed benefit of LGLD for reducing inflammatory lesions (MD -7.60, 95% CI -13.52 to -1.68, 43 participants, 1 trial) and total skin lesion counts (MD -8.10, 95% CI -14.89 to -1.31, 43 participants, 1 trial) for people with acne vulgaris, data regarding inflammatory and total lesion counts from the other study were incomplete and unusable in synthesis.Data from a single trial showed potential benefit of tea tree oil compared with placebo in improving total skin lesion counts (MD -7.53, 95% CI -10.40 to -4.66, 60 participants, 1 trial, low quality of evidence) and acne severity scores (MD -5.75, 95% CI -9.51 to -1.99, 60 participants, 1 trial). Another trial showed pollen bee venom to be better than control in reducing numbers of skin lesions (MD -1.17, 95% CI -2.06 to -0.28, 12 participants, 1 trial).Results from the other 31 trials showed inconsistent effects in terms of whether acupuncture, herbal medicine, or wet-cupping therapy were superior to controls in increasing remission or reducing skin lesions.Twenty-six of the 35 included studies reported adverse effects; they did not report any severe adverse events, but specific included trials reported mild adverse effects from herbal medicines, wet-cupping therapy, and tea tree oil gel.Thirty trials measured two of our secondary outcomes, which we combined and expressed as 'Number of participants with remission'. We were able to combine 2 studies (low quality of evidence), which compared Ziyin Qinggan Xiaocuo Granule and the antibiotic, minocycline (100 mg daily) (worst case = risk ratio (RR) 0.49, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.53, 2 trials, 206 participants at 4 weeks; best case = RR 2.82, 95% CI 0.82 to 9.06, 2 trials, 206 participants at 4 weeks), but there was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups.None of the included studies assessed 'Psychosocial function'.Two studies assessed 'Quality of life', and significant differences in favour of the complementary therapy were found in both of them on 'feelings of self-worth' (MD 1.51, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.14, P < 0.00001, 1 trial, 70 participants; MD 1.26, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.32, 1 trial, 46 participants) and emotional functionality (MD 2.20, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.65, P < 0.00001, 1 trial, 70 participants; MD 0.93, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.69, 1 trial, 46 participants).Because of limitations and concerns about the quality of the included studies, we could not draw a robust conclusion for consistency, size, and direction of outcome effects in this review.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:

There is some low-quality evidence from single trials that LGLD, tea tree oil, and bee venom may reduce total skin lesions in acne vulgaris, but there is a lack of evidence from the current review to support the use of other CAMs, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, or wet-cupping therapy, for the treatment of this condition. There is a potential for adverse effects from herbal medicines; however, future studies need to assess the safety of all of these CAM therapies. Methodological and reporting quality limitations in the included studies weakened any evidence. Future studies should be designed to ensure low risk of bias and meet current reporting standards for clinical trials.

Royal Jelly Increases Nuclear Maturation and GSH Synthesis

305 royal jelly treatment during oocyte maturation improves in vitro meiotic competence of goat oocytes by influencing intracellular glutathione synthesis and apoptosis gene expression
Reprod Fertil Dev. 2014 Dec;27(1):241. doi: 10.1071/RDv27n1Ab305.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a secretion product from the cephalic glands of nurse bees that has extraordinary properties and remarkable health effects. Over the years, antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties of RJ have been experimentally investigated. Here we hypothesised that supplementary RJ in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium would (i) improve cumulus expansion (ii) oocyte nuclear maturation, (iii) glutathione (GSH) content, and (iv) mitochondrial activity, and (v) also affect the mRNA abundance of the (Bax, Bcl-2, and p53) transcripts involved in oocyte apoptosis.

To test these hypotheses, goat ovaries were collected from a local abattoir and transported to the laboratory. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) with multilayered compact cumulus investment and evenly granulated cytoplasm were selected and randomly allocated to the experiments. To evaluate the effects of RJ on meiotic competence after maturation in vitro, IVM medium was supplemented with concentration of 0.0 (RJ-0), 2.5 (RJ-2.5), 5.0 (RJ-5), and 10.0 (RJ-10) mgmL(-1) of RJ. After IVM, oocytes of each group were evaluated for cumulus expansion (visual assessment), stage of nuclear maturation (Hoechst staining), intracellular level of GSH (Cell Tracker blue staining), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Deep Red staining), and relative expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 genes (qRT-PCR assay). Differences were analysed for significance by one-way ANOVA using SAS version 8.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), considering P < 0.05 to be significant. Supplementation of the maturation media with RJ did not appear to affect cumulus expansion (P > 0.05).

Our results revealed that maturation rate was higher (88.0%) in the RJ-10 group when compared with the RJ-2.5 (71.5%) and control (RJ-0) groups (60.0%; P < 0.05), but similar with the RJ-5 group (81%; P > 0.05). A higher (P < 0.05) GSH content was detected when comparisons were made between each concentration of RJ-treated (i.e. RJ-2.5, RJ-5, and RJ-10) oocytes and the control (RJ-0) oocytes; however the differences were not significant when RJ groups were compared. No difference (P>0.05) was observed among RJ-treated and untreated oocytes regarding their mitochondrial activity after IVM. Based on these results, the concentration of 10mgmL(-1) (RJ-10) was selected for evaluation of Bax, Bcl-2, and p53 transcripts abundance.

Our results revealed that the expression of Bax mRNA was decreased (P < 0.05) in RJ-10 group when compared with control (RJ-0) group. Furthermore, there was an increased (P < 0.05) expression of Bcl-2 transcripts in RJ-10 group when compared to the control (RJ-0) group. The p53 transcript also tended to be higher in RJ-10 group than in the control (RJ-0) group, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, results of this study showed that adding RJ to maturation medium at optimum concentration increased the nuclear maturation and GSH synthesis, but not activity of the mitochondria; this improvement was associated with expression of apoptosis-related genes in goat oocytes.

Honey, Propolis Component Has Anti-Cancer Activity

Chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of chrysin in cancer: mechanistic perspectives
Toxicol Lett. 2015 Jan 14. pii: S0378-4274(15)00020-X

Chrysin, a naturally occurring flavone, abundantly found in numerous plant extracts including propolis and in honey is one of the most widely used herbal medicine in Asian countries. Nowadays, chrysin has become the foremost candidate exhibiting health benefits, owing to its multiple bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-estrogenic, antibacterial and antitumor activities. Anticancer activity is most promising among the multiple pharmacological effects displayed by chrysin. In vitro and in vivo models have shown that chrysin inhibits cancer growth through induction of apoptosis, alteration of cell cycle and inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis without causing any toxicity and undesirable side effects to normal cells. Chrysin displays these effects through selective modulation of multiple cell signaling pathways which are linked to inflammation, survival, growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. This broad spectrum of antitumor activity in conjunction with low toxicity underscores the translational value of chrysin in cancer therapy. The present review highlights the chemopreventive and therapeutic effects, molecular targets and antineoplastic mechanisms that contribute to the observed anticancer activity of chrysin.

Honey Dressing vs. Povidone Iodine Dressing

Indian Journal of Surgery

November 2014

Dear editor, we would like to discuss on the publication on “Honey Dressing vs. Povidone Iodine Dressing [1].” Gulati et al. concluded that “Honey dressing is highly effective in achieving healing in chronic wounds as compared to Povidone iodine dressing [1].” In fact, the usefulness of honey in wound care is acceptable and honey is widely used. It is approved for the antibacterial activity and proposed to be a good therapeutic agent for infectious diseases [2]. However, the important consideration is the possible contamination of honey. Honey is reported for high contamination by Clostridium pathogen that can cause botulism [3]. To use honey in surgery, good preparation and sanitation control is needed.

Honey a Potential Antigiardial Agent

Antigiardial activity of glycoproteins and glycopeptides from Ziziphus honey

Nat Prod Res. 2015 Jan 14:1-3

Natural honey contains an array of glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycopeptides. Size-exclusion chromatography fractionated Ziziphus honey proteins into five peaks with molecular masses in the range from 10 to >200 kDa. The fractionated proteins exhibited in vitro activities against Giardia lamblia with IC50 values ≤ 25 μg/mL. Results indicated that honey proteins were more active as antiprotozoal agents than metronidazole. This study indicated the potential of honey proteins and peptides as novel antigiardial agents.

Bee Venom Accupunture Delay Development and Progression of Neurodegenerative Disorder

Bee Venom Acupuncture Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Upregulating Regulatory T Cells and Suppressing Th1 and Th17 Responses

Mol Neurobiol. 2015 Jan 13

The protective and therapeutic mechanism of bee venom acupuncture (BVA) in neurodegenerative disorders is not clear. We investigated whether treatment with BVA (0.25 and 0.8 mg/kg) at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoints, located lateral from the anterior border of the tibia, has a beneficial effect in a myelin basic protein (MBP)68-82-induced acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rat model. Pretreatment (every 3 days from 1 h before immunization) with BVA was more effective than posttreatment (daily after immunization) with BVA with respect to clinical signs (neurological impairment and loss of body weight) of acute EAE rats.

Treatment with BVA at the ST36 acupoint in normal rats did not induce the clinical signs. Pretreatment with BVA suppressed demyelination, glial activation, expression of cytokines [interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-1β], chemokines [RANTES, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α], and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB (p65 and phospho-IκBα) signaling pathways in the spinal cord of acute EAE rats.

Pretreatment with BVA decreased the number of CD4+, CD4+/IFN-γ+, and CD4+/IL-17+ T cells, but increased the number of CD4+/Foxp3+ T cells in the spinal cord and lymph nodes of acute EAE rats. Treatment with BVA at six placebo acupoints (SP9, GB39, and four non-acupoints) did not have a positive effect in acute EAE rats.

Interestingly, onset and posttreatment with BVA at the ST36 acupoint markedly attenuated neurological impairment in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55-induced chronic EAE mice compared to treatment with BVA at six placebo acupoints. Our findings strongly suggest that treatment with BVA with ST36 acupoint could delay or attenuate the development and progression of EAE by upregulating regulatory T cells and suppressing T-helper (Th) 17 and Th1 responses.

These results warrant further investigation of BVA as a treatment for autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system.

Honey and Pollen Pose Little Threat Due to Lethality of Bees

Organophosphorus insecticides in honey, pollen and bees (Apis mellifera L.) and their potential hazard to bee colonies in Egypt

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2015 Jan 6;114C:1-8

There is no clear single factor to date that explains colony loss in bees, but one factor proposed is the wide-spread application of agrochemicals. Concentrations of 14 organophosphorous insecticides (OPs) in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and hive matrices (honey and pollen) were measured to assess their hazard to honey bees.

Samples were collected during spring and summer of 2013, from 5 provinces in the middle delta of Egypt. LC/MS-MS was used to identify and quantify individual OPs by use of a modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) method. Pesticides were detected more frequently in samples collected during summer. Pollen contained the greatest concentrations of OPs. Profenofos, chlorpyrifos, malation and diazinon were the most frequently detected OPs. In contrast, ethoprop, phorate, coumaphos and chlorpyrifos-oxon were not detected. A toxic units approach, with lethality as the endpoint was used in an additive model to assess the cumulative potential for adverse effects posed by OPs.

Hazard quotients (HQs) in honey and pollen ranged from 0.01-0.05 during spring and from 0.02-0.08 during summer, respectively. HQs based on lethality due to direct exposure of adult worker bees to OPs during spring and summer ranged from 0.04 to 0.1 for best and worst case respectively. It is concluded that direct exposure and/or dietary exposure to OPs in honey and pollen pose little threat due to lethality of bees in Egypt.

March Apitherapy Course in North Carolina

Learn more about Apitherapy for your health and beauty by enrolling in our Apitherapy Course that will be taught in the Lenoir-Rhyne University, Center for Graduate Studies, Asheville, NC.
 
Within a couple weeks before the class, you will receive a syllabus with information about each section of the course. Your instructors are Lady Spirit Moon, Certified Apitherapist, Master Herbalist, Nutrition Consultant, and Certified Beekeeper; and Dr. Norul Badriah Hassan, pharmacologist from the University of Malaysia, Medical Sciences, and beekeeper.
 
COURSE CONTENT

You will learn how to use all the products from the hive by creating your own formulas for health and beauty. There will also be a demonstration of micro and full bee stings.
 
WHEN

The course starts Friday, March 20, 6-9pm; Saturday, March 21, 9 am – 5 pm with a catered lunch; and Sunday, March 22, 9 am-12 am.

Could honeybees help with human hair loss?

Charlotte Observer, 1/11/2015

A substance from honeybee hives might contain clues for developing a potential new therapy for human baldness: a material called propolis that encouraged hair growth in mice.

Propolis is a resinlike material that honeybees use to seal small gaps in their hives. It works as a physical barrier – but also contains active compounds that fight fungal and bacterial invasions. People from ancient times had noticed propolis’ special properties and used it to treat tumors, inflammation and wounds. Research has also shown that the substance promotes the growth of certain cells involved in hair growth, though no one had yet tested whether that in turn would result in new locks...

Apitherapy Day in Ohio February 21, 2015

DATE:  Saturday, February 21, 2015
TIME:  8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
PLACE:  Pittsfield Township Hall, State Road 303 at Ohio Route 58 between Oberlin and Wellington, Ohio

The speakers will be Donald Downs, Jim Higgins, and Jerry Catana, Gary Standing, Trish Banus and many testimonies from people who use apitherapy.

The program is free (donations are accepted).  There will be a pot luck lunch, bring a dish to pass.

Come and learn about the health benefits of apitherapy.

For more information contact:

Donald Downs, 440 647 2483

Jerry Catana, 586-463-2325    

Bee Venom a Promising Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Immunomodulatory effects of bee venom in human synovial fibroblast cell line
Iran J Pharm Res. 2015 Winter;14(1):313-20.

As in Iranian traditional medicine, bee venom (BV) is a promising treatment for the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is considered as a problematic human chronic inflammatory disease in the present time.

Smoking is considered to be a major risk factor in RA onset and severity. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of BV on cigarette smoke-induced inflammatory response in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Cytotoxicity of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) and bee venom were determined by the tetrazolium (MTT) method in cultured synovial fibroblastes. The expression of interleukin-1β and sirtuin1 mRNA were analyzed by SYBR green real-time quantitative PCR. Differences between the mean values of treated and untreated groups were assessed by student t-test. Based on MTT assay, CSC and BV did not exert any significant cytotoxic effects up to 40 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL, respectively.

Our results showed that interleukin-1β mRNA level was significantly up-regulated by CSC treatments in LPS-stimulated synoviocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, the expressions of IL-1β and Sirt1 were up-regulated even in lower concentrations of BV and attenuated at higher concentrations. Also, BV attenuated the CSC-induced and LPS-induced inflammatory responses in synovial fibroblasts.

Our results support the epidemiological studies indicating pro-inflammatory effects of CSC and anti-inflammatory effects of BV on FLS cell line.

Iranian Propolis Protects Against Gastric Cancer

Chemoprotection of MNNG-initiated Gastric Cancer in Rats Using Iranian Propolis

Arch Iran Med. 2015 Jan;18(1):18-23

BACKGROUND:

Iranian propolis is a natural product of honeybees that has significant and varied anti-cancer benefits. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Iranian propolis on gastric tissue carcinogenesis in an animal model.

METHODS:

Propolis samples were collected from Hamadan and Taleghan districts of Iran, followed by ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Fifty-five rats were divided into three groups; control, Taleghan propolis and Hamadan propolis. All the animals received N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 100 μg/ml) in drinking water ad libitum for 34 weeks. In the treated groups, nutrition with propolis was started two weeks before MNNG administration. At the end of the study, the entire gastrointestinal tract was scrutinized for tumors, and the rest of the body was assessed for metastatic deposits.

RESULTS:

Results indicated that the incidence and number of tumors were significantly decreased by propolis in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). The nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, epithelial stratification, nuclear dispolarity, structural abnormality, and Beta-catenin and Bcl-2 proteins expression were significantly reduced in the propolis group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, Bax protein expression was significantly increased in the propolis group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

The present study demonstrated the potential chemoprotective effects of the Iranian propolis against gastric cancer in a typical animal model. The results provide evidence for the hypothesis that Iranian propolis may exert a chemoprotective effect on MNNG-initiated gastric cancer through inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis induction.

Bee Pollen is the New Manuka Honey

Independent, 1/7/2015

Every health hipster has a jar of manuka honey on their shelves - if they can afford it that is, a jar can cost about £15. But many claim it is worth its weight in gold, due to its unique antibacterial properties. Traditionally it was used on wounds, but many also claim that it performs miracles combatting cholesterol, diabetes, cancer and digestive problems (although the science is limited). Now bee pollen is the latest ‘superfood’ out there - thought to ward off colds, limit food cravings, improve skin tone, ward off allergies like hay fever (although some caution that it may exacerbate them) and, of course, fight cancer. Again, the science behind these claims is dubious - but it certainly adds a nice sweetness to your morning porridge.

Propolis Comonent May Help Treat Dermatitis

Suppression of skin inflammation in keratinocytes and acute/chronic disease models by caffeic acid phenethyl ester

Archives of Dermatological Research

Date: 12 Dec 2014

Skin inflammation plays a central role in the pathophysiology and symptoms of diverse chronic skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, we examined if caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a skin-permeable bioactive compound from propolis, was protective against skin inflammation using in vitro cell system and in vivo animal disease models. CAPE suppressed TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The potency and efficacy of CAPE were superior to those of a non-phenethyl derivative, caffeic acid. Consistently, topical treatment of CAPE (0.5 %) attenuated 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate(TPA)-induced skin inflammation on mouse ear as CAPE reduced ear swelling and histologic inflammation scores. CAPE suppressed increased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules such as TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase in TPA-stimulated skin. TPA-induced phosphorylation of IκB and ERK was blocked by CAPE suggesting that protective effects of CAPE on skin inflammation is attributed to inhibition of NF-κB activation. Most importantly, in an oxazolone-induced chronic dermatitis model, topical application of CAPE (0.5 and 1 %) was effective in alleviating AD-like symptoms such as increases of trans-epidermal water loss, skin thickening and serum IgE as well as histologic inflammation assessment. Collectively, our results propose CAPE as a promising candidate for a novel topical drug for skin inflammatory diseases.

Honey and Bee Venom Proposed as Treatment Option for Psoriasis

Honey and bee venom in dermatology: A novel possible alternative or complimentary therapy for psoriasis vulgaris

Anc Sci Life. 2014 Jan-Mar; 33(3): 192–193

Sir,

In this communication, we propose a hypothesis of honey and bee venom which has been used in the Ayurvedic treatments of arthritis, wounds, eczemas, and dermatitis to be a possible treatment option for psoriasis.

Honey is a carbohydrate-rich compound derived from floral and other plants nectars modified by honeybee, Apis mellifera. Bee honey has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant properties due to its osmotic effect, hydrogen peroxide content, and high acidity. Treatment options of the venom components of this order have been widely studied in the literature.[1] It has been well-documented that undiluted honey inhibits the growth of organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.[2,3] Jeddar et al. reported that honey at 40% concentration was bactericidal to certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.[2] Honey improves wound-healing, and it can be used as a wound-dressing.[4] It has been also reported that bee honey and venom regimens had been used in the Ayurvedic and folkloric treatments of arthritis, eczemas, and dermatitis.[5] Recent reports confirm that the honey is efficient in the treatment of venous and pressure ulcers.[6,7]

Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) method is a kind of herbal acupuncture performed with diluted honey bee venom and used efficiently in the treatment of various diseases.[8] BVA can be used into acupoints or ashi points on the body.[9] It has been reported that BVA had analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-arthritic effects Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune, and inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the progressive destruction of synovial membranes and articular surfaces. CD4 + T cells have a major role in the inflammation of the disease with release of the various inflammatory cytokine productions such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 (IL-1). The major aims of treatment in RA are relief of the pain, prevention of disability, and reduction of inflammation.[10] Recent studies reported that BVA is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of RA.[10,11,12,13,14] Kwon et al. reported that BVA is a clinically effective and safe method for relieving pain in the patients with knee arthritis.[11] Suh et al. stated that BVA decreased the proteolytic enzyme activity and free-radical induced protein damage in the synovial fluid in an animal model.[14] Bee venom has been reported to inhibit macrophages and lymphocytes and to decrease the infiltration of the leukocytes and fibroblast to synovium. It causes a reduction of the amount of the cytokines such as CD54, CD56, IL-1, and IL-2.[12] Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by erythematous and scaling plaques. The etiopathogenesis of the disease has not been clarified yet, but it has been showed that Th2 cell activity and IL-2 production are reduced in the disease.[15] Elevated levels IL-1 α- and β-mRNA were found to be expressed in the keratinocytes cultured from the psoriatic lesions.[16] We propose that bee venom therapy may be an alternative therapeutic option in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris that shares the similar pathway with RA. Multicenter and controlled studies may be considered out to clarify this hypothesis.

Propolis May Help Prevent Tooth Decay

Propolis - based chitosan varnish: drug delivery, controlled release and antimicrobial activity against oral pathogen bacteria

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014
Published: 12 December 2014

Background

Dental caries is the most prevalent oral disease in several Asian and Latin American countries. It is an infectious disease and different types of bacteria are involved in the process. Synthetic antimicrobials are used against this disease; however, many of these substances cause unwarranted undesirable effects like vomiting, diarrhea and tooth staining. Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees, has been used to control the oral microbiota. So, the objective of this study was to develop and characterize sustained-release propolis-based chitosan varnish useful on dental cariogenic biofilm prevention, besides the in vitro antimicrobial activity.

Methods

Three formulations of propolis - based chitosan varnish (PCV) containing different concentrations (5%, 10% and 15%) were produced by dissolution of propolis with chitosan on hydro-alcoholic vehicle. Bovine teeth were used for testing adhesion of coatings and to observe the controlled release of propolis associated with varnish. It was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, casting time, diffusion test in vitro antimicrobial activity and controlled release. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested for the main microorganisms involved in the cariogenic biofilm through the microdilution test in 96-well plates.

Results

The formulations presented a tooth surface adherence and were able to form films very fast on bovine tooth surface. Also, propolis-based chitosan varnishes have shown antimicrobial activity similar to or better than chlorhexidine varnish against all oral pathogen bacteria. All microorganisms were sensitive to propolis varnish and chitosan. MIC and MBC for microorganisms of cariogenic biofilme showed better results than chlorhexidine. Propolis active components were released for more than one week.

Conclusion

All developed formulations turn them, 5%, 10% and 15% propolis content varnish, into products suitable for clinical application on dental caries prevention field, deserving clinical studies to confirm its in vivo activity.

Sesame Honey Exhibits Probiotic Activity

Evaluation of antioxidative, antibacterial and probiotic growth stimulatory activities of Sesamum indicum honey containing phenolic compounds and lignans
LWT - Food Science and Technology
Volume 61, Issue 1, April 2015, Pages 244–250

Seven Sesamum indicum (sesame) honey samples were collected from Hooghly district of West Bengal, India and analyzed for polyphenol and flavonoid content along with their in vitro free radical scavenging activities.

Antibacterial activity and stimulatory effect on multiplication of probiotic bacteria were evaluated. Antioxidant markers like IC50 value for DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) of sesame honey were positively correlated to its polyphenolic content (28.9 ± 0.6 mg GAE/100 g) and color intensity (r ranges between 0.872 and 0.931). Four flavonoids viz., apigenin, quercetin, myricetin, rutin have been identified along with one cinnamic acid derivative (ferulic acid) and two sesame lignans (sesamin and episesamin) by High performance liquid chromatography which can be used as a tool for authentication of sesame honey. Antibacterial activity of sesame honey against some enteropathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, S. Typhi, S. Typhimurium were studied. Minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be lowest against S. Typhi (12.5% w/v) and S. Typhimurium (12.5% w/v).

Plasmid DNA degradation by sesame honey administration evinced its molecular level of action. Interestingly, it was also found that sesame honey exhibited significant growth promoting property of probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.

3 Bee Products You Should Be Using Every Day

Macro Insider

…Here are three bee goods to improve your health.

1. Raw Honey

In her six-week life span, a honeybee will only create a quarter of a teaspoon of honey. Believe of the cooperation that is essential to achieve this the subsequent time you come across a jar. The ancient Greeks referred to honey as the "nectar of the gods" simply because the positive aspects of raw honey are quite a few.

Honey, which is literally bee vomit, is both antibacterial and anti fungal – so a great deal so that it is the only food that by no means spoils. This liquid gold is so potent that it's been shown to even kill the deadly bacteria MRSA! Honey is also loaded with minerals, enzymes and antioxidants, and can be utilized against coughs, to treat burns, to build up your immune program, as wound dressing, and even as a face mask.

Preferably, you should really pick out a honey from a trusted supply since oftentimes grocery honey has been heated, which means it really is virtually dead of any nutrients. And to cut expenses, it can include other points such as rice syrup.

Honey is like wine because so quite a few variables impact the taste and the high-quality. Weather makes a distinction in addition to what the bees are pollinating in the region. There are about 300 distinct varieties of honey.

2. Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a white gooey substance that the bees secrete from glands located on their heads. A larvae becoming reared for Queenhood, is fed copious amounts or royal jelly, which is thought of a superfood. It contains fatty acids, vitamin B's (most effective organic supply of vitamin B5), amino acids, minerals and a protein called royalactin which is accountable for catalyzing the metamorphosis from worker bee to Queen…

Kanuka Honey Used to Treat Rosacea

The Many Health Benefits of Kanuka Honey

Stuff, 12/30/2014

…Honey is one of the world's oldest foods and has a long medicinal history. As well as offering honey up as a gift to the gods, ancient Egyptians used it as an embalming fluid and to put on dressings for wounds.

According to Dr Shaun Holt, founder and medical director of HoneyLab, a company that develops pharmaceutical products from bees and their environment, they were right on track.

HoneyLab is currently researching the health benefits of New Zealand's own kanuka honey, with some very promising results to date.

Although kanuka honey is not as well-known internationally as its big cousin manuka, it actually contains more of the "manuka factor" that enhances the antimicrobial (or antiseptic) properties of the honey.

Both these honeys are thought to be so potent at healing infections that many hospitals around the world are now turning to them.

The main uses to date seem to be in wound healing, especially in ulcers that are slow to heal, and treating skin infections caused by the "superbug" MRSA.

When honey is applied externally to wounds or skin infections, it seems to draw healing fluids and nutrients to the affected area, promoting rapid healing and regrowth of the underlying tissues.

It is thought to be more effective at clearing up infections in post-operative wounds than topical antibiotic creams, and clearly avoids adding to the huge issue of antibiotic resistance around the world.

Honey can be applied directly to wounds and then a dressing used to cover the area, but honey-impregnated dressings are now available too, which provide a slightly more expensive but less messy alternative.

Holt cautions against using the honey in your pantry to treat cuts or wounds. "It is full of impurities and can cause a bad reaction. The medicinal version we are producing is pure, pasteurised and contains a high level of the active ingredients required to be effective."

Holt's research is also focusing on the use of kanuka honey to treat rosacea, an inflammatory skin condition that causes reddening and scaling of the face. His team's controlled study using a honey- based ointment to treat rosacea has had very promising results.

"HoneyLab are about to publish results showing that our medical-grade kanuka honey formulation is very effective at treating rosacea.

"This is often treated at the moment by the long-term use of antibiotics and contributes to the WHO's number one health issue: antibiotic resistance."

Other conditions that are being studied include acne, nappy rash and cold sores…