Propolis Component Anti-Cancer Properties Studied

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits 3-MC-induced CYP1A1 expression through induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2015 Aug 18

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural component of propolis, is reported to have anticarcinogenic properties, although its precise chemopreventive mechanism remains unclear.

In this study, we examined the effects of CAPE on 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC)-induced CYP1A1 expression and activities. CAPE reduced the formation of the benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct. Moreover, CAPE inhibited 3-MC-induced CYP1A1 activity, mRNA expression, protein level, and promoter activity.

CAPE treatment also decreased 3-MC-inducible xenobiotic-response element (XRE)-linked luciferase, aryl hydrocarbons receptor (AhR) transactivation and nuclear localization. CAPE induced hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein level and HIF-1α responsible element (HRE) transcriptional activity. CAPE-mediated HIF-1α reduced 3-MC-inducible CYP1A1 protein expression.

Taken together, CAPE decreases 3-MC-mediated CYP1A1 expression, and this inhibitory response is associated with inhibition of AhR and HIF-1α induction.

Malaysian and Brazilian Red Propolis Show Wound Healing Potential

The effects of Malaysian propolis and Brazilian red propolis on connective tissue fibroblasts in the wound healing process

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 Aug 25;15:294

BACKGROUND:

To evaluate and compare the effects of ethanolic extracts of Malaysian propolis and Brazilian red propolis at different concentrations on the migration and proliferation of fibroblast cells.

METHODS:

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis crude samples were extracted using ethanol. Their wound healing effects were tested in vitro on the normal human fibroblast cell line CRL-7522. Cell migration and proliferation assays were carried out using propolis concentrations of 1, 10, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 μg/mL. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS:

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis followed a concentration-dependent increasing and decreasing trend. Malaysian propolis showed the fastest migration rate at 250 μg/mL which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) and maximum proliferation at 500 μg/mL with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to control. Brazilian red propolis showed a slight increase in migration and proliferation at 10 and 100 μg/mL, respectively with no significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to control, while concentrations above these conferred inhibitory effects.

CONCLUSION:

Malaysian and Brazilian red propolis show potential to assist in wound healing, depending on their concentration.

Propolis Safe and Effective in Reducing Plaque

The antiplaque efficacy of propolis-based herbal toothpaste: A crossover clinical study

J Nat Sci Biol Med. 2015 Jul-Dec;6(2):364-8

BACKGROUND:

In recent years, herbal products have been suggested as an economic, safe and probably effective alternative for prevention and control of various oral diseases. But still there are some products which need to be evaluated. Of lately, Propolis is one such product. To assess and compare the efficacy of herbal dentifrice containing Propolis with Miswak and Colgate total toothpastes in controlling plaque formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A double blind, randomized, crossover study design was conducted among thirty healthy dental students. After oral prophylaxis all subjects were given a washout product for one week period. Subjects were then made to brush with (washout product) for 1 minute followed by 1 minute brushing with assigned test product. The baseline MGMPI plaque scores were recorded. Subjects were then refrained from oral hygiene for 24 hours, and were recalled to be re-disclosed and re-measured for plaque formation. This procedure was repeated according to crossover design after a washout period of (2 week). Statistical tests used were Krukalwallis and Wilcoxon sign rank test.

RESULTS:

There was a significant difference in 24 hour score between the test products evaluated. When the change from baseline to 24 hours was analyzed, the test product Propolis resulted in a consistently and significantly (p < 0.05) lower MGMPI mean scores than the Colgate Total and Miswak toothpastes.

CONCLUSION:

Propolis was found to be safe and effective in reducing plaque accumulation when compared to Miswak and Colgate total toothpaste.

Fluorescence Screening Can Determine the Monoflorality of Manuka and Kanuka Honeys

Fluorescence markers in some New Zealand honeys

Food Chem. 2016 Feb 1;192:1006-14

The fluorescence characteristics of various New Zealand honeys were investigated to establish if this technique might detect signatures unique to manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) honeys.

We found unique fluorescence profiles for these honeys which distinguished them from other New Zealand honey floral types. Two excitation-emission (ex-em) marker wavelengths each for manuka and kanuka honeys were identified; manuka honey at 270-365 (MM1) and 330-470 (MM2) nm and kanuka honey at 275-305 (KM1) and 445-525 (KM2) nm. Dilution of manuka and kanuka honeys with other honey types that did not possess these fluorescence profiles resulted in a proportional reduction in fluorescence signal of the honeys at the marker wavelengths.

By comparison, rewarewa (Knightia excelsa), kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa), and clover (Trifolium spp.) honeys did not exhibit unique fluorescence patterns.

These findings suggests that a fluorescence-based screening approach has potential utility for determining the monoflorality status of manuka and kanuka honeys.

Manuka Honey May Increase Level of Methylglyoxal Beyond Detoxification Capacity

HSA should review stance on health supplements

AsiaOne, 8/25/2015

According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), health supplements can be imported and sold without a licence.

These are also not subjected to pre-market approval by the HSA.

However, with the proliferation of these products, coupled with an insatiable consumer appetite for them, perhaps it may be worthwhile to reconsider this position.

As it is, some of these health supplements may potentially be harmful to individuals with certain health conditions.

Manuka honey is an example that comes to mind. It is commonly available at local pharmacies and supermarkets.

The active ingredient in this supplement is a chemical called methylglyoxal.

As a highly reactive dicarbonyl molecule, methylglyoxal readily reacts to certain amino acids as well as to nucleic acids.

Apart from Manuka honey, very little methylglyoxal is consumed in the diet.

Low amounts of it are produced in the body as a by-product of the normal cellular process of glycolysis, in which glucose is broken down to provide energy.

As it is a dangerous molecule, the human body rapidly detoxifies methylglyoxal using various enzymes.

However, for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, eating Manuka honey may increase the level of methylglyoxal beyond the detoxification capacity of the enzymes.

As a result, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are formed when methylglyoxal reacts and damages proteins and nucleic acids.

Indeed, a large volume of scientific literature has implicated AGEs as a major mechanism in the development of diabetic complications, particularly diabetic retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults...

Royal Jelly Protein Plays Role in Survival of Prokaryotic Cells

Characteristics of dr1790 disruptant and its functional analysis in Deinococcus radiodurans

Braz J Microbiol. 2015 Jun 1;46(2):601-11

Deinococcus radiodurans (DR) is an extremophile that is well known for its resistance to radiation, oxidants and desiccation. The gene dr1790 of D. radiodurans was predicted to encode a yellow-related protein.

The primary objective of the present study was to characterize the biological function of the DR1790 protein, which is a member of the ancient yellow/major royal jelly (MRJ) protein family, in prokaryotes. Fluorescence labeling demonstrated that the yellow-related protein encoded by dr1790 is a membrane protein. The deletion of the dr1790 gene decreased the cell growth rate and sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and radiation and increased the membrane permeability of D. radiodurans. Transcript profiling by microarray and RT-PCR analyses of the dr1790 deletion mutant suggested that some genes that are involved in protein secretion and transport were strongly suppressed, while other genes that are involved in protein quality control, such as chaperones and proteases, were induced. In addition, the expression of genes with predicted functions that are involved in antioxidant systems, electron transport, and energy metabolism was significantly altered through the disruption of dr1790. Moreover, the results of proteomic analyses using 2-DE and MS also demonstrated that DR1790 contributed to D. radiodurans survival.

Taken together, these results indicate that the DR1790 protein from the ancient yellow protein family plays a pleiotropic role in the survival of prokaryotic cells and contributes to the extraordinary resistance of D. radiodurans against oxidative and radiation stresses.

Thai Stingless Bee Wax, Propolis Mixture Shows Anti-Cancer Activity

In vitro and in vivo characterization of the anticancer activity of Thai stingless bee (Tetragonula laeviceps) cerumen

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2015 Aug 19

Tetragonula laeviceps cerumen was sequentially extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane and also in the reverse order. By the MTT assay and the respective 50% inhibition concentration value, the most active fraction was further purified to apparent homogeneity by bioassay-guided silica gel column chromatography. α-Mangostin was identified by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. It had a potent cytotoxicity against the BT474, Chago, Hep-G2, KATO-III, and SW620 cell lines (IC50 values of 1.22 ± 0.03, 2.25 ± 0.20, 0.94 ± 0.01, 0.88 ± 0.16, and 1.50 ± 0.39 µmol/L, respectively).

The in vitro cytotoxicity of α-mangostin against the five human cancer cell lines and primary fibroblasts was further characterized by real-time impedance-based analysis. Interestingly, α-mangostin was more cytotoxic against the cancer-derived cell lines than against the primary fibroblasts. Later, the migration assay was performed by continuously measuring the attachment of cells to the plate electrodes at the bottom of the transwell membrane. The combined caspase-3 and -7 activities were assayed by the Caspase-Glo® 3/7 kit. It showed that the cytotoxic mechanism involved caspase-independent apoptosis, while at low (non-toxic) concentrations α-mangostin did not significantly alter cell migration. Furthermore, the in vivo cytotoxicity and angiogenesis were determined by alkaline phosphatase staining in zebrafish embryos along with monitoring changes in the transcript expression level of two genes involved in angiogenesis (vegfaa and vegfr2) by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction.

It was found that the in vivo cytotoxicity of α-mangostin against zebrafish embryos had a 50% lethal concentration of 9.4 µM, but no anti-angiogenic properties were observed in zebrafish embryos at 9 and 12 µM even though it downregulated the expression of vegfaa and vegfr2 transcripts. Thus, α-mangostin is a major active compound with a potential anticancer activity in T. laeviceps cerumen in Thailand.

Bee Venom in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Pharmacological Alternatives for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Wasp and Bee Venoms and Their Components as New Neuroactive Tools

Toxins (Basel). 2015 Aug 18;7(8):3179-3209

Neurodegenerative diseases are relentlessly progressive, severely impacting affected patients, families and society as a whole. Increased life expectancy has made these diseases more common worldwide. Unfortunately, available drugs have insufficient therapeutic effects on many subtypes of these intractable diseases, and adverse effects hamper continued treatment. Wasp and bee venoms and their components are potential means of managing or reducing these effects and provide new alternatives for the control of neurodegenerative diseases. These venoms and their components are well-known and irrefutable sources of neuroprotectors or neuromodulators.

In this respect, the present study reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of action and future prospects regarding the use of new drugs derived from wasp and bee venom in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Manuka Honey Has Clear Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Action of Nanocrystalline Silver and Manuka Honey on the Molecular Alternation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:218283

Honey and silver have been used since ancient times for treating wounds. Their widespread clinical application has attracted attention in light of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. While there have been a number of studies exploring the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of manuka honey and nanocrystalline silver, their advantages and limitations with regard to the treatment of chronic wounds remain a subject of debate. The aim of this paper is to examine the evidence on the use of nanocrystalline silver and manuka honey for treating diabetic foot ulcers through a critical and comprehensive review of in vitro studies, animal studies, and in vivo studies. The findings from the in vitro and animal studies suggest that both agents have effective antibacterial actions. Their anti-inflammatory action and related impact on wound healing are unclear. Besides, there is no evidence to suggest that any topical agent is more effective for use in treating diabetic foot ulcer. Overall, high-quality, clinical human studies supported by findings from the molecular science on the use of manuka honey or nanocrystalline silver are lacking. There is a need for rigorously designed human clinical studies on the subject to fill this knowledge gap and guide clinical practice.

Honey May Help Boost Fertility

Effect of honey on the reproductive system of male rat offspring exposed to prenatal restraint stress

Andrologia. 2015 Aug 20

Exposure to prenatal stress is associated with impaired reproductive function in male rat offspring. Honey is traditionally used by the Malays for enhancement of fertility. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of honey on reproductive system of male rat offspring exposed to prenatal restraint stress. Dams were divided into four groups (n = 10/group): control, honey, stress and honey + stress groups. Dams from honey and honey + stress groups received oral honey (1.2 g kg-1 body weight) daily from day 1 of pregnancy, meanwhile dams from stress and honey + stress groups were subjected to restraint stress (three times per day) from day 11 of pregnancy until delivery. At 10 weeks old, each male rat offspring was mated with a regular oestrus cycle female. Male sexual behaviour and reproductive performance were evaluated. Then, male rats were euthanised for assessment on reproductive parameters.

Honey supplementation during prenatal restraint stress significantly increased testis and epididymis weights as well as improved the percentages of abnormal spermatozoa and sperm motility in male rat offspring.

In conclusion, this study might suggest that supplementation of honey during pregnancy seems to reduce the adverse effects of restraint stress on reproductive organs weight and sperm parameters in male rat offspring.

Microbiological Quality of Dehydrated Bee-Pollen Produced in Brazil

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2015 Aug 17. doi: 10.1111/lam.12480. [Epub ahead of print]

Bee-pollen is an apicultural product with potential for medical and nutritional applications; therefore, its microbiology quality should be monitored. In this context, the objective of this study was to diagnose the microbiological quality of 45 dehydrated bee-pollen samples collected from November 2011 to December 2013 in nine Brazilian States.

All the samples were negative for sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, Salmonella, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli, which are microorganisms of public health concern...

South African Propolis Shows Good Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity and chemometric modelling of South African propolis

J Appl Microbiol. 2015 Jul 17

This study reports on the inhibitory and bactericidal properties of 39 South African (SA) propolis samples and three propolis samples from Brazil.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and their antimicrobial activities tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Some samples displayed substantial antimicrobial activity with MIC and MBC values as low as 6 μg ml-1 against Staphylococcus aureus. The correlation between liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) chemical data and the antimicrobial activity of propolis extracts was investigated using multivariate data analysis tools. Orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) models were created for the two Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and S. aureus) and Candida albicans. Using the S-plot function, it was possible to identify the bioactive constituents in propolis as chrysin, pinocembrin, galangin and pinobanksin-3-O-acetate.

CONCLUSION:

The SA propolis samples tested displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity, favourably comparable to that of the Brazilian comparator and "gold standard". The observed antimicrobial activity of SA propolis can possibly be attributed to its flavonoid content.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:

Based on the good antimicrobial activity observed for SA propolis, this natural resource shows promise and should be considered for development which may contribute to growing the bio-economy in the region. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Royal Jelly Improves Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Does Supplementation with Royal Jelly Improve Oxidative Stress and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients?

Iran J Public Health. 2015 Jun;44(6):797-803

BACKGROUND:

Animal studies have shown antioxidant effects of Royal Jelly (RJ) and its effect on insulin resistance as the most common complication of Type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the effect of RJ intake on serum total antioxidant capacity, Malondialdehyde and insulin resistance in T2DM.

METHODS:

In this randomized controlled trial, forty-six type 2 diabetic patients, aged 25-65 years, with BMI of 20-30 kg/m(2), and HbA1c of 6-8% were included. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 1000 mg of RJ supplement or placebo, 3 times daily for 8 weeks. HOMA-IR, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level were measured.

RESULTS:

In comparison with placebo, HOMA-IR decreased (P=0.015) while serum total antioxidant capacity increased significantly in RJ group (P=0.016). No significant difference was detected for serum insulin and MDA in two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

RJ intake may have favorable effects on serum TAC and HOMA-IR in diabetic patients.

Mixture of Honey, Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen Protects Against Toxicity of Anti-Cancer Drug

A mixture of honey bee products ameliorates the genotoxic side effects of cyclophosphamide 

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

Volume 5, Issue 8, August 2015, Pages 638–644

To evaluate the protective role of a mixture of honey bee products (honey, royal jelly and pollen grains) against the genotoxicity induced by the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide (CP).

Methods

The study included chromosomal aberration analysis in mice bone marrow cells, induction of morphological sperm abnormalities, DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes induced in liver cells of mice. CP was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. The mixture of honey bee products was administrated orally for different periods of time 5, 10 and 15 days with a dose exactly equivalent to the daily intake of human beings.

Results

The results revealed that honey mixture ameliorated the genotoxic side effects of CP. For chromosomal aberrations the percentage reached 25.20 ± 1.30 for CP treated group, while it reached half of that value 12.30 ± 0.54 in CP-group pretreated with honey mixture for 15 days. Breaks, fragments and multiple aberrations were the most pronounced types of aberrations induced after CP treatment and honey mixture reduced these types of abnormalities. CP induced significant percentage of sperm abnormalities 8.52 ± 0.17 compared to control 3.10 ± 0.10. The percentage of sperm abnormalities reached nearly to the control value in CP- mice treated with honey mixture for 15 days. Honey also reduced the incidence of liver DNA damage induced by CP. The results also indicated that CP had a marked damaging effect on liver tissue including severe dilatation, congestion of main blood vessels and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells with irregular general pattern of the tissue. These effects were greatly ameliorated by using oral administration of honey mixture for different periods of time.

Conclusions

The results concluded that honey bee mixture can be used as chemopreventive agent for minimizing the genotoxic side effects of the anticancer drug CP and open the field for its use in many applications.

Rhododendron 'Mad' Honey a Source of Enzymatic Symptoms

Effects of Mad Honey on Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats

J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2015 Aug 2

The aims of this study were to determine grayanotoxin (GTX-III) toxin level in mad honey using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and examine the dynamic changes of certain biochemical parameters in blood serum of rats that consumed mad honey.

For the experimental animal study, 20 Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into 5 groups of 4 rats each, with one group being the control group (Group 1) and the others being the experimental groups (Groups 2-5). Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were, respectively, given mad honey extract at doses of 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg/g body weight/day via oral gavage for 8 days.

According to results, the quantity of GTX-III found in the honey sample as 39.949 ± 0.020 μg GTX-III/g honey, and the biochemical analysis of the tested parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase muscle and brain) showed a significant elevation with increasing concentration of honey.

In conclusion, the use of increasing concentrations of Rhododendron honey was seen as a source of enzymatic symptoms.

Propolis Dry Extract with Antibacterial Activity

Development and characterization of a novel standardized propolis dry extract obtained by factorial design with high artepillin C content

Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology & 
Drug Research

Background: Besides the known propolis biological activities, widely reported in many scientific studies, new findings in animal models have opened new fields for propolis application. Recently, there has been an increased interest in dried extracts based on natural products including propolis, as the product in the dry presentation shows several advantages. Therefore, standardizing a more soluble dry extract and allowing the production of human dosage forms are of great interest. In this context, this work aimed to develop a propolis dry extract with high propolis and artepillin C contents.

Methods: The experiments followed a Box-Behnken design to study the effects of the process on the physicochemical properties of the powder using a spray drying equipment. The following drying excipients were used: silicon dioxide with arabic gum (encapsulating system A) and modified starch (encapsulating system B). Furthermore, physicochemical characterization, particle morphology by scanning electron microscopy and antibacterial assay of the samples were carried out.

Results: The results revealed that all variables of the process did not influence significantly propolis and flavonoid content, moisture and angle of repose in the encapsulating system A (arabic gum and silicon dioxide). For the encapsulating system B (modified starch and silicon dioxide), it was observed that the propolis content, flavonoid content, density, moisture and angle of repose were influenced significantly by the variables of the drying process parameters. Finally, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid and artepillin C were affected by the process conditions of system A, while, these biomarkers were not affected by the encapsulating system B. Both propolis dry extracts obtained were active against Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: This study evidenced different encapsulating systems lead to different effects, depending on the drying process parameters. Both encapsulating systems allowed to obtain a standardized propolis extract with high flavonoid content and the expected amounts of artepillin C. Also, they maintained the antibacterial activity of propolis.

New Apitherapy Supplements for Dogs

HEDERA LLC of Croatia Launches Unique Line of 5 Bee Supplements for Dogs
Posted by admin on August 10, 2015

Bee Pollen and Propolis have been called the perfect food, complete with antioxidants, bioflavonoids, and over 300 health giving all-natural compounds. New dog supplement line aims at providing the same benefits for dogs.

Split, Croatia – August 10, 2015 – People have benefitted from using bee products (honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly) for centuries, but for dogs this was not the case. After many years of research, a company called Hedera LLC, from Croatia, developed a unique product line for dogs called Apipet. The Apipet line of dog supplements are 100% natural based on bee products; propolis and bee pollen. The company reports that Apipet pet supplements are the only bee products in the world produced on completely natural and holistic principles. Their products are the result of years of research on the impact of bee products on health. Apipet products are unique in that every product is made completely without any chemical processes, like extraction, synthesis, dissolving in alcohol, etc., and free of any additives such as flavoring, colors, binders, excipients, bulking or anti caking agents, which are commonly used in the production of supplements.

This principle allows the preservation of propolis and bee pollen in its original form which provides the maximum therapeutic value in a dog’s body. It is important to mention that propolis is an extremely valuable source of health, and in nature (in the beehives) is in a solid form. It is a complex resin which contains more than 300 different compounds. Many of them, alone or in combination have positive impact on different health issues. In dissolving propolis using chemical methods, more than 30% of its beneficial substances are inevitably lost. The bees use propolis as a natural antiseptic and antibiotic which secures health for every bee in the beehive, especially young and old ones. It is said that a Beehive is more sanitary than a hospital. Different tests have shown that propolis produced by Hedera’s methodology has a superior degree of beneficial effects...

「蜂療」是否違規 30天內分曉 - Acupuncturist's 'Bee Sting Therapy' Investigated

August 7, 2015

因採用活蜜蜂對人體穴位直接螫剌的阿罕布拉市中醫師周新勝（Xinsheng Tom Zhou）被加州針灸局（Acupuncture Board）告上法院，為期四天的庭審6日下午結束。法官將在未來30天內做出裁決，針灸局將在120天內根據法院裁決做出最終決定。

周新勝表示，除了對抗過敏的應急包「EpiPens」外，他還花了五年時間，自行研製了預防過敏的中草藥。不過副總檢察長（Deputy attorney general）Wendy Widlus質疑他的中草藥從未經過聯邦食品暨藥物管理局（FDA）認證過，沒有醫師或藥商採購過，相關論文也沒有在學術期刊上發表過

Royal Jelly Has Neuroprotective Effect

Comparative protective effects of royal jelly and cod liver oil against neurotoxic impact of tartrazine on male rat pups brain

Acta Histochem. 2015 Jul 16

This study is aimed to evaluate the possible neurotoxic effect of tartrazine (T), an extensively used synthetic azo dye, as well as to determine the potential modulatory role of cod liver oil (CLO) or royal jelly (RJ) against such effects. For this purpose, thirty-six male rat pups were allocated into six groups.

The 1st group received distilled water (control group), the 2nd group was given 300mg RJ/kg bw (RJ group), the 3rd group was given 0.4ml CLO/kg bw (CLO group), the 4th was given 500mg T/kg bw (T group). The 5th group was given T concurrently with RJ (TRJ group) and the 6th group was given T concurrently with CLO (TCLO group), at the same doses as the former groups. All treatments were given orally for 30 consecutive days. The concentrations of different brain neurotransmitters, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5HT) as well as the antioxidant and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in the brain homogenates. An immunohistochemical staining of the cerebral cortex was applied with the anti-ssDNA antibody (an apoptotic cell marker) to reveal the changes in brain structure.

The T group revealed a significant decrease in the concentration of the brain neurotransmitters, a sharp shortage in the level of antioxidant biomarkers (super oxide dismutase, catalase and the reduced glutathione), a marked increase in malondialdehyde levels, and numerous apoptotic cells in the brain cortex compared with the other groups. Interestingly, all the previously mentioned parameters were almost retrieved in both the TRJ and TCLO groups compared to the T group.

These results conclusively demonstrate that RJ and CLO administration provides sufficient protection against the ruinous effects of T on rat pups brain tissue function and structure.

Iranian honey Could Be Alternative Medical Grade Honey

In vitro characterization of antibacterial potential of Iranian honey samples against wound bacteria 

European Food Research and Technology
September 2015, Volume 241, Issue 3, pp 329-339

Incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens is increasing, thus discovery of alternative therapeutic agents is needed. Honey possesses therapeutic potential, including wound-healing properties and antimicrobial activities. Although antimicrobial activity of honey has been effectively established, the antibacterial properties of Iranian honey samples on wound microorganisms have not been conducted and compared with honey gold standards.

Using standard methods, the antibacterial activities of 53 Iranian honey samples and two laboratory-synthesized honeys against 16 drug-resistant clinical isolates and four reference strains were determined. Different concentrations of honey were tested against each type of microorganism to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or minimum bactericidal concentration. The selected honeys with high levels of phenolic equivalent were studied for kinetics of bacterial killing. Also, the ability of selected honey samples to prevent biofilm formation was checked by crystal violet assay. The MICs of Iranian honey samples ranged from 3.12 to >50 % (w/v), and their efficacies were also determined. Nine samples with the highest antibacterial activities were selected. Survival of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced significantly by selected honeys. Moreover, all selected honey samples were able to prevent biofilm formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains at concentrations of ≤25 %.

The results of the present study have shown that selected Iranian honey samples had lower MIC values than reported standard honeys such as Manuka and Tualang and could be potentially used as alternative medical grade honey, particularly against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli.

Honey a Novel Antigiardial Agent

Antigiardial activity of glycoproteins and glycopeptides from Ziziphus honey  

Natural Product Research: Formerly Natural Product Letters 
 
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 Lowers Blood Glucose Levels

Effect of Honey Bee Venom (Apis mellifera) on Hyperglycemia and
Hyperlipidemia in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rabbits

J Diabetes Metab 2015, 6:3

Introduction: In diabetes therapy, a great attention is paid on lowering blood glucose levels and lipid regulating mechanisms of various medical agents including animal toxins. Honey bee venom reduces blood glucose level through increased insulin secretion and glucose take-up. It also has lipid regulating activity verified in several other studies. For that reason, bee venom could be considered as a potential remedy for diabetes. This study aims to investigate the effect of Mongolian honey bee venom on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits.

Material and method: Twenty two Chinchilla rabbits were divided into three groups: the control (n=6), the diabetic (n=8), and the bee venom treated (n=8) groups. The diabetic group was injected with a 5% solution of Alloxan monohydrate at100 mg/kg intravenously via the marginal vein behind the ear for 2 minutes to induce the diabetes. The bee venom treated group received a bee sting (a sting contains 0.2-0.5 ml of bee venom) on their hind paw every other day after the confirmation of diabetes.

Result: Bee venom treatment (BVT) led to the following changes: compared to the diabetic group, the bee venom treated group’s blood glucose levels decreased by 14.9% -26.5%; blood cholesterol levels reduced by 12.5%- 19.1%; Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) levels lowered by 11.2%-14.2%; and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) levels increased by 2.5% - 26.25%.

Conclusion: Bee venom lowers blood glucose levels and improves lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits and can be considered as a therapeutic agent for diabetes. Further studies should be carried out to determine the most appropriate bee venom dose for the best therapeutic effect.

September Apitherapy Course in North Carolina

Our next Apitherapy Course will be held in the Spring Creek Community Center, 13075 Hwy 209, Hot Springs, NC, 28743; located in the Appalachian Mountains of Northwest North Carolina. We border on the Tennessee state line where folks walk the Appalachian Trail. We are about an hour northwest of Asheville, NC, and 2 hours Southeast of Knoxville, TN. We have no industry or pollution, so the air is fresh; something you city folks usually don’t have.

Your instructor is Lady Spirit Moon, Certified Beekeeper, Master Herbalist, Nutrition Consultant, and Certified Apitherapist.

Registration will close midnight August 14, 2015. Registrants will then receive a syllabus with information about each section of the course and any other information pertaining to their stay here in the mountains, their meals, etc.

Bee Vemom Therapy Reduces Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Inflammation, Boosts Immune Response

Bee Venom Acupuncture Augments Anti-Inflammation in the Peripheral Organs of hSOD1G93A Transgenic Mice

Toxins (Basel). 2015 Jul 29;7(8):2835-2844

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) includes progressively degenerated motor neurons in the brainstem, motor cortex, and spinal cord. Recent reports demonstrate the dysfunction of multiple organs, including the lungs, spleen, and liver, in ALS animals and patients. Bee venom acupuncture (BVA) has been used for treating inflammatory diseases in Oriental Medicine.

In a previous study, we demonstrated that BV prevented motor neuron death and increased anti-inflammation in the spinal cord of symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. In this study, we examined whether BVA's effects depend on acupuncture point (ST36) in the organs, including the liver, spleen and kidney, of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice. We found that BV treatment at ST36 reduces inflammation in the liver, spleen, and kidney compared with saline-treatment at ST36 and BV injected intraperitoneally in symptomatic hSOD1G93A transgenic mice.

Those findings suggest that BV treatment combined with acupuncture stimulation is more effective at reducing inflammation and increasing immune responses compared with only BV treatment, at least in an ALS animal model.

Apitherapy Conference in Ukraine October 15-16

V Congress of apitherapists and apiconsultants and Ukrainian Beekeepers
with the participation of international experts in the fields of medicine, pharmacy,
apitherapy, beekeeping, cosmetics and food industries

October 15-16, 2015 in Kiev Ukraine
Place: "Institute of beekeeping by P.I. Prokopovich " of National Agrarian Academy of
Science (NAAS) of Ukraine

V Congress of apitherapists and apiconsultants and Beekeepers will take place on 15-16
October 2015 in the "Institute of beekeeping by P.I. Prokopovich " of NAAS
During the Congress we eager to organize and conduct the plenary and breakout sessions,
workshops and round tables to discuss topical problems of medicine, pharmacy, apitherapy,
traditional and alternative medicine:

1. Apitherapy as a scientific field of traditional and alternative medicine.
2. Creation of standardized substances on the basis of bee products and the development of
composition and technology of medicinal api drugs on their basis for the treatment of various
diseases.
3. Innovative Medicine: Effective direction of traditional and alternative medicine in the
management of biological age and health reserves in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of
diseases, rehabilitation.
4. Achievements of practical medicine: the introduction of effective methods and means during
api toxin therapy in various areas of public health and private practice.
5. Preventive health challenges: the system of prevention of the population, variety of health
technology.

We plan to organize round tables, workshops and thematic exhibitions on the following
areas:

• Apitherapy against various diseases;
• Technology of processing of bee products;
• Technology of production of apimedication;
• Quality control methods of bee products and apimedication
• Physical health, physical therapy and sports medicine;
• Possibility of health and nutritional care, use of apifood supplements, dietary apitherapy;
• Therapeutical properties of bee products, medical plants and essential oils: Api-phytoaromatherapy

• Condition and prospects of development of homeopathic apimedications;
• Subjective issues of Bee stings therapy;
• Theoretical and practical aspects of chiropractic apitherapy ;
• Bio-energy informational technology of improvement and extension of the life of people

Organizing Committee: Nikolai Gevelyuk
Mobile ph: +38-098-876-16-33 +38-067-955-50-83 ngevelyuk@gmail.com
English speaking +38-097-808-26-09

Bee Venom Therapy Helps Treat Parkinson's Disease (PD)

A Prospective Open-Label Study of Combined Treatment for Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease Using Acupuncture and Bee Venom Acupuncture as an Adjunctive Treatment

J Altern Complement Med. 2015 Jul 31. [Epub ahead of print]

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment using acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) as an adjunctive treatment for idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS:

Eleven patients (7 men and 4 women) with idiopathic PD who had been receiving a stable dose of anti-parkinsonian medication for at least 4 weeks. Participants received conventional treatment for 12 weeks. Subsequently, they received additional treatment with acupuncture and BVA twice weekly for 12 weeks while still maintaining conventional treatment. All participants were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks by using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQL), the speed and number of steps required to walk 20 m, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Maximum excursion and directional control, measured by computerized dynamic posturography (Balance Master® System, NeuroCom, San Carlos, CA), were used to assess postural stability.

RESULTS:

Patients who underwent 12 weeks of twice-weekly combined treatment with acupuncture and BVA showed significant improvements in gait speed, PDQL score, activities of daily living (UPDRS part II), motor symptoms (UPDRS part III), and combined UPDRS part II+III scores compared with assessments after conventional treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Combined treatment with acupuncture and BVA showed promising results as a safe adjunctive therapy for PD.

Honey Glycoproteins are a Novel Antibacterial with Broad Spectrum Activity Against Multi-Drug Resistant Isolates

MRJP1-containing glycoproteins isolated from honey, a novel antibacterial drug candidate with broad spectrum activity against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates

Front Microbiol. 2015 Jul 13;6:711

The emergence of extended- spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) is the underlying cause of growing antibiotic resistance among Gram-negative bacteria to β-lactam antibiotics.

We recently reported the discovery of honey glycoproteins (glps) that exhibited a rapid, concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli that resembled action of cell wall-active β-lactam drugs. Glps showed sequence identity with the Major Royal Jelly Protein 1 (MRJP1) precursor that harbors three antimicrobial peptides: Jelleins 1, 2, and 4.

Here, we used semi-quantitative radial diffusion assay and broth microdilution assay to evaluate susceptibility of a number of multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates to the MRJP1-contaning honey glycoproteins. The MDR bacterial strains comprised three methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), four Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two Klebsiella pneumoniae, two vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and five ESBL identified as one Proteus mirabilis, three E. coli, and one E. coli NDM. Their resistance to different classes of antibiotics was confirmed using automated system Vitek 2. MDR isolates differed in their susceptibility to glps with MIC90 values ranging from 4.8 μg/ml against B. subtilis to 14.4 μg/ml against ESBL K. pneumoniae, Klebsiella spp. ESBL and E. coli and up to 33 μg/ml against highly resistant strains of P. aeruginosa.

Glps isolated from different honeys showed a similar ability to overcome bacterial resistance to β-lactams suggesting that (a) their mode of action is distinct from other classes of β-lactams and that (b) the common glps structure was the lead structure responsible for the activity.

The results of the current study together with our previous evidence

Benefits of Honey and Ways in Which You Can Use It

NDTV Food, July 28, 2015

The Benefits of Honey

1. Honey as an Energy Booster - According to National Honey Board, "Honey is a source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy."  Honey is known to be a natural fuel and you should have a spoonful of it just before your workout. Like sugar, it's part fructose and part glucose which makes it a great energy booster.

2. Honey as an Anti-Bacterial - Honey has great anti-bacterial properties which is why it's always been a part of traditional medicine. But that does not mean all kinds of honey can be used for this purpose. How effective it is depends on where it's sourced from and how old it is.

3. Honey as an Anti-Inflammatory - As stated by Dr Ritika Samaddar, Dietics, Max Hospital, "Honey is a very effective remedy for anti-inflammation but not all kinds are helpful. Your popular, everyday brands are more synthetic and less natural so they might not help you at all. Try raw honey or naturally extracted honey because that can cure inflammation by throwing toxins out of your body."...

Gwyneth Paltrow Recommends Bee Venom Therapy

Inquisitr, 7/28/2015

...This hasn’t been the first time Gwyneth Paltrow has offered up some fairly off-the-wall beauty and health tips to those following her website. Previously, Ms. Paltrow has practiced and recommended the use of bee stings to treat injuries. To be more clear, Gwyneth is suggesting that by provoking a live bee into stinging oneself, the venom transmitted into the bloodstream may heal another injury.

“The craziest treatment I’ve tried is one where I was stung by a live bee. It’s called apitherapy and it’s apparently been used since Egyptian times to promote healing,” Ms. Paltrow said...