Malaysian Tualang Honey Protects Against Memory Loss in Ageing

Tualang Honey Attenuates Noise Stress-Induced Memory Deficits in Aged Rats

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:1549158

Ageing and stress exposure may lead to memory impairment while oxidative stress is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms involved. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of Tualang honey supplementation on memory performance in aged rats exposed to noise stress.

Tualang honey supplementation was given orally, 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Rats in the stress group were subjected to loud noise, 100 dB(A), 4 hours daily for 14 days. All rats were subjected to novel object recognition test for evaluation of memory performance. It was observed that the rats subjected to noise stress exhibited significantly lower memory performance and higher oxidative stress as evident by elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and reduction of antioxidant enzymes activities compared to the nonstressed rats.

Tualang honey supplementation was able to improve memory performance, decrease oxidative stress levels, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration, decrease acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhance neuronal proliferation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus.

In conclusion, Tualang honey protects against memory decline due to stress exposure and/or ageing via enhancement of mPFC and hippocampal morphology possibly secondary to reduction in brain oxidative stress and/or upregulation of BDNF concentration and cholinergic system.

Apitherapy Popular in Saudi Arabia

Saudi beekeepers need specialized training in apitherapy

Saudi Gazette, 4.27.2016

JEDDAH – Honey and beehive products can cure up to 500 diseases and even prevent thousands. Moreover, training in Saudi Arabia is needed to produce professional beekeepers as well as physicians practicing alternative medicine using honey, according to Professor Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, supervisor of the Abdullah Bugshan Chair for Bee Research at King Saud University and chairman of Beekeepers Cooperative Association (BCA), who spoke to Saudi Gazette on the sidelines of the 13th Asian Apicultural Association Conference.

The 3-day conference, which concluded on Tuesday, was organized in an Arab member country for the first time by the Bee Research Chair of King Saud University.

“Our goal is to gather practicing physicians to present the scientific facts,” Prof. Alghamdi said. “Saudi production is relatively weak compared to consumption. We import 14,000 tons annually. One of the problems we have is that despite the big number of beekeepers, approximately over 5,000, the trained professionals may not even reach 1%.”

He added the BCA aims to focus on training at an official institute specialized in training beekeepers.

When asked about Saudis’ receptiveness toward alternative medicine, particularly apitherapy, he said it was favorable. He said “people usually prefer natural products especially because they don’t have side effects.”

Under the theme of “Natural Resource Conservation for Sustainable Development”, leading doctors and apitherapists from 35 countries presented various subjects related to bees, products, technology, and obstacles of beekeeping in climate, care, among others. Activities and workshops were attended by Saudi beekeepers and physicians. Over 100 exhibitors both locally and internationally from countries including Turkey, China, Germany, the United States, participated at the conference.

Dr. Stefan Stangaciu, president of several organizations and associations, including the Apitherapy Consulting & Trading International Ltd., the German Apitherapy Society, and the Romanian Apitherapy Society, displayed the latest scientific practices and products in apitherapy. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, he said beehive products are important to prevent hundreds and thousands of diseases. Secondly, it can treat between 800 and 1,000 diseases according to scientific literature...

VIDEO: Turkish-Arabic Documentary on Apitherapy

WATCH VIDEO

Montreal Apitherapy Conference May 5-9

From May 05 to May 09, 2016, at the Concordia University of Montreal

10 Reasons why you should go to the Montreal Apitherapy Conference:

1. To participate into the first Apitherapy Conference following the creation of the Canadian Apitherapy Association.
2. To get the most out of your Canadian Apitherapy Association Membership, become a member or get involved in our work groups.
3. To understand the connections between apitherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and other alternative medicines.
4. To attend the largest Apitherapy Conference to date in Canada held in both french and english.
​5. To attend a congress led by the most renowned apitherapy doctor in Europe: Dr Stefan Stangaciu.
6. To learn cutting edge methods using bee products in everyday life.
7. To access a professional network: newsletter, forum and more.
8. To understand how we can help bees, biodiversity and organic farming through ensuring a high level of quality bee products for apitherapy across Canada.
9. To visit, shop or become a vendor in our 5 days Api-Expo.
10. To be a pioneer in the establishment of a new alternative medicine in Canada, a promise for faster healing of certain diseases.

Our Speakers:

Dr Stefan Stangaciu

Marie-Pierre Fortier

Adrien Thibault

Yann Loranger

Bee Pollen May Help Treat Autistic Children Suffering from Detoxification Deficiencies, Chronic Inflammation and Abnormal Gut Microbiota

Therapeutic potency of bee pollen against biochemical autistic features induced through acute and sub-acute neurotoxicity of orally administered propionic acid

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Apr 23;16(1):120

BACKGROUND:

It is now well documented that postnatal exposure to certain chemicals has been reported to increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Propionic acid (PA), as a metabolic product of gut microbiotaandas a commonly used food additive, has been reported to mediate the effects of autism. Results from animal studies may help to identify environmental neurotoxic agents and drugs that can ameliorate neurotoxicity and may thereby aid in the treatment of autism. The present study investigated the ameliorative effects of natural bee pollen against acute and sub-acute brain intoxication induced by (PA) in rats.

METHODS:

Twenty-four young male Western Albino ratswere enrolled in the present study. They were classified into four equal groups, eachwith6 rats. The control group received only phosphate buffered saline; the oral buffered PA-treated groups (II and III) received a neurotoxic dose of 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 3 dose of 250 mg/kg body weight/day serving asthe acute group and 750 mg/kg body weight divided in 10 equal dose of 75 mg/kg body weight/day as the sub-acute group. The fourth group received 50 mg bee pollen for 30 days after PA-acute intoxication.

RESULTS:

The obtained data showed that the PA-treated groups demonstrated multiple signs of brain toxicity, as indicated by a depletion of serotonin (5HT), dopamine and nor-adrenaline, together withan increase in IFN-γ and caspase 3. Bee pollen was effective in ameliorating the neurotoxic effect of PA. All measured parameters demonstrated minimal alteration in comparison with thecontrol animal than did those of acute and sub-acute PA-treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS:

In conclusion, bee pollen demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects while ameliorating the impaired neurochemistry of PA-intoxicated rats.

-----

Based upon the results of the present study, bee pollen can be suggested as a treatment strategy for autistic children that suffer from detoxification deficiencies, demonstrated chronic inflammation and abnormal gut microbiota.

Manuka honey, one of nature’s unique wonder foods

It has been used successfully in treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms.

Indian Express, 4/23/2016

Honey is more than just a natural sweetener. Historically, it is known to have medicinal properties. In general, most honeys possess anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties.
Other benefits that have been attributed to honey include anti-tumour, anti-mutagenic and anti-viral properties dependent on the nutritional composition of the honey consumed. It is well known for its wound healing properties and as a gastro-intestinal remedy since ancient times.

Several types of honey are available, each with a distinct taste and properties.

The broad spectrum anti-bacterial activity of honey is attributed to various factors including its high sugar concentration (80 per cent sugar) and hydrogen peroxide.

Certain honeys from specific plants are more effective than others. Manuka honey that comes from New Zealand Manuka bush is one such example. It has been found to be an effective therapy for digestive complaints ranging from acid reflux, gastritis, diarrhea, ulcers and fungal infections. It has been used in upper respiratory infections including chronic sinusitis, rhinitis and allergic symptoms...

Propolis May Help Prevent Heart Disease

Turkish propolis protects human endothelial cells in vitro from homocysteine-induced apoptosis

Acta Histochem. 2016 Apr 13. pii: S0065-1281(16)30041-1

Chronic cardiovascular and neurodegenerative complications induced by hyperhomocysteinemia have been most relatively associated with endothelial cell injury. Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanying with oxidative stress which is hallmarks of the molecular mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular disease.

Propolis is a natural product, obtained by honeybee from various oils, pollens, special resins and wax materials, conventionally used with the purpose of treatment by folks Propolis has various biological activities and powerful antioxidant capacity. The flavonoids and phenolic acids, most bioactive components of propolis, have superior antioxidant ability to defend cell from free radicals.

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of Turkish propolis (from east of country) on Hcy induced ROS production and apoptosis in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).

According to results, co-treatment of HUVECs with propolis decreased Hcy-induced ROS overproduction and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Furthermore, overproductions of Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein, elevation of cytochrome c release in Hcy-treated HUVECs were significantly reduced by propolis.

It was concluded that propolis has cytoprotective ability against cytotoxic effects of high Hcy in HUVECs.

Bee Venom Helps People Suffering from HIV

Apitoxin from Bee Venom Helps People Suffering from HIV – Alternative Antiretroviral Drug?

Science News Hub, April 19, 2016

MEXICO – The University of Guadalajara (UDG) found, in a recent  research study, that bee venom known as apitoxin helps the immune system of people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.

In an interview with the News Agency of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT), the researcher Sergio Alvarez Barajas explained that they worked with a group of 28 infected people who willingly cooperate in the investigation.  Everyone who was participated in the research had to provide a document copy that guarantees that one is HIV positive and have their first clinical results with levels of CD4 and CD8 analysis.

Barajas said that they did a poison tolerance test, and a solution with a certain concentration of poison, where each patient took 15 drops a day, five before each meal.

CD4 and CD8 cells are types of lymphocytes that are part of the human’s immune system.  Sick people with AIDS or HIV positive are normally deficient in the number of CD4 while CD8 is increased.

The researcher said that is why the measurement of these cells helps doctors determine the mechanisms of retroviral in patient and disease progression.

The results in the laboratory study group showed an increase in the number of CD4, with respect to the results of the first analysis, and decreased CD8, which is favorable compared to retroviral treatments, said the biologist...

NPR Podcast: How to Use Products of the Bee Hive for Healing

NPR, 4/14/2016

You may not think of bees as domestic animals, but any beekeeper would set you straight. Bees range far and wide when they forage for nectar and pollen, but they return home to the bee hive. Products of the hive have long been used for healing.

Healing with Products of the Bee Hive: We get updates on bee venom therapy, also known as apipuncture. We hear how bee stings can be used to ease the hard-to-treat pain of post-herpetic neuralgia. Our guest experts also describe how to use other products of the bee hive such as honey, propolis and royal jelly from the complementary perspectives of a physician and a beekeeper.

This Week's Guests: Andrew Kochan, MD, practices physical medicine, rehabilitation and prolotherapy in Los Angeles. He is director of the Institute for Healing Arts Research and past president of the American Apitherapy Society.

Propolis May Be Used in Root Canals

Application of chitosan and propolis in endodontic treatment: a review

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2016 Apr 18

Chitosan and propolis are natural substances that can be commonly found in the environment. Chitosan is one of several cationic polysaccharides found in nature. It is a natural biopolymer transformed from chitin which is a product of crustacean shells.

Propolis is produced by honeybees through mixing the secretions of their hypopharyngeal glands with the digested product of resins collected from plants. Due to their excellent chemical and biological properties, chitosan and propolis arouse keen interest in dental science, including endodontics.

There are various possibilities for applying propolis and chitosan based medicaments in endodontic treatment of root canals, and what is particularly emphasized is their potential effectiveness against resistant microorganisms such as E. faecalis and C. albicans, as well as biocompatible to the periapical tissues in comparison with the most commonly used agents They aim at microflora that is difficult to eliminate, and their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic properties, make them suitable for use in endodontic treatment.

Due to potential side effects of commonly used synthetic drugs and other safety related reasons, natural alternatives for endodontic usage are continuously explored and tested. The paper presents the possibilities for applying propolis and chitosan in endodontic treatment on the basis of chosen articles published in recent years.

Study of Bee Venom Immuno-Modulatory Effect

Effect of Bee Venom and Its Fractions on the Release of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in PMA-Differentiated U937 Cells Co-Stimulated with LPS

Vaccines 2016, 4(2), 11, Published: 19 April

The venom of Apis mellifera (honey bee) has been reported to play a role in immunotherapy, but existing evidence to support its immuno-modulatory claims is insufficient. Four fractions from whole bee venom (BV) were separated using medium pressure liquid chromatography. Their ability to induce the production of cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 in phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-treated U937 cells was assessed.

The levels of the three cytokines produced by stimulation with the four fractions and crude BV without LPS were not significantly different from negative control values. However, co-stimulation of the cells with LPS and Fraction 4 (F-4) induced a 1.6-fold increase in TNF-α level (p < 0.05) compared to LPS alone. Likewise, LPS-induced IL-1β production was significantly synergised in the presence of F-1 (nine-fold), F-2 (six-fold), F-3 (four-fold) and F-4 (two-fold) fractions, but was only slightly enhanced with crude BV (1.5-fold) relative to LPS.

Furthermore, the LPS-stimulated production of IL-6 was not significantly increased in cells co-treated with F-2 and F-3, but the organic fraction (F-4) showed an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on IL-6 production. The latter was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and found to contain(Z)-9-eicosen-1-ol.

The effects observed with the purified BV fractions were more marked than those obtained with the crude sample.

Melittin, the Major Pain-Producing Substance of Bee Venom

Neuroscience Bulletin
pp 1-8
First online: 17 March 2016

Melittin is a basic 26-amino-acid polypeptide that constitutes 40–60% of dry honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom. Although much is known about its strong surface activity on lipid membranes, less is known about its pain-producing effects in the nervous system.

In this review, we provide lines of accumulating evidence to support the hypothesis that melittin is the major pain-producing substance of bee venom. At the psychophysical and behavioral levels, subcutaneous injection of melittin causes tonic pain sensation and pain-related behaviors in both humans and animals. At the cellular level, melittin activates primary nociceptor cells through direct and indirect effects. On one hand, melittin can selectively open thermal nociceptor transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor channels via phospholipase A2-lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase metabolites, leading to depolarization of primary nociceptor cells. On the other hand, algogens and inflammatory/pro-inflammatory mediators released from the tissue matrix by melittin’s pore-forming effects can activate primary nociceptor cells through both ligand-gated receptor channels and the G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated opening of transient receptor potential canonical channels. Moreover, subcutaneous melittin up-regulates Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 subunits, resulting in the enhancement of tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents and the generation of long-term action potential firing.

These nociceptive responses in the periphery finally activate and sensitize the spinal dorsal horn pain-signaling neurons, resulting in spontaneous nociceptive paw flinches and pain hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli.

Taken together, it is concluded that melittin is the major pain-producing substance of bee venom, by which peripheral persistent pain and hyperalgesia (or allodynia), primary nociceptive neuronal sensitization, and CNS synaptic plasticity (or metaplasticity) can be readily induced and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying naturally-occurring venomous biotoxins can be experimentally unraveled.

Turkish Propolis Protects Endothelial Cells

Turkish propolis protects human endothelial cells in vitro from homocysteine-induced apoptosis

Acta Histochem. 2016 Apr 13. pii: S0065-1281(16)30041-1

Chronic cardiovascular and neurodegenerative complications induced by hyperhomocysteinemia have been most relatively associated with endothelial cell injury. Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) accompanying with oxidative stress which is hallmarks of the molecular mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular disease.

Propolis is a natural product, obtained by honeybee from various oils, pollens, special resins and wax materials, conventionally used with the purpose of treatment by folks Propolis has various biological activities and powerful antioxidant capacity. The flavonoids and phenolic acids, most bioactive components of propolis, have superior antioxidant ability to defend cell from free radicals. This study was designed to examine the protective effects of Turkish propolis (from east of country) on Hcy induced ROS production and apoptosis in human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).

According to results, co-treatment of HUVECs with propolis decreased Hcy-induced ROS overproduction and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Furthermore, overproductions of Bax, caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein, elevation of cytochrome c release in Hcy-treated HUVECs were significantly reduced by propolis. It was concluded that propolis has cytoprotective ability against cytotoxic effects of high Hcy in HUVECs.

Honey Bee Lactic Acid Bacteria May Help Treat Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Effects of a honeybee lactic acid bacterial microbiome on human nasal symptoms, commensals, and biomarkers

Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2016 Apr 15

BACKGROUND:

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can restore commensal microbiomes and prevent infections. Arguably, nasal administrations of LAB may therefore be beneficial in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Previous studies have examined effects of topical/nasal LAB in children with secretory otitis media, but little is as yet known about their effects on the human nasal airway. The aim of this pilot study was to examine effects on nasal symptoms and commensal bacteria in healthy subjects of nasal administration of a honeybee LAB microbiome; ie, a mixture of 9 Lactobacillus spp. and 4 Bifidobacterium spp. obtained from the honeybee Apis mellifera. Furthermore, we aimed to assess whether or not the honeybee LAB produced a local inflammatory response.

METHODS:

Twenty-two healthy subjects received a single administration of honeybee LAB in a sham-controlled, double-blinded, and crossover design. Using questionnaires, microbiological methods, and nasal lavages, they were assessed regarding symptoms, changes to commensal bacteria, and inflammatory products in nasal lavage fluids.

RESULTS:

The honeybee LAB did not produce any symptoms or other untoward effects. No changes were observed of commensal bacteria by the honeybee LAB, and no inflammatory response was detected (compared to sham); ie, unaffected nasal lavage fluid levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG), interleukin-15 (IL-15), epidermal growth factor (EGF), eotaxin, interferon gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA).

CONCLUSION:

A single human nasal administration of a honeybee LAB microbiome is well tolerated. Specifically, it does not affect commensal bacteria and does not produce an inflammatory response.

What is apitherapy?

BT, 4/14/2016

Bee sting therapy: What is it and are you brave enough to take the pain that comes with it?
Apparently, Gwyneth Paltrow’s a fan…

Experts have been telling us for years that bees need our support.

We’re meant to be more kind to them for the sake of the planet. Without them, our fruit and veg wouldn’t grow and there’d be no honey to spread on toast (or something like that).

But surely going out of your way to get stung by a bee on purpose is taking things a little too far? Not for Gwyneth Paltrow, it seems.

In a recent interview, the actress-turned-lifestyle-blogger told the New York Times: “I’ve been stung by bees. It’s a thousands-of-years-old-treatment called apitherapy. People use it to get rid of inflammation and scarring. It’s actually pretty incredible if you research it. But, man, it’s painful.”

If you think it all sounds a little bit bonkers, stop reading right here.

But if there’s part of you that’s actually somewhat intrigued by Paltrow’s latest it’s-all-in-the-name-of-self-improvement confession, read on…

What is apitherapy?...

Honey Helps Reduce Fever in Leukemia Patients

Effect of honey on febrile neutropenia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A randomized crossover open-labeled study

Complement Ther Med. 2016 Apr;25:98-103

OBJECTIVES:

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy. Current management of FN is expensive and may induce side effects. Honey, as a natural honeybee product, has antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulator and anticancer effects. Additionally, honey is not expensive. The aim of this study is to test the effects of a 12-week honey consumption on children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) particularly with regard to FN.

DESIGN:

A randomized crossover clinical trial. Forty patients of both sexes, aged 2.5-10 years, were randomized into two equal groups [intervention to control (I/C) and control to intervention (C/I)].

SETTING:

Children Hospital of Ain Shams University-Cairo-Egypt. The dietary intervention consisted of honey in a dose of 2.5g//kg body weight per dose twice weekly for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:

Febrile neutropenia in terms of frequency and duration of hospital admission.

RESULTS:

The intervention resulted in a significant decrease of FN episodes, the number of patients admitted with FN and the duration of hospital stay. Also, honey consumption improved the levels of hemoglobin and did not produce any serious side effect. As a possible effect of honey withdrawal in the I/C group, the Hb%, the absolute neutrophil count and the platelet count decreased.

CONCLUSION:

Honey intervention in a group of children with ALL resulted in positive effects on FN and hematologic parameters. Further studies that include a larger number of patients are recommended to confirm that honey, has beneficial effects, as a complementary agent, in children with ALL.

Raw Honey — A Holistic Pet Treatment

The Alternative Daily, 4/8/2016

Raw honey not only tastes great, but it has many medicinal benefits for humans and animals. The topical application is just as useful as ingesting it — and your pets love it too...

Canine allergies

If your dog is scratching or suffers from frequent ear infections, he may suffer from allergies. You can alleviate allergic symptoms by giving your dog small amounts of raw honey daily. Rodale’s Organic Life recommends giving small dogs a few drops a day and working up to one-quarter of a teaspoon, while starting large dogs at one-quarter of a teaspoon and working up to a teaspoon per day. For best results, use local raw honey, as this honey contains pollen spores that may affect your pet. Slowly introducing the honey to your dog may help build up immunity to the irritant.

While raw honey may alleviate the symptoms, there may still be underlying allergies, so visit the vet to determine the cause. Common canine allergies include reactions to food, fleas and pollen.

Gaza Apitherapist Treats Hair Loss, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Cancer with Bee Products

Sting like a bee: alternative therapy in Gaza

GAZA (Reuters) - Rateb Samour sees 250 patients a day whose complaints range from hair loss to cerebral palsy and cancer. But he is not a doctor and has never worked in a hospital.

Samour inherited the skill of bee-sting therapy from his father, who used to raise bees. Then in 2003, the agricultural engineer started to dedicate all his time to studying and developing the alternative medicine treatment of apitherapy, which uses all bee-related products, including honey, propolis - or bee glue used to build hives - and venom.

"I am treating serious and chronic diseases which have no cure in regular medicine, I have achieved excellent results," said Samour, an Egyptian-educated specialist in entomology and bees in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave.

“We speak about chondritis in the neck and spine, migraine, loss of hair, alopecia areata, skin diseases, cerebral palsy, autism and cancer," he said inside an apartment packed with patients on the edge of a beach refugee camp in Gaza City...

PHOTO ESSAY

Foreign Body Reaction Induced by Bee Venom Therapy

(HealthDay)—Foreign body reaction can be induced by bee sting therapy, according to a letter to the editor published online March 31 in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology.

Sun Young Moon, from the Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea, and colleagues describe the case of a 50-year-old woman with persistent localized pruritic skin rash on both corners of the mouth. She had a history of recurrent herpes labialis on both corners of the mouth and had previously suffered from infections cause by live bee sting therapy.

The researchers observed that the skin lesions were foreign body reactions due to bee stings, secondary bacterial infection, and herpes labialis. Yellowish foreign body materials were identified in a skin biopsy of the lesion, with a central cavity filled with eosinophilic material in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. A granulomatous inflammatory cell infiltrate surrounded the retained structures. In H&E staining of a live bee sting, venom and sting sheath were identified as eosinophilic amorphous material and surrounding yellowing structure, respectively. H&E findings showed histologic similarity for the sting from the live bee and the material in the patient's biopsy. The patient was diagnosed with cutaneous foreign body reaction induced by retained bee stings. Live bee sting therapy was discontinued and the patient was treated with an intralesional injection of triamcinolone, doxycycline, and prednisolone.

"We have reconfirmed that live bee sting therapy causes persistent foreign body granuloma," the authors write.

WATCH: Ted Talk on the Medicinal Uses of Honey

WATCH

VIDEO: An Introduction to Apitherapy by Dr. Stefan Stangaciu

WATCH: BCHPA Semi Annual Conference - Kamloops 2016

Honey is Effective in Treating Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients

Honey on oral mucositis: A Randomized controlled trial

Gulf J Oncolog. 2016 Jan;1(20):30-37

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

The main stream of management of head and neck cancer is by radiotherapy and surgery. During radiation therapy in head and neck cancers, oral cavity is directly exposed to high dose radiation which leads to several side effects - oral mucositis being the most distressing one. This study was intended to assess the effects of applying honey on oral mucositis during radiation therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The research design used in this study was Randomized Control Trial with single blinding method in the Radiotherapy Unit of Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), at JIPMER. The study population included a total of 28 patients. Participants in experimental group were given 15ml natural honey for applying on oral mucosa and in control group 15ml plain water were given. Assessment of oral mucosa was done after every 5 doses of radiation therapy using RTOG scale and severity of oral mucositis was assessed.

CONCLUSION:

The study concluded that applying natural honey on oral mucositis was effective among head and neck cancers patients receiving external beam radiation therapy.

Bee Venom Therapy May Be Associated with Thrombocytopenia

Immune thrombocytopenia after bee venom therapy: a case report

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Mar 25;16(1):107

BACKGROUND:

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hematological disorder with an isolated decrease in number of circulating platelets. Bee venom therapy (BVT) is a form of alternative medicine. It is still being practiced in the Middle East and other parts of Asia. In BVT, acupuncture points are used to inject diluted bee venom into the body. The pharmacological basis behind BVT is not fully understood. However, it has been used to treat various medical conditions such as arthritis and low back pain. On the other hand there have been a number of reported complications of BVT use such as ITP. We present a case report on ITP after BVT.

CASE PRESENTATION:

A 61 year old lady presented with gum bleeding and ecchymosis and found to have isolated thrombocytopenia (platelet count of 9 × 10(9)/L) after receiving four direct bee sting sessions. There was no evidence of any other risk factors of ITP.

CONCLUSION:

Bee venom components and toxicity may be associated with thrombocytopenia as a complication. Further research is needed to postulate guidelines and protocol for BVT. In the meantime, monitoring of the practice of BVT should be made, with an emphasis on patient education regarding the safety profile and associated risks compared to the gained benefits.

Bee Venom Can Help Treat Baldness

Bee Venom Promotes Hair Growth in Association with Inhibiting 5α-Reductase Expression

Biol Pharm Bull. 2016 Apr 2

Alopecia is an important issue that can occur in people of all ages. Recent studies show that bee venom can be used to treat certain diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, and multiple sclerosis.

In this study, we investigated the preventive effect of bee venom on alopecia, which was measured by applying bee venom (0.001, 0.005, and 0.01%) or minoxidil (2%) as a positive control to the dorsal skin of female C57BL/6 mice for 19 days. Growth factors responsible for hair growth were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis using mice skins and human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs).

Bee venom promoted hair growth and inhibited transition from the anagen to catagen phase. In both anagen phase mice and dexamethasone-induced catagen phase mice, hair growth was increased dose dependently compared with controls. Bee venom inhibited the expression of SRD5A2, which encodes a type II 5α-reductase that plays a major role in the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. Moreover, bee venom stimulated proliferation of hDPCs and several growth factors (IGF-1R, VEGF, FGF2, and FGF7) in bee venom-treated hDPCs dose dependently compared with the control group.

In conclusion, bee venom is a potentially potent 5α-reductase inhibitor and hair growth promoter.

Gelam Honey May Help Treat Diabetes

Gelam Honey Attenuates the Oxidative Stress-Induced Inflammatory Pathways in Pancreatic Hamster Cells

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:5843615

Purpose. Type 2 diabetes consists of progressive hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, which could result from glucose toxicity, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. In the present study we investigated the effect of Gelam honey and quercetin on the oxidative stress-induced inflammatory pathways and the proinflammatory cytokines.

Methods. HIT-T15 cells were cultured and preincubated with the extract of Gelam honey (20, 40, 60, and 80 μg/mL), as well as quercetin (20, 40, 60, and 80 μM), prior to stimulation by 20 and 50 mM glucose.

Results. HIT-T15 cells cultured under hyperglycemic condition showed a significant increase in the inflammatory pathways by phosphorylating JNK, IKK-β, and IRS-1 at Ser307 (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with Gelam honey and quercetin reduced the expression of phosphorylated JNK, IKK-β, and IRS-1, thereby significantly reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (p < 0.05). At the same time there was a significant increase in the phosphorylated Akt showing the protective effects against inflammation and insulin resistance (p < 0.05).

In conclusion, our data suggest the potential use of the extract from Gelam honey and quercetin in modulating the inflammation induced insulin signaling pathways.

Gwyneth Paltrow Uses Bee Venom Therapy for Beauty

Gwyneth Paltrow Has Been Stung by Bees, for Beauty

NY Mag, 4/4/2016

Bees: They're the talk of the town these days. Scarlett Johansson keeps them, Lea Michele wants to save them, and Gwyneth Paltrow has chosen to drain them of their venom so that she may live forever. The actress and lifestyle guru revealed today in the New York Times that she has been stung by bees — on purpose.

In an interview about her beauty routine, which doesn't sound as rigorous as you might expect — except for this next part (the bee part) — Paltrow explained:

[G]enerally, I’m open to anything. I’ve been stung by bees. It’s a thousands of years old treatment called apitherapy. People use it to get rid of inflammation and scarring. It’s actually pretty incredible if you research it. But, man, it’s painful...

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Effect of Royal Jelly Intake on Serum Glucose, Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and ApoB/ApoA-I Ratios in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial Study

Canadian Journal of Diabetes

Available online 22 March 2016

Objectives

Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide. Evidence supports a role for royal jelly (RJ) in reduction of serum glucose and lipids in animals and healthy subjects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of RJ intake on serum glucose, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and ApoB/ApoA-I ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were randomly divided into RJ and placebo groups and were given doses of 1000 mg royal jelly or placebo 3 times a day for 8 weeks, respectively. Weight, height, fasting blood glucose, ApoA-I and ApoB were measured at baseline and endpoint.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and dietary intakes between groups. The mean difference in glucose concentrations decreased in the RJ group (−9.4 mg/dL vs. 4 mg/dL; p = 0.011). The mean difference in ApoA-I concentrations increased in the RJ group (34.4 mg/dL vs. −1.08 mg/dL; p = 0.013). There was a significant decrease in mean difference of ApoB/ApoA-I in the RJ group compared with the placebo group (0.008 vs. 0.13; p < 0.044), respectively.

Conclusions

These data suggest that RJ intake may have desirable effects on serum glucose, Apo-A-I concentrations and ApoB/ApoA-I ratios in people with type 2 diabetes.

Bee Pollen May Help Treat the Flu

Characterization of Neuraminidase Inhibitors in Korean Papaver rhoeas Bee Pollen Contributing to Anti-Influenza Activities In Vitro 

Planta Med

The active constituents of Korean Papaver rhoeas bee pollen conferring neuraminidase inhibitory activities (H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1) were investigated. Six flavonoids and one alkaloid were isolated and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. These included kaempferol-3-sophoroside (1), kaempferol-3-neohesperidoside (2), kaempferol-3-sambubioside (3), kaempferol-3-glucoside (4), quercetin-3-sophoroside (5), luteolin (6), and chelianthifoline (7). All compounds showed neuraminidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 10.7 to 151.1 µM. The most potent neuraminidase inhibitor was luteolin, which was the dominant content in the ethyl acetate fraction.

All tested compounds displayed noncompetitive inhibition of H3N2 neuraminidase. Furthermore, compounds 1–7 all reduced the severity of virally induced cytopathic effects as determined by the Madin-Darby canine kidney cell-based assay showing antiviral activity with IC50 values ranging from 10.7 to 33.4 µM (zanamivir: 58.3 µM).

The active compounds were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the total amount of compounds 1–7 made up about 0.592 g/100 g bee pollen, contributing a rich resource of a natural antiviral product.

Honey Better Than Silver Dressings for Burn Wound Healing

A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of Dressings used for Wound Healing: The Efficiency of Honey Compared to Silver on Burns

Contemp Nurse. 2016 Mar 30:1-25

BACKGROUND:

Honey has the antibacterial effect of silver without the toxic effect of silver on the skin. Even so, silver is the dominant antibacterial dressing used in wound healing.

OBJECTIVES:

 To evaluate the healing effects of honey dressings compared to silver dressings for acute or chronic wounds.

DESIGN:

A systematic review with meta-analysis.

METHOD:

The search, conducted in seven databases, resulted in six RCT studies from South Asia focusing on antibacterial properties and healing times of honey and silver.

RESULT:

Honey was more efficacious for wound healing than silver, as measured in the number of days needed for wounds to heal, (pooled risk difference -20, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.11, p< 0.001). Honey turned out to have more antibacterial qualities than silver.

CONCLUSION:

All the included studies based on burns showed the unequivocal result that honey had an even more positive effect than silver on wound healing. Because the effect of silver and honey was examined on burns only, there is still insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice in areas other than burns.

Honey Helps Treat Radiation-Induced Mucositis

Effectiveness of honey on radiation-induced oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions among patients with head and neck malignancies: A meta-analysis and systematic review of literature

Head Neck. 2016 Mar 29

BACKGROUND:

Mucositis is a disabling effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancers. There is no current standard on management of radiation-induced mucositis. Honey has been shown to reduce radiation-induced mucositis.

METHODS:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions.

RESULTS:

Eight studies were included and showed that honey was significantly better in lowering the risk for treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying time to mucositis, but not severity of mucositis.

CONCLUSION:

There is current evidence that honey is beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers by decreasing treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying the onset of oral mucositis, but not in decreasing peak mucositis score. In light of the results, honey is a reasonable treatment for radiation-induced mucositis, but more randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done