Effect of propolis in gastric disorders: inhibition studies on the growth of Helicobacter pylori and production of its urease
J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2016 May 27:1-5
There is considerable interest in alternative approaches to inhibit Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and thus treat many stomach diseases. Propolis is a pharmaceutical mixture containing many natural bioactive substances.
The aim of this study was to use propolis samples to treat H. pylori. The anti-H. pylori and anti-urease activities of 15 different ethanolic propolis extracts (EPEs) were tested. The total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents of the EPE were also measured. The agar-well diffusion assay was carried out on H. pylori strain J99 and the inhibition zones were measured and compared with standards.
All propolis extracts showed high inhibition of H. pylori J99, with inhibition diameters ranging from 31.0 to 47.0 mm. Helicobacter pylori urease inhibitory activity was measured using the phenol-hypochlorite assay; all EPEs showed significant inhibition against the enzyme, with inhibition concentrations (IC50; mg/mL) ranging from 0.260 to 1.525 mg/mL. The degree of inhibition was related to the phenolic content of the EPE.
In conclusion, propolis extract was found to be a good inhibitor that can be used in H. pylori treatment to improve human health.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Monday, May 30, 2016
Bee Bread Boosts Antioxidant Activity of Honey
Antioxidant activity of honey supplemented with bee products
Natural Product Research: Formerly Natural Product Letters
Volume 30, Issue 12, 2016
The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of supplementation of multiflower honey with bee products on the phenolic compound content and on antioxidant activity.
Average total phenolic and flavonoids contents in the multiflower honeys were 36.06 ± 10.18 mg GAE/100 g and 4.48 ± 1.69 mg QE/100 g, respectively. The addition of royal jelly did not affect significantly the phenolic compound content and antioxidant activity. Supplementation of honey with other bee products, i.e. beebread, propolis, pollen, resulted in significant increase in the total phenolic and flavonoids contents, and in antiradical activity and reducing power, with the largest effect found for addition of beebread.
Significant linear correlations between the total phenolic and flavonoids contents and antiradical activity and reducing power were found.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Royal Jelly May Help Treat Symptoms of Menopause
Greek-origin royal jelly improves the lipid profile of postmenopausal women
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016 May 26:1-5
AIM:
Menopause transition is associated with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Concerns about the long-term safety of menopausal hormone therapy make alternative natural methods an appealing approach to management. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of royal jelly (RJ) on cardiovascular and bone turnover markers in clinically healthy postmenopausal women.
METHODS:
A total of 36 postmenopausal healthy women were studied in a prospective follow-up study. Participants received 150 mg of RJ daily for three months. Circulating cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, antithrombin-III (ATIII), Protein C, Protein S, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] and bone turnover parameters [Total calcium, phosphate (P), parathormone (PTH), total type-1 Procollagen N-terminal (P1NP), Osteocalcin and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX)] were compared between the baseline and the three-month visit.
RESULTS:
The RJ used in this study was particularly rich in medium chain fatty acids, compounds with hypolipidemic properties, which comprised 63% of the dry weight fatty content. RJ treatment resulted in a significant increase in high density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C 60.2 mg/dL ± 12.3 versus 64.7 mg/dL ± 13.9, 7.7% increase, p = 0.0003), as well as in a significant decrease in low density lipoprotein - cholesterol (LDL-C, 143.9 ± 37.5 versus 136.2 ± 32, 4.1% decrease, p = 0.011) and in total cholesterol (224.4 ± 38.6 to 216.1 ± 36.5, 3.09% decrease, p = 0.018). No statistical significant changes were found in the remaining cardiovascular or the bone turnover parameters.
CONCLUSIONS:
The intake of RJ 150 mg for three months is associated with significant improvements of the lipid profile of postmenopausal women. RJ supplementation may offer an alternative method of controlling the menopause - associated dyslipidemia.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016 May 26:1-5
AIM:
Menopause transition is associated with chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Concerns about the long-term safety of menopausal hormone therapy make alternative natural methods an appealing approach to management. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of royal jelly (RJ) on cardiovascular and bone turnover markers in clinically healthy postmenopausal women.
METHODS:
A total of 36 postmenopausal healthy women were studied in a prospective follow-up study. Participants received 150 mg of RJ daily for three months. Circulating cardiovascular risk markers [lipid profile, antithrombin-III (ATIII), Protein C, Protein S, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] and bone turnover parameters [Total calcium, phosphate (P), parathormone (PTH), total type-1 Procollagen N-terminal (P1NP), Osteocalcin and serum collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX)] were compared between the baseline and the three-month visit.
RESULTS:
The RJ used in this study was particularly rich in medium chain fatty acids, compounds with hypolipidemic properties, which comprised 63% of the dry weight fatty content. RJ treatment resulted in a significant increase in high density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C 60.2 mg/dL ± 12.3 versus 64.7 mg/dL ± 13.9, 7.7% increase, p = 0.0003), as well as in a significant decrease in low density lipoprotein - cholesterol (LDL-C, 143.9 ± 37.5 versus 136.2 ± 32, 4.1% decrease, p = 0.011) and in total cholesterol (224.4 ± 38.6 to 216.1 ± 36.5, 3.09% decrease, p = 0.018). No statistical significant changes were found in the remaining cardiovascular or the bone turnover parameters.
CONCLUSIONS:
The intake of RJ 150 mg for three months is associated with significant improvements of the lipid profile of postmenopausal women. RJ supplementation may offer an alternative method of controlling the menopause - associated dyslipidemia.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Purified Bee Venom Helps Treat Acne
Evaluation of anti-acne property of purified bee venom serum in humans
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 May 24
OBJECTIVE:
Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic disease with four factors involved in the development of lesions. Treatments need to address as many of these underlying factors as possible in order to reduce acne lesions. As such, purified bee venom (PBV™ ) serum is an attractive therapeutic option for acne, but little data exist on the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
METHODS:
In this prospective, noncomparative study, 30 subjects having mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris were enrolled and treated with PBV™ serum twice daily for a period of 6 weeks. Clinical evaluation of lesions by expert visual grading and image analysis were made at weeks 0 (baseline), 3, and 6.
RESULTS:
The average visual acne grade of all volunteers significantly improved with the PBV™ serum treatment at weeks 3 (P < 0.05) and 6 (P < 0.001) when compared with the baseline grade at week 0. In addition, there was a mean percent improvement of 8.6% and 52.3% in acne grade observed after 3 and 6 weeks of PBV™ serum use, with 20% and 77% of the subjects showing improvement, respectively, when compared with baseline. Moreover, the subjects showed improvement in open comedones, closed comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules after 3 and 6 weeks of PBV™ serum use.
CONCLUSION:
Six weeks of treatment with PBV™ serum was found to be effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, with no incidence of serious side effects or irritation.
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 May 24
OBJECTIVE:
Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatologic disease with four factors involved in the development of lesions. Treatments need to address as many of these underlying factors as possible in order to reduce acne lesions. As such, purified bee venom (PBV™ ) serum is an attractive therapeutic option for acne, but little data exist on the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
METHODS:
In this prospective, noncomparative study, 30 subjects having mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris were enrolled and treated with PBV™ serum twice daily for a period of 6 weeks. Clinical evaluation of lesions by expert visual grading and image analysis were made at weeks 0 (baseline), 3, and 6.
RESULTS:
The average visual acne grade of all volunteers significantly improved with the PBV™ serum treatment at weeks 3 (P < 0.05) and 6 (P < 0.001) when compared with the baseline grade at week 0. In addition, there was a mean percent improvement of 8.6% and 52.3% in acne grade observed after 3 and 6 weeks of PBV™ serum use, with 20% and 77% of the subjects showing improvement, respectively, when compared with baseline. Moreover, the subjects showed improvement in open comedones, closed comedones, papules, pustules, and nodules after 3 and 6 weeks of PBV™ serum use.
CONCLUSION:
Six weeks of treatment with PBV™ serum was found to be effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris, with no incidence of serious side effects or irritation.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Aloe Vera, Honey and Milk Ointment Boosts Healing of Burn Wounds
Anti-inflammatory and Wound Healing Activities of Aloe vera, Honey and Milk Ointment on Second-Degree Burns in Rats
Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2016 May 23
The aim of the present study was morphological and morphometric investigation of burn healing impacts of an honey, milk, and Aloe vera (HMA) ointment on experimentally induced second-degree burns, to approve the medicinal basis of its use in Iranian traditional medicine. A total of 21 male Albino rats weighing 200 to 300 g were divided into 3 groups of 7, including (1) control group, (2) positive control group, and (3) the treatment group that were treated with eucerin, silver sulfadiazine 3% and HMA ointment 5% respectively.After anesthetizing, the second-degree burns (1 cm2 areas) were made on the back of the animals using a digital controlled hot plaque, and each group was treated topically, based on the time scheduled. Then, skin punch biopsies were obtained on the 1st, 14th, and 28th days of post-burn induction; processed; and stained using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome methods. The results showed that HMA ointment induces cell proliferation, increasing the wound closure rate, blood vessel counts, and collagen fiber density in treated animals. It also reduced the wound secretions, inflammation, and scar formation. According to the obtained morphological, morphometric results, we concluded that the traditional HMA ointment, which is rich in therapeutic biomaterials and minerals, has multiple healing effects on burn wounds in rats.
Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2016 May 23
The aim of the present study was morphological and morphometric investigation of burn healing impacts of an honey, milk, and Aloe vera (HMA) ointment on experimentally induced second-degree burns, to approve the medicinal basis of its use in Iranian traditional medicine. A total of 21 male Albino rats weighing 200 to 300 g were divided into 3 groups of 7, including (1) control group, (2) positive control group, and (3) the treatment group that were treated with eucerin, silver sulfadiazine 3% and HMA ointment 5% respectively.After anesthetizing, the second-degree burns (1 cm2 areas) were made on the back of the animals using a digital controlled hot plaque, and each group was treated topically, based on the time scheduled. Then, skin punch biopsies were obtained on the 1st, 14th, and 28th days of post-burn induction; processed; and stained using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome methods. The results showed that HMA ointment induces cell proliferation, increasing the wound closure rate, blood vessel counts, and collagen fiber density in treated animals. It also reduced the wound secretions, inflammation, and scar formation. According to the obtained morphological, morphometric results, we concluded that the traditional HMA ointment, which is rich in therapeutic biomaterials and minerals, has multiple healing effects on burn wounds in rats.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Bee Venom May Help Treat Skin Inflammation, Neuroinflammation, Atherosclerosis, Arthritis and Liver Inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Melittin, a Major Component of Bee Venom: Detailed Mechanism of Action and Adverse Effects
Molecules. 2016 May 11;21(5)
Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon triggered by the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. The phenomenon normally leads to recovery from infection and healing, but when not properly phased, inflammation may cause immune disorders.
Bee venom is a toxin that bees use for their protection from enemies. However, for centuries it has been used in the Orient as an anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are potential means of reducing excessive immune responses and provide new alternatives for the control of inflammatory diseases.
Recent experimental studies show that the biological functions of melittin could be applied for therapeutic use in vitro and in vivo. Reports verifying the therapeutic effects of melittin are accumulating in the literature, but the cellular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin are not fully elucidated.
In the present study, we review the current knowledge on the therapeutic effects of melittin and its detailed mechanisms of action against several inflammatory diseases including skin inflammation, neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis and liver inflammation, its adverse effects as well as future prospects regarding the use of melittin.
Molecules. 2016 May 11;21(5)
Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon triggered by the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. The phenomenon normally leads to recovery from infection and healing, but when not properly phased, inflammation may cause immune disorders.
Bee venom is a toxin that bees use for their protection from enemies. However, for centuries it has been used in the Orient as an anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are potential means of reducing excessive immune responses and provide new alternatives for the control of inflammatory diseases.
Recent experimental studies show that the biological functions of melittin could be applied for therapeutic use in vitro and in vivo. Reports verifying the therapeutic effects of melittin are accumulating in the literature, but the cellular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin are not fully elucidated.
In the present study, we review the current knowledge on the therapeutic effects of melittin and its detailed mechanisms of action against several inflammatory diseases including skin inflammation, neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis and liver inflammation, its adverse effects as well as future prospects regarding the use of melittin.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Bee Venom Peptide is Anti-Fibrinolytic, Anti-Microbial Agent
Secapin, a bee venom peptide, exhibits anti-fibrinolytic, anti-elastolytic, and anti-microbial activities
Dev Comp Immunol. 2016 May 18
Bee venom contains a variety of peptide constituents that have various biological, toxicological, and pharmacological actions. However, the biological actions of secapin, a venom peptide in bee venom, remain largely unknown. Here, we provide the evidence that Asiatic honeybee (Apis cerana) secapin (AcSecapin-1) exhibits anti-fibrinolytic, anti-elastolytic, and anti-microbial activities.
The recombinant mature AcSecapin-1 peptide was expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. AcSecapin-1 functions as a serine protease inhibitor-like peptide that has inhibitory effects against plasmin, elastases, microbial serine proteases, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Consistent with these functions, AcSecapin-1 inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin to fibrin degradation products, thus indicating the role of AcSecapin-1 as an anti-fibrinolytic agent. AcSecapin-1 also inhibited both human neutrophil and porcine pancreatic elastases. Furthermore, AcSecapin-1 bound to bacterial and fungal surfaces and exhibited anti-microbial activity against fungi and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Taken together, our data demonstrated that the bee venom peptide secapin has multifunctional roles as an anti-fibrinolytic agent during fibrinolysis and an anti-microbial agent in the innate immune response.
Dev Comp Immunol. 2016 May 18
Bee venom contains a variety of peptide constituents that have various biological, toxicological, and pharmacological actions. However, the biological actions of secapin, a venom peptide in bee venom, remain largely unknown. Here, we provide the evidence that Asiatic honeybee (Apis cerana) secapin (AcSecapin-1) exhibits anti-fibrinolytic, anti-elastolytic, and anti-microbial activities.
The recombinant mature AcSecapin-1 peptide was expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. AcSecapin-1 functions as a serine protease inhibitor-like peptide that has inhibitory effects against plasmin, elastases, microbial serine proteases, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Consistent with these functions, AcSecapin-1 inhibited the plasmin-mediated degradation of fibrin to fibrin degradation products, thus indicating the role of AcSecapin-1 as an anti-fibrinolytic agent. AcSecapin-1 also inhibited both human neutrophil and porcine pancreatic elastases. Furthermore, AcSecapin-1 bound to bacterial and fungal surfaces and exhibited anti-microbial activity against fungi and gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Taken together, our data demonstrated that the bee venom peptide secapin has multifunctional roles as an anti-fibrinolytic agent during fibrinolysis and an anti-microbial agent in the innate immune response.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Libyan Propolis May Help Treat Protozoal Diseases
Chemical and Antimicrobial Profiling of Propolis from Different Regions within Libya
PLoS One. 2016 May 19;11(5)
Extracts from twelve samples of propolis collected from different regions of Libya were tested for their activity against Trypanosoma brucei, Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium falciparum, Crithidia fasciculata and Mycobacterium marinum and the cytotoxicity of the extracts was tested against mammalian cells.
All the extracts were active to some degree against all of the protozoa and the mycobacterium, exhibiting a range of EC50 values between 1.65 and 53.6 μg/ml. The toxicity against mammalian cell lines was only moderate; the most active extract against the protozoan species, P2, displayed an IC50 value of 53.2 μg/ml. The extracts were profiled by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The data sets were extracted using m/z Mine and the accurate masses of the features extracted were searched against the Dictionary of Natural Products (DNP).
A principal component analysis (PCA) model was constructed which, in combination with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), divided the samples into five groups. The outlying groups had different sets of dominant compounds in the extracts, which could be characterised by their elemental composition.
Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis was used to link the activity of each extract against the different micro-organisms to particular components in the extracts.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Honey Helps Treat Irritative Cough
[Use of honey associated with Ananas comosus (Bromelin) in the treatment of acute irritative cough].
[Article in Portuguese]
Rev Paul Pediatr. 2016 Apr 16
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate improvement rate of irritative cough in patients treated with the combination of Ananas comosus extract and honey (Bromelin®) compared with the use of honey alone (placebo group).
METHODS:
Pragmatic, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study with children aged between 2 and 15 years, with irritative cough for at least 24hours. The double-blind assessment of cough was through the number of observed coughing episodes and intensity score for a period of 10minutes of observation. The decrease of one point in the mean total score was considered as a therapeutic effect.
RESULTS:
There was a reduction in coughing episodes in both groups, as well as in the cough score after 30minutes of drug or honey administration. The change in clinical score above two points, which could indicate marked improvement, occurred in five patients in the bromelin group and only in one in the placebo group, but without significant difference. There were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS:
The immediate improvement rate of irritative cough was similar in patients treated with combination of Ananas comosus extract and honey (Bromelin®) compared with the use of honey alone (placebo group). It is possible that honey has a therapeutic effect on mucus and cough characteristics
[Article in Portuguese]
Rev Paul Pediatr. 2016 Apr 16
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate improvement rate of irritative cough in patients treated with the combination of Ananas comosus extract and honey (Bromelin®) compared with the use of honey alone (placebo group).
METHODS:
Pragmatic, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study with children aged between 2 and 15 years, with irritative cough for at least 24hours. The double-blind assessment of cough was through the number of observed coughing episodes and intensity score for a period of 10minutes of observation. The decrease of one point in the mean total score was considered as a therapeutic effect.
RESULTS:
There was a reduction in coughing episodes in both groups, as well as in the cough score after 30minutes of drug or honey administration. The change in clinical score above two points, which could indicate marked improvement, occurred in five patients in the bromelin group and only in one in the placebo group, but without significant difference. There were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS:
The immediate improvement rate of irritative cough was similar in patients treated with combination of Ananas comosus extract and honey (Bromelin®) compared with the use of honey alone (placebo group). It is possible that honey has a therapeutic effect on mucus and cough characteristics
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Rape Honey Shows Anti-Radical Activity
ANTIRADICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PHENOLIC FRACTIONS OBTAINED FROM HONEYS
Acta Pol Pharm. 2016 Mar-Apr;73(2):379-88
Honey is a natural product consisting of multiple components which determine its dietary and medicinal properties. In this work there were studied methanol fractions obtained from seven honeys from Lower Silesia (Poland) collected in different seasons of three successive years. Melissopalynologic studies revealed that two of them were polyfloral, and five were classified as monofloral (two buckwheat and three rapes).
The amount of phenolic compounds in honeys varied from 0.09 to 0.38 mg per g of honey. Honeys harvested in 2010 were the richest in phenolic compounds and especially rich was buckwheat honey, comparing to 2011- 2012. Determination of antioxidant potential with the DPPH radical revealed that the strongest antiradical activity was exhibited by extracts obtained from polyfloral (1.22 TAU(515/mg)) and buckwheat (1.06 TAU(515lmg)) honeys, while the highest number of antiradical units was observed for rape honey (3.64 TAU(515/g)).
Polyphenolic fractions exhibited various bactericidal activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus and weak or no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Acta Pol Pharm. 2016 Mar-Apr;73(2):379-88
Honey is a natural product consisting of multiple components which determine its dietary and medicinal properties. In this work there were studied methanol fractions obtained from seven honeys from Lower Silesia (Poland) collected in different seasons of three successive years. Melissopalynologic studies revealed that two of them were polyfloral, and five were classified as monofloral (two buckwheat and three rapes).
The amount of phenolic compounds in honeys varied from 0.09 to 0.38 mg per g of honey. Honeys harvested in 2010 were the richest in phenolic compounds and especially rich was buckwheat honey, comparing to 2011- 2012. Determination of antioxidant potential with the DPPH radical revealed that the strongest antiradical activity was exhibited by extracts obtained from polyfloral (1.22 TAU(515/mg)) and buckwheat (1.06 TAU(515lmg)) honeys, while the highest number of antiradical units was observed for rape honey (3.64 TAU(515/g)).
Polyphenolic fractions exhibited various bactericidal activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus and weak or no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Review of Bee Venom Use in Treatment of Skin Conditions, Atherosclerosis, Arthritis and Liver Inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory Applications of Melittin, a Major Component of Bee Venom: Detailed Mechanism of Action and Adverse Effects
Molecules. 2016 May 11;21(5)
Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon triggered by the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. The phenomenon normally leads to recovery from infection and healing, but when not properly phased, inflammation may cause immune disorders. Bee venom is a toxin that bees use for their protection from enemies.
However, for centuries it has been used in the Orient as an anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are potential means of reducing excessive immune responses and provide new alternatives for the control of inflammatory diseases.
Recent experimental studies show that the biological functions of melittin could be applied for therapeutic use in vitro and in vivo. Reports verifying the therapeutic effects of melittin are accumulating in the literature, but the cellular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin are not fully elucidated.
In the present study, we review the current knowledge on the therapeutic effects of melittin and its detailed mechanisms of action against several inflammatory diseases including skin inflammation, neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis and liver inflammation, its adverse effects as well as future prospects regarding the use of melittin.
Molecules. 2016 May 11;21(5)
Inflammation is a pervasive phenomenon triggered by the innate and adaptive immune systems to maintain homeostasis. The phenomenon normally leads to recovery from infection and healing, but when not properly phased, inflammation may cause immune disorders. Bee venom is a toxin that bees use for their protection from enemies.
However, for centuries it has been used in the Orient as an anti-inflammatory medicine for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Bee venom and its major component, melittin, are potential means of reducing excessive immune responses and provide new alternatives for the control of inflammatory diseases.
Recent experimental studies show that the biological functions of melittin could be applied for therapeutic use in vitro and in vivo. Reports verifying the therapeutic effects of melittin are accumulating in the literature, but the cellular mechanism(s) of the anti-inflammatory effects of melittin are not fully elucidated.
In the present study, we review the current knowledge on the therapeutic effects of melittin and its detailed mechanisms of action against several inflammatory diseases including skin inflammation, neuroinflammation, atherosclerosis, arthritis and liver inflammation, its adverse effects as well as future prospects regarding the use of melittin.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Filipino Beekeepers Plan Apitherapy Products from Stingless Bees
Farmers make money out of honey in Real, Quezon
Philippines News Agency
May 16, 2016
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Thirty five farmers in Quezon province’s northeastern town of Real started honey bee production with the assistance of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) and the Rotary Club Lucena University District.
Quezon provincial information office reported over the weekend that the Real farmers undertook a three-day training conducted by Dr. PJ De Castro, a noted beekeeper and researcher.
De Castro said the honey or “pulot” in Filipino from stingless bees locally known as “lukutan” provides more health benefits and is processed as an ingredient for medicine, food, beverages and cosmetics.
De Castro explained that more products can also be made from bee hives like pollen, royal jelly, propolis (bee glue), wax bee venom and bee brood that command higher prices than honey.
He said that honey from stingless bees is also priced higher than the other honey-producing bee varieties and will provide additional income to farmers since these stingless bees abound in the province...
Philippines News Agency
May 16, 2016
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Thirty five farmers in Quezon province’s northeastern town of Real started honey bee production with the assistance of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) and the Rotary Club Lucena University District.
Quezon provincial information office reported over the weekend that the Real farmers undertook a three-day training conducted by Dr. PJ De Castro, a noted beekeeper and researcher.
De Castro said the honey or “pulot” in Filipino from stingless bees locally known as “lukutan” provides more health benefits and is processed as an ingredient for medicine, food, beverages and cosmetics.
De Castro explained that more products can also be made from bee hives like pollen, royal jelly, propolis (bee glue), wax bee venom and bee brood that command higher prices than honey.
He said that honey from stingless bees is also priced higher than the other honey-producing bee varieties and will provide additional income to farmers since these stingless bees abound in the province...
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Australia Seeks to Capitalize on Medical Honey
Medical honey on cards for Australian beekeepersMay 18, 2016, The Weekly Times
AUSTRALIAN beekeepers could capitalise on a growing market for medicinal honey.
Initial results from a five-year research project, conducted by the University of Technology Sydney, have found some types of Australian honey can compete with New Zealand’s manuka honey, when it comes to fighting bacteria.
Opportunity knocks: Beekeeper James Kershaw says leptospermum honey could fight bacteria.
James Kershaw, beekeeper and spokesman for the research program, said there were concerns New Zealand’s manuka honey production would be insufficient to meet global demand, creating opportunities for the Australian honey industry...
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Royal Jelly Protects Heart from Chemotherapy Damage
Cardioprotective effect of royal jelly on paclitaxel-induced cardio-toxicity in rats
Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2016 Feb;19(2):221-7.
OBJECTIVES:
Paclitaxel is a potent chemotherapy agent with severe side effects, including allergic reactions, cardiovascular problems, complete hair loss, joint and muscle pain, which may limit its use and lower its efficiency. The cardioprotective effect of royal jelly was investigated on paclitaxel-induced damages.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and test groups (n=8). The test group was assigned into five subgroups; 4 groups, along with paclitaxel administration (7.5 mg/kg BW, weekly), received various doses of royal jelly (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg BW) for 28 consecutive days. The last group received only royal jelly at 100 mg/kg. In addition to oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers, the creatine kinase (CK-BM) level was also determined. To show the cardioprotective effect of royal jelly on paclitaxel-induced damages, histopathological examinations were conducted.
RESULTS:
Royal jelly lowered the paclitaxel-elevated malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the heart. Royal jelly could also remarkably reduce the paclitaxel-induced cardiac biomarker of creatine kinase (CK-BM) level and pathological injuries such as diffused edema, hemorrhage, congestion, hyaline exudates, and necrosis. Moreover, royal jelly administration in a dose-dependent manner resulted in a significant (P<0 .05="" antioxidant="" capacity.="" in="" increase="" p="" paclitaxel-reduced="" the="" total="">
CONCLUSION:
Our data suggest that the paclitaxel-induced histopathological and biochemical alterations could be protected by the royal jelly administration. The cardioprotective effect of royal jelly may be related to the suppression of oxidative and nitrosative stress.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Honey Better for Burn Wound Healing Than Silver
A systematic review and meta-analysis of dressings used for wound healing: the efficiency of honey compared to silver on burns
Published online: 18 Apr 2016
Contemporary Nurse
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 randomised controlled trial 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 < .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.
Published online: 18 Apr 2016
Contemporary Nurse
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 randomised controlled trial 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 < .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.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Bee Venom Component May Help Block Tumor Growth
Melittin inhibits tumor angiogenesis modulated by endothelial progenitor cells associated with the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway in a UMR-106 osteosarcoma xenograft mouse model
Mol Med Rep. 2016 May 6
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are important in tumor angiogenesis. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are key in stem cell homing. Melittin, a component of bee venom, exerts antitumor activity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
The present study aimed to assess the effects of melittin on EPCs and angiogenesis in a mouse model of osteosarcoma. UMR‑106 cells and EPCs were treated with various concentrations of melittin and cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. EPC adherence, migration and tube forming ability were assessed. Furthermore, SDF‑1α, AKT and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 expression levels were detected by western blotting. Nude mice were inoculated with UMR‑106 cells to establish an osteosarcoma mouse model. The tumors were injected with melittin, and its effects were assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Melittin decreased the viability of UMR‑106 cells and EPCs.
In addition, it decreased EPC adhesion, migration and tube formation when compared with control and SDF‑1α‑treated cells. Melittin decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)‑AKT, p‑ERK1/2, SDF‑1α and CXCR4 in UMR‑106 cells and EPCs when compared with the control. The proportions of cluster of differentiation (CD)34/CD133 double‑positive cells were 16.4±10.4% in the control, and 7.0±4.4, 2.9±1.2 and 1.3±0.3% in tumors treated with 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg melittin per day, respectively (P < 0.05). At 11 days, melittin reduced the tumor size when compared with that of the control (control, 4.8±1.3 cm3; melittin, 3.2±0.6, 2.6±0.5, and 2.0±0.2 cm3 for 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg, respectively; all P < 0.05).
Melittin decreased the microvessel density, and SDF‑1α and CXCR4 protein expression levels in the tumors. Melittin may decrease the effect of osteosarcoma on EPC‑mediated angiogenesis, possibly via inhibition of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway.
Mol Med Rep. 2016 May 6
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are important in tumor angiogenesis. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) are key in stem cell homing. Melittin, a component of bee venom, exerts antitumor activity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.
The present study aimed to assess the effects of melittin on EPCs and angiogenesis in a mouse model of osteosarcoma. UMR‑106 cells and EPCs were treated with various concentrations of melittin and cell viability was determined using the MTT assay. EPC adherence, migration and tube forming ability were assessed. Furthermore, SDF‑1α, AKT and extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 expression levels were detected by western blotting. Nude mice were inoculated with UMR‑106 cells to establish an osteosarcoma mouse model. The tumors were injected with melittin, and its effects were assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Melittin decreased the viability of UMR‑106 cells and EPCs.
In addition, it decreased EPC adhesion, migration and tube formation when compared with control and SDF‑1α‑treated cells. Melittin decreased the expression of phosphorylated (p)‑AKT, p‑ERK1/2, SDF‑1α and CXCR4 in UMR‑106 cells and EPCs when compared with the control. The proportions of cluster of differentiation (CD)34/CD133 double‑positive cells were 16.4±10.4% in the control, and 7.0±4.4, 2.9±1.2 and 1.3±0.3% in tumors treated with 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg melittin per day, respectively (P < 0.05). At 11 days, melittin reduced the tumor size when compared with that of the control (control, 4.8±1.3 cm3; melittin, 3.2±0.6, 2.6±0.5, and 2.0±0.2 cm3 for 160, 320 and 640 µg/kg, respectively; all P < 0.05).
Melittin decreased the microvessel density, and SDF‑1α and CXCR4 protein expression levels in the tumors. Melittin may decrease the effect of osteosarcoma on EPC‑mediated angiogenesis, possibly via inhibition of the SDF-1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Australian Honey Matches New Zealand Manuka's Bacteria Fighting Capabilities
Queensland Country Life, May 14, 2016
PRELIMARY research results are showing that some types of Australian honey promise to be every bit as good as New Zealand’s manuka honey, when it comes to fighting bacteria.
Scientists involved in the massive five-year study are calling on beekeepers from across Australia to continue providing honey samples from bees visiting leptospermum plants, and they have launched a website to provide regular updates.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Brazilian Green Propolis May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Brazilian Green Propolis Improves Antioxidant Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(5), 498
Propolis contains a variety of bioactive components and possesses many biological properties. This study was designed to evaluate potential effects of Brazilian green propolis on glucose metabolism and antioxidant function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
In the 18-week randomized controlled study, enrolled patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to Brazilian green propolis group (900 mg/day) (n = 32) and control group (n = 33). At the end of the study, no significant difference was found in serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, aldose reductase or adiponectin between the two groups. However, serum GSH and total polyphenols were significantly increased, and serum carbonyls and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly reduced in the Brazilian green propolis group. Serum TNF-α was significantly decreased, whereas serum IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased in the Brazilian green propolis group.
It is concluded that Brazilian green propolis is effective in improving antioxidant function in T2DM patients.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13(5), 498
Propolis contains a variety of bioactive components and possesses many biological properties. This study was designed to evaluate potential effects of Brazilian green propolis on glucose metabolism and antioxidant function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
In the 18-week randomized controlled study, enrolled patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to Brazilian green propolis group (900 mg/day) (n = 32) and control group (n = 33). At the end of the study, no significant difference was found in serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin, aldose reductase or adiponectin between the two groups. However, serum GSH and total polyphenols were significantly increased, and serum carbonyls and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly reduced in the Brazilian green propolis group. Serum TNF-α was significantly decreased, whereas serum IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly increased in the Brazilian green propolis group.
It is concluded that Brazilian green propolis is effective in improving antioxidant function in T2DM patients.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Celebrities Like Kate Middleton, the Kardashians, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow Use Bee Venom for Skincare
Join royals and celebrities in buzzing bee venom trend for ageless skin and a flawless complexion
Daily Record, 5/11/2016
CELEBRITIES and royals are buzzing about bee venom treatments.
But could this secret ingredient really lead to flawless skin?
With stinging new facials and various bee-inspired lotions and potions on sale, this could soon be the latest must-have skincare product.
And if it’s good enough for Kate Middleton and A-listers like the Kardashians, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow, then it’s good enough for me...
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Bees Trained to Make Honey with Marijuana (Video)
Opposing Views, 5/9/2016
A 39-year-old French beekeeper has reportedly trained his bees to make "cannahoney." A video (below) of Nicolas, also known as Nicolas Trainerbees, posted on the NowThis Weed Facebook page in March has garnered over 22 million views as of May 10.
"I have trained bees to do several things, such as collect sugar from fruits, instead of using flowers," Nicolas told DINAFEM in February.
Nicolas said the "cannahoney" is created by a "training technique whereby the bees collect the resin [nectar from cannabis plants] and use it in the beehive."
Nicolas said when he was a child, he was hyperactive and deemed "unsuitable" by France's education system; as a result, he left school. He later found that marijuana helped him to deal with his hyperactivity: "I began consuming before the age of 10."
"For some time I had known about the health benefits of bee products such as honey, propolis, pollen, wax and royal jelly and also about the benefits of cannabis," Nicolas added...
A 39-year-old French beekeeper has reportedly trained his bees to make "cannahoney." A video (below) of Nicolas, also known as Nicolas Trainerbees, posted on the NowThis Weed Facebook page in March has garnered over 22 million views as of May 10.
"I have trained bees to do several things, such as collect sugar from fruits, instead of using flowers," Nicolas told DINAFEM in February.
Nicolas said the "cannahoney" is created by a "training technique whereby the bees collect the resin [nectar from cannabis plants] and use it in the beehive."
Nicolas said when he was a child, he was hyperactive and deemed "unsuitable" by France's education system; as a result, he left school. He later found that marijuana helped him to deal with his hyperactivity: "I began consuming before the age of 10."
"For some time I had known about the health benefits of bee products such as honey, propolis, pollen, wax and royal jelly and also about the benefits of cannabis," Nicolas added...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Propolis Component May Help Treat Huntington's Disease
Neuroprotective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in 3-nitropropionic acid-induced striatal neurotoxicity
Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2016 May;20(3):279-86
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), derived from honeybee hives, is a bioactive compound with strong antioxidant activity. This study was designed to test the neuroprotective effect of CAPE in 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced striatal neurotoxicity, a chemical model of Huntington's disease (HD).
Initially, to test CAPE's antioxidant activity, a 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) antioxidant assay was employed, and CAPE showed a strong direct radical-scavenging eff ect. In addition, CAPE provided protection from 3NP-induced neuronal cell death in cultured striatal neurons. Based on these observations, the in vivo therapeutic potential of CAPE in 3NP-induced HD was tested. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were repeatedly given 3NP to induce HD-like pathogenesis, and 30 mg/kg of CAPE or vehicle (5% dimethyl sulfoxide and 95% peanut oil) was administered daily. CAPE did not cause changes in body weight, but it reduced mortality by 29%. In addition, compared to the vehicle-treated group, robustly reduced striatal damage was observed in the CAPE-treated animals, and the 3NP-induced behavioral defi cits on the rotarod test were signifi cantly rescued after the CAPE treatment. Furthermore, immunohistochemical data showed that immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD45, markers for astrocyte and microglia activation, respectively, were strikingly reduced. Combined, these data unequivocally indicate that CAPE has a strong antioxidant eff ect and can be used as a potential therapeutic agent against HD.
Korean J Physiol Pharmacol. 2016 May;20(3):279-86
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), derived from honeybee hives, is a bioactive compound with strong antioxidant activity. This study was designed to test the neuroprotective effect of CAPE in 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced striatal neurotoxicity, a chemical model of Huntington's disease (HD).
Initially, to test CAPE's antioxidant activity, a 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) antioxidant assay was employed, and CAPE showed a strong direct radical-scavenging eff ect. In addition, CAPE provided protection from 3NP-induced neuronal cell death in cultured striatal neurons. Based on these observations, the in vivo therapeutic potential of CAPE in 3NP-induced HD was tested. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were repeatedly given 3NP to induce HD-like pathogenesis, and 30 mg/kg of CAPE or vehicle (5% dimethyl sulfoxide and 95% peanut oil) was administered daily. CAPE did not cause changes in body weight, but it reduced mortality by 29%. In addition, compared to the vehicle-treated group, robustly reduced striatal damage was observed in the CAPE-treated animals, and the 3NP-induced behavioral defi cits on the rotarod test were signifi cantly rescued after the CAPE treatment. Furthermore, immunohistochemical data showed that immunoreactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD45, markers for astrocyte and microglia activation, respectively, were strikingly reduced. Combined, these data unequivocally indicate that CAPE has a strong antioxidant eff ect and can be used as a potential therapeutic agent against HD.
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Malaysian Honeys are a Good Source of Antioxidants
Phenolic Acid and Flavonoid Composition of Malaysian Honeys
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)
In the present study, the phenolic acid and flavonoid composition of eight different honeys (acacia, pineapple, gelam, longan, borneo, rubber tree, sourwood and tualang honeys) originating from different regions of Malaysia are reported. Solid phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for their identification and quantification. A total of thirteen different phenolic compounds consisting of seven flavonoids and six phenolic acids were investigated.
Among these phenolic compounds, five phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, coniferic, benzoic and trans-cinnamic acids) and five flavonoids (catechin, myricetin, naringenin, hesperetin and kaempferol) were detected in the investigated honeys. Longan and tualang honeys contained the highest number (n = 7 for each) of phenolic compounds, while only five phenolic compounds were detected in acacia, borneo and rubber tree honeys. Among the phenolic acids, benzoic acid was the most abundant (75%) followed by caffeic acid, catechin, myricetin, gallic acid and naringenin. The mean concentrations of caffeic, gallic and benzoic acids as well as catechin in the analyzed Malaysian honeys were 2.49, 0.81, 0.64 and 0.61 mg/kg, respectively.
Overall, our results indicate that the investigated Malaysian honeys are a good source of different types of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are important antioxidants.
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)
In the present study, the phenolic acid and flavonoid composition of eight different honeys (acacia, pineapple, gelam, longan, borneo, rubber tree, sourwood and tualang honeys) originating from different regions of Malaysia are reported. Solid phase extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for their identification and quantification. A total of thirteen different phenolic compounds consisting of seven flavonoids and six phenolic acids were investigated.
Among these phenolic compounds, five phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, coniferic, benzoic and trans-cinnamic acids) and five flavonoids (catechin, myricetin, naringenin, hesperetin and kaempferol) were detected in the investigated honeys. Longan and tualang honeys contained the highest number (n = 7 for each) of phenolic compounds, while only five phenolic compounds were detected in acacia, borneo and rubber tree honeys. Among the phenolic acids, benzoic acid was the most abundant (75%) followed by caffeic acid, catechin, myricetin, gallic acid and naringenin. The mean concentrations of caffeic, gallic and benzoic acids as well as catechin in the analyzed Malaysian honeys were 2.49, 0.81, 0.64 and 0.61 mg/kg, respectively.
Overall, our results indicate that the investigated Malaysian honeys are a good source of different types of phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are important antioxidants.
Monday, May 09, 2016
Sunday, May 08, 2016
Propolis Boosts Intestinal Health
Polyphenol-Rich Propolis Extracts Strengthen Intestinal Barrier Function by Activating AMPK and ERK Signaling
Nutrients 2016, 8(5), 272
Propolis has abundant polyphenolic constituents and is used widely as a health/functional food. Here, we investigated the effects of polyphenol-rich propolis extracts (PPE) on intestinal barrier function in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, as well as in rats.
In Caco-2 cells, PPE increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased lucifer yellow flux. PPE-treated cells showed increased expression of the tight junction (TJ) loci occludin and zona occludens (ZO)-1. Confocal microscopy showed organized expressions in proteins related to TJ assembly, i.e., occludin and ZO-1, in response to PPE. Furthermore, PPE led to the activation of AMPK, ERK1/2, p38, and Akt. Using selective inhibitors, we found that the positive effects of PPE on barrier function were abolished in cells in which AMPK and ERK1/2 signaling were inhibited. Moreover, rats fed a diet supplemented with PPE (0.3% in the diet) exhibited increased colonic epithelium ZO-1 expression.
Overall, these data suggest that PPE strengthens intestinal barrier function by activating AMPK and ERK signaling and provide novel insights into the potential application of propolis for human gut health.
Nutrients 2016, 8(5), 272
Propolis has abundant polyphenolic constituents and is used widely as a health/functional food. Here, we investigated the effects of polyphenol-rich propolis extracts (PPE) on intestinal barrier function in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells, as well as in rats.
In Caco-2 cells, PPE increased transepithelial electrical resistance and decreased lucifer yellow flux. PPE-treated cells showed increased expression of the tight junction (TJ) loci occludin and zona occludens (ZO)-1. Confocal microscopy showed organized expressions in proteins related to TJ assembly, i.e., occludin and ZO-1, in response to PPE. Furthermore, PPE led to the activation of AMPK, ERK1/2, p38, and Akt. Using selective inhibitors, we found that the positive effects of PPE on barrier function were abolished in cells in which AMPK and ERK1/2 signaling were inhibited. Moreover, rats fed a diet supplemented with PPE (0.3% in the diet) exhibited increased colonic epithelium ZO-1 expression.
Overall, these data suggest that PPE strengthens intestinal barrier function by activating AMPK and ERK signaling and provide novel insights into the potential application of propolis for human gut health.
Saturday, May 07, 2016
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.
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.
Friday, May 06, 2016
Therapeutic Manuka Honey: No Longer So Alternative
Front Microbiol. 2016 Apr 20;7:569
Medicinal honey research is undergoing a substantial renaissance. From a folklore remedy largely dismissed by mainstream medicine as "alternative", we now see increased interest by scientists, clinical practitioners and the general public in the therapeutic uses of honey. There are a number of drivers of this interest: first, the rise in antibiotic resistance by many bacterial pathogens has prompted interest in developing and using novel antibacterials; second, an increasing number of reliable studies and case reports have demonstrated that certain honeys are very effective wound treatments; third, therapeutic honey commands a premium price, and the honey industry is actively promoting studies that will allow it to capitalize on this; and finally, the very complex and rather unpredictable nature of honey provides an attractive challenge for laboratory scientists. In this paper we review manuka honey research, from observational studies on its antimicrobial effects through to current experimental and mechanistic work that aims to take honey into mainstream medicine. We outline current gaps and remaining controversies in our knowledge of how honey acts, and suggest new studies that could make honey a no longer "alternative" alternative.
Medicinal honey research is undergoing a substantial renaissance. From a folklore remedy largely dismissed by mainstream medicine as "alternative", we now see increased interest by scientists, clinical practitioners and the general public in the therapeutic uses of honey. There are a number of drivers of this interest: first, the rise in antibiotic resistance by many bacterial pathogens has prompted interest in developing and using novel antibacterials; second, an increasing number of reliable studies and case reports have demonstrated that certain honeys are very effective wound treatments; third, therapeutic honey commands a premium price, and the honey industry is actively promoting studies that will allow it to capitalize on this; and finally, the very complex and rather unpredictable nature of honey provides an attractive challenge for laboratory scientists. In this paper we review manuka honey research, from observational studies on its antimicrobial effects through to current experimental and mechanistic work that aims to take honey into mainstream medicine. We outline current gaps and remaining controversies in our knowledge of how honey acts, and suggest new studies that could make honey a no longer "alternative" alternative.
Thursday, May 05, 2016
Bee Sting Therapy Used by Specialist to Cure Variety of Diseases Including Cancer, Autism & Cerebral Palsy
Parent Herald | May 3
JAKARTA, INDONESIA - APRIL 15: An apitherapy practitioner administers a bee sting to the hand of a patient at Cibubur Bee Center on April 15, 2007 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Bee acupuncture or apitherapy, is an alternative healing practice where bee stings are used as treatment for various conditions and diseases. Apitherapy, which was first practiced in China, has developed as a popular alternative healing method in Indonesia.
A specialist in Gaza, Palestine is using bees to cure a variety of diseases that are challenging to cure. He claims that his bee sting therapy has treated chronic and fatal diseases like autism, cancer and cerebral palsy.
Rateb Samour, a 58-year-old Palestinian, said the practice of bee sting therapy was handed down to him by his father. Samour is neither a doctor nor a medical staff, but he has been treating 250 patients daily using bee sting therapy, Fox News reported...
Wednesday, May 04, 2016
Propolis May Help Treat Allergies
Effects of propolis in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis
Am J Otolaryngol. 2016 Apr 2. pii: S0196-0709(16)30002-3
PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to determine the anti-allergic activity of propolis in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of allergic rhinitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This prospective experimental study was conducted at Hakan Çetinsaya Clinical and Experimental Animal Research Center with 30 rats. After sensitization of all rats with 0.3mg intraperitoneal ovalbumin plus 30mg aluminum hydroxide for 14days (first phase), rats were divided to five groups. In the second phase of the study 10μL of ovalbumin was applied to each nostril for 21days. Together with second phase, ketotifen (n:6), oral propolis (n:6), intranasal propolis (n:6) and intranasal mometasone furoate (n:6) were given to rats. A control group (n:4)(salin) and sham group (n:2) were planned. Symptoms were assessed on days 19, 22, 25, 30 and 35, resulting in 5 symptom scores: symptom scores 1-5. On day 35, nasal tissue was removed and histological examination was performed.
RESULTS:
When rats that received systemic and intranasal propolis were compared to controls, ciliary loss, inflammation, increase in goblet cells, vascular proliferation, eosinophil count, chondrocytes and allergic rhinitis symptom score were found to be decreased (p<0 .05="" p="">
CONCLUSIONS:
It was found that propolis had anti-allergic effects on allergic symptom scores and nasal histology.
Am J Otolaryngol. 2016 Apr 2. pii: S0196-0709(16)30002-3
PURPOSE:
The aim of this study was to determine the anti-allergic activity of propolis in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of allergic rhinitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This prospective experimental study was conducted at Hakan Çetinsaya Clinical and Experimental Animal Research Center with 30 rats. After sensitization of all rats with 0.3mg intraperitoneal ovalbumin plus 30mg aluminum hydroxide for 14days (first phase), rats were divided to five groups. In the second phase of the study 10μL of ovalbumin was applied to each nostril for 21days. Together with second phase, ketotifen (n:6), oral propolis (n:6), intranasal propolis (n:6) and intranasal mometasone furoate (n:6) were given to rats. A control group (n:4)(salin) and sham group (n:2) were planned. Symptoms were assessed on days 19, 22, 25, 30 and 35, resulting in 5 symptom scores: symptom scores 1-5. On day 35, nasal tissue was removed and histological examination was performed.
RESULTS:
When rats that received systemic and intranasal propolis were compared to controls, ciliary loss, inflammation, increase in goblet cells, vascular proliferation, eosinophil count, chondrocytes and allergic rhinitis symptom score were found to be decreased (p<0 .05="" p="">
CONCLUSIONS:
It was found that propolis had anti-allergic effects on allergic symptom scores and nasal histology.
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
Fatal Honey Poisoning Caused by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in Southwest China: A Case Series
Wilderness Environ Med. 2016 Apr 27
Mad honey poisoning has been reported in many countries, and it seldom results in death. We describe a rare case series of fatal honey poisoning caused by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) in Southwest China. Three male construction workers were delivered to the emergency department with symptoms of food poisoning after ingestion of wild raw honey. Laboratory results showed that the 3 patients were at different degrees of renal damage, and 1 patient with severe symptoms died of acute renal failure 1 day after admission. Pollen analysis indicated that the suspected honey was heavily contaminated with TwHF pollen. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for such poisoning. Pollen analysis is a practical approach to help diagnosis in remote areas where such honey poisoning occurs.
Mad honey poisoning has been reported in many countries, and it seldom results in death. We describe a rare case series of fatal honey poisoning caused by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) in Southwest China. Three male construction workers were delivered to the emergency department with symptoms of food poisoning after ingestion of wild raw honey. Laboratory results showed that the 3 patients were at different degrees of renal damage, and 1 patient with severe symptoms died of acute renal failure 1 day after admission. Pollen analysis indicated that the suspected honey was heavily contaminated with TwHF pollen. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for such poisoning. Pollen analysis is a practical approach to help diagnosis in remote areas where such honey poisoning occurs.
Monday, May 02, 2016
Honey Protects DNA from Damage
Organic honey supplementation reverses pesticide-induced genotoxicity by modulating dna damage response
Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016 Apr 30
SCOPE:
Glyphosate (GLY), and organophosphorus (OP) insecticides such as chlorpyrifos (CPF) may cause DNA damage and cancer in exposed individuals through mitochondrial dysfunction. Polyphenols ubiquitously present in fruits and vegetables, have been viewed as antioxidant molecules, but also influence mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, honey containing polyphenol compounds was evaluated for its potential protective effect on pesticide-induced genotoxicity.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Honey extracts from four floral organic sources were evaluated for their polyphenol content, antioxidant activity and potential protective effects on pesticide-related mitochondrial destabilization, ROSN formation and DNA damage response in human bronchial epithelial and neuronal cells. The protective effect of honey was, then evaluated in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides. The four honey types showed a different polyphenol profile associated with a different antioxidant power. The pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction parallels ROS formation from mitochondria (mtROS) and consequent DNA damage. Honey extracts efficiently inhibited pesticide-induced mtROS formation, and reduced DNA damage by upregulation of DNA repair through NFR2. Honey supplementation enhanced DNA repair activity in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides, which resulted in a marked reduction of pesticide-induced DNA lesions.
CONCLUSION:
These results provide new insight regarding the effect of honey containing polyphenols on pesticide-induced DNA damage response.
Mol Nutr Food Res. 2016 Apr 30
SCOPE:
Glyphosate (GLY), and organophosphorus (OP) insecticides such as chlorpyrifos (CPF) may cause DNA damage and cancer in exposed individuals through mitochondrial dysfunction. Polyphenols ubiquitously present in fruits and vegetables, have been viewed as antioxidant molecules, but also influence mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, honey containing polyphenol compounds was evaluated for its potential protective effect on pesticide-induced genotoxicity.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Honey extracts from four floral organic sources were evaluated for their polyphenol content, antioxidant activity and potential protective effects on pesticide-related mitochondrial destabilization, ROSN formation and DNA damage response in human bronchial epithelial and neuronal cells. The protective effect of honey was, then evaluated in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides. The four honey types showed a different polyphenol profile associated with a different antioxidant power. The pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction parallels ROS formation from mitochondria (mtROS) and consequent DNA damage. Honey extracts efficiently inhibited pesticide-induced mtROS formation, and reduced DNA damage by upregulation of DNA repair through NFR2. Honey supplementation enhanced DNA repair activity in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides, which resulted in a marked reduction of pesticide-induced DNA lesions.
CONCLUSION:
These results provide new insight regarding the effect of honey containing polyphenols on pesticide-induced DNA damage response.
Evaluation of a potentially probiotic non-dairy beverage developed with honey and kefir grains: Fermentation kinetics and storage study
Food Sci Technol Int. 2016 Apr 26
The aim of this work was to study the fermentation process of honey with kefir grains through a comprehensive understanding of its rheological properties, probiotic cell viability, instrumental color parameters and kinetic aspects in a batch bioreactor and during storage.
The results showed that kefir grains were well adapted to bioreactor conditions, reaching high levels of cell viability (over 106 CFU mL-1 for total yeast and bacteria), phenolic compounds content (190 GAE/100 g) and acidification after 24 h of fermentation at 30 ℃. Colorimetric analysis showed that lightness (L*) and redness (a*) remained constant, while yellowness intensities (b*) decreased during fermentation time. After 35 days of storage, honey kefir beverage maintained its chemical characteristics and microbial viability as required to be classified as a probiotic product. The Ostwald-de-Waele (R2 ≥ 0.98) and Herschel-Bulkley (R2 ≥ 0.99) models can be used to predict the behavior of honey kefir beverage.
The parameters analyzed in this study should be taken into account for industrial production of this novel non-dairy beverage.
Food Sci Technol Int. 2016 Apr 26
The aim of this work was to study the fermentation process of honey with kefir grains through a comprehensive understanding of its rheological properties, probiotic cell viability, instrumental color parameters and kinetic aspects in a batch bioreactor and during storage.
The results showed that kefir grains were well adapted to bioreactor conditions, reaching high levels of cell viability (over 106 CFU mL-1 for total yeast and bacteria), phenolic compounds content (190 GAE/100 g) and acidification after 24 h of fermentation at 30 ℃. Colorimetric analysis showed that lightness (L*) and redness (a*) remained constant, while yellowness intensities (b*) decreased during fermentation time. After 35 days of storage, honey kefir beverage maintained its chemical characteristics and microbial viability as required to be classified as a probiotic product. The Ostwald-de-Waele (R2 ≥ 0.98) and Herschel-Bulkley (R2 ≥ 0.99) models can be used to predict the behavior of honey kefir beverage.
The parameters analyzed in this study should be taken into account for industrial production of this novel non-dairy beverage.
Sunday, May 01, 2016
New Zealand Kanuka Honey Treats Rosacea, Acne, Cold Sores, Burns and Wounds.
Honeylab medical‐grade kanuka honey a vanguard for pharmaceutical honey industry
Stuff, 5/1/2016
A medical honey developed by New Zealand researchers can not only treat a number of skin diseases, but could so help combat the global health emergency of antibiotic resistance, creating a billion dollar honey industry.
The medical‐grade kanuka honey formulation developed by Wellington and Bay of Plenty based Honeylab, along with researchers from the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, are vying with manuka to be a new medical miracle and a major new earner for the Kiwi economy.
The current size of the potential kanuka market is estimated to be about $3 billion and the skin medicines are showing such positive results that several of the top 10 largest healthcare companies in the world are in negotiations with Honeylab for the products...
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