Propolis May Help Treat Allergies

Effects of propolis in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis 

American Journal of Otolaryngology

Volume 37, Issue 4, July–August 2016, Pages 287–293

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 0.3 mg intraperitoneal ovalbumin plus 30 mg aluminum hydroxide for 14 days (first phase), rats were divided to five groups. In the second phase of the study 10 μL of ovalbumin was applied to each nostril for 21 days. 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).

Conclusions

It was found that propolis had anti-allergic effects on allergic symptom scores and nasal histology.

Bee Venom Peptide, Exhibits Anti-Microbial Activities

Secapin, a bee venom peptide, exhibits anti-fibrinolytic, anti-elastolytic, and anti-microbial activities

Dev Comp Immunol. 2016 May 18;63:27-35

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.

Honey Bee Lactic Acid Bacteria Helps Treat Hard-to-Heal Wounds in Horses

Fighting Off Wound Pathogens in Horses with Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria

Curr Microbiol. 2016 Jun 21

In the global perspective of antibiotic resistance, it is urgent to find potent topical antibiotics for the use in human and animal infection. Healing of equine wounds, particularly in the limbs, is difficult due to hydrostatic factors and exposure to environmental contaminants, which can lead to heavy bio-burden/biofilm formation and sometimes to infection. Therefore, antibiotics are often prescribed. Recent studies have shown that honeybee-specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB), involved in honey production, and inhibit human wound pathogens.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects on the healing of hard-to-heal equine wounds after treatment with these LAB symbionts viable in a heather honey formulation. For this, we included ten horses with wound duration of >1 year, investigated the wound microbiota, and treated wounds with the novel honeybee LAB formulation. We identified the microbiota using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the honeybee LAB formulation were tested against all wound isolates in vitro. Our results indicate a diverse wound microbiota including fifty-three bacterial species that showed 90 % colonization by at least one species of Staphylococcus.

Treatment with the formulation promoted wound healing in all cases already after the first application and the wounds were either completely healed (n = 3) in less than 20 days or healing was in progress. Furthermore, the honeybee LAB formulation inhibited all pathogens when tested in vitro.

Consequently, this new treatment option presents as a powerful candidate for the topical treatment of hard-to-heal wounds in horses.

Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course And Conference (CMACC) October 21-23 2016

October 21-23 2016

The Redondo Beach Hotel

400 N. Harbor Drive

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Level One: For those new to Apitherapy or those wanting a basic review to include core knowledge of Apitherapy basics (honey, propolis, pollen, royal jelly and bee venom).

Level Two: For those who are more experienced and already practicing Apitherapy wanting more       advanced knowledge in the uses and applications of Apitherapy.

Ethiopian Honey Shows Antibacterial Activity

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of honey against multidrug resistant bacteria in Ayder Referral and Teaching Hospital, Northern Ethiopia

SpringerPlus, 2016 5:842

Background

Multidrug resistance is a global health issue. Hence integration of traditional medicine like honey and modern medicine could be a best option in the treatment of patients infected with drug resistant bacteria. Despite the multi floral and huge honey production in the region, there are no studies that evaluate the antibacterial activity of honey against multidrug resistant bacteria.

Objective

To evaluate the antibacterial activity of honey against multidrug resistant human pathogenic bacterial isolates of wound and ear infections.

Methods

Red and white honeys were obtained from three districts Eastern Zone of Tigray namely Temben, Atsbi and Samre. The antibacterial potential of these honeys was determined against multidrug resistant isolates of clinical isolates of bacterial species of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Klebsiella pneumonia, and five controls bacterial using tube dilutions methods. Undiluted and twofold serial dilutions of honeys were tested to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth tube dilution methods through visual inspection and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined by sub-culturing tubes showing no visible sign of growth/turbidity in MIC.

Results

The mean MIC of red honeys for control and test bacteria was 7.7–8.9 and 12.6–17.9 % (v/v) respectively. Whilst the MIC of white honey was 12.2–12.5 % (v/v) for control and 16.1–27.7 % (v/v) for test bacteria. Mean MBC of red honeys for control and test isolates was from 25–40 to 30.4–62.5 % (v/v) respectively, and 40–55 and 60.7–75 % (v/v) for white honeys. Honey collected from Samre area has shown better antibacterial activity than other sites. Similarly red honeys from all areas were found to have better antibacterial activity against the multidrug bacteria than the white honey. Over all the MIC and MBC of all isolates was between 6.25–50 and 12.5–100 % (v/v) respectively.

Conclusion

Red honey from all sites showed better antibacterial activity than the white honey. Likewise, honey from Samre area showed better antibacterial activity than Temben and Atsbi districts. All collected honeys showed varied bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities, and none of the isolates was resistant to tested honeys.

Propolis May Help Stroke Patients

DICHLOROMETHANE EXTRACTS OF PROPOLIS PROTECT CELL FROM OXYGEN-GLUCOSE DEPRIVATION-INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS VIA REDUCING APOPTOSIS

Food and Nutrition Research, 2016

ABSTRACT

Background: Bee propolis, a mixture of the secretion from bee tongue gland and wax gland, was collected from the tree bud and barked by bees. The components were rich in terpenes, phenolics, and flavonoids, and had anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotection abilities. However, the potential anti-oxidative stress of propolis was not well documented. This study aimed to study the protective effect of propolis on high-incident nonfatal diseases, such as stroke and cerebral infarction caused by ischemia.

Objective: Oxidative stress caused by acute stroke results in inflammation and injury followed by cell damage and apoptosis. Clarification of the anti-oxidative stress effect of propolis may contribute to stroke prevention and damage reduction.

Design: Propolis was separated and purified into 70% ethanol and dichloromethane extracts systematically. The fraction three (Fr.3) of dichloromethane was further separated into pinocembrin, pinobanksin, pinobanksin-3-acetate, chrysin, and galangin by chromatography. Compounds extracted from propolis were tested for cell-protection effects in an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) N2a cell model. MTT assay, oxidative stress markers measurement, flow cytometry, and QPCR were used to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis.

Results: All compounds, especially pinocembrin and galangin, enhanced cell viability in OGD-treated N2a cells. In addition, anti-oxidative enzymes were elevated and cellular Ca2+ was reduced. They also had extreme anti-apoptosis effects by up-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and down-regulating caspase-3 and Bax expression. Taken together, propolis had anti-oxidative effects on stress and protected cells from damage.

Conclusion: The anti-oxidative effect of propolis can be applied to daily food supplements and may benefit stroke patients.

Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria Helps Heal Hard-to-Heal Wounds in Horses

Fighting Off Wound Pathogens in Horses with Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria

Curr Microbiol. 2016 Jun 21

In the global perspective of antibiotic resistance, it is urgent to find potent topical antibiotics for the use in human and animal infection. Healing of equine wounds, particularly in the limbs, is difficult due to hydrostatic factors and exposure to environmental contaminants, which can lead to heavy bio-burden/biofilm formation and sometimes to infection. Therefore, antibiotics are often prescribed. Recent studies have shown that honeybee-specific lactic acid bacteria (LAB), involved in honey production, and inhibit human wound pathogens.

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects on the healing of hard-to-heal equine wounds after treatment with these LAB symbionts viable in a heather honey formulation. For this, we included ten horses with wound duration of  > 1 year, investigated the wound microbiota, and treated wounds with the novel honeybee LAB formulation.

We identified the microbiota using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing. In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the honeybee LAB formulation were tested against all wound isolates in vitro. Our results indicate a diverse wound microbiota including fifty-three bacterial species that showed 90 % colonization by at least one species of Staphylococcus.

Treatment with the formulation promoted wound healing in all cases already after the first application and the wounds were either completely healed (n = 3) in less than 20 days or healing was in progress. Furthermore, the honeybee LAB formulation inhibited all pathogens when tested in vitro.

Consequently, this new treatment option presents as a powerful candidate for the topical treatment of hard-to-heal wounds in horses.

Bee Venom May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

[Effect of bee venom injection on TrkA and TRPV1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion of rats with collagen-induced arthritis]

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2016 Jun 20;36(6):838-841

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the therapeutic effect of acupoint injection of bee venom on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats and explore the mechanism of bee venom therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS:

Fifteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into bee venom treatment group (BV group), CIA model group, and control group. In the former two groups, CIA was induced by injections of collagen II+IFA (0.2 mL) via the tail vein, and in the control group, normal saline was injected instead. The rats in BV group received daily injection of 0.1 mL (3 mg/mL) bee venom for 7 consecutive days. All the rats were assessed for paw thickness and arthritis index from days 14 to 21, and the pain threshold was determined on day 21. The expressions of TRPV1 and TrkA in the dorsal root ganglion at the level of L4-6 were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS:

The rats in CIA model group started to show paw swelling on day 10, and by day 14, all the rats in this group showed typical signs of CIA. In BV group, the rats receiving been venom therapy for 7 days showed a significantly smaller paw thickness and a low arthritis index than those in the model group. The pain threshold was the highest in the control group and the lowest in the model group. TRPV1-positive cells and TrkA expression in the dorsal root ganglion was significantly reduced in BV group as compared with that in the model group.

CONCLUSION:

Injection of bee venom can decrease expression of TRPV1 and TrkA in the dorsal root ganglion to produce anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, suggesting the potential value of bee venom in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Morocco Carob Honey Protects Liver, Kidneys

Protective Effect of Morocco Carob Honey Against Lead-Induced Anemia and Hepato-Renal Toxicity

Cell Physiol Biochem. 2016 Jun 20;39(1):115-122

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Natural honey has many biological activities including protective effect against toxic materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of carob honey against lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity and lead-induced anemia in rabbits.

METHODS:

Twenty four male rabbits were allocated into four groups six rabbits each; group 1: control group, received distilled water (0.1 ml / kg.b.wt /daily); group 2: received oral lead acetate (2 g/kg.b.wt/daily); group 3: treated with oral honey (1g /kg.b.wt/daily) and oral lead (2 g/kg.b.wt/daily), and group 4: received oral honey (1 g/kg.b.wt/daily). Honey and lead were given daily during 24 days of experimentation. Laboratory tests and histopathological evaluations of kidneys were done.

RESULTS:

Oral administration of lead induced hepatic and kidney injury and caused anemia during three weeks of the exposure. Treatment with honey prevented hepato-renal lead toxicity and ameliorated lead-induced anemia when honey was given to animals during lead exposure.

CONCLUSION:

It might be concluded that honey has a protective effect against lead-induced blood, hepatic and renal toxic effects.

Apitherapy Clinic in Oman

Made In Oman: Bee Clinic

Times of Oman, 6/20/2016

NAME: Dr Hassan Talib Mohammed Al Lawati

HOMETOWN: Muscat

COMPANY NAME: Bee Products Healing Centre

BUSINESS TYPE: Medicinal honey and bee products

YEAR STARTED: 2009

CLAIM TO FAME: Healing with honey

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: One, just me

INSPIRATION: The power of nature (and honey) to heal

What inspired you to start your honey business?

I became interested in bee products and honey in 1995 as a researcher and my interest continued to grow as I studied for my PhD in Germany from 2004 to 2008. In 2006 I had my first workshop about the healing benefits of bee products, which was my first step towards starting to offer therapy with bee products, and to start letting people know that bees are not only honey.

How do you describe your business to your neighbour?

I would tell him that my aim is to heal and cure people by going back to the nature and to the medical use of the bees and their products. When I do, I am happy. I would explain to him the miracle of these small creatures and how we can use their gifts to cure ourselves.

What’s your favourite product that you sell?

Bee cocktail, because it is the product that offers everything that we (as humans) need from a nutritional point of view such as proteins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, vitamins through a combination of the most common bee products: Honey, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis...

Brazilian Red Propolis may Help Treat Leishmaniasis

Polymeric Nanoparticles of Brazilian Red Propolis Extract: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Activity

Nanoscale Res Lett. 2016 Dec;11(1):301

The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases.

The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of "multiple-constituent extract in co-delivery system" for antileishmanial therapies. The polymeric nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract were prepared with a combination of poly-ε-caprolactone and pluronic using nanoprecipitation method and characterized by different analytical techniques, antioxidant and leishmanicidal assay.

The red propolis nanoparticles in aqueous medium presented particle size (200-280 nm) in nanometric scale and zeta analysis (-20 to -26 mV) revealed stability of the nanoparticles without aggregation phenomenon during 1 month. After freeze-drying method using cryoprotectant (sodium starch glycolate), it was possible to observe particles with smooth and spherical shape and apparent size of 200 to 400 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermal analysis revealed the encapsulation of the flavonoids from the red propolis extract into the polymeric matrix. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and biochanin A in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and nanoparticles of red propolis extract (NRPE).

The efficiency of encapsulation was determinate, and median values (75.0 %) were calculated using UPLC-DAD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl method showed antioxidant activity to EEP and red propolis nanoparticles. Compared to negative control, EEP and NRPE exhibited leishmanicidal activity with an IC50 value of ≅38.0 μg/mL and 31.3 μg/mL, 47.2 μg/mL, 154.2μg/mL and 193.2 μg/mL for NRPE A1, NRPE A2, NRPE A3 and NRPE A4, respectively. Nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract in co-delivery system and EEP presented cytotoxic activity on Leishmania (V.) braziliensis.

Red propolis extract loaded in nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as intermediate products for preparation of various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing red propolis extract in the therapy against negligible diseases such as leishmaniasis.

Major Royal Jelly Proteins Could Be Used to Culture Human Cell Lines

Evaluation of the major royal jelly proteins as an alternative to fetal bovine serum in culturing human cell lines

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2016 Jun;17(6):476-83

Royal jelly (RJ) is a well-known bioactive substance. It contains large amounts of major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), which express growth-factor-like activity in several animal and human cell lines. However, the question on whether MRJPs possess growth-factor-like activity on all types of cell cultures remains.

In order to determine whether MRJPs can be used as an alternative to fetal bovine serum (FBS) in different types of human cell culture, the proliferation of the complex serum with different ratios of MRJPs/FBS (M/F) was evaluated on five cell lines: 293T, HFL-I, 231, HCT116, and Changliver using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The proliferation activity of the combination of the complex M/F serum with cytokines on the test cell lines was also measured.

The results demonstrated that the complex serum with M/F 6/4 possessed the highest proliferation activity similar to or in excess of FBS. However, no activity of complex medium with M/F 6/4 was observed in 231 cells, indicating a selectivity of MRJPs on cell types. Compared with the complex medium with M/F 6/4, the complex medium with M/F 6/4 together with two cytokines, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), promoted proliferations of Changliver, 293T, HCT116, and HFL-I by 18.73%‒56.19% (P < 0.01).

Our findings demonstrate that MRJPs could partially replace FBS in culturing many human cell lines.

Manuka Honey Promotes Wound Healing

Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signalling by Manuka honey protects human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative damage by improving antioxidant response and mitochondrial function promoting wound healing

Journal of Functional Foods

Volume 25, August 2016, Pages 38–49

Excessive amounts of free radicals are deleterious for cells, resulting in cell damage, affecting the wound healing process and causing premature ageing or even neoplastic transformation. Here the capacity of Manuka honey (MH) to protect against oxidative damage and improve the process of skin wound healing was investigated. Up to 16 compounds were identified in MH, with leptosin derivatives and methyl syringate as the major ones. MH protected against apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, and lipid and protein oxidative damage. MH also protected mitochondrial functionality, promoted cell proliferation and activated the AMPK/Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, as well as the expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT. Here we describe for the first time that one of the possible mechanisms by which MH exhibits its ability to promote wound healing could be due to its capacity to improve the antioxidant response by activating AMPK phosphorylation and the ARE response.

Propolis Boosts Wound Healing Effect of Honey

Synergistic Effect of Honey and Propolis on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats

Acta Med Iran. 2016 Apr;54(4):233-239.

Accelerating wound healing is now considered as a principle clinical treatment and increasing the quality and speed of healing which has always been emphasized by the scientists. Propolis and honey are natural bee products with wide range of biological and medicinal properties.

This study was aimed to determine the synergistic effect of honey and propolis in wound healing of rat skin. A total of 75 Wistar rats weighing 200-250 gr were placed under general anesthesia and sterile conditions. Then a square shape wound with 1.5*1.5 mm dimension was made on the back of the neck. Animals were randomly divided into control, honey, propolis, combined honey propolis and phenytoin 1% groups, respectively. Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 4th, 7th and, 14th days of treatment in each period of study.

Wound area in the experimental group was covered once daily with a fixed amount of thyme honey, propolis, propolis and honey and phenytoin cream (1%), the control group did not receive any treatment. For histological studies, during the fourth, seventh and fourteenth day's rats were sacrificed and samples were taken from the wound and adjacent skin. After histological staining fibroblast, neutrophils, macrophages and vascular sections were counted in the wound bed. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluations showed that the percentage of wound healing on different days in the experimental and control groups were significant (P < 0.05).

The macroscopic and microscopic evaluation showed that the percentage of wound healing on different days in combined propolis and honey experimental group was significantly different from the control group (Multivariate ANOVA test) (P < 0.05). Combined application of propolis and honey on the open wound healing in rats has a synergistic effect.

Bee Pollen Ointment May Boost Burn Wound Healing

Bee Pollen as a Promising Agent in the Burn Wounds Treatment

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:8473937

The aim of the present study was to visualize the benefits and advantages derived from preparations based on extracts of bee pollen as compared to pharmaceuticals commonly used in the treatment of burns.

The bee pollen ointment was applied for the first time in topical burn treatment. Experimental burn wounds were inflicted on two white, domestic pigs. Clinical, histopathological, and microbiological assessment of specimens from burn wounds, inflicted on polish domestic pigs, treated with silver sulfadiazine or bee pollen ointment, was done. The comparative material was constituted by either tissues obtained from wounds treated with physiological saline or tissues obtained from wounds which were untreated.

Clinical and histopathological evaluation showed that applied apitherapeutic agent reduces the healing time of burn wounds and positively affects the general condition of the animals. Moreover the used natural preparation proved to be highly effective antimicrobial agent, which was reflected in a reduction of the number of microorganisms in quantitative research and bactericidal activity of isolated strains.

On the basis of the obtained bacteriological analysis, it may be concluded that the applied bee pollen ointment may affect the wound healing process of burn wounds, preventing infection of the newly formed tissue.

Sundarban Honey May Help Protect the Heart

Sundarban Honey Confers Protection against Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Wistar Rats

Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:6437641

The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of Sundarban honey (SH) in rats with isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced myocardial infarction. Adult male Wistar Albino rats were pretreated with Sundarban honey (5 g/kg) daily for a period of 6 weeks. After the treatment period, ISO (85 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into the rats at 24 h intervals for 2 days. ISO-induced myocardial damage was indicated by increased serum cardiac specific troponin I levels and cardiac marker enzyme activities including creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. Significant increases in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were also observed, along with a reduction in the serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level. In addition to these diagnostic markers, the levels of lipid peroxide products were significantly increased. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were significantly decreased in the hearts after ISO-induced myocardial infarction. However, pretreatment of ischemic rats with Sundarban honey brought the biochemical parameters to near normalcy, indicating the protective effect of Sundarban honey against ISO-induced ischemia in rats. Histopathological findings of the heart tissues further confirmed the biochemical findings, indicating that Sundarban honey confers protection against ISO-induced oxidative stress in the myocardium.

Bee Venom Shows Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Chemical characterization, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of bee venom collected in Northeast Portugal

Food Chem Toxicol. 2016 Jun 8. pii: S0278-6915(16)30188-0

Bee venom (BV) or apitoxin is a complex mixture of substances with reported biological activity. In the present work, five bee venom samples obtained from Apis mellifera iberiensis from the Northeast Portugal (two different apiaries) were chemically characterized and evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties.

The LC/DAD/ESI-MSn analysis of the samples showed that melittin was the most abundant compound, followed by phospholipase A2 and apamin. All the samples revealed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but without a direct relation with any of the individual chemical components identified. The results highlight that there are specific concentrations (present in BV5) in which these compounds are more active. The BV samples showed similar cytotoxicity for all the tested tumour cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa and HepG2), being MCF-7 and HeLa the most susceptible ones. Nevertheless, the studied samples seem to be suitable to treat breast, hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma because at the active concentrations, the samples were not toxic for non-tumour cells (PLP2). Regarding the non-small cell lung carcinoma, BV should be used under the toxic concentration for non-tumour cells. Overall, the present study corroborates the enormous bioactive potential of BV being the first report on samples from Portugal.

Honey-Curcumin Hydrogel Composite Sponge Formulated for Wound Healing

Novel biodegradable hydrogel sponge containing curcumin and honey for wound healing

J Wound Care. 2016 Jun 2;25(6):364-372

OBJECTIVE:

To develop and evaluate a biodegradable superporous hydrogel based wound healing composite of chitosan and alginate incorporated with curcumin and honey.

METHOD:

A 32 factorial design was adopted to optimise the honey-curcumin hydrogel composite sponge (CHS). Sodium alginate and chitosan were dissolved in deionised water and 1% aqueous acetic acid solution at room temperature, respectively. Ethanolic solution of curcumin was poured into the chitosan solution followed by an addition of sodium alginate solution. In situ polymerisation was carried out by adding acrylamide base components to the polymeric solution of curcumin. Finally, honey was added with slow stirring and a sponge was cast on a glass surface by solvent evaporation at 45ºC. The produced sponge was assessed for swelling capacity, moisture loss, tensile strength, biocompatibility, bioadhesion, biodegradation, drug diffusion and wound healing properties. The morphology of CHS was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS:

The optimised CHS demonstrated a high swelling capacity (111.05 ± 05%), tensile strength (4323gm/mm2 ), in vitro drug diffusion (75.03 ± 3.59%/20days), bioadhesion (20 ± 0.2mg force) and ability of water vapour transmission. A rapid induction of tissue granulation and re-epithelialisation was observed. Time to complete healing (94.14 ± 1.04% wound contraction) was 7 ± 2 days.

CONCLUSION:

This study has shown that honey-curcumin hydrogel composite sponge can be formulated by a simple mixing and in situ polymerisation method. The hydrogel base provided a dry wound bed due to excellent fluid absorption capacity. Chitosan and honey contributed to effective faster wound healing. We recommend further clinical studies of the soft sponge wound healing composite for diabetic foot or pressure ulcers.

Stingless Bee Honey Helps Manage MRSA-Infected Wounds

Antibacterial properties and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey in MRSA-infected wounds of rats

Acta Cir Bras. 2016 May;31(5):327-32

PURPOSE :

To investigate the antimicrobial, immunological and healing effects of Melipona scutellaris honey on infected wounds of rat skin.

METHODS:

Twenty four Wistar rats were distributed in four groups (6-each). The uninfected skin wounds of group I rats were treated daily with saline for 7 days. Uninfected wounds (group II) rats were treated with honey. In group III (treated with saline) and group IV (treated with honey) wounds were inoculated with MRSA ATTC43300. The first bacterial culture was performed 24 hours later. In the 7th day new culture was done, and wound biopsies were used for cytokines dosage and histopathology.

RESULTS:

In group I and III rats the CFU/g count of S. aureus in wounds was zero. In group II rats the CFU/g counts in the wound tissue were significantly higher than in wounds of group IV rats. The density histopathological parameters and the expression of TNF-α, IL1-β, Il-6 were significantly higher on wounds of group IV then in the other groups.

CONCLUSION:

Honey of Melipona scutellaris was effective in the management of infected wounds, by significant bacterial growth inhibition, enhancement of cytokine expression, and positively influenced the wound repair.

Honey Helps Treat Cough, Improves Sleep in Children

Is honey an effective treatment for acute cough in children?

Medwave. 2016 May 30;16(Suppl2):e6454

Cough represents one of the most common reasons for pediatrician consultations. There are many available treatments for symptomatic relief, including honey. Despite its wide availability, there is little knowledge about its benefits.

Searching in Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by screening 30 databases, we identified three systematic reviews including three randomized trials. We combined the evidence using meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table following the GRADE approach.

We concluded the use of honey probably decreases the severity and frequency of cough, improves the quality of parent's and patient's sleep, and does not have side effects.

Apitherapy Classes in Toronto, Canada

Manuka Honey Wound Healing Could Be Due to Improved Antioxidant Response

Activation of AMPK/Nrf2 signalling by Manuka honey protects human dermal fibroblasts against oxidative damage by improving antioxidant response and mitochondrial function promoting wound healing

Journal of Functional Foods
Volume 25, August 2016, Pages 38–49

Excessive amounts of free radicals are deleterious for cells, resulting in cell damage, affecting the wound healing process and causing premature ageing or even neoplastic transformation. Here the capacity of Manuka honey (MH) to protect against oxidative damage and improve the process of skin wound healing was investigated.

Up to 16 compounds were identified in MH, with leptosin derivatives and methyl syringate as the major ones. MH protected against apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, and lipid and protein oxidative damage. MH also protected mitochondrial functionality, promoted cell proliferation and activated the AMPK/Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway, as well as the expression of the antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT.

Here we describe for the first time that one of the possible mechanisms by which MH exhibits its ability to promote wound healing could be due to its capacity to improve the antioxidant response by activating AMPK phosphorylation and the ARE response.

Bee Venom Peptide Shows Anti-Microbial Activity

Secapin, a bee venom peptide, exhibits anti-fibrinolytic, anti-elastolytic, and anti-microbial activities

Dev Comp Immunol. 2016 May 18;63:27-35

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.

Interview with Apitherapy Expert Dr. Stefan Stangaciu

A Better World

Wednesday, June 8, 6pm edt:  This evening, Mitchell will speak with world-renowned Dr. Stefan Stangaciu to learn about Apitherapy, an age-old, rich healing tradition of using virtually all aspects of a bee, from propolis and royal jelly to its venom.·

Dr. Stangaciu has an extraordinary resume of accomplishments as a researcher, teacher, clinician and holistic, natural healer, with primary focus on Apitherapy, the use of all bee products for healing, especially integrated into Chinese energetics perspective.

Stefan has taught in some 45 countries, in numerous languages and has appeared on radio and TV programs across the world about Apitherapy and how it has and can be used for numerous ailments when so often allopathic medicine simply doesn’t have the tools to remedy.  Many of the illnesses are degenerative and yet significantly alleviated if not fully healed through skilled application of Apitherapy.  Visit: www.apitherapy.com

A Better World Radio & TV specialize in bringing forward thoughtful, innovative approaches to health, healing, wellness and a sustainable, eco-sensitive society.  Today’s program is another example of this kind of interview and programming.  A Better World wants to thank Yann Loranger and Adrien Thibault of the IDEAL Community, who are working with Dr. Stangaciu on promoting the use of Apitherapy, for introducing us.

Romanian Apitherapy Conference, Api-Expo and Workshops Sept. 30-Oct. 3

Preliminary Scientific program, Bucharest 2016

Berlin Conference Room, Floor XIII, Rin Grand Hotel

Friday, September 30-Th., 2016

10:00-14:45 Registration of participants for Conference, Api-Expo, Workshops and post-congress Api-Tours

15:00-15:30 Opening Ceremony

15:30-16:30 Medicinal beekeeping, Apitherapy and Rural development in Romania and the rest of the world

16:30-17:00 Honey-Tee-Coffee break

17:00-18:00 Bee Products Quality and Apitherapy

18:00-19:00 Bio-Pharmacological Properties of beehive products (I)...

Bees Can Help Combat E. coli Infections and Malaria

VIDEO: Experts say bees hold the secret to tackling human infections

For thousands of years man's relationship with bees has been a harmonious one from the pollination of plants to the production of honey.

Now scientists are examining whether another bee product could help mankind fight off infections such as E.coli and diseases like malaria.

Dr David Watson, a bee expert from Strathclyde University's Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, said a lesser known aspect of the insect was that they collected a substance called propolis from the plants they land on...

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:

Royal Jelly May Help 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.

Honey, Royal Jelly Boosts Growth of Japanese Quail

Effects of propolis, royal jelly, honey and bee pollen on growth performance and immune system of Japanese quails

Vet Res Forum. 2016 Winter;7(1):13-20

Effect of ethanolic extract of propolis, royal jelly, honey and bee pollen in comparison with virginiamycin (as growth promoter antibiotic) as regards the performance and immune system of Japanese quail were assessed.

We used 256 mixed-sex quail chicks in a completely randomized design by eight treatments, including control, ethanolic extract of propolis 1000 (PE1) and 5000 (PE2) mg kg(-1), pollen powder 1000 (PO1) and 5000 (PO2) mg kg(-1), royal jelly 100 mg kg(-1) (RJ), honey 22 g L(-1) of drinking water (H) and virginiamycin 150 mg kg(-1) (V), and four replicates of eight birds in each replication for 42 days.

There was significant differences for weight gain (WG), feed intakes (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between experimental groups. In addition, WG in V treatment (18.82%), H and PO2 treatments (16.87%) and RJ treatment (12.00%) were significantly higher than to control group (p < 0.01).

Significantly higher values of FCR were recorded in control group while group PE2 exhibited a significant decrease for 1 to 42 day (p < 0.05).

The results of effect of bee products on antibodies titer showed an increase in the Newcastle disease (ND) titer when compared with control and virginiamycin groups (p < 0.01). There was significant difference in antibody production against avian influenza (AI) and sheep red blood cells (p < 0.01).

Significant differences were observed in heterophils to lymphocytes ratio among PE1, PE2, PO1 and PO2 with V and control groups (p < 0.01).

Propolis Significantly Inhibited the Onset and Progression of Cataracts

Propolis, a Constituent of Honey, Inhibits the Development of Sugar Cataracts and High-Glucose-Induced Reactive Oxygen Species in Rat Lenses

J Ophthalmol. 2016;2016:1917093. doi: 10.1155/2016/1917093. Epub 2016 May 8.

Purpose. This study investigated the effects of oral propolis on the progression of galactose-induced sugar cataracts in rats and the in vitro effects of propolis on high-glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death in cultured rat lens cells (RLECs).

Methods. Galactose-fed rats and RLECs cultured in high glucose (55 mM) medium were treated with propolis or vehicle control. Relative lens opacity was assessed by densitometry and changes in lens morphology by histochemical analysis. Intracellular ROS levels and cell viability were measured.

Results. Oral administration of propolis significantly inhibited the onset and progression of cataract in 15% and 25% of galactose-fed rats, respectively. RLECs cultured with high glucose showed a significant increase in ROS expression with reduced cell viability. Treatment of these RLECs with 5 and 50 μg/mL propolis cultured significantly reduced ROS levels and increased cell viability, indicating that the antioxidant activity of propolis protected cells against ROS-induced damage.

Conclusion. Propolis significantly inhibited the onset and progression of sugar cataract in rats and mitigated high-glucose-induced ROS production and cell death. These effects may be associated with the ability of propolis to inhibit hyperglycemia-evoked oxidative or osmotic stress-induced cellular insults.