Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria Helps Heal Wounds

Fighting Off Wound Pathogens in Horses with Honeybee Lactic Acid Bacteria

Current Microbiology

October 2016, Volume 73, Issue 4,  pp 463–473

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.

Propolis Boosts Bactericidal Activity of Human Monocytes Against S. mutans

Immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects of a propolis-containing mouthwash on human monocytes

Pathog Dis. 2016 Aug 26

Propolis is a bee product used in folk medicine to improve health and prevent inflammatory diseases. It has attracted the attention of researchers from the odontological field lately, reducing inflammation resulting from surgical procedures and as an antimicrobial agent in the control of bacterial plaque.

Thus far, no side-effects that might compromise oral health have been observed. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent widely used as an antiseptic, but side-effects restrict its use.

This work investigated the effects of an odontological product containing propolis in combination with chlorhexidine in lower concentrations on human monocytes. Cell markers expression, the NF-kB signaling pathway, the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the bactericidal activity of these cells against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated.

Data showed that the combination of propolis and chlorhexidine may favor the recognition of antigens by monocytes, activates slightly the NF-kB signaling pathway and increases the bactericidal activity of human monocytes against S. mutans.

Also, the combination played a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine production, which can be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

These results may have implications for the development of odontological products with immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory action, and may have further reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

Propolis Helps Treat Oral Cavity Diseases

Propolis, A Hope for the Future in Treating Resistant Periodontal Pathogens

Cureus. 2016 Jul 12;8(7):e682

INTRODUCTION:

Periodontitis is one of the most common causes of tooth loss worldwide. Recently, special attention has been paid to natural medication for its treatment. For this purpose, propolis (bee glue) activity has also been investigated. Its antibacterial properties are mainly attributed to flavonones pinocembrin, flavonols galangin and to the caffeic acid phenethyl ester. This study is aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial effects of propolis from Pakistan on 35 clinical isolates of pigmented anaerobic periodontal pathogens.

METHODS:

This study was conducted in the Microbiology department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan. Pathogens included were Porphyromonas asaccharolytica (n=9), Porphyromonas gingivalis (n=13), Prevotella intermedia (n=9), Prevotella melaninogenica (n=4). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to three antibiotics was obtained by E-test method. All strains were sensitive to amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid and metronidazole, but 100% of P asaccharolytica and P melaninogenica strains displayed intermediate resistance to tetracycline while 69.2% P gingivalis and 100% P intermedia strains exhibited complete resistance to tetracycline. Screening for antibacterial activity of propolis extract was done by agar well diffusion assay, and all strains were found sensitive to ethanolic extract of propolis.

RESULTS:

MIC was obtained by agar incorporation technique with values ranging from 0.064 to 0.512 mg/ml. It was also noticed that percentage yield of ethanolic extract of propolis prepared from ultrasonic extraction method was higher compared to extract obtained with maceration.

CONCLUSION:

These results indicate that propolis from this region has potent antimicrobial activity against pigmented anaerobic periodontal pathogens. Taking into consideration the increasing resistance in anaerobic bacteria, this effective antimicrobial activity of propolis gives hope in the treatment of oral cavity diseases.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bee Venom Studied

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bee Venom in BV2 Microglial Cells: Mediation of MyD88-Dependent NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:3704764

Bee venom has long been used as a traditional folk medicine in Korea. It has been reportedly used for the treatment of arthritis, cancer, and inflammation. Although its anti-inflammatory activity in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated inflammatory cells has been reported, the exact mechanism of its anti-inflammatory action has not been fully elucidated.

Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of bee venom in BV2 microglial cells. We first investigated whether NO production in LPS-activated BV2 cells was inhibited by bee venom, and further iNOS mRNA and protein expressions were determined. The mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were examined using semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Moreover, modulation of the transcription factor NF-κB by bee venom was also investigated using a luciferase assay. LPS-induced NO production in BV2 microglial cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner upon pretreatment with bee venom. Bee venom markedly reduced the mRNA expression of COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and suppressed LPS-induced activation of MyD88 and IRAK1 and phosphorylation of TAK1. Moreover, NF-κB translocation by IKKα/β phosphorylation and subsequent IκB-α degradation were also attenuated.

Thus, collectively, these results indicate that bee venom exerts its anti-inflammatory activity via the IRAK1/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Honey, Propolis and Bee Pollen Human Carbonic Anhydrase

Investigation of the inhibitory properties of some phenolic standards and bee products against human carbonic anhydrase I and II

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem. 2016 Aug 25:1-6

Polyphenols are important secondary products of plants with the potential to inhibit carbonic anhydrases. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition effects of various phenolic standards, honey, propolis, and pollen species on human carbonic anhydrase I and II. The inhibition values (IC50) of the phenolics (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, catechin, tannic acid, and chrysin) ranged from 0.009 to 0.32 μg/mL, tannic acid emerging as the best inhibitor.

The inhibition values of three different types of honey, heather, rhododendron, and chestnut ranged between 2.32 and 25.10 μg/mL, the chestnut honeys exhibiting the best inhibition. The ethanolic extracts of pollen and propolis exhibited good inhibitory properties, with IC50 values between 0.486 and 3.320 μg/mL. In order to evaluate the phenolic composition of bee products, phenolic profiles and total phenolic contents (TFC) were also measured. The inhibition ranking among the natural products studied was phenolic standards > propolis > pollen > honeys, and inhibition was related to TFC.

There's a Battle to Trademark Manuka, the Champagne of Honeys

Bloomberg, 8/24/2016

There's a fight Down Under over manuka honey, the so-called superfood famed for its antibacterial qualities. On one side, New Zealand beehive owners say they should have exclusive rights to the manuka name. On the other, Australian producers say the manuka tree that gives the sticky stuff its name is an Aussie native and their honey is just as super as its Kiwi cousin.

German Workshop on Bee Venom therapy, Apitherapy

October 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2016

Landsberg, Germany

Epfenhauser Straße 3

Theoretical and practical sessions on Bee Venom Therapy in particular and Apitherapy and other techniques in general.

Theoretische und praktische Unterrichtungen zur Bienengift-Therapie, besonders bei der Apitherapie und anderer Techniken im Allgemeinen

Languages of the workshop: English and German

Sprachen: Englisch und Deutsch ( Übersetzung + Präsentation )

Does Natural Honey-Containing Fructose have Benefits to Diabetic Patients?

Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 23(2):86 · March 2016

A  systematic  review  and  meta-analysis  by Cozma  et  al.  (4)  resulted  in  some  important findings  with  respect  to  the effect  of fructose  in diabetic  patients.  The  authors  concluded  that compared  to  other  carbohydrates,  fructose  has greater long term benefits for improving glycemic control  and  has no  effect on  insulin  and fasting glucose.  Moreover,  unlike  the  work  of  Bahrami et  al.  (3),  this  study  showed  improvements  in HbA1c levels as a result of fructose consumption. However,  this  review  has  several  limitations, including the short duration (less than 12 weeks) and relatively low quality of most trials analyzed. Thus, larger and longer studies are recommended.

Qairooti (Cerate or Cera Beeswax Salve) in Traditional Iranian Pharmacy

Iran J Med Sci. 2016 May;41(3):S8

BACKGROUND:

Qairooti (Cerate), a medicinal salve or ointment, compounded of wax and oil, is a formulation used alone or as a basis for medicinal dosage forms. It is widely used from the ancient times to the present. Based on its structure, beeswax has unique characteristics. It builds stable emulsions and increases water absorbance of creams and ointments. The aim of this study was to gather all pharmaceutical information about preparing Qairooti products from traditional pharmacopoeaes, such as the various types of Qairooti and their preparation methods.

METHODS:

In this article, various types of Qairooti, their producing method and related indications have been discussed based on the main medical Persian manuscripts including Al-Canon fil tibb (Canon of Avicenna), Gharabadin-e-Kabir, Gharabadin-e-Salehi, Exir-e-Azam, Alhavi, Kamel-al-sanaat, Zakhireh-ye Khwarazm shahi, al-Shamel-fi-sanawat-al-tebie, Ekhtiarate badiee, Kholasat-al-tajarob, Tib-e-Akbari, Mofareh al-gholoob, Makhzan-ul-Adwiah, Hedayat-al-motealemin-fi-al-tibb, Altasrif-le-man-ajeza-an-talif, etc.

RESULTS:

About 500 different formulations from the above-mentioned manuscripts were found and their preparation method and other required information were collected. The amounts of oil and wax in Qairooti are not fixed and depend on different factors; providing the best consistency and appearance of the formulation, such as seasonal temperature. In order to prepare cerate, wax has to be melted by indirect heat and then mixed with the isothermal oil. Mixing process should be performed precisely to provide a homogenized product. If the multi-ingredient cerate is needed, other constituents have to be added to the warm mixture of oil and wax.

CONCLUSION:

There are many kinds of Qairooti in traditional Iranian pharmacopoeias recommended for different indications. Cerate was a common medication for injuries and wounds. Although it is still used in conventional medicine, some clinical applications in traditional Iranian medicine have been forgotten nowadays. It is recommended that we have a smarter approach to the traditional pharmacopoeias in order to use past experience and transcend existing knowledge of modern pharmacy.

Tester Microorganisms for Power of Medicinal Honeys

Honey sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants are impaired in catalase A

Microbiology. 2016 Aug 9

The antimicrobial power of honey seems to be ascribable to several factors, including oxidative and osmotic stress. The aim of this study was to find genetic determinants involved in the response to honey stress in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, chosen as model microorganism.

A library of transposon mutants of P. aeruginosa PAO1 was constructed and only four mutants unable to grow in presence of fir honeydew honey were selected. All four mutants were impaired in the major H2O2-scavenging enzyme catalase A (Kat A). The knock-out of katA gene caused sensitivity, as expected, to hydrogen peroxide, but also to different types of honey including Manuka GMO 220 honey. Genetic complementation, as well as the addition of PAO1 supernatant containing extracellular catalase, restored tolerance to honey stress in all the mutants.

As P. aeruginosa PAO1 catalase Kat A copes with H2O2 stress, it is conceivable that the antimicrobial activity of honey is, at least partially, due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide in honey or the ability of honey to induce production of hydrogen peroxide.

The katA deficient mutants could be used as tester microorganisms to compare the power of different types of natural and curative honeys in eliciting oxidative stress mediated by hydrogen peroxide.

Difficulty of Establishing a Uniform Quality Standard for Propolis from Diverse Geographical Origins

Comparative Study of Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Yellow, Green, Brown, and Red Brazilian Propolis

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:6057650

The chemical composition and biological activity of a sample of yellow propolis from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil (EEP-Y MS), were investigated for the first time and compared with green, brown, and red types of Brazilian propolis and with a sample of yellow propolis from Cuba.

Overall, EEP-Y MS had different qualitative chemical profiles, as well as different cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities when compared to the other types of propolis assessed in this study and it is a different chemotype of Brazilian propolis.

Absence of phenolic compounds and the presence of mixtures of aliphatic compounds in yellow propolis were determined by analysing (1)H-NMR spectra and fifteen terpenes were identified by GC-MS. EEP-Y MS showed cytotoxic activity against human tumour strain OVCAR-8 but was not active against Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria.

Our results confirm the difficulty of establishing a uniform quality standard for propolis from diverse geographical origins. The most appropriate pharmacological applications of yellow types of propolis must be further investigated.

Bee Venom Used to Treat Musculoskeletal Disease in Korea

Usage report of pharmacopuncture in musculoskeletal patients visiting Korean medicine hospitals and clinics in Korea

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Aug 17;16(1):292

BACKGROUND:

Pharmacopuncture is a relatively new acupuncture therapy combining acupuncture with herbal medicine. While pharmacopuncture is applied extensively in Korean medicine treatment, there are no clinical reports regarding what types of pharmacopuncture are used for which diseases.

METHODS:

Data was extracted retrospectively from the electronic medical records of all inpatients and outpatients at 12 Korean medicine hospitals and clinics during the period of December 17, 2010 to October 2, 2014. Treatment patterns for acupuncture, electroacupuncture and pharmacopuncture were analyzed. Principle diagnosis codes, frequency of treatment, pharmacopuncture type and costs were investigated to assess pharmacopuncture use in clinical settings.

RESULTS:

During the study period, a total 33,415 inpatients and 373,755 outpatients visited the study sites, and most were musculoskeletal. Among inpatients and outpatients, 98.6 % and 77.6 % received pharmacopuncture, respectively. Administration rate of pharmacopuncture for the 10 most frequent principle diagnosis codes was 97.2-99.3 % in inpatients, and that for outpatients was 73.0-91.5 %. The average number of pharmacopuncture sessions in pharmacopuncture recipients was 8.2 ± 12.3 for outpatients and 25.8 ± 18.7 for inpatients. The mean total cost for pharmacopuncture per patient was $556.24 ± 174.62 among inpatients, and $149.16 ± 243.85 among outpatients. Estimated average cost per pharmacopuncture session was $23-24 for inpatients, and $17-18 for outpatients. Shinbaro1, bee venom, Hwangryunhaedok, and Shinbaro2 were the most frequently used pharmacopuncture types.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first analysis of treatment patterns of pharmacopuncture in a large-scale Korean medicine hospital/clinic patient population. We verified patterns of pharmacopuncture use for musculoskeletal disease treatment in Korea, and use of pharmacopuncture varied depending on disease or symptom severity. These results are expected to contribute to future clinical study design and standardization of pharmacopuncture.

Kelulut Stingless Bee Honey May Protect Against Colon Cancer

Chemopreventive Properties and Toxicity of Kelulut Honey in Sprague Dawley Rats Induced with Azoxymethane

Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:4036926

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Colon cancer has been a major problem worldwide. Kelulut honey (KH) is produced by the stingless bees from Trigona species and has strong antioxidant activities that could be one of the potential chemopreventive agents from natural resources.

Aim of This Study. This study investigated the chemopreventive properties and toxicity of KH in Sprague Dawley rats induced with azoxymethane (AOM).

Material and Method. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats aged 5 weeks were divided into 4 groups: (G1) untreated group not induced with AOM, (G2) untreated group induced with AOM, (G3) treated group induced with AOM, and (G4) treated group not induced with AOM. Injection of AOM (15 mg/kg) was via intraperitoneal route once a week for two subsequent weeks. The treatment groups were given oral administration of KH (1183 mg/kg body weight) twice daily for 8 weeks.

Results. Treatment with KH significantly reduced the total number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and aberrant crypts (AC) and crypt multiplicity. KH was not toxic to the animals since the level of blood profile parameters, liver enzymes, and kidney functions was in normal range.

Conclusions. The current finding shows that KH has chemopreventive properties in rats induced with colorectal cancer and also was found not toxic towards the animals.

VIDEO: Bee Venom Therapy Provides Unique Relief to Parkinson’s Sufferers

WGN, 8/17/2016

This time of year, the bees in your backyard may be driving you crazy. But not everyone sees them as a danger. For some those stinging honey bees are lifesavers - literally.

The program is called "bee venom therapy," and one Chicago-area doctor is giving it a new twist: he's encouraging some patients to use bee stings on acupuncture points to stop diseases like Parkinson's from progressing...

Citrus and Thyme Honeys Have Low GI

Glycemic index values of monofloral Turkish honeys and the effect oftheir consumption on glucose metabolism

Turk J Med Sci. 2016 Feb 17;46(2):483-8

BACKGROUND/AIM:

Clinical trials have shown that low glycemic index (GI) nutrition reduces mean blood glucose concentrations and insulin secretions. The aim of the present study was to determine the GI values of various monofloral (citrus, milk-vetch, chestnut, thyme, lime, pine) honeys of Turkey, and the effect of their consumption on glucose metabolism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Processing data from 20 healthy volunteers, GI values were determined from the glycemia values by using the incremental area method. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also measured before and 120 min after the test.

RESULTS:

The GI values of citrus, thyme, lime, chestnut, pine, and milk-vetch honeys were found to be 44.9, 52.6, 55.3, 55.5, 58.8, and 69, respectively. Serum insulin and C-peptide values after honey consumption were relatively lower than those after reference food (glucose) consumption. By the end of the 120 min, serum insulin levels were significantly higher, while a significant decrease was observed after the consumption of chestnut honey (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Citrus and thyme honeys were determined to have low GI, while serum insulin levels were significantly lower after the consumption of chestnut honey. Long-term research is needed to compare the effects of honey consumption on healthy and diabetic individuals.

Honey, Propolis, Pollen, and Royal Jelly Significantly Enhance Healing of Liver

Apitherapy products enhance the recovery of CCL4-induced hepatic damages in rats

Turk J Med Sci. 2016 Jan 5;46(1):194-202

BACKGROUND/AIM:

Our objective was to identify the antioxidant properties of honeybee products from Turkey, chestnut honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, and their hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Animals were fed with honeybee products for 7 days following CCl4 injection. Development of liver damage and oxidative stress were monitored by measuring the activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Antioxidant capacities of the bee products were identified using FRAP and DPPH assays, as well as by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

RESULTS:

The antioxidant activities of the honeybee products were highest in propolis, followed, in order, by pollen, honey, and royal jelly. Despite their different levels of antioxidant capacity, their roles in the prevention of liver damage induced by CCl4 were very similar, which can be explained through their bioavailability to the treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly significantly enhanced the healing of CCl4-induced liver damage, partially due to their antioxidant properties and bioavailability.

Honeydew, Chestnut and Lime Tree Honeys Show Greatest Antimicrobial Activity

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Italian honey for wound healing application in veterinary medicine

Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd. 2016 Jul;158(7):521-527

Honey as a topical treatment for infected wounds dates back to ancient times. However, few studies have been reported concerning the medical properties of Italian honey.

In this study, the microbial contamination, the antimicrobial activity and the antibiotic residues of 6 different varieties of Piedmont honeys were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of honeys was tested by agar well diffusion method and 1 honey for each variety has been selected and tested by broth micro-dilution test to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and evaluated by Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs). The honeys with a high level of antibacterial activity were analyzed for the presence of tetracyclines, sulfonamides and macrolide residues.

The agar well diffusion method showed the greatest antimicrobial activity for honeydew, chestnut and lime tree honeys. The MICs and MBCs identified the close similarity to the medical manuka honey of honeydew, polyfloral and chestnut honey. The levels of antibiotic residues on these honeys were below the limit of quantification. Based on our results the Italian variety of honeydew showed the best antimicrobial activity and can be considered for the treatment of infected wounds in animals.

Honey and Royal Jelly Helpd Treat Cancer-Related Fatigue

Effect of Processed Honey and Royal Jelly on Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Electron Physician. 2016 Jun 25;8(6):2475-82

BACKGROUND:

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is experienced by 50% to 90% of cancer patients and can severely affect their quality of life and functional capacity. Several randomized trials have recommended various ways to alleviate the symptoms of CRF with or without recourse to medications.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of processed honey and royal jelly on the symptoms of CRF in cancer patients who are undergoing hormone therapy, chemotherapy, chemo-radiation, or radiotherapy.

METHODS:

Fifty-two participants from the patients who visited the oncology clinic of Shohada-e-Tajrish hospital in Tehran (Iran) between May 2013 and August 2014 were selected and divided into two groups. The study group (26 patients) received processed honey and royal jelly, while the control group received pure honey. Both groups were instructed to consume their 5mL supplement twice daily for 4 weeks. Both groups were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 2 weeks, and then at the end of 4 weeks of treatment. Fatigue was measured using a visual analogue fatigue scale (VAFS) and fatigue severity scale (FSS). The results were compared between the two arms of study, and equality of probability distributions was assessed using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the 52 patients was 54.84. After two and four weeks of treatment with processed honey and royal jelly, VAFS and FSS due to treatment was better in the study group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant.
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CONCLUSION:

To the best of our knowledge, our study provided support for the use of processed honey and royal jelly to ameliorate CRF. The positive results of this study warrant further studies in this field.

Honey Dressing is Safer for Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Topical honey for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Aug;24:130-3

Topical honey has been used for the treatment of wound since ancient time. But the medical evidence proving it is limited. Hence a systematic review was planned. An exhaustive literature search was done in PUBMED, COCHRANE, GOOGLE using 'topical honey', 'diabetic foot ulcer', 'chronic wounds' as key words. Literature search showed total of five clinical trials and about ten observational studies in various part of world.

Out of five clinical trials three concluded that honey dressing is better than conventional dressing, all the clinical trials proved safety of honey for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. Observational studies included total of 320 patients which also showed safety of honey but efficacy cannot be considered from observational studies. This review showed that honey dressing is safer for treatment of diabetic foot ulcer but there is insufficient good quality data to realistically conclude on the efficacy of honey on diabetic foot ulcers.

New Method to ID Manuka Honey

World first move to scientifically classify manuka honey could help prevent fraud

ABC Rural, 8/11/2016

A New Zealand honey association has praised the discovery of a new method of classifying valuable manuka honey, saying it will clamp down on fraud.

The highest grades of manuka honey can resell in export market for as much as $150 a kilogram, and producers are used to dealing with falsely-labelled and knock-off products on the market.

Now, scientists have made unique profiles of all of New Zealand's manuka producing flowers, and established a method for classifying the genuine product.

Unique Manuka Honey Association's John Rawcliffe said it will sure up confidence in the authentic product and the companies producing it...

Honey Reduces Canker Sore Pain

Efficacy of honey in comparison to topical corticosteroid for treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulceration: a randomized, blind, controlled, parallel, double-center clinical trial

Quintessence Int. 2014 Sep;45(8):691-701. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.a32241.

BACKGROUND:

Recurrent aphthous ulceration represents a very common mucosal disorder that general dentists may encounter on a daily basis, and for which there is no curative treatment. The best treatment that can be achieved is to avoid local traumatic precipitants, lessen the pain and duration of ulceration by suppressing the local immune response, and prevent secondary infection.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to clinically determine the efficacy of honey as a topical treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulceration in a Saudi cohort.

METHOD AND MATERIALS:

A randomized, blind, controlled, parallel, double-center clinical trial was carried out. Honey was applied by patients four times a day for 5 days. Clinical parameters (ulcer size, pain scale, and degree of erythema and healing) were recorded both at baseline and during the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

There were 94 subjects, with 180 minor recurrent aphthous ulcerations. The ulcers were distributed as 67, 57, and 56 ulcers for honey, topical corticosteroid, and Orabase treatment, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the honey group and the other two groups in terms of reduction of ulcer size, days of pain, and degree of erythema. No side effects were reported in any group.

CONCLUSION:

Honey was found to be effective and safe in reducing minor aphthous ulcer pain, size, and erythema in a Saudi cohort.

Australian Manuka Honey Similar to New Zealand's Medicinal Honey

Scientists on the hunt for medicinal liquid gold

Science Network, 8/3/2016

Dr Blair says honey produced from Leptospermum nectar contains high levels of the chemical compound dihydroxyacetone, which produces an antibacterial phytochemical, methylglyoxal.

Study finds Australian varieties of Leptospermum honey are similar to New Zealand's medicinal honey

Medicinal honey works by releasing chemicals which kill germs and absorb moisture from wounds
Research could add value to Australian honey and aid struggling local beekeepers...

Stingless Bees Produce Medicinal Honey in Borneo

Kelulut honey — a health elixir from stingless bees

Borneo Post, 8/7/2016

Propolis is produced by bees through their saliva mixed with bee food such as pollen, bark, tree shoots and flowers. The bees gather resins from pine and other cone-producing evergreen trees, blend the resins with wax flakes and pollen, then bring them back to the hives where they use the sticky mess to patch holes, seal cracks and build panels.

Propolis which determines the quality of the honey, is said to have properties that boost the immune system. The bee-glue contains all 16 amino acids, glucose, vitamins A, B, C, D and E, bioflavonoids and minerals. Bioflavanids improve and repair the body systems of people and livestock.

“In the wild, because of the propolis, other insects never attack the honey. The glue is a natural insect repellant,” he added.

According to Elli, it’s easy to test whether honey is diluted or pure.

“To test for purity, just drop some of the honey on the floor, and over time, when you see ants eating it or fungus growing on it, then the honey is not pure. This indicates sugar or sugar cane juice could have been added after the honey had been diluted to increase the quantity.”

He believed one of the benefits of kelulut honey was that it could boost energy and strength, given that stingless bees are active all year round.

Manuka Honey Symposium Showcases Latest Research

Voxy, 8/7/2016

Using the latest science, the UMF Honey Association can now classify what is genuine Manuka Honey. This announcement follows four years of industry commitment and research using the lasted technology.

Details

Leading international experts will converge at the symposium to showcase the latest science behind Manuka Honey.

The ‘This is Manuka Honey’ symposium which is being held in Auckland on Tuesday 9 August has attracted widespread international interest.

The research is New Zealand-based and internationally recognised and has been IP protected.

Leading scientific figures from Australia, UK and Japan will speak at the event which is also being attended by a delegation from China’s JSCIQ.

With its unique properties, Manuka Honey (Leptospermum scoparium) has become one of the most researched honeys in the world.

The UMF Honey Association has a world-leading science programme and international partnerships in place whose primary focus is on identifying the unique signature compounds of genuine Manuka Honey and protecting this important New Zealand product.

The symposium, is the result of an independent and internationally supported research project that will support the UMF quality mark...

Manuka Honey Fights Superbugs, Heals Wounds, Treats Gingivitis, Boosts Immune System

Organic Authority, 8/5/2016

Everything You Need to Know About Manuka Honey Benefits
Image of honey via Shutterstock

The medicinal benefits of honey have been documented since ancient times because of its healing properties and antibacterial characteristics. But in recent years scientific studies have proven that this golden syrup is so much more than just a sweetener. And manuka honey is even more potent. Health benefits include:

1. Fights superbugs

Antibiotic resistance is on the rise. In fact, 23,000 people die and two million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant l infections every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But according to a study published in the April 2011 issue of the Asian Pacific Journal of Biomedicine, manuka honey may be a powerful topical treatment for antibiotic resistant infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)  and Clostridium difficile(C. diff).

2. Treats burns and other wounds

A study published in the June 2009 issue of Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine found that manuka honey has antibacterial qualities that make it an effective treatment for some wounds. Another study in the same journal found that manuka honey could help treat diabetic wounds, which tend to heal slowly.

3. Treats plaque and gingivitis

A study published in the April 2004 issue of the journal of the International Academy of Periodontology found that manuka honey may help reduce plaque and treat gingivitis.

4. It’s an anticancer agent

A study published in the December 2013 issue of Evidence Based Complementary Medicine found that manuka honey may have an anti-cancer effect by helping the immune system fight back. It has antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it effective, according to the research...

Apitherapy Products for Medicinal Use

J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Jul 27. [Epub ahead of print]

For the past 10 years, beekeeping has increased due to a growing awareness of the disappearance of bees since Colony Collapse Disorder. Most of the disappearance of honey bees can be attributed to the use of pesticides. Apitherapy is the science and art of maintaining health with the use of products from the honeybee hive: honey, bee pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom. We have been beekeeping for the last 10 years. We use every product from the beehive for both personal and patient use.

Safe to Take Low Amounts of Brazilian Propolis

In vivo evaluation of mutagenic and recombinagenic activities of Brazilian propolis

Food Chem Toxicol. 2016 Jul 30. pii: S0278-6915(16)30266-6

Propolis is a resinous, complex mixture of compounds collected by the bee species Apis mellifera. This study investigated the genotoxicity of green and brown propolis collected in southeast Brazil using the somatic mutation and recombination test (SMART) in Drosophila melanogaster. The effect of five concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 7.5 mg/mL) of both propolis types was analyzed in standard (ST) and high-bioactivation (HB) crosses, which have normal and high levels of cytochrome P450 enzymes, respectively.

The results show that the types of propolis evaluated have no mutagenic action, in either cross. Moreover, chromatography findings revealed that the propolis types analyzed have different chemical compositions. Brown propolis had lower levels of polyphenols (∼7.2 mg/mL), compared to the green type (34.9 mg/g).

Taken together, the findings of the present study and literature reports point to the safety in consuming low amounts of propolis, considering the risk of genetic damage, and confirm the absence of mutagenic and recombinagenic actions of the propolis types investigated.

Beeswax Alcohols May Help Treat Arthritis

Effects of a Combined Therapy With D-002 (Beeswax Alcohols) Plus D-003 (Sugarcane Wax Acids) on Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Altern Ther Health Med. 2016 Jun;22 Suppl 2:15-23

Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs effectively relieve osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms but also induce adverse effects (AEs) that limit their long-term use, which drives a search for safer treatments.

D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols, and D-003, a mixture of sugarcane wax acids, have been effective in experimental and clinical studies for patients with OA.

Objective • The study intended to investigate the effects on OA symptoms of a combined therapy using D-002 and D-003 (D-002/D-003), which were administered for 6 wk. Design • The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting • The study was conducted at the Surgical Medical Research Center in Havana, Cuba.

Participants • Participants were patients with mild-to-moderate OA. Intervention • Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups-(1) a control group, which received a placebo; (2) the D-002 group (intervention group), which received 50 mg/d of D-002; (3) the D-003 group (intervention group), which received 10 mg/d of D-003; or (4) the D-002/D-003 group (intervention group), which received a combined therapy of 50 mg/d of D-002 plus 10 mg/d of D-003. The control group received tablets that were indistinguishable in appearance from the D-002 and D-003 tablets and had a similar composition, except that the active ingredients were replaced by lactose. The groups took the medications once per day for 6 wk.

Outcome Measures • Symptoms were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). The primary outcome was the reduction in the total WOMAC score. The subscale scores on the WOMAC for pain, stiffness, and physical function, the VAS scores, and the use of rescue medications were secondary outcomes.

Results • Of the 120 enrolled participants, 116 completed the study. The treatments with D-002, D-003, and D-002/D-003 reduced the mean total WOMAC scores significantly from baseline to postintervention, by 75.1%, 72.8%, and 91.2%, respectively. Compared with the placebo, the treatments decreased the mean WOMAC scores for pain, joint stiffness, and physical function significantly. The VAS scores significantly decreased, showing a 71.4%, a 66.9%, and an 84.7% reduction for the D-002, D-003, and D-002/D-003 groups, respectively. All the reductions were significant from the first week and were enhanced during the trial. The D-002/D-003 treatment was more effective in improving all of the scores than either monotherapy. With respect to rescue medications, 3/30, 2/30, and 2/30 used the medications in the D-002, D-003, and D-002/D-003 groups, respectively, vs 17/30 in the control group. The treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusions • Administered for 6 wk, 50 mg/d of D-002 and 10 mg/d of D-003 ameliorated OA symptoms, but the combined therapy, D-002/D-003, was more effective than either monotherapy.

Can a Bee Pollen Supplement Cure PMS?

New York Magazine, 8/2/2016

Serenol contains a combination of both Swedish flower pollen and royal jelly, a substance produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee, which is rich in minerals and vitamins. The pollen is treated to remove all allergens, but if you’re allergic to honey or bee stings, you should stay away from Serenol. It also contains the mineral chromium picolinate, which has been studied in both humans and, yes, even farm animals. It may have some effect on insulin and metabolism, and can potentially decrease cravings and weight gain related to PMS.

It’s not clear how or why Serenol works; the website states it is “theorized to have a mild serotonergic effect on the hypothalamus.” (Serotonin is the feel-good neurotransmitter.) Because this is not a drug, the manufacturer can’t make specific treatment claims and the supplement hasn’t gone through a rigorous FDA approval process. James Komorowski, the vice-president of scientific and regulatory affairs at JDS Therapeutics, the company that manufactures Serenol, explains that they “liked” the data and wanted to license the extract. According to him, supplements are meant to “support the normal conditions of life,” such as PMS, rather than treat illnesses.

Acacia Honey Boosts Corneal Ulcer Wound Healing

Acacia honey accelerates in vitro corneal ulcer wound healing model

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jul 29;16(1):259

BACKGROUND:

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Acacia honey (AH) on the migration, differentiation and healing properties of the cultured rabbit corneal fibroblasts.

METHODS:

Stromal derived corneal fibroblasts from New Zealand White rabbit (n = 6) were isolated and cultured until passage 1. In vitro corneal ulcer was created using a 4 mm corneal trephine onto confluent cultures and treated with basal medium (FD), medium containing serum (FDS), with and without 0.025 % AH. Wound areas were recorded at day 0, 3 and 6 post wound creation. Genes and proteins associated with wound healing and differentiation such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I, lumican and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12) were evaluated using qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry respectively.

RESULTS:

Cells cultured with AH-enriched FDS media achieved complete wound closure at day 6 post wound creation. The cells cultured in AH-enriched FDS media increased the expression of vimentin, collagen type I and lumican genes and decreased the ALDH, α-SMA and MMP12 gene expressions. Protein expression of ALDH, vimentin and α-SMA were in accordance with the gene expression analyses.

CONCLUSION:

These results demonstrated AH accelerate corneal fibroblasts migration and differentiation of the in vitro corneal ulcer model while increasing the genes and proteins associated with stromal wound healing.

Acacia Honey May Help Boost Wound Healing

Acacia honey accelerates in vitro corneal ulcer wound healing model

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Jul 29;16(1):259.

BACKGROUND:

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of Acacia honey (AH) on the migration, differentiation and healing properties of the cultured rabbit corneal fibroblasts.

METHODS:

Stromal derived corneal fibroblasts from New Zealand White rabbit (n = 6) were isolated and cultured until passage 1. In vitro corneal ulcer was created using a 4 mm corneal trephine onto confluent cultures and treated with basal medium (FD), medium containing serum (FDS), with and without 0.025 % AH. Wound areas were recorded at day 0, 3 and 6 post wound creation. Genes and proteins associated with wound healing and differentiation such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I, lumican and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12) were evaluated using qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry respectively.

RESULTS:

Cells cultured with AH-enriched FDS media achieved complete wound closure at day 6 post wound creation. The cells cultured in AH-enriched FDS media increased the expression of vimentin, collagen type I and lumican genes and decreased the ALDH, α-SMA and MMP12 gene expressions. Protein expression of ALDH, vimentin and α-SMA were in accordance with the gene expression analyses.

CONCLUSION:

These results demonstrated AH accelerate corneal fibroblasts migration and differentiation of the in vitro corneal ulcer model while increasing the genes and proteins associated with stromal wound healing.