Friday, December 30, 2016

The Antibacterial Activity of Australian Leptospermum Honey Correlates with Methylglyoxal Levels


PLoS One. 2016 Dec 28;11(12)

Most commercially available therapeutic honey is derived from flowering Leptospermum scoparium (manuka) plants from New Zealand. Australia has more than 80 Leptospermum species, and limited research to date has found at least some produce honey with high non-peroxide antibacterial activity (NPA) similar to New Zealand manuka, suggesting Australia may have a ready supply of medical-grade honey.

The activity of manuka honey is largely due to the presence of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is produced non-enzymatically from dihydroxyacetone (DHA) present in manuka nectar.

The aims of the current study were to chemically quantify the compounds contributing to antibacterial activity in a collection of Australian Leptospermum honeys, to assess the relationship between MGO and NPA in these samples, and to determine whether NPA changes during honey storage.

Eighty different Leptospermum honey samples were analysed, and therapeutically useful NPA was seen in samples derived from species including L. liversidgei and L. polygalifolium. Exceptionally high levels of up to 1100 mg/kg MGO were present in L. polygalifolium honey samples sourced from the Northern Rivers region in NSW and Byfield, QLD, with considerable diversity among samples.

There was a strong positive relationship between NPA and MGO concentration, and DHA was present in all of the active honey samples, indicating a potential for ongoing conversion to MGO. NPA was stable, with most samples showing little change following seven years of storage in the dark at 4°C.

This study demonstrates the potential for Australian Leptospermum honey as a wound care product, and argues for an extension of this analysis to other Leptospermum species.

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Australian Jarrah Honey Equal to New Zealand Manuka in Antibacterial Activity Against Superbugs


Australian Manuka honey as powerful against superbugs as NZ variety, researchers say

ABC

Manuka honey made by bees foraging on Australian native plants has antibacterial properties at least as powerful as the famous New Zealand variety, according to new research, but New Zealand producers are trying to trademark the name...

The rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs is a huge concern around the world, but Dr Cokcedin said bacteria did not develop resistance to manuka honey, meaning it could be appearing a lot more in clinics as a topical treatment for skin infections and wounds.

"The antibacterial activity was tested seven years ago when we first collected [the honey samples] and we retested them just recently this year and we found that that activity has not changed, which was actually very surprising," she said...

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Impact of Bee Venom Enzymes on Diseases and Immune Responses


Molecules 2017, 22(1), 25

Bee venom (BV) is used to treat many diseases and exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antimutagenic, radioprotective, anti-nociceptive immunity promoting, hepatocyte protective and anti-cancer activity. According to the literature, BV contains several enzymes, including phospholipase A2 (PLA2), phospholipase B, hyaluronidase, acid phosphatase and α-glucosidase. Recent studies have also reported the detection of different classes of enzymes in BV, including esterases, proteases and peptidases, protease inhibitors and other important enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Nevertheless, the physiochemical properties and functions of each enzyme class and their mechanisms remain unclear. Various pharmacotherapeutic effects of some of the BV enzymes have been reported in several studies. At present, ongoing research aims to characterize each enzyme and elucidate their specific biological roles. This review gathers all the current knowledge on BV enzymes and their specific mechanisms in regulating various immune responses and physiological changes to provide a basis for future therapies for various diseases.

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

First Report of Antimicrobial Activity of Manuka Honey Against Cell-Wall Free Bacterial Pathogen

Antimicrobial activity of Manuka honey against antibiotic resistant strains of the cell wall free bacteria Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum

Letters in Applied Microbiology

The susceptibility of the cell-wall free bacterial pathogens Ureaplasma spp. to Manuka honey was examined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Manuka honey for four Ureaplasma urealyticum and four Ureaplasma parvum isolates was determined. Sensitivity to honey was also compared to clinical isolates with resistance to tetracycline, macrolide and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Finally step-wise resistance training was utilised in an attempt to induce increased tolerance to honey.

The MIC was dependent on the initial bacterial load with 7.5% and 18.0% w/v honey required to inhibit U. urealyticum at 1 and 106 colour changing units (CCU), respectively, and 4.8% and 15.3% w/v required to inhibit U. parvum at 1 and 106 CCU, respectively. MIC values were consistently lower for U. parvum compared with U. urealyticum. Antimicrobial activity was seen against tetracycline resistant, erythromycin resistant and ciprofloxacin resistant isolates at 105 CCU. No resistance to honey was observed with fifty consecutive challenges at increasing concentrations of honey.

This is the first report of the antimicrobial activity of Manuka honey against a cell-wall free bacterial pathogen. The antimicrobial activity was retained against antibiotic resistant strains and it was not possible to generate resistant mutants.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Yellow Propolis May Help Treat Depression

Neurobehavioral and Antioxidant Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Yellow Propolis

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:2906953. Epub 2016 Oct 16

Propolis is a resin produced by bees from raw material collected from plants, salivary secretions, and beeswax. New therapeutic properties for the Central Nervous System have emerged.

We explored the neurobehavioral and antioxidant effects of an ethanolic extract of yellow propolis (EEYP) rich in triterpenoids, primarily lupeol and β-amyrin. Male Wistar rats, 3 months old, were intraperitoneally treated with Tween 5% (control), EEYP (1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg), or diazepam, fluoxetine, and caffeine (positive controls) 30 min before the assays. Animals were submitted to open field, elevated plus maze, forced swimming, and inhibitory avoidance tests. After behavioral tasks, blood samples were collected through intracardiac pathway, to evaluate the oxidative balance.

The results obtained in the open field and in the elevated plus maze assay showed spontaneous locomotion preserved and anxiolytic-like activity. In the forced swimming test, EEYP demonstrated antidepressant-like activity. In the inhibitory avoidance test, EEYP showed mnemonic activity at 30 mg/kg. In the evaluation of oxidative biochemistry, the extract reduced the production of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde without changing level of total antioxidant, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, induced by behavioral stress.

Our results highlight that EEYP emerges as a promising anxiolytic, antidepressant, mnemonic, and antioxidant natural product.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

The Role of Honey in Modern Medicine

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Available online 24 December 2016

Use of honey has a very long history. Honey has been used since ancient time due to its nutritional and therapeutic values. There had been varied ways of consumption honey including its use as a sweetener and flavoring agent. Honey is produced all over the world. The most important nutriment of honey is carbohydrates present in the form of monosaccharides, fructose and glucose. Honey plays an important role as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial agent and augments the adherence of skin grafts and wound healing process. The role of honey has been acknowledged in the scientific literature and there is convincing evidence in support of its antioxidant and antibacterial nature, cough prevention, fertility and wound healing properties. However, its use has been controversially discussed and has not been well accepted in the modern medicine. The aim of this review was explore and highlight the role of honey in modern medicine...

Honey is highly nutritional with promising properties of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial agent as well as cough reducing and wound healing characteristics. Honey also improves the serum testosterone concentration, sperm count and fertility. The foremost concern in the medicinal application of honey in modern medicine is variation in its composition and lack of clinical trials. In principle, we recommend honey is a valuable dietary supplement. However, the use of honey in subjects with metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus needs to be further investigated.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

VIDEO: Popularity of Bee Venom Therapy Growing in Mexico


Mexico taking to bee venom therapy

CCTV, December 23, 2016

Bee venom treatment, known as apitherapy, has been hailed by some as an effective alternative to traditional medicine. Especially in Mexico City where the practice has been growing in popularity...

Friday, December 23, 2016

Controlled Feeding of Bees is an Effective Method of Enriching Honey with Bioactive Components

Physicochemical Parameters and Antioxidant Activity of Bee Honey Enriched With Herbs

Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2016 Dec 20

Three groups of products enriched with herbs were studied: (1) commercial herb honeys (n = 5) produced by bees fed a syrup with an herbal extract, (2) natural herbal honey (n = 3) produced by bees from the nectar of herbs, and (3) creamed multifloral honey with added dried herbs (n = 5). As a control, multifloral honey (n = 5) was used.

The physicochemical parameters (i.e., sugar extract, water content, specific rotation, conductivity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, pH and acidity), sugar profiles (HPLC analysis), antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds content of the studied samples were compared. Although great diversity in the basic properties of the studied products was observed, they were comparable to multifloral honey and complied with honey regulations. Significant differences in sugar composition were observed, and adversely positive rotation (excluding nettle herb honey) was detected in group 1, likely resulting from the change in bee feeding.

The best antioxidant activity for creamed honeys with dried herbs (group 2) was investigated, whereas herb honeys (group 1) exhibited similar antioxidant properties as multifloral honey. The use of controlled feeding of bees appears to be an effective method of enriching honey with desirable plant bioactive components to create innovative bee products.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

First Report of Antimicrobial Activity of Manuka Honey Against Cell-Wall Free Bacterial Pathogen

Antimicrobial activity of Manuka honey against antibiotic resistant strains of the cell wall free bacteria Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2016 Dec 19

The susceptibility of the cell-wall free bacterial pathogens Ureaplasma spp. to Manuka honey was examined. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Manuka honey for four Ureaplasma urealyticum and four Ureaplasma parvum isolates was determined. Sensitivity to honey was also compared to clinical isolates with resistance to tetracycline, macrolide and fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Finally step-wise resistance training was utilised in an attempt to induce increased tolerance to honey. The MIC was dependent on the initial bacterial load with 7.5% and 18.0% w/v honey required to inhibit U. urealyticum at 1 and 106 colour changing units (CCU), respectively, and 4.8% and 15.3% w/v required to inhibit U. parvum at 1 and 106 CCU, respectively. MIC values were consistently lower for U. parvum compared with U. urealyticum. Antimicrobial activity was seen against tetracycline resistant, erythromycin resistant and ciprofloxacin resistant isolates at 105 CCU. No resistance to honey was observed with fifty consecutive challenges at increasing concentrations of honey. This is the first report of the antimicrobial activity of Manuka honey against a cell-wall free bacterial pathogen. The antimicrobial activity was retained against antibiotic resistant strains and it was not possible to generate resistant mutants.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Bee Venom Used to Treat Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Tendonitis, and Fibromyalgia


Stung by the cure: using bee venom as an alternative medicine

Daily News Egypt

Over the years, science has proven the effectiveness of using different bee products—such as beeswax, honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly—in treating various kinds of diseases. Bee stings were also added to these methods. It is believed that stings are effective in curing the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, …

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Rock Rose Bee Pollen Analyzed

Chemical analysis and total phenolic content of Cistus creticus bee-pollen

Planta Med 2016; 81(S 01): S1-S381

Bee pollen is composed of flower pollen mixed with nectar and bee secretions. It is an apicultural product, which is used for its nutritional value in the human diet. It contains carbohydrates, vitamins, lipids, fats, minerals and flavonoids which are regarded as protective agents [1]. It is well known that the phenolic composition of pollen principally consists of flavonol glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids [2]. This composition tends to be species-specific and has been related to its therapeutic properties.

The plants of genus Cistus have been used in folk medicine due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin photo-protection properties [1]. Cistus creticus (Cistaceae) has been traditionally used as infusion and/or decoction of the dried leaves for external use as anti-inflammatory agent, and peros against cough and cold as well as against mouth irritations. The Cretan Cistus creticus bee-pollen, which has never been studied phytochemically before, was studied. From the butanolic extract, flavonoids as kaempferol and quercetin and glucosides of them have been isolated. Their structural elucidation was determined by modern spectral means 1D- and 2D-NMR.

Furthermore the total polyphenolic content of the sample as well as its antimicrobial profile has been studied showing very interesting results. It has been previously reported as interesting that Cistus ladanifer bee pollen from Spain contains a large number of flavonoids, while other pollens contained much fewer [3]. Since flavonoids compose a proposed marker that can distinguish the bee-collected pollens of different flora origins [4], the analysis of different samples will be a very useful tool for the correlation of pollen with its botanical origin.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Different Honeys Differ Greatly in Immunostimulatory Activity

Correlation of the immunostimulatory activities of honeys with their contents of identified bioactives

Food Chem. 2017 Apr 15;221:39-46

Honeys with unique compositions and properties are worth studying for their health-promoting effects. In order to correlate bioactive content with immunostimulatory activity we compared the abilities of seventy eight New Zealand and non-New Zealand honeys to stimulate blood monocytes to release tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and examined the compositions of selected honeys that had widely varying activities.

All the honeys, except for a Malaysian "Amber honey" stimulated the release of TNF-α from monocytes. However, the honeys differed greatly in their immunostimulatory activity, even within the same honey type. They differed in their contents of immunostimulatory components, including apalbumins, arabinogalactan proteins, and apisimin, whose levels did not correlate exactly with immunostimulatory activities.

We suggest that the immunostimulatory properties of honey may be influenced by other factors, including unidentified immunostimulatory bioactives and immunosuppressive components; the bioavailability of some bioactives may depend on unidentified factors.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Honey May Help Prevent Normal Wounds From Becoming Chronic

Secondary metabolites in honey and their inhibitory activity on matrix metalloproteinases

Planta Med 2016; 81(S 01): S1-S381

Honey is a viscous, supersaturated sugar solution derived from nectar, and gathered and modified by the honeybee, Apis mellifera [1]. It has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries by different cultures. Honey possesses antimicrobial properties against a broad range of microbes, and promotes wound healing [2].

In the present study, after a first elimination of sugars, the chemical profile of 10 Greek monofloral honeys (e.g. thyme, chestnut, fir honeydew, pine, orange, heather, strawberry tree) was investigated by HPTLC, which permits the automatic, rapid and low cost evaluation of complex herbal mixtures. Furthermore, their radical scavenging activity was tested with the aid of a DPPH assay.

Two honey samples, a strawberry tree and a heather honey, were further processed, and major compounds were purified by MPLC. Unedone was obtained from strawberry tree honey and the flavonoids quercitrin and naringenin from heather honey, while two isomers of abscisic acid (cis, trans-ABA and trans, trans-ABA) were isolated from both samples. Subsequently, raw honeys and pure compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the matrix metalloproteinases collagenase and elastase.

Both raw honey samples and pure compounds exerted moderate inhibitory activity on the tested enzymes. More specifically, strawberry tree and heather honey samples (100 µg/mL) inhibited elastase 62.4% and 56.1% and collagenase 54.3% and 50.6%, respectively. The isolated compounds tested at 100µM exerted 56.7% and 46.3% (unedone), 45.2% and 48.5% (quercitrin), 38.1% and 45.7% (naringenin) inhibitory potency against elastase and collagenase, respectively. The abscisic acid isomers didn't appear to be potent inhibitors against both enzymes. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the enzymatic activity.

Elastase and collagenase are implicated in the wound healing process and their overexpression and activation is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic wounds. Improving basic knowledge in this area ultimately may help clarify the role of honey in the wound healing mechanism and proactively intervene in an effort to prevent normal wounds from becoming chronic [3].

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Bee Venom Therapy Used to Treat Lyme Disease


Caulfield North Lyme disease victim fundraises for her own treatment overseas

December 6, 2016 

A CAULFIELD North woman has gone to painful extreme measures to find a cure for her disease, which is not recognised in Australia.

After contracting Lyme disease through a tick bite in America a few years ago, Linda Blatt endures bee stings three times a week to help combat the crippling illness that left her bedridden for six months.

She said the therapy, although free, was extremely painful and she suffered through it as a last resort...

Friday, December 16, 2016

Bee Venom Therapy in India

Honey, this bee venom can treat you

TNN | Updated: Dec 14, 2016

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One of the highlights of the three-day honey fest which began at VJT Hall on Monday was the demonstration of apitherapy, treatment using bee venom, at Palayam. Sajaya Kumar who is the owner of bharath bee keeping centre, Thrissur, covered his body with bees to raise awareness about protection of bees...

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Collection Season for Brazilian Red Propolis Impacts its Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity


The effect of seasons on Brazilian red propolis and its botanical source: chemical composition and antibacterial activity

Natural Product Research

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasons on the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) and its plant source. BRP was collected from Maceio, Alagoas state, north-east of Brazil, during one year. Chemical composition was determined by physicochemical analyses and HPLC while antimicrobial activity was assessed against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Staphylococcus aureus and Actinomyces naeslundii by determining the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively).

The comparative chemical profiles varied quantitatively according to the collection period. Formononetin was the most abundant compound in both propolis and resin, while isoliquiritigenin, (3S)-neovestitol, (3S)-vestitol are suggested to be responsible for antimicrobial activity of Brazilian red propolis. MIC varied from 15.6 to 125 μg/mL, whereas MBC varied from 31.2 to 500 μg/mL.

Therefore, season in which propolis and its botanical source are collected indeed influences their chemical compositions, resulting in variations in their antibacterial activity.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Radical Scavenging Activity of Cameroonian Propolis


New mono-ether of glycerol and triterpenes with DPPH radical scavenging activity from Cameroonian propolis

Natural Product Research

The extracts of some propolis samples were analysed by GC-MS and then purified by column chromatography. The latter led to the isolation of a new mono-ether of glycerol, 1′-O-eicosanyl glycerol and a new triterpene, methyl-3β,27-dihydroxycycloart-24-en-26-oate together with known triterpenoids namely betulin, 3β-hydroxylanostan-9,24-dien-21-oic acid, mangiferonic acid, a mixture of ambolic acid and β-sitosterol, 3β-hydroxycycloartan-12,24(25)-diene and 27-hydroxymangiferonic acid.

The DPPH radical scavenging potential of some extracts and compounds were measured. The radical scavenging activity varied from Hexane extract of Foumban propolis (IC50 = 5.6 mg/mL) to Methanol extract of Foumban propolis (IC50 = 1.07 mg/mL) for the extracts and from 3β-hydroxylanostan-9,24-dien-21-oic acid (IC50 = 1.22 mg/mL) to 1′-O-eicosanyl glycerol (IC50 = 0.93 mg/mL) for the compounds. Activities of samples were moderate as they remained closer to those of the standard antioxidants Gallic acid (IC50 = 0.30 mg/mL) and vitamin C (IC50 = 0.80 mg/mL), especially 1′-O-eicosanyl glycerol, the most active compound.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Algerian Propolis Rich in Antioxidant Compounds

Antioxidant activity of propolis of West Algeria

Phytothérapie

Propolis is a resinous material that bees collect from the buds and bark of some trees, especially coniferous trees. This natural mastic is rich in active principles, especially phenolic compounds that have major therapeutic properties.

The study of the antioxidant activity of propolis extracts from different localities of West Algeria showed that the amount of phenolic compounds and the scavenging activity detected by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test depends on the geographical situation and local flora of each area of study. The study also confirmed that the remaining extracts are rich in active compounds that can value the other biological activities.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Bee Cream Cures Aches and Pains

Republic Monitor

Odds are high that everyone has suffered at one point from stiffness, joint pains, swelling or sore muscles. In today’s society there is a pill to take for just about every one of those body issues, but what about a natural remedy? Perryville will soon have access to a new product that is said to treat each of those ailments, and more. Harold’s Famous Bee Cream is a locally produced apitherapy cream and is now available for purchase at Stonie’s Sausage Shop.

Apitherapy is described as the use of medicinal products that are created by the Honeybee. Therapies involving the honeybee have existed for thousands of years, and have been used in ancient societies all the way from Egypt to Greece and China. But apitherapy is sometimes only associated with Bee Sting Therapy, or the use of bee venom for healing, but really includes all of the bee hive products. These items can include venom, honey, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax and can be combined with other ingredients such as essential oils for other natural remedies.

Today there is growing scientific evidence suggesting the various bee products promote healing by improving body functions such as circulation, stimulating a healthy immune response and decreasing inflammation. Here is where Harolds Famous Bee Cream came into creation...

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Honey May Help Treat Acute Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Manuka honey sinus irrigation for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Manuka honey (MH) has been shown in vitro to be effective against biofilm-producing bacteria. This study assessed the effectiveness of MH for patients with active chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and prior sinus surgery.


Methods

This prospective single-blinded (clinician only) randomized controlled trial recruited patients with active CRS and prior sinus surgery. Patients received either MH or saline (SAL) sinus irrigations twice daily for 30 days and were offered oral antibiotics and/or oral/topical steroids as indicated. Outcomes were 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) change score (primary), culture negativity, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic change score.


Results

Forty-two patients were analyzed (MH, n = 20; SAL, n = 22). The SNOT-22 change score achieved a clinically significant improvement in both groups but was similar between MH (median [interquartile range]: −12 [−20, −1]) and SAL (−12.5 [−22, −6]) (p = 0.57). Culture negativity was better on MH (8/19, 42%) compared to SAL (4/21, 19%), nearing statistical significance (p = 0.11). Lund-Kennedy endoscopic change score improved in both groups but was not statistically better on MH (−3 [−5, 0]) compared to SAL (−1 [−2, 0]) (p = 0.20). For patients not receiving oral antibiotics/steroids, culture negativity was statistically better on MH (5/10, 50%) compared to SAL (0/6, 0%) (p = 0.04). MH was well-tolerated. No adverse events were reported.


Conclusion

In patients with active CRS and prior sinus surgery, both MH and SAL improved outcomes, but there was no statistically significant difference between these groups. However, in the subset that did not receive oral antibiotics/steroids, culture negativity was statistically better on MH, suggesting that MH alone may be effective for acute exacerbations of CRS.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Obesity

Royal jelly improves hyperglycemia in obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice

J Vet Med Sci. 2016 Nov 26. [Epub ahead of print]

The study examined whether royal jelly (RJ) can prevent obesity and ameliorate hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.

This study utilized obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice. RJ (10 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage. Body weight, plasma glucose and insulin levels were measured. mRNA and protein levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. Four weeks of RJ administration improved hyperglycemia and partially suppressed body weight gain, although the latter effect did not reach statistical significance. In addition, RJ administration did not improve insulin resistance. RJ administration suppressed the mRNA expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, in the liver. Simultaneously,

RJ administration induced adiponectin (AdipoQ) expression in abdominal fat, adiponectin receptor-1 (AdipoR1) expression in the liver and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) expression, which suppressed G6Pase levels in the livers of KK-Ay mice. pAMPK levels were also increased in skeletal muscle, but glucose transporter-4 (Glut4) translocation was not increased in the RJ supplementation group. T

he improvement in hyperglycemia due to long-term RJ administration may be because of the suppression of G6Pase expression through the upregulation of AdipoQ and AdipoR1 mRNA and pAMPK protein expressions.

Friday, December 09, 2016

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Lupus

Effects of royal jelly supplementation on regulatory T cells in children with SLE

Food Nutr Res. 2016 Nov 24;60:32963

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To our knowledge, no previous studies have focused on the immunomodulatory effects of fresh royal jelly (RJ) administration on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in humans. Our aim was to study the effect of fresh RJ administration on the disease course in children with SLE with some immunological markers (CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells and T lymphocytes apoptosis).

METHODS:

This was an open-label study in which 20 SLE children received 2 g of freshly prepared RJ daily, for 12 weeks.

RESULTS:

The percentages of CD4+ CD25+high FOXP3+cells (CD4+ regulatory T cells) and CD8+CD25+high FOXP3+cells (CD8+ regulatory T cells) were significantly increased after RJ treatment when compared with baseline values. Apoptotic CD4 T lymphocytes were significantly decreased after RJ therapy when compared with baseline values and the control group.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first human study on the effect of RJ supplementation in children with SLE. Our results showed improvements with 3-month RJ treatment with regard to the clinical severity score and laboratory markers for the disease. At this stage, it is a single study with a small number of patients, and a great deal of additional wide-scale randomized controlled studies are needed to critically validate the efficacy of RJ in SLE.

Thursday, December 08, 2016

Honey: A Natural Remedy for Eye Diseases

Forsch Komplementmed

Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia; bLaboratory of Molecular Apidology and Apitherapy, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; cDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia

Wednesday, December 07, 2016

Kourtney Kardashian and the Battle to Control Manuka Honey

WIRED, 12/2/2016

Kourtney Kardashian hawks its health benefits. Counterfeiters and chemists labor to unlock its molecular secrets. And now it’s at the center of an international branding war.

It’s honey, but not just any honey. It’s Manūka honey, a sweet extravagance from New Zealand that sells for a sticky $2.50 an ounce—six times the cost of conventional honey—and has attracted a slew of famous fans. Kardashian, who has a promotional contract, claims Manūka is responsible for her robust health and soft skin. “On our show when we’re filming, our crew would eat Manūka by the spoonful,” the reality show star recently told Amazon’s style channel...

Tuesday, December 06, 2016

International Apitherapy Symposium, May 26-28, 2017, Portorož, Slovenia.


On behalf of Slovenian society for Apitherapy we would like to officially invite you to attend and participate at the International Apitherapy Symposium on May 26-28, 2017. The symposium will be held in Portorož, Slovenia.

The purpose of the 3-day symposium is to bring together reasearchers and presenters from around the world, who are interested in apitherapeutic use of bee products (honey, bee pollen, bee venom, propolis, royal jelly) and new approaches for honey and bee products in apitherapy. We kindly invite you to participate by presenting a topic in oral (15-20 min) or written format (poster). Please send an abstract of the presentation via e-mail to apitherapy.slovenia@gmail.com or via the submission form on event website at www.apitherapysymposium.wordpress.com no later than 31st of January 2017. All received presentations will be reviewed by our board of experts and notification of compliance will be sent back.

Should You require more information about the symposium please contact Mr. Aleš Mižigoj (president), apitherapy.slovenia@gmail.com, tel.: +386 41 621 894.

Monday, December 05, 2016

Honey Prevents Oral Mocositis in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

A quasi-experimental study with a control group

Complement Ther Med. 2016 Dec;29:132-140

BACKGROUND:

There are numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options available in the treatment of oral mucositis. However, in spite of so many methods and products, medical professionals have not come to a consensus as to which of these offer the best results.

OBJECTIVES:

This study was conducted to assess the effect of oral care with honey on children undergoing chemotherapy for the prevention and healing of oral mucositis.

METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on children undergoing chemotherapy. The study group consisted of 83 children who attended clinics and polyclinics for chemotherapy. All the children were included in the study period. The study was completed with a total of 76 children except for seven patients who were excluded from the study. The data were collected using a form and the World Health Organization Mucositis Assessment Index. The data were analyzed using percentage distributions, means, a chi-square test, a t-test, a variance analysis, and a Friedman test. Ethics approval of the study was obtained from the Institution Ethics Committee.

RESULTS:

It was found that the severity of oral mucositis in the children in the experimental group was significantly less than the control group. The mucositis recovery period in the experimental group was significantly shorter than the control group.

CONCLUSION:

Regular oral care with honey for children undergoing chemotherapy for hematological cancers prevents mucositis and also accelerates recovery of it when started after mucositis onset.

Sunday, December 04, 2016

Honey May Boost Healing of Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Sites

Topical Honey in the Management of Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Exit Sites

Perit Dial Int. 2016 11-12;36(6):684-687

International guidelines in peritoneal dialysis (PD) advocate for regular application of topical mupirocin in chronic PD exit-site care. A strong evidence base links this treatment to reduced rates of exit-site infections and peritonitis. However, emerging reports of increasing mupirocin resistance and gram-negative infections are threatening the long-term viability of topical antibiotic ointments as a prophylactic treatment.

Medical grade honey has multiple proven antibacterial and wound healing properties. High-quality randomized controlled trial evidence (the HONEYPOT trial), however, does not support the use of topical medical-grade honey over antibiotic ointments for the prevention of exit-site infection and peritonitis in adults. Pediatric representation in these studies is low, and these findings may not extrapolate to the pediatric context, which has a higher incidence of PD-related infection and a lower prevalence of diabetes.We present a series of 8 pediatric patients treated with topical Medihoney (Comvita, Paengaroa, New Zealand) in the context of poor exit-site condition, persistent infection, and recurrent granuloma where the addition of honey was felt to produce remarkable improvement in exit-site status.

Medihoney is the first-line prophylactic exit-site ointment in PD exit sites at our institution and has been implicated in the salvage of peritoneal access in some patients. No exclusively pediatric studies have been performed; however, existing literature suggests a beneficial effect in promoting healing of infected wounds with a lower risk of developing antimicrobial resistance.

Saturday, December 03, 2016

Iranian Brown Propolis May Help Treat Stroke

Brown propolis attenuates cerebral ischemia-induced oxidative damage via affecting antioxidant enzyme system in mice

Biomed Pharmacother. 2016 Nov 23. pii: S0753-3322(16)31436-6

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in ischemic brain injury. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) are the enzymes underlying the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms affected by stroke and are considered as oxidative stress biomarkers. Brown propolis (BP) is a bioactive natural product with a set of biological activities that in turn may differ depending on the area from which the substance is originated.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of water-extracted brown propolis (WEBPs), from two regions of Iran, against cerebral ischemia-induced oxidative injury in a mouse model of stroke. Experimentally, the chemical characterization and total polyphenol content were determined using GC/MS and Folin-Ciocalteu assay respectively. Seventy-two adult male mice were randomly divided into the surgical sham group, control group (treated with vehicle), and four groups of WEBPs-treated animals.

The WEBPs were administered at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg IP, during four different time points. Oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD and GPx activity, SOD/GPx ratio), lipid peroxidation (LPO) index (malondialdehyde content) and infarct volume were measured 48h post stroke. Behavioral tests were evaluated 24 and 48h after stroke. WEBPs treatment resulted in significant restoration of antioxidant enzymes activity and a subsequent decrease in LPO as well as the infarct volume compared to the control group. Sensory-motor impairment and neurological deficits were improved significantly as well.

These results indicate that Iranian BP confers neuroprotection on the stroke-induced neuronal damage via an antioxidant mechanism which seems to be mediated by the endogenous antioxidant system.

Friday, December 02, 2016

Propolis May Help Treat Chronic Diseases of the Upper Respiratory Tract and Ears

[The use of propolis-based therapy in otorhionolaryngology].

[Article in Russian]

Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2016;81(5):30-32.

The authors analyze the literature publications and the results of their original investigations concerning the application of the propolis-based pharmacological products for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract and ears. The desirability of the more extensive application of the propolis-containing medicines in the routine otorhinolaryngological practice is emphasized bearing in mind their numerous biological effects including antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, anti-oxidative, anesthetic, and cytostatic actions.

Thursday, December 01, 2016

Anti-Cancer Potential in Australian Propolis

A sedge plant as the source of Kangaroo Island propolis rich in prenylated p-coumarate ester and stilbenes

Phytochemistry. 2016 Nov 24. pii: S0031-9422(16)30255-2

Propolis samples from Kangaroo Island, South Australia, were investigated for chemical constituents using high-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectral profiling.

A type of propolis was found containing a high proportion of prenylated hydroxystilbenes. Subsequently, the botanical origin of this type of propolis was identified using a beehive propolis depletion method and analysis of flora. Ligurian honey bees, Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola, were found to produce propolis from resin exuded by the Australian native sedge plant Lepidosperma sp. Montebello (Cyperaceae).

The plants, commonly known as sword sedge, were found to have resin that matched with the propolis samples identified as the most abundant propolis type on the island containing C- and O-prenylated tetrahydroxystilbenes (pTHOS) in addition to a small amount of prenylated p-coumarate. The isolation of five pTHOS not previously characterized are reported: (E)-4-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,4',5-trihydroxy-3'-methoxystilbene, (E)-2,4-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,3',4',5-tetrahydroxystilbene, (E)-2-(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)-3',4',5-trihydroxystilbene, (E)-2,6-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene and (E)-2,6-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-3,4',5-trihydroxy-3'-methoxystilbene.

A National Cancer Institute 60 human cell line anticancer screen of three of these compounds showed growth inhibitory activity. The large Australasian genus Lepidosperma is identified as a valuable resource for the isolation of substances with medicinal potential.