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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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, …

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.

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.

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].

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Propolis Boosts Therapeutic Effect of Antibiotic

Studies on the therapeutic effect of propolis along with standard antibacterial drug in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infected BALB/c mice

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Published: 25 November 2016Background

Antibiotic resistance is an emerging public health problem. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described antibiotic resistance as one of the world’s most pressing health problems in 21st century. WHO rated antibiotic resistance as “one of the three greatest threats to human health”. One important strategy employed to overcome this resistance is the use of combination of drugs. Many plants, natural extracts have been shown to exhibit synergistic response with standard drugs against microorganisms. The present study focused on the antibacterial potential of propolis in combination with the standard antibiotic Cefixime against the typhoid causing bacteria i.e. Salmonella.

Methods

Ethanolic extract of propolis was taken for the present work. For the experiment BALB/c mice were taken as animal model and divided into ten groups. Along with normal and infected control groups, four different combinations of cefixime and propolis were used. Biochemical, hematological and histopathological indices were studied by following the standard protocols.

Results

In BALB/c mice, Salmonella causes severe biochemical, hematological and histopathological alterations by 5th day of infection. Ethanolic extract of propolis at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight of mice when used alone to treat Salmonella infection in mice gave significant results by 30th day of treatment. Similarly, when cefixime (4 mg/kg body weight of mice) was used to treat infection in mice, significant results as compared to infected control were observed after 5th day. But when propolis and cefixime were used together in different concentrations in combination therapy, evident results were observed after 5 days of treatment. The levels of various liver and kidney function enzymes, blood indices and the histopathology of liver, spleen and kidney were restored to near normal after 5 days of treatment and at much lower doses as compared to the effective dose when used alone.

Conclusion

The study confirmed that significant results were observed in three combinations of cefixime and propolis as compared to infected controls. Propolis acted synergistically with cefixime and enhanced the efficacy of antibiotic and reduced its effective dose in combined therapy.

Bee Venom Possible Broad Spectrum Antiviral Agent

Inhibitory effects of bee venom and its components against viruses in vitro and in vivo

J Microbiol. 2016 Dec;54(12):853-866. Epub 2016 Nov 26.

Bee venom (BV) from honey bee (Apis Melifera L.) contains at least 18 pharmacologically active components including melittin (MLT), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and apamin etc. BV is safe for human treatments dose dependently and proven to possess different healing properties including antibacterial and antiparasitidal properties. Nevertheless, antiviral properties of BV have not well investigated.

Hence, we identified the potential antiviral properties of BV and its component against a broad panel of viruses. Co-incubation of non-cytotoxic amounts of BV and MLT, the main component of BV, significantly inhibited the replication of enveloped viruses such as Influenza A virus (PR8), Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Additionally, BV and MLT also inhibited the replication of non-enveloped viruses such as Enterovirus-71 (EV-71) and Coxsackie Virus (H3). Such antiviral properties were mainly explained by virucidal mechanism. Moreover, MLT protected mice which were challenged with lethal doses of pathogenic influenza A H1N1 viruses.

Therefore, these results provides the evidence that BV and MLT could be a potential source as a promising antiviral agent, especially to develop as a broad spectrum antiviral agent.

Sustained-Release Bee Venom Particles

Preparation and characterization of bee venom-loaded PLGA particles for sustained release

Pharm Dev Technol. 2016 Nov 24:1-20

Bee venom-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles were prepared by double emulsion-solvent evaporation, and characterized for a sustained-release system. Factors such as the type of organic solvent, the amount of bee venom and PLGA, the type of PLGA, the type of polyvinyl alcohol, and the emulsification method were considered. Physicochemical properties, including the encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size, zeta-potential, and surface morphology were examined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The size of the bee venom-loaded PLGA particles was 500 nm (measured using sonication). Zeta-potentials of the bee venom-loaded PLGA particles were negative owing to the PLGA. FT-IR results demonstrated that the bee venom was completely encapsulated in the PLGA particles, indicated by the disappearance of the amine and amide peaks. In addition, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis indicated that the bee venom in the bee venom-loaded PLGA particles was intact. In vitro release of the bee venom from the bee venom-loaded PLGA particles showed a sustained-release profile over 1 month. Bee venom-loaded PLGA particles can help improve patients' quality of life by reducing the number of injections required.

Sicilian Black Honeybee Honey Shows Strong Antioxidant Potential

Monofloral honeys by Sicilian black honeybee (Apis mellifera ssp. sicula) have high reducing power and antioxidant capacity

Heliyon. 2016 Nov 10;2(11)

Thirty samples from thirteen Sicilian monofloral honeys by the local black honeybee, and two honeydew honeys, were studied to assess phenol content, reducing power and antioxidant capacity as well as correlations among these parameters.

Honeys from Apiaceae showed the highest phenol amount and capacity to reduce ferric ion and stable chemical radicals, whereas honeys from Leguminosae the lowest.

All honeys were active against myoglobin-derived radicals usually formed in red meat after storage and/or heating and significant correlation (p = 0.023) was found between flavonoid content and deactivation rate of this radical. Dill > almond > tangerine > thistle > sulla honeys inhibited formation of lipoperoxides in either iron/ascorbate or azoinitiator -induced membrane lipid oxidation, whereas eucalyptus honey was mostly effective in the metal-dependent model.

Honeys by black honeybee possess remarkable reducing power and antioxidant potential against radicals of interest in dietary foodstuffs.

Comparison of the Effects of Alpha and Medical-Grade Honey Ointments

A Comparison of the Effects of Alpha and Medical-Grade Honey Ointments on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rats

J Pharm (Cairo). 2016;2016:9613908

Introduction. This study compared the healing efficacy and possible adverse effects of topical Alpha and medical-grade honey ointments on cutaneous wounds in rats.

Methods. To conduct the study, 22 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into two equal groups: (1) rats with Alpha ointment applied to the wound surface area and (2) rats with medical-grade honey ointment applied to their wounds. The ointments were applied daily during the 21-day study period. Wound contraction was examined photographically with images taken on days 0, 7, and 21 after wounding. The healing process was histopathologically assessed using skin biopsies taken from the wound sites on days 7 and 21.

Results. No statistically significant difference in mean wound surface area was observed between the two study groups. According to histopathological assessment, a significant reduction in the amount of collagen deposition (P value: 0.007) and neovascularisation (P value: 0.002) was seen in the Alpha-treated rats on day 21. No tissue necrosis occurred following the application of Alpha ointment.

Conclusion. Daily topical usage of Alpha ointment on a skin wound can negatively affect the healing process by inhibiting neovascularization. Topical Alpha ointment can reduce the possibility of excessive scar formation by reducing collagen deposition.

‘Bee-Tox’ Bee Venom Facials

‘Bee-Tox’ Venom Facials New Beauty Buzz For More Youthful Skin

NEW YORK (CBS NewYork) — Are you looking for a natural alternative to Botox?

Then “bee-tox” could be the answer.

More: Best Spas In NYC | Best Places For A Makeover In NYC

It’s a new type of facial that’s getting a lot of buzz, CBS2’s Emily Smith reported. The procedure uses bee venom and honey to tighten your skin and make it glow by tricking your body into thinking your face has been stung.

“Bee venom that sounds scary but once they got it they get addicted to the peel,” clinical aesthetician Julie Lindh said.

Here’s how it works. First, the skin is washed clean. Then, a bee venom potion is applied to the skin to help trigger the healing process, ultimately creating a collagen synthesis.

A second coat is then applied, creating a stronger burning sensation. Once application is complete, the client’s face is wrapped in gauze, locking in the concoction for around 10 minutes.

Apitherapy Helps Control Diseases Like Asthama and Ageing

Ugani Honey Bee Apitherapy to control diseases like asthama and ageing

CII Agro Tech 2016, witnessed displays from some out of the box ventures from the agriculture sector including Ugani Honey Bee Farm, one of the innovations. Simranjeet Singh, from Department of Horticulture, Punjab went to Europe to discover Apitherapy and brought the same to his homeland. Organic Honey is a treasure house of nutrition and medicinal value, and same has been accentuated in their Apitherapy, which is seen in India for the first time. Apitherapy incorporates Body vivanum therapy, which acts as a cure to diseases like lungs infection, asthama and joint pains.

Honey Reduces Tonsillectomy Pain

Role of Honey after Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Clin Otolaryngol. 2016 Nov 12

BACKGROUND:

Honey reduced post-tonsillectomy pain, but its effects on awakening at night, inflammation and healing of the tonsillar fossa were controversial.

OBJECTIVES:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effect of oral honey on pain, consumption of painkillers, awakening at night, healing of tonsillar fossa, and adverse effects in children after tonsillectomy.

METHODS:

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and COCHRANE Collaboration library databases was performed without any restriction of publication year. The end date of search was June 30, 2016. The search was supplemented by search from Google, hand search of cross-references of selected articles and reviews, and contacting the authors of different studies. The inclusion criteria were RCTs comparing the effect of honey with control on different outcomes, in children after tonsillectomy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Honey improved pain, requirement of painkillers, and awakening at night due to pain in children after tonsillectomy. There was little improvement in healing of tonsillar fossa. The GRADE of the evidence varied from 'low' to 'very low'. A good quality, placebo controlled RCT of different doses and durations of administration of honey is required to evaluate its clear efficacy and safety in children after tonsillectomy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Inflammatory Diseases

In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Three Fatty Acids from Royal Jelly

Mediators Inflamm. 2016;2016:3583684

Trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-H2DA), 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDAA), and sebacic acid (SEA) are the three major fatty acids in royal jelly (RJ). Previous studies have revealed several pharmacological activities of 10-H2DA and 10-HDAA, although the anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms by which SEA acts are poorly understood.

In the present study, we evaluated and compared the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of these RJ fatty acids in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results showed that 10-H2DA, 10-HDAA, and SEA had potent, dose-dependent inhibitory effects on the release of the major inflammatory-mediators, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10, and only SEA decreased TNF-α production. Several key inflammatory genes have also been modulated by these RJ fatty acids, with 10-H2DA showing distinct modulating effects as compared to the other two FAs. Furthermore, we found that these three FAs regulated several proteins involved in MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings provide additional references for using RJ against inflammatory diseases.

AUDIO: The Healing Powers of Honey

Thousands of years after the ancient Egyptians dressed their wounds with the sweet stuff, modern medicine is still exploring honey's antibacterial properties.

LISTEN

Radical Scavenging Activity of Cameroonian Propolis

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

Nat Prod Res. 2016 Nov 13:1-11

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.

Saudi Propolis May Help Treat Malaria

In vivo assessment of the antimalarial and spleen-protective activities of the Saudi propolis methanolic extract

Parasitol Res. 2016 Nov 7

Antimalarial drug resistance is the main therapeutic challenge to the control of the disease, making the search for new compounds as alternative treatments of central importance. Propolis has a long history of medicinal use due to its antifungal, antibacterial and antiprotozoal properties. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the antimalarial activity of the Saudi propolis methanolic extract against Plasmodium chabaudi infection in mice.

To this end, albino mice were divided into five groups: the first group was the normal control; the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were infected intraperitoneally with 106 P. chabaudi-parasitized erythrocytes. The last three groups of mice were gavaged with 100 μl of propolis extract (PE) at a dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg PE/kg, respectively, once daily for 7 days. PE significantly suppressed the parasitaemia and showed significant efficacy in ameliorating anaemic conditions in P. chabaudi-infected mice in a dose-dependent manner.

Histological investigation of the spleen tissue of treated and untreated mice further supports the antimalarial potential of PE. In addition, our study proved that Saudi PE reduced oxidative damage by decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing the catalase (CAT) activity and the glutathione (GSH) levels. Also, Saudi PE increased the level of some pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, GM-CSF and G-CSF, with the most effective dose being 100 mg PE/kg.

In conclusion, PE showed antimalarial and antioxidant activities and provided protection against spleen tissue damage in P. chabaudi-infected mice.

Bee Products For Dogs: Their Safety, Efficacy and How To Use Them

\By Diana Beth Miller -  Nov 15, 2016

As humans start to turn to more unique ingredients to improve their health, they also seek the same for their loyal companions. Some of the more popular natural and holistic products and ingredients to hit the shelves recently include bee products, such as bee venom and bee pollen. Bee products for dogs are a great alternative to products filled with chemicals and toxins.

Natural bee products are said to have a wide variety of benefits for both humans and animals. Some studies with humans have shown a lot of positive effects from bee products: sclerosis, treatment of wounds, and even serving as anti-cancer treatment.

Although research of bee products for dogs is still lacking, there is some evidence that these can be beneficial to dogs in some cases, such as stimulation of cortisol in arthritic dogs and helping with canine intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) with no side effects.

What are bee products for dogs and where to find them?

A lab puppy is chasing after a beeThere is a huge variety of ingredients that can be considered as “bee products.” Some of those include bee pollen and bees’ wax, brood, venom, propolis, royal jelly, and the most popular bee product – honey. Most of these have been shown to have positive effects...

Honey Reduces Post-Tonsillectomy Pain

Role of Honey after Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Honey reduced post-tonsillectomy pain, but its effects on awakening at night, inflammation and healing of the tonsillar fossa were controversial.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the effect of oral honey on pain, consumption of painkillers, awakening at night, healing of tonsillar fossa, and adverse effects in children after tonsillectomy.

Methods

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and COCHRANE Collaboration library databases was performed without any restriction of publication year. The end date of search was June 30, 2016. The search was supplemented by search from Google, hand search of cross-references of selected articles and reviews, and contacting the authors of different studies.

The inclusion criteria were RCTs comparing the effect of honey with control on different outcomes, in children after tonsillectomy.

Results

Our search generated 64 studies and eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of RCTs was poor. Compared to control, honey significantly decreased postoperative pain from day 1 to 7; consumption of painkillers from day 1 to 5 and on day 10; and number of awakening at night due to pain on days 2 and 4 after tonsillectomy. The healing of tonsillar fossa was significantly greater with honey compared to control on days 3-4 nd days ≥ 9 after tonsillectomy. The adverse effects were not significantly different between honey and control groups. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) of the evidence for different outcomes varied from ‘low’ to ‘very low’.

Conclusions

Honey improved pain, requirement of painkillers, and awakening at night due to pain in children after tonsillectomy. There was little improvement in healing of tonsillar fossa. The GRADE of the evidence varied from ‘low’ to ‘very low’. A good quality, placebo controlled RCT of different doses and durations of administration of honey is required to evaluate its clear efficacy and safety in children after tonsillectomy.

Purified Bee Venom is Anti-Inflammatory, Presents Less Allergic Reactions

Safety of essential bee venom pharmacopuncture as assessed in a randomized controlled double-blind trial

J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Nov 10. pii: S0378-8741(16)31691-9

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:

While bee venom (BV) pharmacopuncture use is common in Asia, frequent occurrence of allergic reactions during the treatment process is burdensome for both practitioner and patient.

AIM OF THE STUDY:

This study compared efficacy and safety in isolated and purified essential BV (eBV) pharmacopuncture filtered for phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and histamine sections, and original BV to the aim of promoting safe BV pharmacopuncture use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In in vitro, we examined the effect of BV and eBV on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and clinically, 20 healthy adults aged 20-40 years were randomly allocated and administered eBV 0.2mL and BV pharmacopuncture 0.2mL on left and right forearm, respectively, and physician, participant, and outcome assessor were blinded to treatment allocation. Local pain, swelling, itching, redness, wheals, and adverse reactions were recorded by timepoint.

CONCLUSIONS:

eBV and BV displayed comparable anti-inflammatory effects, and eBV pharmacopuncture presented less local allergic reactions.

Honey and Maggot Used to Treat Foot Gangrene

Honey and larvae in the treatment of foot gangrene: a reflection

Br J Nurs. 2016 Nov 10;25(20):S10-S14

With the introduction of the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) (2015a) revalidation directive, nurses are required to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing safe and effective care by continually combining sound empirical evidence with reflective practice ( Sackett et al, 1996 ; Rolfe et al, 2011 ). Using Gibbs' (1998) model, I will reflect on an episode of care undertaken while I was on a recent placement. This reflective account will discuss the clinical use of honey and larvae therapy in the treatment of foot gangrene following meningococcal septicaemia. The psychosocial impact of ill health will also be considered. The use of newly acquired nursing skills and knowledge will be evaluated and the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship explored.

Bee Venom May Help treat Periodontitis

Bee Venom Inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharides-Induced Pro-Inflammatory 

Molecules 2016, 21(11), 1508

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to destruction of tooth supporting tissues. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), especially its lipopolysaccharides (LPS), is one of major pathogens that cause periodontitis. Bee venom (BV) has been widely used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial effects of BV. However, a direct role and cellular mechanism of BV on periodontitis-like human keratinocytes have not been explored. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory mechanism of BV against P. gingivalis LPS (PgLPS)-induced HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line. The anti-inflammatory effect of BV was demonstrated by various molecular biological methods. The results showed that PgLPS increased the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and interferon (IFN)-γ. In addition, PgLPS induced activation of the signaling pathways of inflammatory cytokines-related transcription factors, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1). BV effectively inhibited those pro-inflammatory cytokines through suppression of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways. These results suggest that administration of BV attenuates PgLPS-induced inflammatory responses. Furthermore, BV may be a useful treatment to anti-inflammatory therapy for periodontitis.

5 Health Benefits of Manuka Honey

With 'flu season almost upon us, Fiona MacConnacher tells you why Manuka honey should be on your shopping list

Every year, we are bombarded with the latest superfood fads that we need to invest in: goji berries, acai, flaxseeds...  However, one appears to crop up again and again.

Manuka honey, a special variety produced in New Zealand and parts of Australia, is a superfood whose popularity just won't wane. You'll find it nestled up high on supermarket shelves, not just in corners of health food shops, and it has a wide variety of uses; a spoonful a day could just keep the doctor away.

With no escape from coughs and sneezes, especially on our daily commutes on the packed tube or condensation-laden buses, the best way to tackle getting ill this winter is to try and prevent it in the first place. Manuka honey's uses spread beyond prevention, and can even help once illness has taken grip.

Below, nutritionist Pixie Turner MSc looks at health benefits of Manuka honey.

An Inside Look at Bee Venom therapy

Bee-venom therapy, which involves being intentionally stung by honeybees, is being used to treat everything from joint pain to carpal tunnel syndrome. But is it safe? Sarah Cristobal investigates.

Beauty BAZZAR: The honey in Guerlain Abeille Royale Day Cream ($154) helps bolster your skin's barrier and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Everyone talks about going under the knife, but what about going under the stinger? This past April, Gwyneth Paltrow told The New York Times that she had experimented with apitherapy—which is defined as harvesting the products of the honeybee hive including venom, honey, pollen, and propolis for medical uses—and instantly sent the Internet abuzz. Willingly being stung by live bees in order to benefit from the venom's anti-inflammatory peptides and proteins seemed extreme even for the Goop founder, but surprisingly the treatment has been gaining traction among those who want a nontraditional fix for joint-pain relief.

"I usually treat patients for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel," says Frederique Keller, an acupuncturist and third-generation apitherapist in Northport, New York. "Seven or eight out of 10 get some form of apitherapy, though not necessarily bee-venom therapy. The venom naturally stimulates the body's production of the [anti-inflammatory hormone] cortisone. It also contains peptide 401, which is 100 times more effective in the body than a cortisone shot [from a doctor]. It's huge."

Keller, who is also the president of the American Apitherapy Society, which boasts more than 7,000 members, gives herself seven stings roughly three times a week for issues with knee and shoulder pain. (She says that the number of stings vary from person to person depending on their ailments and immune system.) The process of administering the stings is a bit like a game of Operation. "I take the bee out of a little box and gently pick her up with tweezers behind the head or the thorax," she says. "Then I decide where to sting, and then the bee stings—you don't have to force her—and delivers that .01 microgram of venom within the first minute to five minutes." An initial two-hour consultation costs $225, while follow-up appointments are $95 each...

Korean Honey Shows Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity of solvent fractions and bacterial isolates of Korean domestic honey from different floral sources

Food Science and Biotechnology
October 2016, Volume 25, Issue 5,  pp 1507–1512

Forty solvent fractions and 387 bacterial isolates of seven varieties of Korean domestic honey and manuka honey from New Zealand were screened for antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the honey fractions were determined; only Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, ATCC 11778, and F4552 were inhibited by 11, 1, and 16, respectively, out of the 40 honey fractions. The bacterial isolates showed the highest incidence (30.2%) of antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 15313. The growth of at least one of the five foodborne pathogens tested was inhibited by 109 of the 327 isolates (33.3%) from seven types of Korean domestic honey. The percentage of such isolates of manuka honey was significantly higher (76.7%). Solvent fractionation of honey could contribute to the detection of antimicrobial activity of the nonsugar compounds in honey. Moreover, the bacterial isolates from Korean domestic honey may be good sources for the natural antimicrobials used in the food industry and other related industries.

Brazilian Propolis Isoflavonoid Demonstrates Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Neovestitol, an isoflavonoid isolated from Brazilian red propolis, reduces acute and chronic inflammation: involvement of nitric oxide and IL-6

Sci Rep. 2016 Nov 7;6:36401

Isoflavonoids have been largely studied due to their distinct biological activities identified thus far. Herein, we evaluated the activity of neovestitol, an isoflavonoid isolated from Brazilian red propolis, in acute and chronic inflammation. As for acute inflammation, we found that neovestitol reduced neutrophil migration, leukocyte rolling and adhesion, as well as expression of ICAM-1 in the mesenteric microcirculation during lipopolysaccharide-induced acute peritonitis. No changes were observed in the levels of TNF-α, CXCL1/KC and CXCL2/MIP-2 upon pretreatment with neovestitol.

The administration of an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor abolished the inhibitory effects of neovestitol in neutrophil migration and ICAM-1 expression. Nitrite levels increased upon treatment with neovestitol. No effects of neovestitol were observed on the chemotaxis of neutrophils in vitro. As for chronic inflammation, neovestitol also reduced the clinical score and joint damage in a collagen-induced arthritis model. There was no change in the frequency of IL-17-producing TCD4+ cells. In addition, pretreatment with neovestitol reduced the levels of IL-6.

These results demonstrate a potential anti-inflammatory activity of neovestitol, which may be useful for therapeutic purposes and/or as a nutraceutical.

Powder Formulation of Manuka Honey Improves Wound Healing

Application of DoE approach in the development of mini-capsules, based on biopolymers and manuka honey polar fraction, as powder formulation for the treatment of skin ulcers

Int J Pharm. 2016 Oct 24. pii: S0378-5173(16)31017-1

The aim of the present work was the development of a powder formulation for the delivery of manuka honey (MH) bioactive components in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. In particular pectin (PEC)/chitosan glutamate (CS)/hyaluronic acid (HA) mini-capsules were obtained by inverse ionotropic gelation in presence of calcium chloride and subsequently freeze-dried. Optimization of unloaded (blank) formulation was performed using DoE approach.

In a screening phase, the following three factors were investigated at two levels: CS (0.5-1% w/w), PEC (0.5-1% w/w) and HA (0.3-0.5% w/w) concentrations. For the optimization phase a "central composite design" was used. The response variables considered were: particle size, buffer (PBS) absorption and mechanical resistance. In a previously work two different MH fractions were investigated, in particular MH fraction 1 (Fr1), rich in polar substances (sugars, methylglyoxal (MGO), dicarbonyl compounds, …), was able to enhance human fibroblasts in vitro proliferation.

In the present work, the loading of MH Fr1 into mini-capsules of optimized composition determined a significant increase in cell proliferation in comparison with the unloaded ones. Loaded particles showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes; they were also able to improve wound healing in vivo on a rat wound model.

Flavonoid Found in Honey, Propolis May Help Treat Depression

Neurochemical factors associated with the antidepressant-like effect of flavonoid chrysin in chronically stressed mice

Eur J Pharmacol. 2016 Sep 5;791:284-296

Chrysin is a flavonoid which is found in bee propolis, honey and various plants. Antidepressant-like effect of chrysin in chronically stressed mice was previously demonstrated by our group. Conversely, neurochemical factors associated with this effect require further investigations.

Thus, we investigated the possible involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, kynurenine pathway (KP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) metabolism and caspases activities in the effect of chrysin in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic stress (UCS). UCS applied for 28 days induced a depressive-like behavior, characterized by decrease in the time of grooming in the splash test and by increase in the immobility time in the tail suspension test. Oral treatment with chrysin (5 or 20mg/kg, 28 days), similarly to fluoxetine (10mg/kg, positive control), culminated in the prevention of these alterations. UCS elevated plasma levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone, as well the tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and kynurenine levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HP). UCS induced the decrease in the 5-HT levels in the HP and the increase in the indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase, caspase 3 and 9 activities in the PFC and HP.

Treatment with chrysin, similarly to fluoxetine, promoted the attenuation of these alterations occasioned by UCS. These results corroborated with the antidepressant potential of chrysin in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. Furthermore, this work indicated the association of pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, KP, 5-HT metabolism and caspases activities with the action exercised by chrysin in mice exposed to UCS.

Medicinal Attributes of Propolis Support Scientific Miracles in the Quran

Reduction of Dacarbazine cytogenetic effects on somatic cells in male mice using bee glue (Propolis) to manifest the scientific miracles in the Quran

Electron Physician. 2016 Sep 20;8(9):3015-3023

OBJECTIVE:

This study was carried out to investigate the ability of Propolis to ameliorate the adverse cytogenetic effects of Dacarbazine on bone marrow cells.

METHODS:

In this experimental in vivo study, 18 mice were used, divided into four groups: control group; Propolis-treated group (treated with 50mg/kg Propolis); and Dacarbazine-treated group (treated with 3.5mg/kg Dacarbazine). The fourth, fifth, and sixth were treated with Dacarbazine and Propolis as pre 2h, post 2h, and concomitant treatment. After five days, the Bone Marrow (BM) samples were obtained for cytogenetic investigation.

RESULTS:

The in vivo studies revealed that Dacarbazine induced an abnormalities in polychromatic erythrocytes cells (PECs) as increase of cell with micronuclei, while the dual treatment accompanied with improvement of this abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS:

It could be concluded that there are protective effects of Propolis against the adverse effects of Dacarbazine. It could be recommended to use Propolis as an adjuvant with chemotherapeutic agents.

Rape Bee Pollen a Natural Antioxidant

Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Lipid Oxidation in Rape (Brassica campestris L.) Bee Pollen Added to Salami during Processing

Molecules. 2016 Oct 28;21(11)

The present research investigated the antioxidant effect of rape (Brassica campestris L.) bee pollen (RBP) on salami during processing. Eight flavonoids in RBP ethanol extract were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis, and quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol were the major bioactive compounds. The RBP ethanol extract exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity than 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tertramethylchromancarboxylic acid (trolox) at the same concentration. The salami with 0.05% RBP extract had higher catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities than that of the control throughout the processing time (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in peroxide value (POV) and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were obtained in the final salami product with 0.05% RBP ethanol extract or 1% RBP (p < 0.05). These results suggested that RBP could improve oxidative stability and had a good potential as a natural antioxidant for retarding lipid oxidation.

Therapeutic Application of Bee and Wasp Venoms

An Introduction to the Toxins Special Issue on “Bee and Wasp Venoms: Biological Characteristics and Therapeutic Application”

Toxins 2016, 8(11), 315

Venoms, especially bee venom, have been used since ancient times as a healing treatment for various disorders. The therapeutic value of honey bee venom to improve the quality of life of patients has been acknowledged for over a hundred years.

Modern approaches of venomics have allowed for the discovery of venom constituents that have proven to be of pharmacological significance and have opened the way to optimization of therapeutic strategies through the use of active components such as melittin and apamin. Subsequently, the application scope of honey bee venom has been expanding from conventional antinociceptive effect to degenerative diseases of the nervous system. This seems to be due to the properties of venom enzymes and peptides for their natural stability as injectable solutes, their effectiveness in reaching targeted tissues, and their ability to synergize their actions by enhancing cell–cell interactions.

Expansion of the therapeutic application of bee and wasp venoms has advanced particularly far in recent years, so this is an opportune time to present this Special Issue on bee and wasp venoms, their biological characteristics and therapeutic application.

Australian Honeys Show Antibacterial Activity

Antibacterial activity and chemical characteristics of several Western Australian honeys compared to manuka honey and pasture honey

Arch Microbiol. 2016 Oct 26

The physicochemical parameters and antibacterial activity of 10 Western Australian (WA) and two comparator honeys were determined. Honeys showed a pH range of 4.0-4.7, colour range of 41.3-470.7 mAU, methylglyoxal levels ranging from 82.2 to 325.9 mg kg-1 and hydrogen peroxide levels after 2 h of 22.7-295.5 µM.

Antibacterial activity was assessed by the disc diffusion assay, phenol equivalence assay, determination of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations and a time-kill assay. Activity was shown for all honeys by one or more method, however, activity varied according to which assay was used. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for WA honeys against 10 organisms ranged from 4.0 to >32.0% (w/v). Removal of hydrogen peroxide activity by catalase resulted in decreased activity for several honeys.

Overall, the data showed that honeys in addition to those derived from Leptospermum spp. have antimicrobial activity and should not be overlooked as potential sources of clinically useful honey.

The Medicinal Benefits of Propolis

PROCESSING PROPOLIS PART II

Bee Culture, 10/21/2016

In last month’s Bee Culture article we looked at the origins of propolis; how it is produced and used by honey bees; and how beekeepers can harvest and process propolis into various medicinal forms for market. This month we’ll explore the potent medicinal properties of this product from the hive that is among the most powerful antimicrobial compounds found in nature. Also included is just a small sampling of references to scientific research that backs up many of the medicinal and therapeutic claims made with regard to propolis.

Use of propolis for healing and health by humans has a long history, predated only by the discovery of honey. Propolis is one of the few natural products that has maintained popularity for a long time, although it is not considered a therapeutic agent by the conventional allopathic medical establishment.

While the use of propolis for healing and health is considered alternative, it does not require you to turn your back on modern medicine. Propolis can be used in conjunction with modern medical treatments for a synergistic effect that is better than either the modern treatment or propolis alone.
While the use of propolis for healing and health is considered alternative, it does not require you to turn your back on modern medicine. Propolis can be used in conjunction with modern medical treatments for a synergistic effect that is better than either the modern treatment or propolis alone.

Throughout their 6,000 year civilization, the Egyptians used propolis medicinally as well as for the mummification of cadavers. The ancient Greeks used propolis to speed up the healing of wounds and Aristotle recommended it for all afflictions of the skin. The Roman legionnaires reportedly carried small amounts of propolis with them into battle, not only to help speed up wound healing but for its analgesic (numbing) properties. The Incas used propolis for infections. During the Boer War, the British used it to keep wounds from becoming infected. Throughout history, propolis has played an important role in veterinary medicine since many of the human uses for propolis are applicable to animals.

Unlike some anti-microbial compounds, propolis exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria and fungi. (Melliou 2004, Grange 1990) This may be why propolis is reported to have been identified as one of the ingredients in the wood finish of Stradivarius violins built in the 17th and 18th century. Today the evidence suggests that the activity of propolis against microorganisms appears to be more related to the synergistic effect of flavonoids (and other compounds) than to any individual compound that may be extracted from propolis. This is probably why modern medicine does not take advantage of the benefits of propolis: it is a natural product available inexpensively to anyone with access to bees, and does not contain a single active ingredient that can be extracted, patented and sold for a lot of money.

Antibacterial

Since propolis is composed primarily of tree resins collected by honey bees, the properties and thus medicinal qualities of propolis will vary with the geographic location where honey bee colonies are located. While all propolis has been found to exhibit antibacterial properties, propolis from wet-tropical rain forest-type climates have shown the highest antibacterial activity. (Seidel, 2008) It makes sense that trees growing in hot, wet climates will have the greatest amount and variety of bacteria to fight off and, through evolution, have developed the world’s most powerful antibacterial tree resins to get the job done...