Bee Pollen and Propolis May Help Treat High Blood Pressure

The Effects of Pollen, Propolis, and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activity and Total RNA Levels in Hypertensive Rats Caused by Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition: Experimental, Docking and Molecular Dynamic Studies

J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2017 Jan 29:1-25

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of propolis, pollen, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and total RNA levels of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) inhibition of nitic oxide synthase in the heart, adrenal medulla, and hypothalamus of hypertensive male Sprague dawley rats...

These data suggest that the amino acid residues, Glu429 and Ser354 of TH may play a pivotal role in the stabilization of CAPE within the active site as evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Gibbs binding free energy (ΔGbinding) of CAPE in complex with TH was also determined by post-processing MD analysis approaches (i.e., Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method).

Tualang Honey Protects Brain From Damage by Toxins

Tualang Honey Protects the Rat Midbrain and Lung against Repeated Paraquat Exposure

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:4605782

Paraquat (PQ) is a dopaminergic neurotoxin and a well-known pneumotoxicant that exerts its toxic effect via oxidative stress-mediated cellular injuries. This study investigated the protective effects of Tualang honey against PQ-induced toxicity in the midbrain and lungs of rats. The rats were orally treated with distilled water (2 mL/kg/day), Tualang honey (1.0 g/kg/day), or ubiquinol (0.2 g/kg/day) throughout the experimental period. Two weeks after the respective treatments, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline (1 mL/kg/week) or PQ (10 mg/kg/week) once per week for four consecutive weeks. After four weekly exposures to PQ, the glutathione peroxidase activity and the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase immunopositive neurons in the midbrain were significantly decreased in animals from group PQ (p < 0.05). The lungs of animals from group PQ showed significantly decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase.

Treatment with Tualang honey ameliorated the toxic effects observed in the midbrain and lungs. The beneficial effects of Tualang honey were comparable to those of ubiquinol, which was used as a positive control. These findings suggest that treatment with Tualang honey may protect against PQ-induced toxicity in the rat midbrain and lung.

Apitherapy in the UAE

Honey in the UAE: where it comes from, how to use it, and the benefits

The National, 1/28/2017

As noted in religious texts, ancient manuscripts and even stone-age carvings, honey has been regarded as a miracle cure throughout history.

It has been an essential ingredient for many civilisations, including from the Sumerians to the Greek, Roman and Chinese empires – where myths of honey concoctions granting immortality were born. In ancient Egypt, honey was sought for its beautifying properties and used by one of the country’s most famous leaders, Queen Cleopatra.

Thousands of years later, demand for honey – as a curative, natural sweetener, beauty aid and antibacterial agent – continues to rise. There is a production boom in eastern Kazakhstan, for example, and rising demand for honey produced in Qatar, which has an ongoing "honey bee project" launched by the government to support farmers and promote production...

Turkish 'Mad Honey' Boosts Testosterone Levels

The effect of mad honey on testosterone levels of male rats.

Bratisl Lek Listy. 2016;117(11):677-680

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to investigate the effect of mad honey on sexual performance.

BACKGROUND:

In traditional medicine in Turkey, mad honey is used to improve appetite, to heighten mental alertness, to reduce joint pain, to eliminate gastrointestinal system pains and to increase sexual performance.

METHODS:

In this experimental animal study eighteen Sprague Dawley male rats were randomized into three groups, a control group, a normal honey group and a mad honey group. Rats in the treatment groups were given a daily dose of 80 mg/kg normal honey or mad honey throughout the 30-day study period. Total testosterone, free testosterone, FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone levels were subsequently investigated from blood sera on day 30.

RESULTS:

Comparison of blood total testosterone levels among the groups revealed significantly higher levels in the mad honey group compared to the normal honey and control groups (p = 0.006, p = 0.00). Free testosterone levels were also significantly higher in the mad honey group than in the normal honey and control groups (p = 0.023, p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were determined for other hormonal measurements.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study revealed a significant increase in both total and free testosterone levels in mad-honey group (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 16).

Manuka Honey May Be the Next Powerhouse Natural Ingredient

It has impressive healing, soothing, and bacteria-battling powers

February 2017 issue of ELLE.

Honey, that sticky, delicious goodness produced by bees, has been used by humans for thousands of years—and not just to satisfy a sweet tooth. It appears in wound-healing recipes recorded on clay tablets that date back to 2000 BCE; the ancient Roman scientist Pliny the Elder wrote of its efficacy in treating pneumonia, pleurisy, and snakebites; and in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, it's been used for everything from fighting infections to quelling nausea to silencing coughs. Modern science has confirmed many of its purported powers: We now know that honey has antioxidant and prebiotic properties when ingested, and antimicrobial activity when applied topically. But there's a big difference between the stuff that comes in that cute, squeezable bear and manuka, the pricey, potent honey that has now begun to transition out of health-food markets and hospitals (more on that in a moment) and into beauty products...

Cotton Bee Bread a Good Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty Acid and Proximate Composition of Bee Bread

Food Technol Biotechnol. 2016 Dec;54(4):497-504

Palynological spectrum, proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition of eight bee bread samples of different botanical origins were examined and significant variations were observed. The samples were all identified as monofloral, namely Castanea sativa (94.4%), Trifolium spp. (85.6%), Gossypium hirsutum (66.2%), Citrus spp. (61.4%) and Helianthus annuus (45.4%).

Each had moisture content between 11.4 and 15.9%, ash between 1.9 and 2.54%, fat between 5.9 and 11.5%, and protein between 14.8 and 24.3%. A total of 37 FAs were determined with most abundant being (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic, (9Z,12Z)- -octadeca-9,12-dienoic, hexadecanoic, (Z)-octadec-9-enoic, (Z)-icos-11-enoic and octadecanoic acids. Among all, cotton bee bread contained the highest level of ω-3 FAs, i.e. 41.3%.

Unsaturated to saturated FA ratio ranged between 1.38 and 2.39, indicating that the bee bread can be a good source of unsaturated FAs.

Cameroonian Propolis Has Estrogen-Like Effects

Ethanol-extracted Cameroonian propolis exerts estrogenic effects and alleviates hot flushes in ovariectomized Wistar rats

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jan 21;17(1):65

BACKGROUND:

Since the biological properties of propolis depend to the plants that can be found in a specific region, propolis from unexplored regions attracts the attention of scientists. Ethanolic extract of Cameroonian propolis (EEP) is used to treat various ailments including gynecological problems and amenorrhea. Since there were no scientific data to support the above claims, the present study was therefore undertaken to assess estrogenic properties of Cameroonian propolis.

METHODS:

To achieve our goal, the ability of EEP to induce MCF-7 cells proliferation in E-screen assay as well as to activate estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) in cell-based reporter gene assays using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) transfected with ERs was tested. Further, a 3-day uterotrophic assay was performed and the ability of EEP to alleviate hot flushes in ovariectomized adult rats was evaluated.

RESULTS:

In vitro, EEP showed an antiestrogenic activity in both HEK293T ER-α and ER-β cells. In vivo, EEP induced a significant increase in a bell shape dose response manner of the uterine wet weight, the total protein levels in the uterus, the uterine and vaginal epithelium height and acini border cells of mammary gland with the presence of abundant eosinophil secretions. Moreover, EEP induced a significant decrease in the total number, average duration as well as frequency of hot flushes after 3 days of treatment in rat (equivalent to a month in woman). The dose of 150 mg/kg exhibited the most potent estrogenic effects among all the tested doses. The UPLC-HRMS analysis showed the presence of caffeic acid derivatives and trirtepernoids in EEP, which are well known endowed with estrogenic properties.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that Ethanolic extract of Cameroonian propolis has estrogen-like effects in vivo and may alleviate some menopausal problems such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes. Ethanol-extracted Cameroobian propolis exhibited in vitro and in vivo estrogen-like effects. This extract may contain promising phytoestrogens.

Honey, Propolis Component May Help Treat Cancer of the Eye

Chrysin induces cell apoptosis in human uveal melanoma cells via intrinsic apoptosis

Oncol Lett. 2016 Dec;12(6):4813-4820

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in adults. Chrysin is a flavonoid present in honey, propolis, various plants and herbs.

In the present study, the cytotoxic effects of chrysin were investigated on human uveal melanoma cell lines (M17 and SP6.5) and associated signaling pathways, and a comparison to the effects on normal ocular cells [scleral fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells] was performed. The effects of chrysin on cell viability were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay. Mitochondrial permeability was determined by JC-1 fluorescein analysis. Cytosol cytochrome c levels, and the activities of caspase-3, -8 and -9 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or colorimetric assay.

Chrysin reduced the viability of cultured human melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner (0, 10, 30 and 100 µM) with IC50 at 28.3 and 35.8 µM in SP6.5 and M17 cell lines, respectively. Chrysin at 30-100 µM levels selectively reduced the viability of melanoma cells without affecting the viability of scleral fibroblasts and RPE cells. Chrysin increased mitochondrial permeability, the levels of cytosol cytochrome c, and caspase-9 and -3 activities, but not capase-8 activity in uveal melanoma cells.

The results of the present study indicate that chrysin induces apoptosis of human uveal melanoma cells via the mitochondrial signaling pathway and suggest that chrysin may be a promising agent in the treatment of uveal melanoma.

Apitherapy: Healing with Nature

By Cindy Brown, The Taos News, 1/22/2017

It seems that humans have always been fascinated by bees and the honey they make.

“There’s honey that has been found in Egyptian tombs that is over 3,000 years old and the honey is still edible. Pure, raw honey never goes bad and has an infinite shelf life,” says Melanie Kirby of Zia Queenbees Farm and Field Institute in Truchas.

In addition to eating honey, ancient people used it and other bee products to heal.

“Apis mellifera is the Latin name for honeybees; apitherapy includes various health and wellness components that are derived from a honeybee hive,” says Kirby.

Rock art from the time of the early hunter-gatherers shows the honeybee as a source of medicine, according to the American Apitherapy Society. The use of bee venom as administered either with acupuncture-like needles or direct bee stings was practiced in ancient Egypt, Greece and China.

“Hippocrates, the Greek physician known as the ‘Father of Medicine,’ recognized the healing virtues of bee venom for treating arthritis and other joint problems. Today, growing scientific evidence suggests that various bee products promote healing by improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and stimulating a healthy immune response,” says the American Apitherapy Society website.

Healing with bees

Not only is the venom from the bee sting employed for healing, but other products made by bees, including honey, wax and pollen, are also used. Propolis, which is made by bees from the resin of trees and other plants, is used to cover the hive to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria. Tinctures made with propolis are used to treat wounds, burns and sore throats. It has been shown to reduce plaque and gingivitis in the mouth and its active components have been documented as fighting inflammation and even cancer.

Scientific studies have begun to be conducted on the effectiveness of bee products in treating disease. Current studies have shown that venom can help regulate thyroid function in women with overactive thyroids. It also enhances the effectiveness of arthritis medication, reduces the swelling of joints due to fluids, speeds the healing of wounds and plays a role in quieting coughs.

A study done in 2009 by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts showed that melittin, one of the 40 healing components identified in bee venom, is both anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic. Bee venom is being used in shots to address rheumatoid arthritis, nerve pain and multiple sclerosis – and for reducing the reaction to bee stings in people who are allergic to them.

Apitherapy in Taos

Irena Lerman practices apitherapy in Taos. Originally from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Lerman traveled in Europe, Asia, northern Africa and Mexico before coming to Taos. She first came into contact with apitherapy when traveling in Siberia, Russia. She says that bee products were used by local beekeepers and there was a notable lack of illness, including arthritis, cancer and other chronic disease...

Honey Provides Better Cough Relief, Improves Sleep Better than Diphenhydramine for Children

Comparison of the Effect of Two Kinds of Iranian Honey and Diphenhydramine on Nocturnal Cough and the Sleep Quality in Coughing Children and Their Parents

PLoS One. 2017 Jan 19;12(1):e0170277

Coughing in a child induced by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) can be a problem, both for the child and its parents. Current studies show a lack of proven efficacy for over-the counter (OTC) medications, but promising data support the use of honey for children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two kinds of Iranian honey with diphenhydramine (DPH) on nocturnal pediatric coughs and the sleep quality of children and their parents. This was a clinical trial (registered in IRCT; No.: 28.20.7932, 15 October 2013).

The study consisted of 87 patients. All the parents completed a standard previously validated questionnaire. The children were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Group 1, Honey type 1 (Kimia Company, Iran) (n = 42), Group 2, Honey type 2 (Shahde-Golha, Iran) (n = 25), and Group 3, DPH (n = 20). Each group received double doses of the respective treatments on two successive nights. A second survey was then administered via a telephone interview in which the parents were asked the same questions. The mean scores for all aspects of coughs were significantly decreased in each group before and after the treatment. All three treatments improved the cough and sleep scores.

Honey type 1 was superior to DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the frequency, and Honey type 2 was more effective than DPH in improving all aspects of coughs, except the sleep quality of the child. There was no significant difference between Honey type 1 and 2 in any aspects of cough relief in the present study.

The results suggest that honey may provide better cough relief than DPH in children and improve the sleep quality of children and their parents.

Propolis Mouthwash Prevents Oral Mucositis in Leukemic Patients

Efficacy of Hypozalix spray and propolis mouthwash for prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in leukemic patients: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2016 Fall;10(4):226-233

Background. Oral mucositis is the chief complication of head and neck chemotherapy. This study was conducted to evaluate Hypozalix artificial saliva and propolis mouthwash efficacy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in leukemic patients.

Methods. The present double-blind clinical trial was carried out on 72 patients undergoing chemotherapy. The patients were assigned to 3 groups. In the control group, CHX mouthwash and fluconazole were used by the subjects. In groups 1 and 2, Hypozalix and propolis mouthwashes were added to the combination therapy used in the control group. The results were compared between the three groups after 14 days.

Results. Mean score A was significantly higher than mean score B in children (P = 0.001). In contrast, mean score A was significantly lower than mean score B in young adults (P = 0.003).

Conclusion. Use of Hypozalix spray or propolis mouthwash in association with CHX mouthwash and fluconazole simultaneously at the start of chemotherapy resulted in a decrease in chemotherapy complications after 14 days. In many cases the use of propolis mouthwash yielded better results and the patients exhibited a greater tendency to continue to use it.

Algerian Propolis Extracts Show Bactericidal Activity in Aquaculture

Algerian propolis extracts: Chemical composition, bactericidal activity and in vitro effects on gilthead seabream innate immune responses

Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2017 Jan 9

Propolis has been used as a medicinal agent for centuries. The chemical composition of four propolis samples collected from four locations of the Sétif region, Algeria, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was determined.

More than 20 compounds and from 30 to 35 compounds were identified in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the propolis extracts against two marine pathogenic bacteria was evaluated.

Finally, the in vitro effects of propolis on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) leucocyte activities were measured. The bactericidal activity of ethanolic extracts was very high against Shewanella putrefaciens, average against Photobacterium damselae and very low against Vibrio harveyi. The lowest bactericidal activity was always that found for the aqueous extracts. When the viability of gilthead seabream head-kidney leucocytes was measured after 30 min' incubation with the different extracts, both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of one of the propolis samples (from Babor) and the aqueous extract of another (from Ain-Abbassa) provoked a significant decrease in cell viability when used at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg ml-1.

Furthermore, significant inhibitory effects were recorded on leucocyte respiratory burst activity when isolated leucocytes where preincubated with the extracts. This effect was dose-dependent in all cases except when extracts from a third propolis sample (from Boutaleb) were used.

Our findings suggest that some of Algerian propolis extracts have bactericidal activity against important bacterial pathogens in seabream and significantly modulate in vitro leucocyte activities, confirming their potential as a source of new natural biocides and/or immunomodulators in aquaculture practice.

Vaginal Royal Jelly Effective in Quality-of-Life Improvement for Postmenopausal Women

Comparison between vaginal royal jelly and vaginal estrogen effects on quality of life and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a clinical trial study

Electron Physician. 2016 Nov 25;8(11):3184-3192

OBJECTIVE:

This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of vaginal royal jelly and vaginal estrogen on quality of life and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.

METHODS:

This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out at gynecology and obstetrics clinics of Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (Iran) from January 2013 to January 2014. The study was conducted on married postmenopausal women between 50 and 65 years old. Of 120 patients, 30 individuals were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, and 90 women were randomly distributed into three groups of 30 royal jelly vaginal cream 15%, vaginal Premarin, and placebo (lubricant), for three months. At the beginning and the end of the study, quality of life and vaginal cytology assay were evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS Version 11.

RESULTS:

Vaginal cream of royal jelly is significantly more effective than vaginal cream of Premarin and lubricant in improvement of quality of life in postmenopausal women (p<0 .05="" and="" atrophy="" between="" difference="" group="" groups="" in="" jelly="" lower="" lubricant="" moreover="" no="" other="" p="0.89).</p" pap="" premarin="" results="" royal="" showed="" significant="" smear="" than="" that="" the="" there="" vaginal="" was="">
CONCLUSION:

Administration of vaginal royal jelly was effective in quality-of-life improvement of postmenopausal women. Given to the various properties of royal jelly and its effectiveness on quality of life and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women, further studies are recommended for using =royal jelly in improving menopausal symptoms.

Thyme Honey Effective in Managing Xerostomia in Cancer Patients

The effectiveness of thyme honey for the management of treatment-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: A feasibility randomized control trial


European Journal of Oncology Nursing
Volume 27, April 2017, Pages 1–8

Highlights

• Thyme honey was found effective in managing various grades of xerostomia in patients diagnosed with H&N cancers.
• The study showed that thyme honey was safely used as a mouthwash for the management of treatment induced xerostomia.
• The effectiveness of thyme honey in xerostomia was assessed against overall quality of life, pain and dysphagia.

Radiation-induced xerostomia is one of the most common side effects that head and neck cancer patients experience during and after treatment. Despite the various methods for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia, it remains highly prevalent among patients treated for head and neck cancers negatively influencing their lives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of thyme honey as a means for managing radiation-induced xerostomia.

Royal Jelly Helps Treat Obesity

Royal jelly ameliorates diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance by promoting brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice

Obes Res Clin Pract. 2017 Jan 11

INTRODUCTION:

Identification of thermogenic food ingredients is potentially a useful strategy for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. It has been reported that royal jelly (RJ) supplementation improves insulin sensitivity; however, its impacts on energy expenditure and adiposity remain elusive. We investigated anti-obesity effects of RJ supplementation and their relation to physical activity levels and thermogenic capacities of brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT).

METHODS:

C57BL/6J mice were fed under four different experimental conditions for 17 weeks: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), HFD with 5% RJ, and HFD with 5% honey bee larva powder (BL). Spontaneous locomotor activity, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and blood parameters were examined. Gene and protein expressions of thermogenic uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV) in BAT and WAT were investigated by qPCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively.

RESULTS:

Dietary RJ, but not BL, suppressed HFD-induced accumulations of WAT and hepatic TG without modifying food intake. Consistently, RJ improved hyperglycemia and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Although dietary RJ and BL unchanged locomotor activity, gene and protein expressions of UCP1 and COX-IV in BAT were increased in the RJ group compared to the other experimental groups. Neither the RJ nor BL treatment induced browning of WAT.

CONCLUSION:

Our results indicate that dietary RJ ameliorates diet-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis by promoting metabolic thermogenesis in BAT in mice. RJ may be a novel promising food ingredient to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

VIDEO: Manuka Honey and Cancer (Arabic)

WATCH THE VIDEO: 1/15/2017

Propolis Boosts Immunomodulatory/Anti-inflammatory Effects of Mouthwash

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

Pathogens and Disease

Propolis is a bee product used in folk medicine to improve health and prevent inflammatory diseases. It has attracted the attention of researchers from the odontological field lately, reducing inflammation resulting from surgical procedures and as an antimicrobial agent in the control of bacterial plaque. Thus far, no side-effects that might compromise oral health have been observed.

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent widely used as an antiseptic, but side-effects restrict its use. This work investigated the effects of an odontological product containing propolis in combination with chlorhexidine in lower concentrations on human monocytes. Cell marker expression, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the bactericidal activity of these cells against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated.

Data showed that the combination of propolis and chlorhexidine may favor the recognition of antigens by monocytes, slightly activates the NF-κB signaling pathway, and increases the bactericidal activity of human monocytes against S. mutans. Also, the combination played a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine production, which can be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal diseases. These results may have implications for the development of odontological products with immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory action, and may have further-reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

New Method for Determining Antibacterial Components in Manuka Honey

Novel assay of antibacterial components in manuka honey using lucigenin-chemiluminescence-HPLC

Anal Chim Acta. 2017 Feb 15;954:151-158

Five components (hydrogen peroxide, methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone, fructose and glucose) of New Zealand manuka honey (Leptospermum scoparium) were analyzed using lucigenin chemiluminescence high-performance liquid chromatography (lucigenin-CL-HPLC). We focused on active oxygen species produced from the components in order to easily detect these five components contained in manuka honey. H2O2 and O2- generated from these components were identified by lucigenin-CL and electron spin resonance (ESR), and the bactericidal effect of ROS was confirmed using E. coli. The previously reported assays for Manuka honey components have low specificities and require complicated preprocessing methods.

As our results, the detection and identification of these components were possible within 30 min in lucigenin-CL-HPLC system, without any special treatment. It is considered that lucigenin-CL-HPLC is useful for the quality control and the analysis of various honey.

New Brazilian Propolis Studied

New propolis type from northeast Brazil: chemical composition, antioxidant activity and botanical origin

J Sci Food Agric. 2017 Jan 11

BACKGROUND:

Propolis is a bee product with wide diversity of biological activity. It has complex composition, which is dependent on its botanical source. The present work aimed at determining the chemical profile, antioxidant activity and botanical origin of two samples of a propolis type from two locations of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN, northeast Brazil).

RESULTS:

The standard chemical characteristics of the RN propolis are similar or superior to the internationally marketed Brazilian green propolis. RN propolis from two locations have high antioxidant activity, corresponding to 10% (municipality of Afonso Bezerra) and 13% (municipality of Alto do Rodrigues) of quercetin activity by the DPPH method and to 15% (both locations) by the β-carotene discoloration method. HPLC-DAD-MS/MS analyses revealed that most constituents of the RN propolis are flavonoids, mainly flavonols and chalcones. HPLC-DAD analysis of ethanol extracts revealed a great similarity between the chemical profile of RN propolis and shoot apices of "jurema-preta" (Mimosa tenuiflora, Leguminosae, Mimosoideae).

CONCLUSION:

"Jurema-preta" shoot apices are likely resin sources of RN propolis. The chemical characteristics and antioxidant property of RN propolis provide promising prospects for the introduction of this type of propolis into the apicultural market.

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Obesity

Royal jelly ameliorates diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance by promoting brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in mice


Obesity Research & Clinical Practice

Available online 11 January 2017

Introduction

Identification of thermogenic food ingredients is potentially a useful strategy for the prevention of obesity and related metabolic disorders. It has been reported that royal jelly (RJ) supplementation improves insulin sensitivity; however, its impacts on energy expenditure and adiposity remain elusive. We investigated anti-obesity effects of RJ supplementation and their relation to physical activity levels and thermogenic capacities of brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT).

Methods

C57BL/6J mice were fed under four different experimental conditions for 17 weeks: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), HFD with 5% RJ, and HFD with 5% honey bee larva powder (BL). Spontaneous locomotor activity, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and blood parameters were examined. Gene and protein expressions of thermogenic uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV (COX-IV) in BAT and WAT were investigated by qPCR and Western blotting analysis, respectively.

Results

Dietary RJ, but not BL, suppressed HFD-induced accumulations of WAT and hepatic TG without modifying food intake. Consistently, RJ improved hyperglycemia and the homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Although dietary RJ and BL unchanged locomotor activity, gene and protein expressions of UCP1 and COX-IV in BAT were increased in the RJ group compared to the other experimental groups. Neither the RJ nor BL treatment induced browning of WAT.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that dietary RJ ameliorates diet-induced obesity, hyperglycemia, and hepatic steatosis by promoting metabolic thermogenesis in BAT in mice. RJ may be a novel promising food ingredient to combat obesity and metabolic disorders.

Green Propolis Displays Better Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Artepillin C and phenolic compounds responsible for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of green propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC

Aims

This study investigates the antimicrobial activity in Staphylococcus aureus isolates (MSSA – Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA – Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and antioxidant activity of green propolis, Baccharis dracunculifolia DC extracts and Artepillin C™.


Methods and Results

The amount of Artepillin C in different extracts was determined by HPLC analysis. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations 90 (MIC90) was determined using 40 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus inoculated in Müeller-Hinton agar culture medium containing the green-propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC extracts. PVEE (green propolis ethanolic extract) and BDEH (Baccharis dracunculifolia hexanic extract) showed the greatest antimicrobial activity with MIC90 values of 246.3 and 295.5 μg/mL, respectively. Green propolis ethanolic and hexanic extracts (PVEE and PVEH respectively) showed the greatest antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazylradical) with IC50 values of 13.09 and 95.86 μg/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

Green propolis ethanolic is displays better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities compared to other extracts. These activities may be related to the presence of Artepillin C in synergism with the other constituents of the extracts.

Significance and impact of the study

In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of green propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC demonstrated in MRSA an MSSA clinical isolates indicated that they can be important tools to treat infections caused by these bacteria.

Stingless Bee Propolis from South Sulawesi, Indonesia Suppresses Dental Pulp Inflammation

Interleukin-6 expression on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue after capped with Trigona sp. propolis from south Sulawesi, Indonesia 

Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Available online 28 December 2016

Background: Propolis is a natural product of plant resins collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is used as a remedy in folk medicine since ancient times because of its several biological and pharmacological properties. Recently, propolis has been used by dentist to treat various oral diseases. It was always mentioned as an anti-inflammatory agent. Cytokines are proteins that provide communication between cells and play a critical role in a wide variety of processes. It released from cells in an inflammatory process that active, mediate or potential actions of other cells or tissues. When dental pulp has inflammation, several pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was released by innate immune cells.

Objective: To analyse the expression of IL-6 on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue following application of propolis.

Material and methods: Trigona sp. propolis was obtained from Luwu Regency, south Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Flavonoid and non-flavonoid extracts were purified from propolis using thin layer chromatography. The study was applied on 80 male Sprague Dawley rats, 10–12 weeks of age, divided randomly and equally into 5 groups. Group I, as negative control group was not conducted any treatment. At group II, III, IV and V. A Class I cavity (Black Classification) were made on the occlusal surface of right maxillary first molar. The dental pulp was perforated using dental explorer and allowed in the oral environment for 1 h, after that, Ethanolic Extract Propolis (EEP) (Group II), Extract Flavonoid-Propolis (EFP) (Group III), Extract Non-Flavonoid Propolis (ENFP) (Group IV), or Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (Group V) were applied on dental pulp. All cavities were then filled with Glass Ionomer Cement as permanent filling. The rats being sacrificed in 6 h, 2 days, 4 days and 7 days. Sample biopsy were obtained, IL-6 expression was detected by using immunohistochemistry method. Data was analyzed statistically using Freidman and Kruskal Wallis tests with significance level of P < 0.05.

Results: All agent showed IL-6 expression in inflamed rat dental pulp tissue, and this expression was decreased with the longer of observation time periods. EEP more stronger to decreased IL-6 expression on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue than other agent. There is significant difference (P < 0.05) of IL-6 expression between group I and other groups in 6 h and 2 days but not in 4 and 7 days time periods.

Conclusion: Trigona sp. propolis from south Sulawesi, Indonesia could suppressed the expression of IL-6 on inflamed rat dental pulp tissue.

International Apitherapy Symposium in Slovenia, May 26-28, 2017

You find more details at the official website.

SLOVENIAN APITHERAPY SOCIETY

Linhartova 49A, 1000 Slovenia, President: Aleš Mižigoj, phone.: +386 1 475 75 00, Mobile: +386 41 621 894, e-mail: apiterapija@medex.si

Egyptian Propolis Protects Liver from Damage by Toxins

Effect of the Egyptian propolis on the hepatic antioxidant defense and pro-apoptotic p53 and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expressions in aflatoxin B1 treated male mice

Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Jan 4;87:247-255

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic due to their role in producing reactive oxygen species and consequently peroxidative damage. Propolis is a honey bee product known for its antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to verify the antioxidant effect of the Egyptian propolis extract (EPE) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Forty eight male mice were divided: first, second and third groups were used as control receiving saline, olive oil and EPE respectively, fourth was AFB1 group, fifth and sixth received EPE post or pre AFB1 treatment, respectively. EPE was given as (0.2mg/kg) 3 times a week. AFB1 was given as a single dose (0.25μg/kg).

After 2 weeks, the mice were scarified and biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations were assessed. EPE has a high content of total phenolics and alkaloids. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value for DPPH radical scavenging was 1353.8μg/mL. Pretreatment with EPE improved AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity represented in lowering alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and pro-apoptotic p53 expression to 33.48±1.98 IU/ml, 53.00±2.37 IU/ml, 123.50±2.02 IU/ml, 76.50±2.66mg/dl, 54.00±3.03mg/dl, 2.22±0.14 nmol/g and 4.31±2.1 cells/field and raising the reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expression to 3.37±1.65 nmol/g, 4.92±0.25 nmol/g, 57±0.91UI/g and 39.7±5.9 cells/field which all had non-significant differences with the control, respectively.

In conclusion, EPE can attenuate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Honey and Wound Healing: An Update

Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017 Jan 6

For centuries, honey has been utilized for wound healing purposes. In recent times, this specific topic has become a field of interest, possibly due to the advent of antibiotic resistance in microbial pathogens. With constant technological advancement, the information regarding honey's mechanisms of action on wound healing has accumulated at a rapid pace. Similarly, clinical studies comparing honey with traditional wound care therapies are steadily emerging.

As a follow-up to a previous review published in the journal in 2011, the current review article outlines publications regarding honey and wound healing that have been published between June 2010 and August 2016. Here we describe the most recent evidence regarding multiple types of honey and their mechanisms of action as antimicrobial agents, immunologic modulators, and physiologic mediators. In addition, outcomes of clinical studies involving a multitude of cutaneous wounds are also examined.

Honey Helps Treat Mouth Ulcers

Evaluation of Honey as a Topical Therapy for Intraoral Wound Healing in Rats

Wounds. 2016 Dec 29

OBJECTIVE:

Honey is one of the oldest known medicines. Its medical and therapeutic importance has been recently rediscovered. Honey is an effective treatment for infected wounds and ulcers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of honey as a topical therapy for intraoral wound healing in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Thirty-two male rats were divided into experimental and control groups (consisting of 16 rats, 4 animals in each group). A 2-mm mucosal defect was made to the depth of the periosteum using punch biopsy. Honey was applied to the wound every day, and the ulcer size was measured daily. On days 2, 4, 6, and 8, four rats were euthanized from each group (experimental and control groups), and tissues were histopathologically evaluated. Healing processes were studied as follows: the size of ulcer, inflammatory response, reepithelialization, and granulation tissue formation.

RESULTS:

The mean rank of wound size was significantly reduced in the honey group (2.50), as compared to the control group (6.50). Reepithelialization and granulation tissue formation mean rank were significantly higher in the honey group (6.50) than in the control group (2.50). Inflammation mean rank was statistically lower in the honey group (2.63) compared with the control group (6.38).

CONCLUSION:

Honey was shown to have a beneficial effect on the healing of oral ulcers in rats in this model. Further research may shed light on the effects of honey on different types of ulcers in humans.

German Apitherapy Congress in Passau March 26-28

Congress and Api-Expo: March 24-26

​Post-Congress Tour: in the afternoon of Sunday, March 26th.

Workshops for beginners and advanced practitioners: Monday and Tuesday, March 27-28.

One of the major topics this year, besides the medicinal beekeeping, the bee products quality and the pharmacological properties​ will be the wound management with all beehive products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom).

Also, we will have many other oral and poster presentations on the clinical applications of beehive products, including of the already famous beehive air.

If you or your best friends are interested to come to one of the best cities in the world, with a highly interesting history and a vibrant modern life (students from over 30 countries are studying in Passau), please let us know.

As we highly respect our speakers, this year too we will offer free of charge registration for all of them.

Please contact drstangaciu@gmail.com for more details.

Bee Venom Potential Key to HIV Cure

Bee venom may be the answer to defeating HIV

Lauren Santye, Assistant Editor
Publish Date: Tuesday, January 03, 2017

The toxin melittin, a peptide found in bee sting venom, could serve as a prophylactic against HIV when applied prior to sexual activity, according to a new study. This approach could potentially destroy HIV by creating holes in the envelope that surrounds the virus.

Although melittin can kill viruses, it is a cytolytic, which means it can destroy cells by increasing their permeability. Unfortunately, this negatively affects both the virus and important human cells, according to Itech Post.

The results of a study conducted by investigators from Washington University, found that by attaching melittin to complex nanoparticles, it allows the compound to selectively target HIV without affecting non-viral cells...

Royal Jelly, Propolis, Bee Pollen Recommended to Boost Energy

Healthy living with TAU: Need a little pick-me-up

The Suburban, 1/2/2016

Deprived of sunshine and stressed by our cold winter months, weakened by infections, colds, Gastro, Sinusitis, and a lingering cough, you are beginning to feel terribly worn out. The end of winter is possibly the most taxing period of the year.

Recuperate and refuel your energy level

Trends come and go, new products constantly emerge on the market, yet only a handful has real staying power. These are bee products, notably royal jelly, propolis, pollen and ginseng.

Royal jelly

In the bee kingdom, the Queen bee has an approximate life span of 5 years, while the worker bees pass away at approximately 6 weeks! The answer to this mystery is a simple one. The Queen bee consumes royal jelly while the worker bees are deprived of this substance. Royal jelly is one of the best energy foods available.

Propolis

Manufactured by bees to protect the beehive from microbial invasions, propolis acts as a natural antibiotic for humans. The antiseptic, antimicrobial and antiviral properties of propolis make it an ideal recovery tool for those individuals worn out from winter illnesses as well as a preventative option in order to avoid relapse.

Pollen

Pollen harvested by bees doesn’t provoke allergies. It is rich in B vitamins and is a valuable nutrient for the nervous system...

Tualang Honey Protects Lungs, Brain From Effect of Toxin

Tualang Honey Protects the Rat Midbrain and Lung against Repeated Paraquat Exposure

Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
Volume 2017 (2017), Article ID 4605782, 12 pages

Paraquat (PQ) is a dopaminergic neurotoxin and a well-known pneumotoxicant that exerts its toxic effect via oxidative stress-mediated cellular injuries.

This study investigated the protective effects of Tualang honey against PQ-induced toxicity in the midbrain and lungs of rats. The rats were orally treated with distilled water (2 mL/kg/day), Tualang honey (1.0 g/kg/day), or ubiquinol (0.2 g/kg/day) throughout the experimental period. Two weeks after the respective treatments, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with saline (1 mL/kg/week) or PQ (10 mg/kg/week) once per week for four consecutive weeks.

After four weekly exposures to PQ, the glutathione peroxidase activity and the number of tyrosine-hydroxylase immunopositive neurons in the midbrain were significantly decreased in animals from group PQ (). The lungs of animals from group PQ showed significantly decreased activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase. Treatment with Tualang honey ameliorated the toxic effects observed in the midbrain and lungs.

The beneficial effects of Tualang honey were comparable to those of ubiquinol, which was used as a positive control. These findings suggest that treatment with Tualang honey may protect against PQ-induced toxicity in the rat midbrain and lung.

Propolis Helps Boost Hair Growth, Treat Balding

Preparation and evaluation of a hair wax containing propolis and Eruca sativa seed oil for hair growth

Adv Biomed Res. 2016 Nov 28;5:182

BACKGROUND:

Hair growth as a key consumer objective has important role in the hair care products researches. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of a hair wax containing propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees in Eruca sativa seed oil base on hair growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The hair wax was designed and formulated compared with marketed brand hair wax and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters including pH, homogeneity, consistency, spread ability, in vitro drug release, and stability. After selection of the best formulation containing 10% ethanolic extract of propolis and 10% E. sativa seed oil, the hair growth potential was evaluated by application of 1 g hair wax daily on 4 cm2 area of dorsal side of Wistar rats and compared with controls and standard medication (1 ml of 2% minoxidil). After 30 days treatment, the length and weight of hairs and percentage of hair follicles in different phases of growth in skin biopsies were assessed.

RESULTS:

The selected hair wax formulation was stable and easy to wash. The formulation significantly increased hair length on 10th, 20th, and 30th day compared control group (5.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.4, 11.4 ± 0.6 vs. 5.8 ± 0.4, and 17.5 ± 0.5 vs. 12.7 ± 0.4 mm, respectively) and also the weight of newly grown hairs on 30th day (0.056 ± 0.006 vs. 0.043 ± 0.005). It improved hair follicles percentages in anagen phase without any sensitivity reaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study suggest that the formulated hair wax containing of propolis and E. sativa seed oil could have significant effect on promoting hair growth.

Royal Jelly Helps Lower Cholesterol

Hypocholesterolemic efficacy of royal jelly in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic adults

Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):497-502

CONTEXT:

Royal jelly (RJ) has been reported for its health promoting factors such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering activities.

OBJECTIVE:

The present randomized, placebo-controlled study examines the hypolipidemic beneficial effect of RJ through evaluating anthropometric measurements, lipid profile and various hormone levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic participants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (180-200 mg/dL) were randomly selected and divided into two groups as experimental or placebo, who requested to intake nine capsules (350 mg/capsule) of RJ or placebo/day, respectively, for three months with one month of follow-up without any supplementation.

RESULTS:

No significant changes were noted in any of the anthropometric parameters like body weight, waist and body fat. The serum total cholesterol (TC; 207.05-183.15 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; 126.44-120.31 mg/dL) levels were reduced significantly (p < 0.05) after administration of RJ. However, triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were not considerably altered. Moreover, three months of RJ consumption significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) the concentration of sex hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S; 1788.09-1992.31 ng/mL). Also, intake of RJ did not elicit any hepatic or renal damage.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:

Intervention with RJ for three months considerably lowered the TC and LDL-c levels through improving the levels of DHEA-S and thus alleviates the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Australian Manuka Honey a Medicinal Powerhouse

Phys.org, December 29, 2016

Australian manuka honey is at least as powerful against bacteria as the more commonly known New Zealand variety, researchers have found.

A team led by Professor Liz Harry at UTS has studied more than 80 honey samples from NSW and Queensland flowering manuka (Leptospermum) trees and found the nectar-derived chemical that gives NZ manuka honey its unique antibacterial properties is present in Australian varieties.

The ground-breaking research also shows the antibacterial properties of honey remain unchanged over several years when stored appropriately.

"These findings put Australian manuka honey on the international radar at a time when antibiotic resistance is recognised as a global crisis," said Dr Nural Cokcetin, of the ithree institute at UTS, a lead author of the study which also includes collaborators at the University of Sydney and the University of the Sunshine Coast...