Monday, July 31, 2017

Propolis Material Boosts Wound Healing

Nanostructured lipid systems modified with waste material of propolis for wound healing: Design, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2017 Jul 10;158:441-452

Propolis, a natural compound that can accelerate the wound healing process, is mainly used as ethanolic extract. The extractive solution may also be obtained from the propolis by-product (BP), transforming this waste material into a pharmaceutical active ingredient.

Even if propolis does not show toxicity, when used as an extract over harmed skin or mucosa, the present ethanol content may be harmful to the tissue recovering, besides hindering the drug release.

This study describes the development of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) as topical propolis delivery systems and the investigation of their in vitro and in vivo activities.

The extracts were evaluated to guarantee their quality, and the lipid dispersions were characterized with respect to morphology (cryo-TEM), size and diffractometry (X-ray) properties. The occlusive capacity of formulations was also evaluated by an in vitro technique, which determines the occlusion factor. The drug entrapment efficiency (EE), as well as the in vitro drug release profile from the nanoparticulate systems was investigated as well. The size analysis performed through 90 days was favorable to a topical administration and the polydispersity index, though not ideal in all cases due to the high content of resins and gums from the extracts, were relatively stable for the SLN. The propolis extract contributes to the occlusive potential of the formulations.

The human immortalized keratinocytes presented good cell viability when tested with both extracts (propolis and BP) freely or entrapped in the systems. SLN modified with propolis material provided an acceleration of the in vivo wound healing process.

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Bees Create Hemp Propolis

PR WEB, 7/30/2017

Although cannabis honey was not a possibility, French did make an amazing and unexpected discovery during this experiment. He found that with some special equipment, he could encourage the bees to collect the resins from the hemp and store them in the hive. Bees used these resins to create propolis – which is a powerful antimicrobial compound used to sterilize and repair the hive. For humans and animals, it can be used to heal wounds and fight certain diseases and bacteria.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Bee Venom Acupuncture May Help Treat Parkinson's Disease

Efficacy of Combined Treatment with Acupuncture and Bee Venom Acupuncture As an Adjunctive Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Jul 28

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and bee venom acupuncture (BVA) for idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) through a sham-controlled trial. We also investigated whether there is a sustained therapeutic effect by completing follow-up assessments after treatment completion.

DESIGN:

A single center, double-blind, three-armed randomized controlled trial.

SETTINGS/LOCATION:

This study was performed at a university hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

SUBJECTS:

Seventy-three (73) patients with IPD were the subjects. They were randomly assigned to the active treatment group, sham treatment group, or conventional treatment group.

INTERVENTIONS:

The active treatment group received acupuncture and BVA and the sham group received sham acupuncture and normal saline injections, twice a week for 12 weeks. The conventional treatment group maintained anti-parkinsonian drugs without additional intervention.

OUTCOME MEASURES:

The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part II and part III score, postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) score, gait speed and number, Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and postural stability at baseline and at 12, 16, and 20 weeks.

RESULTS:

Sixty-three (63) patients provided a complete data of assessments, including a final follow-up. After 12 weeks of treatment, a significant difference was observed between the active treatment group and the conventional treatment group. After the end of the treatment, the treatment effects were maintained significantly in the active treatment group only.

CONCLUSIONS:

It is suggested that the combined treatment of acupuncture and BVA might be safe and useful adjunctive treatment for patients with IPD.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Stingless Bee Geopropolis Shows Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Activity

Melipona mondury produces a geopropolis with antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2017 Jul 20:0

Geopropolis is a special type of propolis produced by stingless bees. Several pharmacological properties have been described for different types of geopropolis, but there have been no previous studies of the geopropolis from Melipona mondury.

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of M. mondury geopropolis, and determined its chemical profile. The antioxidant activity was determined using in vitro ABTS·+, ·DPPH, and β-carotene/linoleic acid co-oxidation methods. The antibacterial activity was determined using a microdilution method with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The antiproliferative effect was determined in tumor cell lines using the Alamar Blue assay. The chemical profile was obtained using UHPLC-MS and UHPLC-MS/MS.

The butanolic fraction had the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and more potent antioxidant properties in all assays. This fraction also had bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against all bacterial strains at low concentrations, especially S. aureus. The hexane fraction had the highest antiproliferative potential, with IC50 values ranging from 24.2 to 46.6 µg/mL in HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia cell) and K562 (human chronic myelocytic leukemia cell), respectively. Preliminary chemical analysis indicates the presence of terpenes and gallic acid in the geopropolis.

Our results indicate the therapeutic potential of geopropolis from M. mondury against inflammatory, oxidative, infectious, and neoplastic diseases.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Honey Flavonoids Could Effect Drug Uptake

Honey flavonoids inhibit hOATP2B1 and hOATP1A2 transporters and hOATP-mediated rosuvastatin cell uptake in vitro

Xenobiotica. 2017 Jul 26:1-34

1. Some flavonoids contained in the common diet have been shown to interact with important membrane uptake transporters, including organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs). OATP2B1 and OATP1A2 expressed in the apical membrane of human enterocytes may significantly contribute to the intestinal absorption of drugs, e.g. statins. This study is aimed at an evaluation of the inhibitory potency of selected honey flavonoids (namely galangin, myricetin, pinocembrin, pinobanksin, chrysin, fisetin) towards hOATP2B1 and hOATP1A2 as well as at examining their effect on the cellular uptake of the known OATP substrate rosuvastatin.

2. Cell lines overexpressing the hOATP2B1 or hOATP1A2 transporter were employed as in vitro model to determine the inhibitory potency of the flavonoids towards the OATPs.

3. Chrysin, galangin and pinocembrin were found to inhibit both hOATP2B1 and hOATP1A2 in lower or comparable concentrations as the known flavonoid OATP inhibitor quercetin. Galangin, chrysin and pinocembrin effectively inhibited rosuvastatin uptake by hOATP2B1 with IC50 ∼ 1-10 μM. The inhibition of the hOATP1A2-mediated transport of rosuvastatin by these flavonoids was weaker.

4. The found data indicate that several of the tested natural compounds could potentially affect drug cellular uptake by hOATP2B1 and/or hOATP1A2 at relative low concentrations, a finding which suggests their potential for food-drug interactions.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Propolis Throat Spray

Guatemala Times

This throat spray is naturally made of extracted propolis that comes from bees. What makes it, even more, greater is that it is absolutely made of high grade and the source comes from the bees that are pollinating in British Columbia, within the mountain regions. To make it even clearer, propolis comes from the substances that gets collected by bees from plants and trees resin which they then use to line the hive and protect it against virus and bacteria. I guess we can say that it’s a natural anti biotic.

With this, you don’t have to endure using such bitter or awful tasting medicine and now you might just actually enjoy using this to heal your self from a painful sore throat. All it contains is propolis, GMO-free vegetable glycerin, and purified water...

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Propolis Component May Help Treat Diabetic Nephropathy

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017 Jun 28;54:80-92. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.06.021. [Epub ahead of print]

Metabolomics study of cadmium-induced diabetic nephropathy and protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with pattern recognition

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most severe complication of diabetes and multiple factors are involved in the pathogenesis of DN. Among them, cadmium (Cd) acts as a risk factor inducing the occurrence of DN.

The present study focused on investigating the protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis from honeybee hives, against Cd-induced DN in mice based on ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)and pattern recognition. Serum and urine biochemical indexes were detected and histopathological observation has been done to evaluate the damage of Cd on animals. Moreover, the global serum profiles of different groups were distinguished by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied for group differentiation and marker selection. Moreover, the influence of Cd on the oxidative status in DN mice were also evaluated by assessing the parameters of oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines and antioxidant competence. As shown in the scores plots, the distinct clustering among controls, DN and CAPE groups were observed, significant changes in serum levels of LysoPC(18:1(11Z)), 2,3-dinor-8-iso-PGF2a, PS(18:1(9Z)/18:1(9Z)), DG(17:0/22:4 (7Z,10Z, 13Z, 16Z)/0:0) and Arachidonic acid(AA) were noted and identified as potential biomarkers, the effect of CAPE reverted them back to near normalcy. Further, It was observed a significant improvement in lipid peroxides (LPO) and protein carbonyls (PCO) levels in Cd-induced DN kidneys along with a significant decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, however, CAPE relieved these changes.

In conclusion, the study suggested that the pathogenesis of DN caused by Cd probably owes to the perturbations of lipid metabolism and AA metabolism; CAPE seems to be effective agent and may be related to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and action as an Nrf2 activator.

Monday, July 24, 2017

Bee Venom Acupuncture May Help Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

Bee Venom Acupuncture Reduces Interleukin-6, Increases Interleukin-10, and Induces Locomotor Recovery in a Model of Spinal Cord Compression

J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2017 Jun;10(3):204-210

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) initiate a series of molecular and cellular events in which inflammatory responses can lead to major neurological dysfunctions. The present study aims to investigate whether bee venom (BV) acupuncture applied at acupoints ST36 (Zusanli) and GV3 (Yaoyangquan) could minimize locomotor deficits and the magnitude of neural tissue losses, and change the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines after an SCI by compression. Wistar rats were subjected to an SCI model by compression in which a 2-French Fogarty embolectomy catheter was inflated in the extradural space.

The effects of BV acupuncture, in which 20 μL of BV diluted in saline (0.08 mg/kg) was injected at acupoints GV3 and ST36 [BV(ST36+GV3)-SCI] was compared with BV injected at nonacupoints [BV(NP)-SCI] and with no treatment [group subjected only to SCI (CTL-SCI)]. The BV(ST36+GV3)-SCI group showed a significant improvement in the locomotor performance and a decrease of lesion size compared with the controls. BV acupuncture at the ST36 + GV3 increased the expression of interleukin-10 (anti-inflammatory) at 6 hours and reduced the expression of interleukin-6 (proinflammatory) at 24 hours after SCI compared with the controls.

Our results suggest that BV acupuncture can reduce neuroinflammation and induce recovery in the SCI compression model.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Bee Venom Component May Help Treat Lung Gancer

Melittin exerts an antitumor effect on non‑small cell lung cancer cells

Mol Med Rep. 2017 Jul 14

Lung cancer accounts for a significant percentage of all cancer‑associated mortalities in men and women, with non‑small cell lung cancer being the most frequently occurring type of lung cancer. Melittin is the principal active component of apitoxin (bee venom) that has been reported to exert anti‑chronic inflammatory and anti‑cancer effects. In the present study, the antitumor effect of melittin was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro analyses. The results demonstrated that melittin significantly inhibited the epidermal growth factor‑induced invasion and migration of non‑small cell lung cancer cells. Subcutaneous injection of melittin at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg significantly suppressed non‑small cell lung cancer tumor growth by 27 and 61%, respectively. In addition, melittin significantly inhibited the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in non‑small cell lung cancer cells. Furthermore, melittin decreased the protein expression of VEGF and hypoxia‑inducible factor 1‑α. Therefore, the antitumor activity of melittin may be associated with the anti‑angiogenic actions of inhibiting the VEGF and hypoxia‑inducible factor signaling pathways.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Honey Helps Repair Liver Damage

Honey can repairing damage of liver tissue due to protein energy malnutrition through induction of endogenous stem cells

Vet World. 2017 Jun;10(6):711-715

AIM:

This study was to evaluate effect of honey in repairing damage of liver tissue due to energy protein malnutrition and in mobilization of endogenous stem cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Male mice model of degenerative liver was obtained through food fasting but still have drinking water for 5 days. It caused energy protein malnutrition and damage of liver tissue. The administration of 50% (v/v) honey was performed for 10 consecutive days, while the positive control group was fasted and not given honey and the negative control not fasted and without honey. Observations of regeneration the liver tissue based on histologically examination, observation of Hsp70 expression, and homing signal based on vascular endothelial growth factor-1 (VEGF-1) expression using immunohistochemistry technique. Observation on expression of CD34 and CD45 as the marker of auto mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells using flow cytometry technique.

RESULTS:

There is regeneration of the liver tissue due to protein energy malnutrition, decrease of Hsp70 expression, increase of VEGF-1 expression, and high expression of CD34 and CD45.

CONCLUSION:

Honey can improve the liver tissue based on: (1) Mobilization of endogenous stem cells (CD34 and CD45); (2) Hsp70 and VEGF-1 expressions as regeneration marker of improvement, and (3) regeneration histologically of liver tissue.

Friday, July 21, 2017

OncBioMune Acquires Propolis Product Line for German Partner

(Marketwired - July 20, 2017) - OncBioMune Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (otcqb:OBMP) ("OncBioMune" or the "Company"), a revenue-stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of targeted cancer therapies, a proprietary cancer vaccine technology and commercialization of a portfolio of products internationally, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the rights to six Aagaard® Propolis products for the Mexican markets from the Company's German partner roha Arzneimittel GmbH ("roha"). OncBioMune has begun the process to market the products across Mexico, with expectations for an official launch during the fourth quarter of 2017...

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Tualang Honey Boosts Antioxidant Activity, Protects Against Oxidative Stress

Dose-Response Effect of Tualang Honey on Postprandial Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress in Female Athletes: A Pilot Study

J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Jul 14

OBJECTIVES:

Tualang honey (TH) contains antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, phenolic acids, and flavonoids that may be protective against oxidative stress of exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the postprandial antioxidant activity and oxidative stress after ingestion of high and low dosages of TH in female athletes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Twenty female athletes (aged 21.3 [2.1] years; body weight [BW] 54.1 [5.7] kg) were randomly assigned into two groups and consumed either 1.5 g/kg BW TH (high honey; HH; n = 10) or 0.75 g/kg BW TH (low honey; LH; n = 10). Blood sample was collected at fasting and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h after TH consumption. Plasma was analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), and oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and reactive oxygen species [ROS]).

RESULTS:

The 3-h area under the curve (AUC) for MDA was significantly lower in the LH group compared with HH group, suggesting less oxidative stress in the LH group. However, the AUCs for TPC, FRAP, and ROS were not affected by the dosages. The concentrations of TPC and FRAP increased from baseline to 2 and 1 h after TH consumption, respectively, and concentrations returned toward baseline at 3 h in both LH and HH groups. MDA concentration significantly decreased (p < 0.05) from baseline to 2 h and significantly increased from 2 to 3 h in the HH group. Meanwhile, ROS levels increased significantly from 0.5 to 3 h in the HH group. The LH group showed similar trends as the HH group for MDA and ROS; however, this was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The consumption of high and low doses of TH demonstrated a comparable response in increasing antioxidant activity and suppressing oxidative stress in female athletes. The time-course effect of TH that provides optimal antioxidant activity and oxidative stress protection was between 1 and 2 h after its consumption.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Manuka Better Than Mutifloral Honey in Treating Horse Wounds

Comparison of the effects of topical application of UMF20 and UMF5 manuka honey with a generic multifloral honey on wound healing variables in an uncontaminated surgical equine distal limb wound model

Aust Vet J. 2017 Jul 17. doi: 10.1111/avj.12616. [Epub ahead of print]

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effect of application of manuka honey with unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 or 20 with a generic multifloral honey on equine wound healing variables.

METHODS:

Two full-thickness skin wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created on the metatarsus of both hindlimbs of eight Standardbred horses. The wounds on each horse were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: UMF20 (UMF20) and UMF5 (UMF5) manuka honey; generic multifloral honey (GH); and a saline control. Bandages were changed daily for 12 days, after which treatment was stopped and the bandages were removed. Wound area was measured on day 1, then weekly until day 42. Overall wound healing rate (cm2 /day) and time to complete healing were recorded.

RESULTS:

There was no difference in wound area for any of the treatments on any measurement day except for day 21, where the mean wound area for wounds treated with UMF20 was smaller than the mean wound area for the UMF5-treated wounds (P = 0.031). There was no difference in mean (± SE) overall healing rate (cm2 /day) among the treatment groups. There were differences in mean (± SE) days to complete healing. Wounds treated with UMF20 healed faster than wounds treated with GH (P = 0.02) and control wounds (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment of wounds with UMF20 reduced overall wound healing time compared with wounds treated with GH and control wounds. However, using this model the difference in the overall time to complete healing was small.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Therapeutic Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products

Front Pharmacol. 2017 Jun 28;8:412

Honeybees produce honey, royal jelly, propolis, bee venom, bee pollen, and beeswax, which potentially benefit to humans due to the bioactives in them. Clinical standardization of these products is hindered by chemical variability depending on honeybee and botanical sources, but different molecules have been isolated and pharmacologically characterized.

Major honey bioactives include phenolics, methylglyoxal, royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), and oligosaccharides.

In royal jelly there are antimicrobial jelleins and royalisin peptides, MRJPs, and hydroxy-decenoic acid derivatives, notably 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, metabolic syndrome preventing, and anti-aging activities.

Propolis contains caffeic acid phenethyl ester and artepillin C, specific of Brazilian propolis, with antiviral, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

Bee venom consists of toxic peptides like pain-inducing melittin, SK channel blocking apamin, and allergenic phospholipase A2.

Bee pollen is vitaminic, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant phenolics, as well as antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, and hypoglycemic flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, and sterols.

Beeswax is widely used in cosmetics and makeup. Given the importance of drug discovery from natural sources, this review is aimed at providing an exhaustive screening of the bioactive compounds detected in honeybee products and of their curative or adverse biological effects.


Monday, July 17, 2017

Using Honey to Ease Seasonal Allergies

Stuff, 7/14/2017

Dr Shaun Holt, who holds pharmacy and medicine degrees and lectures at Victoria University of Wellington, has long believed in the power of honey.

He co-founded Wellington's HoneyLab, which performs extensive research on bees and develops medical products from the insect. He has taken on the principal investigator role in more than 50 clinical trials.

While Holt has yet to explore honey's potential affect on seasonal allergies and asthma, he said it's a subject he's had a keen eye on for "a while now".

"It makes sense. In theory it should help," he says.

"It's similar to immunisation therapy. Allergy experts will give you a pollen injection but it's just expensive."

Holt said by consuming the bee byproduct, people were "basically building an immunity" by exposing the body to pollens without inhaling it and suffering symptoms.

Dr Shaun Holt, co-founder and scientist at Honeylab, says eating honey could potentially help build up an immunity to pollen without suffering symptoms.

And if patients were to visit him in regards to seasonal allergies, Holt said he would tell them to "give it a go".

"If it helps you, great. If not, then you just had a spoonful of honey a day."...

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Propolis for (Nappy) Diaper Rash

New Zealand Herald

Propolis is a substance collected by honeybees that can be used as a substitute for zinc oxide to protect and heal the delicate skin of baby's bottom. Zinc Oxide is often used in creams of this type but can be harmful with long-term use. Propolis has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to resolve resistant baby skin problems like fungal infections and thrush.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Propolis resin from trees antibacterial, antifungal


The Taos News, 7/14/2017

Propolis is a dark brown to red sticky resin that honeybees collect from a variety of trees - including cottonwood, aspen and birch - for use in the beehive. It used to be thought that this resin was used just to seal the cracks and holes in the hive, but it has more recently been discovered that propolis is used by the bees to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria and inhibit the presence of parasites.

People use propolis as a medicine, and research shows that it indeed has antibacterial, antifungal and even antiviral properties. The raw propolis is a bit difficult to use, as it is a sticky lump of resin, but if you can warm it slightly, small pieces can be pulled off and placed into a tooth cavity to create a temporary filling that both seals out the air that causes discomfort and has antiseptic qualities that can help prevent infection.

One of my favorite ways to use this fascinating product from our honeybee friends is as a remedy for the throat. I like to combine an extract of the resin with licorice root, yerba del manzo root and tea tree oil to make a throat spray. This blend has the effect of numbing the pain of the sore tissues and being astringent, antiseptic and antiviral...

Friday, July 14, 2017

Honey, Propolis Component Useful in Disease Management Induced by Toxic Agents


Protective Effects of Chrysin Against Drugs and Toxic Agents

Dose Response. 2017 Jun 23;15(2):1559325817711782

ISSUES:

Polyphenolic compounds, especially flavonoids, are known as the most common chemical class of phytochemicals, which possess a multiple range of health-promoting effects. Flavonoids are ubiquitous in nature. They are also present in food, providing an essential link between diet and prevention of several diseases.

APPROACH:

Chrysin (CH), a natural flavonoid, was commonly found in propolis and honey and traditionally used in herbal medicine. A growing body of scientific evidence has shown that CH possesses protective effects against toxic agents in various animal tissues, including brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung.

KEY FINDINGS:

This study found that CH may be effective in disease management induced by toxic agents. However, due to the lack of information on human, further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of CH as an antidote agent in human.

CONCLUSION:

The present article aimed to critically review the available literature data regarding the protective effects of CH against toxic agent-induced toxicities as well as its possible mechanisms.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Chestnut, Cedar, and Pine Honey Kill Breast Cancer Cells

Anatolian honey is not only sweet but can also protect from breast cancer: Elixir for women from artemis to present

IUBMB Life. 2017 Jul 10

Natural products with bioactive components are widely studied on various cancer cell lines for their possible cytotoxic effects, recently. Among these products, honey stands out as a valuable bee product containing many active phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Numerous types of multifloral honey and honeydew honey are produced in Turkey owing to its abundant vegetation. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of particular tree-originated honeys from chestnut, cedar, pine, and multifloral honey on cell lines representing different types of the most common cancer of women, breast cancer, MCF7, SKBR3, and MDAMB-231, and fibrocystic breast epithelial cell line, MCF10A as a control.

All honey samples were analyzed biochemically. The dose- (1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 µg/mL) and time (24th, 48th, and 72nd hours)-dependent effects of ethanol/water solutions of the honey samples were scrutinized. Cell viability/cytotoxicity was evaluated by the water soluble tetrazolium Salt-1 (WST-1) method. Apoptotic status was detected by Annexin V-PI assay using FACSCalibur. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 6 and the clustering data analysis with the R programming language. The biochemical analyses of the honey samples showed that the tree-originated honey samples contained more total phenolic compounds than the multifloral honey.

Phenolic content of the honey types increases in order of multifloral, pine, cedar, and chestnut, respectively, which is compatible with their cytotoxic affectivity and dark color. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the studied honey types was observed to increase in order of multifloral < pine < cedar ≅ chestnut. According to the WST-1 data, chestnut honey induced cytotoxicity over 50% on all the cell lines, including the control MCF10A cells, even with low doses (honey concentrations starting from 1 µg/mL) (P < 0.0001). Similarly, Cedar honey was observed to be the second most effective honey in this study. Cedar honey, with the dose of 1 µg/mL, was detected statistically highly significant on MCF10A, MCF7, and SKBR3.

In contrast, pine honey showed dramatically significant cytotoxicity only on the MDAMB 231 cells with a 1 µg/mL dose at the same time point (P = 0.018). While pine honey caused an anticancer effect on the MCF-7 and SKBR3 cancer cell lines with a 2.5-5 µg/mL dose (P < 0.0001), like cedar and chestnut honeys, it increased the viability of the MCF10A control cells with the doses of 2.5-5 µg/mL. It only showed cytotoxicity with higher doses (10 µg/mL) on the MCF10A cell line (P < 0.0001).

Moreover, we have observed that the multifloral and artificial honey samples were mostly ineffective or increased cell viability with the doses of 1-5 µg/mL. Apoptotic effects of the other honey samples on the MCF-7 cell line were found as chestnut> pine> cedar> multifloral in the Annexin V-propidium iodide (PI) analysis.

Chestnut, cedar, and pine honey displayed a remarkably cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell lines, MCF7, SKBR3, and even on the most aggressive MDAMB 231, representing the triple negative breast cancer, which lacks of targeted anticancer therapy. The chestnut and cedar honeys stand out to be the most cytotoxic on all cell lines, while pine honey was found to be the least toxic on control cells with appropriate toxicity on the cancer cells.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Honey Eardrops Help Treat Recurrent Eczematous External Otitis

Treatment of Recurrent Eczematous External Otitis with Honey Eardrops: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Jul 1:194599817718782

Eczematous external otitis is a chronic inflammatory disease and often difficult to treat. Our objective was to investigate the clinical effect and in vitro antibacterial potential of medical honey eardrops as treatment of eczematous external otitis. In a prospective study, 15 patients diagnosed with recurrent eczematous external otitis were treated with medical honey eardrops for 2 weeks.

The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: visual analog scale of ear complaints, score of eczema, and eradication of bacterial infection. Furthermore, the antibacterial effect of honey eardrops against different bacterial strains was tested in vitro.

Treatment resulted in less discomfort and itching and decreased signs of eczema, with high patient satisfaction and without adverse reactions. Honey eardrops showed a strong in vitro inhibitory activity against all tested strains but did not eradicate Staphylococcus aureus infection in vivo.

The results of this preliminary study indicate a possible role of honey eardrops in eczematous ear disease.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Indian Propolis Has Anti-Alzheimer's Potential

Neuroprotective effect of Indian propolis in β-amyloid induced memory deficit: Impact on behavioral and biochemical parameters in rats

Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Jul 4;93:543-553

The study aimed at the investigation of neuroprotective activity of macerated ethanolic extract of Indian propolis (MEEP) against β-Amyloid 25-35 (Aβ25-35) induced memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease. MEEP was administrated orally to Wistar rats at doses of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg. Behavioral performances were evaluated using morris water maze and radial arm maze. At the end of behavioral study, the brains were removed and antioxidant parameters and brain monoamines were estimated. Further acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were evaluated. In addition hematological parameters and histopathological tests were also carried out.

In behavioral models, MEEP significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the cognitive impairment of β amyloid-induced rats. The antioxidant potential was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after administration of MEEP. Malondialdehyde levels were significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in brain homogenate after treatment with MEEP extract as compared with diseased control group (group III). MEEP showed dose-dependent AChE inhibition and increased the levels of brain monoamines (P < 0.05) as compared with group III. MEEP improved memory deficits by increasing BDNF in plasma (P < 0.05).

The study concludes that MEEP has anti-Alzheimer potential in rats through multiple mechanisms and further studies are ongoing for fractionation and biological screening.

Monday, July 10, 2017

Review of Use of Bee Venom and Propolis for Wound Healing


Wound healing: time to look for intelligent, 'natural' immunological approaches?


BMC Immunol. 2017 Jun 21;18(Suppl 1):23

There is now good evidence that cytokines and growth factors are key factors in tissue repair and often exert anti-infective activities. However, engineering such factors for global use, even in the most remote places, is not realistic. Instead, we propose to examine how such factors work and to evaluate the reparative tools generously provided by 'nature.'

We used two approaches to address these objectives. The first approach was to reappraise the internal capacity of the factors contributing the most to healing in the body, i.e., blood platelets. The second was to revisit natural agents such as whey proteins, (honey) bee venom and propolis. The platelet approach elucidates the inflammation spectrum from physiology to pathology, whereas milk and honey derivatives accelerate diabetic wound healing. Thus, this review aims at offering a fresh view of how wound healing can be addressed by natural means.

Sunday, July 09, 2017

Gelam Honey Helps Treat Eye Injuries

The Potential of Gelam Honey in Promoting the Proliferative Phase of Corneal Reepithelialization

Wounds. 2017 Jun 28

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential benefits of Gelam honey (GH) in promoting proliferation of ex vivo cor-neal epithelial cells (CECs) and its effects on the phenotypical features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Corneal epithelial cells were isolated from the corneas of rabbits (n = 6). The optimal dose of GH for CEC proliferation in both basal medium (BM) and cornea medium (CM) was determined via MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bro- mide) assay. Morphology, gene and protein expressions, and cell cycle analysis of CECs were evaluated via phase contrast microscopy, real- time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and ow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS:

Corneal epithelial cells cultured in 0.0015% GH-supplemented media (BM + 0.0015% GH; CM + 0.0015% GH) demonstrated optimal proliferative capacity with normal polygonal- shaped morphology. Gelam honey potentiates cytokeratin 3 (CK3) gene expression in accordance with the cytoplasmic CK3 protein expression while retaining normal cell cycle of CECs.

CONCLUSION:

Culture media treated with 0.0015% GH increased CEC proliferation while preserving its phenotypical features. This study demonstrated the potential development of GH-based topical treatment for superficial corneal injury.

Saturday, July 08, 2017

Allergists Scramble to Deal with Venom Extract Shortage

Ventura County Star, 7/7/2017

Ventura County allergists say they've eased the sting of a shortage of an extract used to prevent severe allergic reactions to bees, hornets and wasps.

The extract invokes the hair of the dog theory, made of the venom of the very insect that triggers a person's allergies...

Friday, July 07, 2017

Manuka Honey Can Comprehensively Kill Common Pathogens Associated with Infected Wounds


Comprehensive In Situ Killing of Six Common Wound Pathogens With Manuka Honey Dressings Using a Modified AATCC-TM100

Wounds. 2017 Jun 28. pii: WNDS20170628-1

OBJECTIVE:

While Manuka honey in vitro is strongly antimicrobial, there have been, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies showing that dressings impregnated with Manuka honey can kill organisms in the dressing itself.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The investigators used the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists' 100 test methodology to compare honey-impregnated dressings with control dressings (without honey) on the ability to kill common wound pathogens. Organisms were chosen after a review of the causal organisms found in actual wound infections over a 12-month period in a busy outpatient wound clinic.

RESULTS:

Even when the dressings were challenged daily with further inoculated organisms, > 5-log reductions were routinely noted across a range of pathogens, including multiple drug-resistant species using dressings containing Manuka honey relative to the control.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results presented herein show that when well-characterized medical-grade Manuka honey is used in dressings (ie, a minimum of 400 mg methylglyoxal/kg) these dressings can comprehensively kill common wound pathogens associated with infected wounds.

OBJECTIVE:

While Manuka honey in vitro is strongly antimicrobial, there have been, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no studies showing that dressings impregnated with Manuka honey can kill organisms in the dressing itself.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The investigators used the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists' 100 test methodology to compare honey-impregnated dressings with control dressings (without honey) on the ability to kill common wound pathogens. Organisms were chosen after a review of the causal organisms found in actual wound infections over a 12-month period in a busy outpatient wound clinic.

RESULTS:

Even when the dressings were challenged daily with further inoculated organisms, > 5-log reductions were routinely noted across a range of pathogens, including multiple drug-resistant species using dressings containing Manuka honey relative to the control.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results presented herein show that when well-characterized medical-grade Manuka honey is used in dressings (ie, a minimum of 400 mg methylglyoxal/kg) these dressings can comprehensively kill common wound pathogens associated with infected wounds.

Thursday, July 06, 2017

Gelam Honey Promotes Corneal Healing

The Potential of Gelam Honey in Promoting the Proliferative Phase of Corneal Reepithelialization

Wounds. 2017 Jun 28. pii: WNDS20170628-2

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential bene ts of Gelam honey (GH) in promoting proliferation of ex vivo cor- neal epithelial cells (CECs) and its effects on the phenotypical features.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Corneal epithelial cells were isolated from the corneas of rabbits (n = 6). The optimal dose of GH for CEC proliferation in both basal medium (BM) and cornea medium (CM) was determined via MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bro- mide) assay. Morphology, gene and protein expressions, and cell cycle analysis of CECs were evaluated via phase contrast microscopy, real- time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and ow cytom- etry, respectively.

RESULTS:

Corneal epithelial cells cultured in 0.0015% GH-supplemented media (BM + 0.0015% GH; CM + 0.0015% GH) demonstrated optimal proliferative capacity with normal polygonal- shaped morphology. Gelam honey potentiates cytokeratin 3 (CK3) gene expression in accordance with the cytoplasmic CK3 protein expression while retaining normal cell cycle of CECs.

CONCLUSION:

Culture media treated with 0.0015% GH increased CEC proliferation while preserving its phenotypical features. This study demonstrated the potential devel- opment of GH-based topical treatment for super cial corneal injury.

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

Stingless Bee Propolis Shows Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects

Propolis Extracted from the Stingless Bee Trigona sirindhornae Inhibited S. mutans Activity In Vitro

Oral Health Prev Dent. 2017;15(3):279-284

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effects of propolis extracted from an endemic species of stingless bee, T. sirindhornae, on the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Dichloromethane extracts (DME) of propolis (DMEP) were prepared and analysed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The antibacterial growth and antibiofilm formation effects of DMEP on S. mutans were compared with those of apigenin, a commercial propolis product. The effects of DMEP and apigenin on glucosyltransferase (gtf) B expression in S. mutans were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Chlorhexidine (CHX) was used as a positive control in the experiments.

RESULTS:

Apigenin, pinocembrin, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid were not detected in the propolis extracts. DMEP and apigenin significantly inhibited S. mutans growth (IC50 = 43.5 and 17.36 mg/ml, respectively). DMEP and apigenin also exhibited antiadherence effects on S. mutans as shown by reduced biofilm formation. Furthermore, a significant inhibition in gtfB expression was observed in DMEP and apigenin treated S. mutans.

CONCLUSION:

Propolis produced by T. sirindhornae demonstrated antibacterial and antibiofilm effects, and reduced gtfB expression in S. mutans. The antibacterial activities of propolis observed were not due to apigenin, pinocembrin, p-coumaric acid, or caffeic acid.

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Bee Venom Component May Help Treat Lung Cancer

Melittin suppresses tumor progression by regulating tumor-associated macrophages in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model

Oncotarget. 2017 Jun 27

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are a major component of tumor stroma. It has been reported that TAMs have M2-like phenotype and facilitate tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Melittin, a major polypeptide of bee venom, has been widely studied as an anti-cancer drug due to its cytotoxicity to malignant cells. However, very little is known regarding the effect of melittin on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.

This study focuses on the effect of melittin on TAMs in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model. Melittin inhibited the rapid tumor growth compared to the control in vivo. Melittin increased the M1/M2 ratio of TAMs by selectively reducing the number of CD206+ M2-like TAMs while not altering the population of CD86+ M1-like TAMs. Melittin also preferentially binds to M2 macrophages, and this binding was not associated with phagocytosis. Gene and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and mannose receptor C type 1 (Mrc1/CD206) was reduced in M2-like bone marrow-derived macrophages by melittin treatment, but there was no significant change in the gene level of Vegf and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (Flt1/VEGFR1) in tumor cells in vitro. Additionally, the levels of VEGF and CD31, markers of angiogenesis, were significantly decreased by melittin treatment in tumor tissues.

This study revealed a novel role for melittin in tumor treatment and suggested that melittin could be a promising therapeutic agent for targeting M2-like TAMs.

Monday, July 03, 2017

Use of Honey by Those with Diabetes

Honey and diabetes mellitus: Obstacles and challenges - Road to be repaired

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2017 Jul;24(5):1030-1033

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Since ancient times, honey has been used due to its nutritional and therapeutic value. The role of honey has been acknowledged in the scientific literature however, its use has been controversially discussed and has not been well accepted in modern medicine especially for diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate the role of honey in diabetic patients.

METHODS:

In this study, we identified 107 research articles from data based search engines including "PubMed", "ISI-Web of Science", "Embase" and "Google Scholar". The research papers were selected by using the primary key-terms including "Honey", "Honey bee" and "Diabetes Mellitus". The research documents in which "Honey" and "Diabetes Mellitus" were debated are included. After screening, we reviewed 66 papers and finally we selected 35 studies which met the inclusion criteria and the remaining documents were excluded.

RESULTS:

This study investigated the preclinical, clinical, human and animal model studies on honey and diabetes mellitus and found that honey decreases the fasting serum glucose, increases the sting C-peptide and 2-h postprandial C-peptide. Although, there is a dearth of data and literature also contrary discussed the use of honey in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION:

Honey decreases the fasting serum glucose, increases fasting C-peptide and 2-h postprandial C-peptide. Honey had low glycemic index and peak incremental index in diabetic patients. The use of honey in diabetic patients still has obstacles and challenges and needs more large sample sized, multi-center clinical controlled studies to reach better conclusions.