Key role of hydrogen peroxide in antimicrobial activity of Spring, Honeydew maquis and Chestnut grove Corsican honeys on Pseudomonas aeruginosa DNA
Lett Appl Microbiol. 2018 Feb 25
In honeys, several molecules have been known for their antibacterial or wound healing properties. Corsican honeys just began to be tested for their antimicrobial activity with promising results on Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
So, identification of active molecules and their mode of action was determined.
Hydrogen peroxide concentrations were evaluated and, in parallel, the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values were performed with and without catalase. More, the quantity of phenolic compounds and ORAC assay were measured. Observation of antibacterial action was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) followed by plasmidic DNA extraction. MIC values of chestnut grove and honeydew maquis honeys vary between 7% and 8%, showing a strong antimicrobial capacity, associated with a plasmidic DNA degradation.
When catalase is added, MIC values significatively increase (25%) without damaging DNA, proving the importance of H2 O2 . This hypothesis is confirmed by SEM micrographies which didn't show any morphological damages but a depletion in bacterial population. Although, such low concentrations of H2 O2 (between 23 μmol.L-1 and 54 μmol.L-1 ) cannot explain antimicrobial activity and might be correlated to phenolic compounds concentration.
Thus, Corsican honeys seems to induce DNA damage when H2 O2 and phenolic compounds act in synergy by a putative pro-oxidant effect.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Buckwheat Honey Exhibits Antibacterial Activity Against Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Comparable with Manuka Honey
Biochemical properties, antibacterial and cellular antioxidant activities of buckwheat honey in comparison to manuka honey
Food Chem. 2018 Jun 30;252:243-249
The biochemical properties of buckwheat honey, including contents of sugars, proteins, total phenols, methylglyoxal (MGO), minerals and phenolic compounds, were determined in comparison with those of manuka honey.
Buckwheat honey has higher contents of sugars, proteins and total phenols but a lower content of MGO than manuka honey. Buckwheat honey contains abundant minerals involved in a number of vital functions of the human body as does manuka honey, and has even higher contents of Fe, Mn and Zn.
In buckwheat honey, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid are the dominant phenolic compounds. Moreover, the antibacterial and cellular antioxidant activities of buckwheat honey were compared with those of manuka honey.
Buckwheat honey exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable with manuka honey, and the cellular antioxidant activity of buckwheat honey is higher than that of manuka honey. Our results suggest that buckwheat honey has great nutritional and commercial potentials.
Food Chem. 2018 Jun 30;252:243-249
The biochemical properties of buckwheat honey, including contents of sugars, proteins, total phenols, methylglyoxal (MGO), minerals and phenolic compounds, were determined in comparison with those of manuka honey.
Buckwheat honey has higher contents of sugars, proteins and total phenols but a lower content of MGO than manuka honey. Buckwheat honey contains abundant minerals involved in a number of vital functions of the human body as does manuka honey, and has even higher contents of Fe, Mn and Zn.
In buckwheat honey, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid are the dominant phenolic compounds. Moreover, the antibacterial and cellular antioxidant activities of buckwheat honey were compared with those of manuka honey.
Buckwheat honey exhibits antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable with manuka honey, and the cellular antioxidant activity of buckwheat honey is higher than that of manuka honey. Our results suggest that buckwheat honey has great nutritional and commercial potentials.
Monday, February 26, 2018
Formulation of Propolis, Royal Jelly and Bee Venom Lowers Blood pressure, Protects heart
Anti-hypertensive and cardioprotective effects of a novel apitherapy formulation via upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and -γ in spontaneous hypertensive rats
Saudi J Biol Sci. 2018 Feb;25(2):213-219
Ventricular remodeling is associated with many heart diseases, and ventricular remodeling induced by hypertension can be fatal independent of hypertension.
In this study, we prepared a novel apitherapy formulation, designated Bao-Yuan-Ling (BYL), which contained propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom, to treat spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs). We then evaluated the pharmacology of BYL and the potential mechanisms through which BYL affects hypertension and ventricular remodeling.
We found that BYL treatment could reduce blood pressure in SHRs. Thereafter, we found that BYL treatment reduced serum levels of angiotensin II, endothelin 1, and transforming growth factor-β and improved the myocardial structure. Moreover, the results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that BYL treatment could upregulate the mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and PPAR-γ.
Thus, we could conclude that BYL had hypotensive and cardioprotective effects in SHRs, potentially through improvement of myocardial energy metabolism.
Can a substance created by bees help you avoid antibiotics?
Meet 'bee glue' the natural treatment everyone's buzzing about — for good reason
Meagan Morris, Published: February 22, 2018
If you’re like most people, you make a beeline to the doctor for an antibiotic when you start sniffling and sneezing, but fans of propolis say you should consult a few bees instead. But wait, what is propolis?
What is propolis?
What is propolis exactly? Propolis — also known as “bee glue” — is a sticky, brownish substance that occurs when bees combine sap from evergreen trees and their own discharges and beeswax. The substance is then used as a coating when they build their hives.
And it’s also shown to have a number of antifungal, antiviral and antibiotic uses.
How propolis works
“Propolis is really the OG antibiotic,” Beekeeper’s Naturals founder Carly Stein told Well + Good.
“The word ‘propolis’ was coined by Aristotle and means ‘the defender of the city” and dates back to 300 BC when people used it like the antibiotics of today,” according to Stein. The Greeks and Assyrians used it to treat abcesses, tumors, wounds and infections, while Egyptians used it to embalm mummies.
The exact nutrient content of propolis is hard to pin down because the 300-plus components found inside differ depending on the country — like propolis from bees in the United States will likely have a different makeup than the propolis made by bees in Brazil. However, it’s believed that antioxidants known as flavonoids and polyphenols are what gives the propolis its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
And the science seems to back it up...
Meagan Morris, Published: February 22, 2018
If you’re like most people, you make a beeline to the doctor for an antibiotic when you start sniffling and sneezing, but fans of propolis say you should consult a few bees instead. But wait, what is propolis?
What is propolis?
What is propolis exactly? Propolis — also known as “bee glue” — is a sticky, brownish substance that occurs when bees combine sap from evergreen trees and their own discharges and beeswax. The substance is then used as a coating when they build their hives.
And it’s also shown to have a number of antifungal, antiviral and antibiotic uses.
How propolis works
“Propolis is really the OG antibiotic,” Beekeeper’s Naturals founder Carly Stein told Well + Good.
“The word ‘propolis’ was coined by Aristotle and means ‘the defender of the city” and dates back to 300 BC when people used it like the antibiotics of today,” according to Stein. The Greeks and Assyrians used it to treat abcesses, tumors, wounds and infections, while Egyptians used it to embalm mummies.
The exact nutrient content of propolis is hard to pin down because the 300-plus components found inside differ depending on the country — like propolis from bees in the United States will likely have a different makeup than the propolis made by bees in Brazil. However, it’s believed that antioxidants known as flavonoids and polyphenols are what gives the propolis its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
And the science seems to back it up...
Sunday, February 25, 2018
New Proteins Recognized in Bee Venom
PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF APIS MELLIFERA VENOM DETERMINED BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (LC) COUPLED WITH NANO-LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS
Acta Pol Pharm. 2017 Jan;74(1):53-65
The integration of multidimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analytical plat- form was proposed for proteomic exploration of honeybee venom. The combination of HPLC with nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS system was our method of choice for compressing the dynamic range of honeybee venom protein concentration.
Honeybee venom samples were separated into 6 fractions using HPLC and further analyzed by nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Applied approach allowed to identify in total 394 peptides giving the identification of 50 components including putative toxins and trace elements. Moreover, all 12 known honeybee venom allergens were acknowledged. Additionally, four novel hypothetical proteins have been observed which were not observed in other studies.
The newly recognized proteins should be further investigated, in order to characterize their functions in the venom of Apis mellifera.
Acta Pol Pharm. 2017 Jan;74(1):53-65
The integration of multidimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analytical plat- form was proposed for proteomic exploration of honeybee venom. The combination of HPLC with nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS system was our method of choice for compressing the dynamic range of honeybee venom protein concentration.
Honeybee venom samples were separated into 6 fractions using HPLC and further analyzed by nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Applied approach allowed to identify in total 394 peptides giving the identification of 50 components including putative toxins and trace elements. Moreover, all 12 known honeybee venom allergens were acknowledged. Additionally, four novel hypothetical proteins have been observed which were not observed in other studies.
The newly recognized proteins should be further investigated, in order to characterize their functions in the venom of Apis mellifera.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Honey Is Not Food Stuff Only But a Combination of Many Medicinally Important Chemicals
Honey: Single food stuff comprises many drugs
Saudi J Biol Sci. 2018 Feb;25(2):320-325
Honey is a natural food item produced by honey bees. Ancient civilizations considered honey as a God gifted prestigious product. Therefore, a huge literature is available regarding honey importance in almost all religions.
Physically, honey is a viscous and jelly material having no specific color. Chemically, honey is a complex blend of many organic and inorganic compounds such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, pigments, minerals, and many other elements. Honey use as a therapeutic agent is as old as human civilization itself. Prior to the appearance of present day drugs, honey was conventionally used for treating many diseases.
At this instant, the modern research has proven the medicinal importance of honey. It has broad spectrum anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities. Honey prevents and kills microbes through different mechanism such as elevated pH and enzyme activities. Till now, no synthetic compound that works as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs has been reported in honey yet it works against bacteria, viruses and fungi while no anti-protozoal activity has been reported. Potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous activities of honey have been reported. Honey is not only significant as anti-inflammatory drug that relieve inflammation but also protect liver by degenerative effects of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs.
This article reviews physico-chemical properties, traditional use of honey as medicine and mechanism of action of honey in the light of modern scientific medicinal knowledge...
Conclusion
Honey is not food stuff only but a combination of many medicinally important chemicals either from plant or honey bee. Therefore, honey is used in drug manufacturing in modern medicinal companies. The combined effect of honey and plant extracts has opened a door for developing a safe and highly potent natural drug against contagious diseases like tuberculosis, tetanus, influenza, hepatitis and human immune deficiency syndrome. Beside these all, it will also overcome the serious problem of microbial resistance to synthetic antimicrobial drugs. Therefore it is still an open window for researchers to work on it and contribute to the science of this prestigious God gifted product.
Saudi J Biol Sci. 2018 Feb;25(2):320-325
Honey is a natural food item produced by honey bees. Ancient civilizations considered honey as a God gifted prestigious product. Therefore, a huge literature is available regarding honey importance in almost all religions.
Physically, honey is a viscous and jelly material having no specific color. Chemically, honey is a complex blend of many organic and inorganic compounds such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, pigments, minerals, and many other elements. Honey use as a therapeutic agent is as old as human civilization itself. Prior to the appearance of present day drugs, honey was conventionally used for treating many diseases.
At this instant, the modern research has proven the medicinal importance of honey. It has broad spectrum anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities. Honey prevents and kills microbes through different mechanism such as elevated pH and enzyme activities. Till now, no synthetic compound that works as anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs has been reported in honey yet it works against bacteria, viruses and fungi while no anti-protozoal activity has been reported. Potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous activities of honey have been reported. Honey is not only significant as anti-inflammatory drug that relieve inflammation but also protect liver by degenerative effects of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs.
This article reviews physico-chemical properties, traditional use of honey as medicine and mechanism of action of honey in the light of modern scientific medicinal knowledge...
Conclusion
Honey is not food stuff only but a combination of many medicinally important chemicals either from plant or honey bee. Therefore, honey is used in drug manufacturing in modern medicinal companies. The combined effect of honey and plant extracts has opened a door for developing a safe and highly potent natural drug against contagious diseases like tuberculosis, tetanus, influenza, hepatitis and human immune deficiency syndrome. Beside these all, it will also overcome the serious problem of microbial resistance to synthetic antimicrobial drugs. Therefore it is still an open window for researchers to work on it and contribute to the science of this prestigious God gifted product.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Review of Honeydew Honeys
Honeydew honeys: a review on characterization and authentication of the botanical and geographical origin
J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 20
The commercial interest in honeydew honeys (from secretions of plants or excretions of plant-sucking insects on plants) is increasing due to the higher therapeutic properties than those of most blossom honeys (from nectar). However, honeydew honeys have been less studied than blossom honeys.
In this work, studies carried out to characterize and authenticate honeydew honeys by botanical and geographic origins have been reviewed. The identification of the honey origin has been approached by two ways: chemical markers and development of analytical methodology combined with multivariate analysis.
Some compounds have been suggested as specific botanical markers of several honeydew honeys: quercitol and trans-oak lactone for oak honey; 2-aminoacetophenone and propylanisol for holm oak; and 1-chloro-octane and tridecane for pine honey. 3-Carene and an unidentified compound in samples were proposed to discriminate between Greek and Turkish pine honeys. Chemometric analysis has been applied on chemical composition and physicochemical, microscopic, or spectra parameters and proved to be a valuable way for authenticating honeydew honeys.
The analytical methods based on spectra information are suitable for the routine control of the honeydew honeys origin because they are fast and require an easy sample preparation.
J Agric Food Chem. 2018 Feb 20
The commercial interest in honeydew honeys (from secretions of plants or excretions of plant-sucking insects on plants) is increasing due to the higher therapeutic properties than those of most blossom honeys (from nectar). However, honeydew honeys have been less studied than blossom honeys.
In this work, studies carried out to characterize and authenticate honeydew honeys by botanical and geographic origins have been reviewed. The identification of the honey origin has been approached by two ways: chemical markers and development of analytical methodology combined with multivariate analysis.
Some compounds have been suggested as specific botanical markers of several honeydew honeys: quercitol and trans-oak lactone for oak honey; 2-aminoacetophenone and propylanisol for holm oak; and 1-chloro-octane and tridecane for pine honey. 3-Carene and an unidentified compound in samples were proposed to discriminate between Greek and Turkish pine honeys. Chemometric analysis has been applied on chemical composition and physicochemical, microscopic, or spectra parameters and proved to be a valuable way for authenticating honeydew honeys.
The analytical methods based on spectra information are suitable for the routine control of the honeydew honeys origin because they are fast and require an easy sample preparation.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Propolis Component Pinocembrin is an Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Molecule
Pinocembrin And Its Effect On Mitochondria
Science Trends
Pinocembrin, which is also known as 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (C15H12O4), has been obtained from plants such as Eucalyptus and Pinus heartwood. Pinocembrin is found in propolis, which is widely consumed by humans due to its medicinal properties. Actually, pinocembrin is a major component of propolis. It has been reported that pinocembrin induces cytoprotective effects in human cells.
Pinocembrin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, meaning that it acts against the deleterious effects elicited by reactive species/free radicals and attenuates inflammation. Some researchers also described an anti-tumor action of pinocembrin experimentally. Recently, our research group published a paper showing that pinocembrin is able to cause mitochondrial protection in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line...
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
New Lactobacillus Bacteria Identified in Honey Bee Apis Cerana Bee Bread
Lactobacillus panisapium sp. nov., from honeybee Apis cerana bee bread
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Jan 10
A novel facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative bacterium of the genus Lactobacillus, designated strain Bb 2-3T, was isolated from bee bread of Apis cerana collected from a hive in Kunming, China.
The strain was regular rod-shaped. Optimal growth occurred at 37 °C, pH 6.5 with 5.0 g l-1 NaCl. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 iso. Respiratory quinones were not detected. Seven glycolipids, three lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol were detected. The peptidoglycan type A4α l-Lys-d-Asp was determined. Strain Bb 2-3T was closely related to Lactobacillus bombicola DSM 28793T, Lactobacillus apis LMG 26964T and Lactobacillus helsingborgensis DSM 26265T, with 97.8, 97.6 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. A comparison of two housekeeping genes, rpoA and pheS, revealed that strain Bb 2-3T was well separated from the reference strains of species of the genus Lactobacillus.
The average nucleotide identity between strain Bb 2-3T and the type strains of closely related species was lower than the 95-96 % threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Bb 2-3T was 37.4 mol%.
On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain Bb 2-3T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which we propose the name Lactobacillus panisapium sp. nov. The type strain is Bb 2-3T (=DSM 102188T=ACCC 19955T).
Int J Syst Evol Microbiol. 2018 Jan 10
A novel facultatively anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, catalase-negative bacterium of the genus Lactobacillus, designated strain Bb 2-3T, was isolated from bee bread of Apis cerana collected from a hive in Kunming, China.
The strain was regular rod-shaped. Optimal growth occurred at 37 °C, pH 6.5 with 5.0 g l-1 NaCl. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 iso. Respiratory quinones were not detected. Seven glycolipids, three lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol were detected. The peptidoglycan type A4α l-Lys-d-Asp was determined. Strain Bb 2-3T was closely related to Lactobacillus bombicola DSM 28793T, Lactobacillus apis LMG 26964T and Lactobacillus helsingborgensis DSM 26265T, with 97.8, 97.6 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. A comparison of two housekeeping genes, rpoA and pheS, revealed that strain Bb 2-3T was well separated from the reference strains of species of the genus Lactobacillus.
The average nucleotide identity between strain Bb 2-3T and the type strains of closely related species was lower than the 95-96 % threshold value for delineation of genomic prokaryotic species. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Bb 2-3T was 37.4 mol%.
On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain Bb 2-3T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which we propose the name Lactobacillus panisapium sp. nov. The type strain is Bb 2-3T (=DSM 102188T=ACCC 19955T).
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Chestnut Honeys from Black Sea Region of Turkey Help Repair DNA Breaks
Phenolic profiles, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and DNA damage inhibitory activities of chestnut honeys from Black Sea Region of Turkey
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Honey is the product of beekeeping that has great market potential thanks to valuable nutritional and medicinal qualities. Black Sea Region coast of Turkey is suitable for production of chestnut production so chestnut-based honeys are highly produced in this region. To prove the beneficial therapeutic properties, 49 chestnut (Castania sativa Mill.) honey samples from the cities of Black Sea Region were investigated in terms of colors, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial potentials, phenolics, and effects on hydroxyl radical-induced DNA breaks in the non-site-specific system. The amount of flavonoid was found to be limited in chestnut honey samples compared to the phenolic acids. A wide variation was observed in the amounts of total antioxidant activities of honey samples. It was displayed that most of the tested honey samples had the ability to repair the DNA breaks created by hydroxyl radicals.
Practical applications
As the chestnut honey (CH) is one of the most popular and valued honey around the world, the objective of this study was to reveal the potential of the Black Sea Region where CH production is being carried out effectively. Actually, CH samples investigated in this study had superior properties in terms of the parameters examined when compared with the results of similar studies. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the CH samples at effective levels could be attributed to the presence of phenolic substances at a significant level. The high phenolic contents of the samples are predicted to contribute to the ability to resist DNA damage. With all these determined features, CHs can be useful in various applications such as medicine, cosmetics, and food. In this way, CH production in this region contribute to both the region's and the country's economy.
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Honey is the product of beekeeping that has great market potential thanks to valuable nutritional and medicinal qualities. Black Sea Region coast of Turkey is suitable for production of chestnut production so chestnut-based honeys are highly produced in this region. To prove the beneficial therapeutic properties, 49 chestnut (Castania sativa Mill.) honey samples from the cities of Black Sea Region were investigated in terms of colors, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial potentials, phenolics, and effects on hydroxyl radical-induced DNA breaks in the non-site-specific system. The amount of flavonoid was found to be limited in chestnut honey samples compared to the phenolic acids. A wide variation was observed in the amounts of total antioxidant activities of honey samples. It was displayed that most of the tested honey samples had the ability to repair the DNA breaks created by hydroxyl radicals.
Practical applications
As the chestnut honey (CH) is one of the most popular and valued honey around the world, the objective of this study was to reveal the potential of the Black Sea Region where CH production is being carried out effectively. Actually, CH samples investigated in this study had superior properties in terms of the parameters examined when compared with the results of similar studies. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the CH samples at effective levels could be attributed to the presence of phenolic substances at a significant level. The high phenolic contents of the samples are predicted to contribute to the ability to resist DNA damage. With all these determined features, CHs can be useful in various applications such as medicine, cosmetics, and food. In this way, CH production in this region contribute to both the region's and the country's economy.
Monday, February 19, 2018
Brazilian Green Propolis May Help Treat Prostate Cancer
Autophagy inhibition enhances anticancer efficacy of artepillin C, a cinnamic acid derivative in Brazilian green propolis
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018 Feb 13
Propolis, a resinous substance produced by honeybees, possesses various biological actions including anticancer activity towards tumor cells. Recently, the ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis has been shown to induce autophagy, which is known to be induced in treatment of cancer cells with anticancer drugs, leading to cancer cell survival and decreased sensitivity to anticancer agents. In this study, we aimed to identify autophagy-inducing components of the propolis and elucidated the reciprocal relationship between anticancer cytotoxicity and protective autophagy in prostate cancer CWR22Rv1 cells. Among eight cinnamic acid derivatives [chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, 3,4-caffeoylquinic acid, artepillin C (ArtC), baccharin, drupanin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester] in propolis, only ArtC showed high autophagy-inducing activity accompanying LC3-II upregulation. ArtC was also induced apoptosis as revealed by DNA fragmentation and increases in cleaved caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase.
The apoptosis induced by ArtC was exacerbated by cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine, wortmannin and U0126). The cotreatment further induced necroptosis accompanying increased expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinases 1 and 3. These data indicate that cytotoxicity of ArtC to the prostate cancer cells is dampened by induced autophagy, but is markedly augmented by inhibition of autophagy. Therefore, the combination of ArtC and autophagy inhibitors may be a novel complementary-alternative treatment for prostate cancer.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2018 Feb 13
Propolis, a resinous substance produced by honeybees, possesses various biological actions including anticancer activity towards tumor cells. Recently, the ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis has been shown to induce autophagy, which is known to be induced in treatment of cancer cells with anticancer drugs, leading to cancer cell survival and decreased sensitivity to anticancer agents. In this study, we aimed to identify autophagy-inducing components of the propolis and elucidated the reciprocal relationship between anticancer cytotoxicity and protective autophagy in prostate cancer CWR22Rv1 cells. Among eight cinnamic acid derivatives [chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, 3,4-caffeoylquinic acid, artepillin C (ArtC), baccharin, drupanin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester] in propolis, only ArtC showed high autophagy-inducing activity accompanying LC3-II upregulation. ArtC was also induced apoptosis as revealed by DNA fragmentation and increases in cleaved caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase.
The apoptosis induced by ArtC was exacerbated by cotreatment with autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine, wortmannin and U0126). The cotreatment further induced necroptosis accompanying increased expression of receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinases 1 and 3. These data indicate that cytotoxicity of ArtC to the prostate cancer cells is dampened by induced autophagy, but is markedly augmented by inhibition of autophagy. Therefore, the combination of ArtC and autophagy inhibitors may be a novel complementary-alternative treatment for prostate cancer.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Bioengineered Honey Reduces Biofilm Viability Through Enhanced H2O2 Production
Antimicrobial activity of a novel bioengineered honey against non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilms: an in vitro study
J Clin Pathol. 2018 Feb 15. pii: jclinpath-2017-204901
The opportunistic pathogen non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) plays an important role in many chronic respiratory diseases including otitis media, chronic rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Biofilm formation has been implicated in NTHi colonisation, persistence of infection and recalcitrance towards antimicrobials. There is therefore a pressing need for the development of novel treatment strategies that are effective against NTHi biofilm-associated diseases.
SurgihoneyRO is a honey-based product that has been bioengineered to enable the slow release of H2O2, a reactive oxygen species to which H. influenzae is susceptible. Treatment of established NTHi biofilms with SurgihoneyRO significantly reduced biofilm viability through enhanced H2O2 production and was shown to be more effective than the conventional antibiotic co-amoxiclav.
J Clin Pathol. 2018 Feb 15. pii: jclinpath-2017-204901
The opportunistic pathogen non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) plays an important role in many chronic respiratory diseases including otitis media, chronic rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Biofilm formation has been implicated in NTHi colonisation, persistence of infection and recalcitrance towards antimicrobials. There is therefore a pressing need for the development of novel treatment strategies that are effective against NTHi biofilm-associated diseases.
SurgihoneyRO is a honey-based product that has been bioengineered to enable the slow release of H2O2, a reactive oxygen species to which H. influenzae is susceptible. Treatment of established NTHi biofilms with SurgihoneyRO significantly reduced biofilm viability through enhanced H2O2 production and was shown to be more effective than the conventional antibiotic co-amoxiclav.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Propolis By-Product a New Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds
Evaluation of radical scavenging activity, intestinal cell viability and antifungal activity of Brazilian propolis by-product
Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:537-547
Propolis is a natural adhesive resinous compound produced by honeybees to protect hives from bacteria and fungi, being extremely expensive for food industry. During propolis production, a resinous by-product is formed. This resinous waste is currently undervalued and underexploited.
Accordingly, in this study the proximate physical and chemical quality, as well as the antioxidant activity, radical scavenging activity and cell viability of this by-product were evaluated and compared with propolis in order to boost new applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The results revealed that the by-product meets the physical and chemical quality standards expected and showed that the propolis waste contains similar amounts of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) to propolis.
Also, a good scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) determined by the assays of superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxyl radical (ROO) were determined. Linear positive correlations were established between the TPC of both samples and the antioxidant activity evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays).
The extracts were also screened for cell viability assays in two different intestinal cell lines (HT29-MTX and Caco-2), showing a viability concentration-dependent. Similarly, the Artemia salina assay, used to assess toxicity, demonstrated the concentration influence on results. Finally, the antifungal activity against ATCC species of Candida was demonstrated.
These results suggest that propolis by-product can be used as a new rich source of bioactive compounds for different areas, such as food or pharmaceutical.
Food Res Int. 2018 Mar;105:537-547
Propolis is a natural adhesive resinous compound produced by honeybees to protect hives from bacteria and fungi, being extremely expensive for food industry. During propolis production, a resinous by-product is formed. This resinous waste is currently undervalued and underexploited.
Accordingly, in this study the proximate physical and chemical quality, as well as the antioxidant activity, radical scavenging activity and cell viability of this by-product were evaluated and compared with propolis in order to boost new applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The results revealed that the by-product meets the physical and chemical quality standards expected and showed that the propolis waste contains similar amounts of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) to propolis.
Also, a good scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) determined by the assays of superoxide anion radical (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxyl radical (ROO) were determined. Linear positive correlations were established between the TPC of both samples and the antioxidant activity evaluated by three different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays).
The extracts were also screened for cell viability assays in two different intestinal cell lines (HT29-MTX and Caco-2), showing a viability concentration-dependent. Similarly, the Artemia salina assay, used to assess toxicity, demonstrated the concentration influence on results. Finally, the antifungal activity against ATCC species of Candida was demonstrated.
These results suggest that propolis by-product can be used as a new rich source of bioactive compounds for different areas, such as food or pharmaceutical.
Friday, February 16, 2018
"Mad Honey" and Propolis Accelerate Fracture Healing
A Comparison of the Effects of Grayanotoxin Containing Honey (Mad Honey), Normal Honey and Propolis on Fracture Healing
Med Princ Pract. 2018 Feb 11
OBJECTIVES:
Delayed healing and non-union of fractures have a significant effect upon patient morbidity. Studies have therefore largely concentrated on accelerating fracture healing. This study was intended to compare the effect of "mad honey" and propolis on fracture healing using radiological and histopathological analysis.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
Femur fracture was surgically performed on 48 rats, followed by fixation. Animals were then divided into eight groups; two control groups (15- and 30-day) and six treatment groups (15- and 30-day normal honey, 15- and 30-day "mad honey" and 15- and 30-day propolis). Rats were sacrificed at the end of these periods, and radiological and histological examinations performed.
RESULTS:
Radiological healing in the propolis group after 15-day therapy was statistically better than in the control (p = 0.004) and normal honey (p = 0.006) groups. After 30-day therapy, healing in the propolis group (p = 0.005) and grayanotoxin-containing 'mad honey' group (p = 0.007) were significantly better than in the control group. Histologically, there was a statistically significant difference between the 15-day propolis group and the other groups (control, honey, mad honey; p = 0.003, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). We also found a statistically significant difference when the 30-day propolis group (p = 0.005) and "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were compared to control group.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study shows that grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" and propolis can accelerate fracture healing.
Med Princ Pract. 2018 Feb 11
OBJECTIVES:
Delayed healing and non-union of fractures have a significant effect upon patient morbidity. Studies have therefore largely concentrated on accelerating fracture healing. This study was intended to compare the effect of "mad honey" and propolis on fracture healing using radiological and histopathological analysis.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
Femur fracture was surgically performed on 48 rats, followed by fixation. Animals were then divided into eight groups; two control groups (15- and 30-day) and six treatment groups (15- and 30-day normal honey, 15- and 30-day "mad honey" and 15- and 30-day propolis). Rats were sacrificed at the end of these periods, and radiological and histological examinations performed.
RESULTS:
Radiological healing in the propolis group after 15-day therapy was statistically better than in the control (p = 0.004) and normal honey (p = 0.006) groups. After 30-day therapy, healing in the propolis group (p = 0.005) and grayanotoxin-containing 'mad honey' group (p = 0.007) were significantly better than in the control group. Histologically, there was a statistically significant difference between the 15-day propolis group and the other groups (control, honey, mad honey; p = 0.003, p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively). We also found a statistically significant difference when the 30-day propolis group (p = 0.005) and "mad honey" group (p = 0.007) were compared to control group.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study shows that grayanotoxin-containing "mad honey" and propolis can accelerate fracture healing.
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Medicinal And Health Benefits Of Honey
HEALTH and Medicinal BENEFITS
TREATMENT OF ULCER: Research shows that treatment of disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis can can be aided with honey.
REDUCE RISK OF HEART ATTACKS: Honey contains antioxidants that have been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. They may also promote eye health.
PREVENTS CANCER; Honey Prevent cancer and heart disease. It contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and carcinogen-preventing properties and can help fight the growth of existing tumors, cancers and heart disease.
TREATS COUGH: It reduces a cough and throat irritation. The honey keeps the throat calm by soothing the nerve endings that protect the throat. Some doctors believe that two tablespoons of honey are just as effective as cough medicine.
TREATING HANGOVER: Honey helps your liver speed up the oxidation of the alcohol, which helps get the toxins out of your body faster. That headache you feel is caused by the liver’s inability to process all of the toxins from the drinks you quickly consumed. It takes time, but honey can help speed up that process.
REDUCE ALLERGY: Because of honey’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to help reduce allergy symptoms. It acts as a natural vaccine because it contains little amounts of pollen.
TREATMENT FOR WOUNDS AND BURN: Because of its natural antibiotic nature, honey can help soothe and treat wounds and burns.
TREATMENT OF ULCER: Research shows that treatment of disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis can can be aided with honey.
REDUCE RISK OF HEART ATTACKS: Honey contains antioxidants that have been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes. They may also promote eye health.
PREVENTS CANCER; Honey Prevent cancer and heart disease. It contains flavonoids, antioxidants, and carcinogen-preventing properties and can help fight the growth of existing tumors, cancers and heart disease.
TREATS COUGH: It reduces a cough and throat irritation. The honey keeps the throat calm by soothing the nerve endings that protect the throat. Some doctors believe that two tablespoons of honey are just as effective as cough medicine.
TREATING HANGOVER: Honey helps your liver speed up the oxidation of the alcohol, which helps get the toxins out of your body faster. That headache you feel is caused by the liver’s inability to process all of the toxins from the drinks you quickly consumed. It takes time, but honey can help speed up that process.
REDUCE ALLERGY: Because of honey’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to help reduce allergy symptoms. It acts as a natural vaccine because it contains little amounts of pollen.
TREATMENT FOR WOUNDS AND BURN: Because of its natural antibiotic nature, honey can help soothe and treat wounds and burns.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Propolis Improves Immunity and Gut Health
HOW PROPOLIS—AKA “BEE GLUE”—CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR IMMUNITY AND GUT HEALTH
Well and Good
When you get sick with a cold or flu, it’s pretty standard protocol for your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. There’s just one problem: Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in your system, which can knock your whole microbiome out of balance. (Ever take a Z-Pak only to be rewarded with a yeast infection a couple days later? There you have it.)
Of course, if your illness is minor and you’d prefer some drug-free relief, you’ve got plenty of natural options—take an ACV shot, bust out some yoga poses—but perhaps one of the most effective (and under-the-radar) fixes is propolis, a resin-like compound produced by bees.
You might say propolis is the pocketknife of the wellness world. Not only is it said to have serious immune boosting powers, but it’s also good for your gut and skin. Often called “bee glue”—good to know for when you start Googling—it’s the go-to cure-all for many holistic health insiders. But what, exactly, is it and how does it work? Here, we investigate what all the, um, buzz is about...
Well and Good
When you get sick with a cold or flu, it’s pretty standard protocol for your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. There’s just one problem: Antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in your system, which can knock your whole microbiome out of balance. (Ever take a Z-Pak only to be rewarded with a yeast infection a couple days later? There you have it.)
Of course, if your illness is minor and you’d prefer some drug-free relief, you’ve got plenty of natural options—take an ACV shot, bust out some yoga poses—but perhaps one of the most effective (and under-the-radar) fixes is propolis, a resin-like compound produced by bees.
You might say propolis is the pocketknife of the wellness world. Not only is it said to have serious immune boosting powers, but it’s also good for your gut and skin. Often called “bee glue”—good to know for when you start Googling—it’s the go-to cure-all for many holistic health insiders. But what, exactly, is it and how does it work? Here, we investigate what all the, um, buzz is about...
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Menaquinones (Vitamin K2) May Play Role in Honey Antibacterial Activities
Identification of menaquinones (vitamin K2 homologues) as novel constituents of honey
Food Chem. 2018 May 30;249:184-192
Our recent research indicated that honey active macromolecules form colloidal particles that scatter the light and produce elaborate UV spectral profile dominated by double absorption peaks at 240-250 nm. The absorption at 240-250 nm signified the stable honey conformation that supported antibacterial activity and hydrogen peroxide production.
Our aim was to identify the bioactive constituent relevant to this absorption. The methodology included activity-guided fractionation of honey through size-exclusion chromatography, solid-phase extraction and UPLC-UV-MS. UV spectral analysis of UPLC peaks revealed compounds with UV λ (max) typical of naphtoquinones. The MS chromatograms showed mass ions differing by [M-68n] indicating a polyisoprene structure and the fragmentation patterns typical for menaquinones. The exact mass measurements of menaquinones using a quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry confirmed their identification as a series of MK-3 to MK-7 aptimers.
Detection of menaquinones, previously unknown constituents of honey, suggests that they might play role in honey redox and antibacterial activities.
Food Chem. 2018 May 30;249:184-192
Our recent research indicated that honey active macromolecules form colloidal particles that scatter the light and produce elaborate UV spectral profile dominated by double absorption peaks at 240-250 nm. The absorption at 240-250 nm signified the stable honey conformation that supported antibacterial activity and hydrogen peroxide production.
Our aim was to identify the bioactive constituent relevant to this absorption. The methodology included activity-guided fractionation of honey through size-exclusion chromatography, solid-phase extraction and UPLC-UV-MS. UV spectral analysis of UPLC peaks revealed compounds with UV λ (max) typical of naphtoquinones. The MS chromatograms showed mass ions differing by [M-68n] indicating a polyisoprene structure and the fragmentation patterns typical for menaquinones. The exact mass measurements of menaquinones using a quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry confirmed their identification as a series of MK-3 to MK-7 aptimers.
Detection of menaquinones, previously unknown constituents of honey, suggests that they might play role in honey redox and antibacterial activities.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Anticancer Activity in Honeybee Propolis
Functional Insights to the Role of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Its Complex With γ-Cyclodextrin
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jan 1:1534735417753545
Besides honey, honeybees make a sticky substance (called propolis/bee glue) by mixing saliva with poplar tree resin and other botanical sources. It is known to be rich in bioactivities of which the anticancer activity is most studied.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a key anticancer component in New Zealand propolis. We have earlier investigated the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity in CAPE and reported that it activates DNA damage signaling in cancer cells. CAPE-induced growth arrest of cells was mediated by downregulation of mortalin and activation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. When antitumor and antimetastasis activities of CAPE were examined in vitro and in vivo, we failed to find significant activities, which was contrary to our expectations. On careful examination, it was revealed that CAPE is unstable and rather gets easily degraded into caffeic acid by secreted esterases. Interestingly, when CAPE was complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) the activities were significantly enhanced.
In the present study, we report that the CAPE-γCD complex with higher cytotoxicity to a wide range of cancer cells is stable in acidic milieu and therefore recommended as an anticancer amalgam. We also report a method for preparation of stable and less-pungent powder of propolis that could be conveniently used for health and therapeutic benefits.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jan 1:1534735417753545
Besides honey, honeybees make a sticky substance (called propolis/bee glue) by mixing saliva with poplar tree resin and other botanical sources. It is known to be rich in bioactivities of which the anticancer activity is most studied.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a key anticancer component in New Zealand propolis. We have earlier investigated the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity in CAPE and reported that it activates DNA damage signaling in cancer cells. CAPE-induced growth arrest of cells was mediated by downregulation of mortalin and activation of p53 tumor suppressor protein. When antitumor and antimetastasis activities of CAPE were examined in vitro and in vivo, we failed to find significant activities, which was contrary to our expectations. On careful examination, it was revealed that CAPE is unstable and rather gets easily degraded into caffeic acid by secreted esterases. Interestingly, when CAPE was complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) the activities were significantly enhanced.
In the present study, we report that the CAPE-γCD complex with higher cytotoxicity to a wide range of cancer cells is stable in acidic milieu and therefore recommended as an anticancer amalgam. We also report a method for preparation of stable and less-pungent powder of propolis that could be conveniently used for health and therapeutic benefits.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Manuka Honey Creates buzz in the US
FOOD DIVE
Manuka honey from New Zealand is imported to the U.S. by Pennsylvania-based Wedderspoon Organic Holdings. It was responsible for 73% of the combined growth of the Manuka category last year at conventional grocery, natural and specialty stores, according to Food Navigator. The products are carried by Publix, Sprouts, CVS and Natural Grocers outlets, the site reported.
The Manuka bush — related to the tea tree — only grows in New Zealand and imparts a distinctive flavor and potential health benefits to the honey, according to the company. The latter includes antibacterial activity, which Manuka honey seems to provide even at low concentrations.
"We knew from the beginning that the potential for Manuka Honey in the U.S. market was massive, and to do it right would take a thoughtful and unconventional approach rooted in consumer education, innovation, and traceability in the supply chain from hive to home," Rebecca Remley, CEO of Wedderspoon, told Food Navigator...
Manuka honey from New Zealand is imported to the U.S. by Pennsylvania-based Wedderspoon Organic Holdings. It was responsible for 73% of the combined growth of the Manuka category last year at conventional grocery, natural and specialty stores, according to Food Navigator. The products are carried by Publix, Sprouts, CVS and Natural Grocers outlets, the site reported.
The Manuka bush — related to the tea tree — only grows in New Zealand and imparts a distinctive flavor and potential health benefits to the honey, according to the company. The latter includes antibacterial activity, which Manuka honey seems to provide even at low concentrations.
"We knew from the beginning that the potential for Manuka Honey in the U.S. market was massive, and to do it right would take a thoughtful and unconventional approach rooted in consumer education, innovation, and traceability in the supply chain from hive to home," Rebecca Remley, CEO of Wedderspoon, told Food Navigator...
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Across China: Bee Sting Therapy Gets China Buzzing
SHENZHEN, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Most people run in the opposite direction at the sight of bees, but a few patients in China are volunteering to be stung.
It is a cold morning and She Ruitao is wearing a hat with a veil and two pairs of gloves. He is going to catch live bees on an isolated hill in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
He has raised these bees himself. With a pair of forceps he takes them from their hive and puts them into a glass bottle. Half an hour later, he and 100-plus bees are in his consulting room at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital.
Catching bees is his first job every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Since last March, he has been offering bee sting therapy to outpatients at the hospital three times a week.
Part natural medicine, part acupuncture, the therapy requires doctors to inject bee venom into points on the patient's body through a live sting.
"Not all patients can be treated with the therapy," he explained.
It is considered a valid treatment for various ailments, in particular, arthritis and rheumatism. Patients need to have X-rays and blood tests before he offers treatment.
Zhan has suffered from arthritis for years. She holds a bee in forceps and uses it to "sting" Zhan on points on his leg. "My swelling has gone down and my pain has lessened," Zhan said.
She does not rely on this type of treatment alone. "Bee sting therapy must be combined with other TCM and Western therapies," he said. Combining TCM and Western medicine has been the norm in China since the 1950s...
It is a cold morning and She Ruitao is wearing a hat with a veil and two pairs of gloves. He is going to catch live bees on an isolated hill in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.
He has raised these bees himself. With a pair of forceps he takes them from their hive and puts them into a glass bottle. Half an hour later, he and 100-plus bees are in his consulting room at Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital.
Catching bees is his first job every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Since last March, he has been offering bee sting therapy to outpatients at the hospital three times a week.
Part natural medicine, part acupuncture, the therapy requires doctors to inject bee venom into points on the patient's body through a live sting.
"Not all patients can be treated with the therapy," he explained.
It is considered a valid treatment for various ailments, in particular, arthritis and rheumatism. Patients need to have X-rays and blood tests before he offers treatment.
Zhan has suffered from arthritis for years. She holds a bee in forceps and uses it to "sting" Zhan on points on his leg. "My swelling has gone down and my pain has lessened," Zhan said.
She does not rely on this type of treatment alone. "Bee sting therapy must be combined with other TCM and Western therapies," he said. Combining TCM and Western medicine has been the norm in China since the 1950s...
Friday, February 09, 2018
Investigating the Bioactive Molecules of Royal Jelly
By Lewis Botcherby
The Column
A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) method to separate and quantify the polar bioactive molecules present in royal jelly has been developed by researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in Greece (1).
Secreted by young worker bees, royal jelly has long been lauded for its nutritional and pharmacological properties. The yellowish-white creamy substance has been demonstrated to possess a number of biological properties, such as antimicrobial (2,3), anti-inflammatory (4,5), anti-ageing (6), and anti-cancer (7). It is used in a multitude of products both for consumption and for cosmetic uses, however, the substances responsible for these biological properties have yet to be fully identified...
Thursday, February 08, 2018
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Tropical Honey Helps Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Antibacterial action of Tropical honey on various bacteria obtained from diabetic foot ulcer
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume 30, February 2018, Pages 29-32
Highlights
• Honey is proven to have strong anti bacterial action against all bacteria obtained from diabetic foot ulcer.
• Inhibitory effect of honey was concentration dependent.
• It is bactericidal on both gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
• It has both hydrogen peroxide and a non peroxide component.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice
Volume 30, February 2018, Pages 29-32
Highlights
• Honey is proven to have strong anti bacterial action against all bacteria obtained from diabetic foot ulcer.
• Inhibitory effect of honey was concentration dependent.
• It is bactericidal on both gram negative and gram positive bacteria.
• It has both hydrogen peroxide and a non peroxide component.
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
CAPE-γCD Complex Boosts Anti-Cancer Effect
Anticancer Activity in Honeybee Propolis: Functional Insights to the Role of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Its Complex With γ-Cyclodextrin
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jan 1:1534735417753545
Besides honey, honeybees make a sticky substance (called propolis/bee glue) by mixing saliva with poplar tree resin and other botanical sources. It is known to be rich in bioactivities of which the anticancer activity is most studied.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a key anticancer component in New Zealand propolis. We have earlier investigated the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity in CAPE and reported that it activates DNA damage signaling in cancer cells. CAPE-induced growth arrest of cells was mediated by downregulation of mortalin and activation of p53 tumor suppressor protein.
When antitumor and antimetastasis activities of CAPE were examined in vitro and in vivo, we failed to find significant activities, which was contrary to our expectations. On careful examination, it was revealed that CAPE is unstable and rather gets easily degraded into caffeic acid by secreted esterases. Interestingly, when CAPE was complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) the activities were significantly enhanced.
In the present study, we report that the CAPE-γCD complex with higher cytotoxicity to a wide range of cancer cells is stable in acidic milieu and therefore recommended as an anticancer amalgam. We also report a method for preparation of stable and less-pungent powder of propolis that could be conveniently used for health and therapeutic benefits.
Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jan 1:1534735417753545
Besides honey, honeybees make a sticky substance (called propolis/bee glue) by mixing saliva with poplar tree resin and other botanical sources. It is known to be rich in bioactivities of which the anticancer activity is most studied.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a key anticancer component in New Zealand propolis. We have earlier investigated the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity in CAPE and reported that it activates DNA damage signaling in cancer cells. CAPE-induced growth arrest of cells was mediated by downregulation of mortalin and activation of p53 tumor suppressor protein.
When antitumor and antimetastasis activities of CAPE were examined in vitro and in vivo, we failed to find significant activities, which was contrary to our expectations. On careful examination, it was revealed that CAPE is unstable and rather gets easily degraded into caffeic acid by secreted esterases. Interestingly, when CAPE was complexed with γ-cyclodextrin (γCD) the activities were significantly enhanced.
In the present study, we report that the CAPE-γCD complex with higher cytotoxicity to a wide range of cancer cells is stable in acidic milieu and therefore recommended as an anticancer amalgam. We also report a method for preparation of stable and less-pungent powder of propolis that could be conveniently used for health and therapeutic benefits.
Monday, February 05, 2018
Chestnut Honey Repairs DNA Breaks
Phenolic profiles, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and DNA damage inhibitory activities of chestnut honeys from Black Sea Region of Turkey
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Honey is the product of beekeeping that has great market potential thanks to valuable nutritional and medicinal qualities. Black Sea Region coast of Turkey is suitable for production of chestnut production so chestnut-based honeys are highly produced in this region. To prove the beneficial therapeutic properties, 49 chestnut (Castania sativa Mill.) honey samples from the cities of Black Sea Region were investigated in terms of colors, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial potentials, phenolics, and effects on hydroxyl radical-induced DNA breaks in the non-site-specific system. The amount of flavonoid was found to be limited in chestnut honey samples compared to the phenolic acids. A wide variation was observed in the amounts of total antioxidant activities of honey samples. It was displayed that most of the tested honey samples had the ability to repair the DNA breaks created by hydroxyl radicals.
Practical applications
As the chestnut honey (CH) is one of the most popular and valued honey around the world, the objective of this study was to reveal the potential of the Black Sea Region where CH production is being carried out effectively. Actually, CH samples investigated in this study had superior properties in terms of the parameters examined when compared with the results of similar studies. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the CH samples at effective levels could be attributed to the presence of phenolic substances at a significant level. The high phenolic contents of the samples are predicted to contribute to the ability to resist DNA damage. With all these determined features, CHs can be useful in various applications such as medicine, cosmetics, and food. In this way, CH production in this region contribute to both the region's and the country's economy.
Journal of Food Biochemistry
Honey is the product of beekeeping that has great market potential thanks to valuable nutritional and medicinal qualities. Black Sea Region coast of Turkey is suitable for production of chestnut production so chestnut-based honeys are highly produced in this region. To prove the beneficial therapeutic properties, 49 chestnut (Castania sativa Mill.) honey samples from the cities of Black Sea Region were investigated in terms of colors, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, antimicrobial potentials, phenolics, and effects on hydroxyl radical-induced DNA breaks in the non-site-specific system. The amount of flavonoid was found to be limited in chestnut honey samples compared to the phenolic acids. A wide variation was observed in the amounts of total antioxidant activities of honey samples. It was displayed that most of the tested honey samples had the ability to repair the DNA breaks created by hydroxyl radicals.
Practical applications
As the chestnut honey (CH) is one of the most popular and valued honey around the world, the objective of this study was to reveal the potential of the Black Sea Region where CH production is being carried out effectively. Actually, CH samples investigated in this study had superior properties in terms of the parameters examined when compared with the results of similar studies. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the CH samples at effective levels could be attributed to the presence of phenolic substances at a significant level. The high phenolic contents of the samples are predicted to contribute to the ability to resist DNA damage. With all these determined features, CHs can be useful in various applications such as medicine, cosmetics, and food. In this way, CH production in this region contribute to both the region's and the country's economy.
Sunday, February 04, 2018
Jarrah and Marri Honey: A Liquid Goldrush of Medical Benefits
By Sean Murphy
Western Australia is experiencing a new gold rush, but it has nothing to do with precious metals.
It's liquid gold — honey sourced from the state's unique jarrah and other forests, rich in antimicrobial and other health giving properties.
Farm gate prices have increased tenfold in the last decade and the strongest "medi-honeys" are now selling for as much as $100 a kilogram in China.
Independent testing of jarrah and marri honey in New Zealand in 2016 found that it had stronger antimicrobial properties than the much prized manuka honey.
Jarrah and marri honey samples were submitted for a phenol equivalence assay, which compared resistance against Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as golden staph...
Saturday, February 03, 2018
Could bee glue (propolis) reduce infections on replacement joints?
Medical Physics Web, 2/1/2018
Hydroxyapatite (HA), a mineral naturally found in bone, is used therapeutically to replace bone and to coat prosthetics, but can become infected once in the body. Eliana Cristina da Silva Rigo and her research group have investigated antibacterial compounds from propolis, a bee product used in traditional medicine, transferred onto HA. Rigo and her team extracted antibacterial compounds from red and green Brazilian propolis, applied it to HA, and evaluated the antibacterial activity (Biomed. Mater. 13 025010).
Propolis is a glue that bees produce to fix their hives, seal alternative hive entrances and ward off microbes such as fungi and bacteria, and also mites. It has been used in traditional medicine for a long time and has only recently been analysed scientifically. Of its various antimicrobial activities, the antibacterial activities are understood best. The team of researchers from the Universidade de São Paulo found that antimicrobial peptides extracted from propolis can be applied to HA used in implants...
Friday, February 02, 2018
Workshop in Vermont - Apitherapy: Healing & Health with Products from the Hive
Mar. 28th
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Patricia A Hannaford Career Center
51 Charles Ave, Middlebury, VT 05753
The honeybee and hive products have historically played a large role in disease care and prevention. Today science is finally catching up to what beekeepers, naturalists, herbalists, and acupuncturists have known for years. Join local beekeeping expert Ross Conrad to learn about the production, harvesting, uses and healing properties of honey, pollen, propolis, and honey bee venom.
To register for classes, contact Denise Senesac at the Hannaford Career Center by calling (802) 382-1004, or emailing dsenesac@pahcc.org. Classes are capped at 12 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register for classes at least one week in advance of the class date.All classes are $30 or free for members of the Co-op’s Food For All Program.
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Patricia A Hannaford Career Center
51 Charles Ave, Middlebury, VT 05753
The honeybee and hive products have historically played a large role in disease care and prevention. Today science is finally catching up to what beekeepers, naturalists, herbalists, and acupuncturists have known for years. Join local beekeeping expert Ross Conrad to learn about the production, harvesting, uses and healing properties of honey, pollen, propolis, and honey bee venom.
To register for classes, contact Denise Senesac at the Hannaford Career Center by calling (802) 382-1004, or emailing dsenesac@pahcc.org. Classes are capped at 12 participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please register for classes at least one week in advance of the class date.All classes are $30 or free for members of the Co-op’s Food For All Program.
Thursday, February 01, 2018
Quantification of Major Royal Jelly Protein 1 in Fresh Royal Jelly
Quantification of Major Royal Jelly Protein 1 in Fresh Royal Jelly by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
J. Agric. Food Chem.
Publication Date (Web): January 30, 2018
Major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJP1) is the most abundant protein in royal jelly (RJ), and the level of MRJP1 has been suggested as a promising parameter for standardization and evaluation of RJ authenticity in quality. Here, a quantitative method was developed for the quantification of MRJP1 in RJ based on a signature peptide and a stable isotope-labeled internal standard peptide FFDYDFGSDER*(R*, 13C6, 15N4) by ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Recoveries of the established method ranged from 85.33 to 95.80%, and both the intra- and interday precision were RSD < 4.97%. Quantification results showed that content of MRJP1 in fresh RJ was 41.96–55.01 mg/g. Abnormal levels of MRJP1 were found in three commercial RJs and implied that these samples were of low quality and might be adulterated.
Results of the present work suggested that the developed method could be successfully applied to quantify MRJP1 in RJ and also could evaluate the quality of RJ.
J. Agric. Food Chem.
Publication Date (Web): January 30, 2018
Major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJP1) is the most abundant protein in royal jelly (RJ), and the level of MRJP1 has been suggested as a promising parameter for standardization and evaluation of RJ authenticity in quality. Here, a quantitative method was developed for the quantification of MRJP1 in RJ based on a signature peptide and a stable isotope-labeled internal standard peptide FFDYDFGSDER*(R*, 13C6, 15N4) by ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Recoveries of the established method ranged from 85.33 to 95.80%, and both the intra- and interday precision were RSD < 4.97%. Quantification results showed that content of MRJP1 in fresh RJ was 41.96–55.01 mg/g. Abnormal levels of MRJP1 were found in three commercial RJs and implied that these samples were of low quality and might be adulterated.
Results of the present work suggested that the developed method could be successfully applied to quantify MRJP1 in RJ and also could evaluate the quality of RJ.