Columbian Propolis May Help Treat Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

The chemical composition and events related to the cytotoxic effects of propolis on osteosarcoma cells: A comparative assessment of Colombian samples

Phytother Res. 2018 Nov 28

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a type of bone cancer showing an aggressive biological behavior with metastatic progression. Because propolis potential for the development of new antitumoral drugs has been indicated, we evaluated the chemical composition of Colombian propolis samples and the mechanisms involved in their cytotoxic effects on OSA cells.

The chemical composition was analyzed by GC-MS and the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was measured. Cluster and principal components analysis were used to establish an association with their inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50 ). Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay; apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry; mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species were evaluated by rhodamine 123 and DCFH-DA. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the invasiveness of propolis-treated cells. Samples were grouped: Cluster 1 contained diterpenes and benzophenones and showed the highest antiradical activity; Cluster 2 was characterized by triterpenes, fatty acid, and diterpenes. Usm contained diterpenes and triterpenes different of the other samples and Sil contained triterpenes and flavonoids.

Apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane alteration, and suppression of cell invasion were the main mechanisms involved in the inhibition of OSA cells in vitro, suggesting the potential of Colombian propolis to discover new antitumor drugs.

Bee Venom Component May Help Slow Progression of Alzheimer's Disease

Bee venom phospholipase A2 ameliorates Alzheimer's disease pathology in Aβ vaccination treatment without inducing neuro-inflammation in a 3xTg-AD mouse model

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Sci Rep. 2018 Nov 26;8(1):17369

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by an imbalance between the production and clearance of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins.

Although vaccination against Aβ peptide results in a dramatic reduction in Aβ pathology in experimental mouse models, the initial clinical trial for an active Aβ vaccine was halted early due to the development of acute meningoencephalitis in 6% of the immunized patients, which likely involved a T-cell mediated pro-inflammatory response.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) treatment would induce Tregs and ameliorate AD pathology without unwanted T cell-mediated inflammation.

First, we investigated the effects of bvPLA2 on the inflammatory infiltration caused by Aβ vaccination. Inflammatory aggregates of CD3+ T lymphocytes and macrophages were found in the brains and spinal cords of mice treated with Aβ. However, administration of bvPLA2 dramatically eliminated central nervous system inflammation following Aβ immunization.

In AD model mice (3xTg-AD mice), bvPLA2 administration significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits and reduced Aβ burdens in the brains of Aβ-vaccinated 3xTg-AD mice. Additionally, we examined brain glucose metabolism using positron emission tomography with 18F-2 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Cerebral glucose uptake was considerably higher in the brains of Aβ-vaccinated 3xTg-AD mice that received bvPLA2 than those that did not.

The present study suggests that the modulation of Treg populations via bvPLA2 treatment may be a new therapeutic approach to attenuate the progression of AD in conjunction with Aβ vaccination therapy without an adverse inflammatory response.

Honey, Bee Bread, Royal Jelly Help Postmenopausal Women Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Factors (BMI, Blood Pressure, Fasting Blood Sugar)

Long-term effects of honey on cardiovascular parameters and anthropometric measurements of postmenopausal women

Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:154-160

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the long-term effects of Tualang Honey versus Honey Cocktail (mixture of honey, bee bread, and royal jelly) on cardiovascular markers and anthropometric measurements of postmenopausal women.

METHODS:

We conducted a randomised, double blinded, two-armed parallel study comparing 20 g/day of Tualang Honey versus 20 g/day Honey Cocktail among postmenopausal women aged 45-65 years. The cardiovascular parameters and anthropometrics measurements were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months of the intervention.

RESULTS:

100 subjects were successfully randomised into the groups. There was a significant decrease in the diastolic blood pressure from 77.92 mmHg at baseline to 73.45 mmHg at 12 months (F-statistic = 2.55, p-value = 0.047) in the Tualang Honey group compared to Honey Cocktail. There was also a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar from 6.11 mmol/L at baseline to 5.71 mmol/L at 12 months (F-statistic = 4.03, p-value = 0.021) in the Tualang Honey group compared to the Honey Cocktail group. The body mass index remained unchanged at 27 kg/m2 (F-statistic = 1.60, p-value = 0.010) throughout 12 months of the intervention in the Honey Cocktail group.

CONCLUSION:

Subjects who received Honey Cocktail showed remarkable effects on body mass index. However, Tualang Honey supplementation showed superior effect in lowering diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar compared to Honey Cocktail. Further studies are required to ascertain the underlying mechanism(s) of Tualang Honey and Honey Cocktail on each observed parameter.

Bangladeshi Propolis Shows Anti-Pain, Anti-Cancer, Antioxidant Effect

Antioxidant, brine shrimp lethality and analgesic properties of propolis from Bangladesh

Journal of Food Biochemistry

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Abstract

Propolis which is a natural resinous product from the honeybees, is becoming increasingly popular for its diverse therapeutic and industrial applications. In this study, we report for the first time the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antinociceptive activities of propolis from Bangladesh (BDP). The antioxidant activities were measured by biochemical analyses while cytotoxicity was evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Analgesic activity was evaluated by tail immersion and acetic acid‐induced writhing models in mice. BDP contained higher concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reducing sugars, as compared to previous reports of propolis from several countries. BDP also exhibited higher free radical‐scavenging activities and a dose‐dependent reducing power activity indicating its superior antioxidant potential. Moreover, BDP extract was most toxic to brine shrimp nauplii, with 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 57.99 µg/mL and exhibited considerable antinociceptive activities which may be mediated via central and peripheral inhibitory mechanisms.

Practical applications

BDP is a honeybee product, becoming increasingly popular due its potential contributions to human health. BDP is a rich source of natural antioxidants which has the potential to be used to ameliorate oxidative stress disorders and has useful antinociceptive activities. It may be useful as potential therapeutic agents against cancer, pesticidal agents, and for other cytotoxic uses.

Olive Oil/Honey/Propolis Nanocomposite a Candidate For Bone Tissue Engineering

Tailor‐made multicomponent electrospun polyurethane nanofibrous composite scaffold comprising olive oil, honey, and propolis for bone tissue engineering

Polymer Composites

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

The treatment for the bone diseases or defects such as tumor ablation, bone cysts and osteolysis were still challenging in clinical applications. Recently, the bone tissue engineering has emerged as a potential option for the treatment of bone defects.

In this study, the nanofibrous composite scaffold consisting of polyurethane, olive oil, honey and propolis were fabricated through electrospinning method. The morphology of the nanofibrous scaffold indicated that nanofibers diameters were reduced with the addition of olive oil, honey and propolis into the Polyurethane (PU).

The contact angle measurements showed that the behavior of PU/olive oil was found to hydrophobic (114° ± 1.528) and the PU/olive oil/honey/propolis scaffold rendered hydrophilic behavior (60° ± 1.528). FTIR and TG analysis revealed the interactions of PU with olive oil, honey/propolis and increased thermal stability of the composites. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis displayed reduced surface roughness of the fabricated nanocomposite (PU/olive oil—469 nm and PU/olive oil/honey/propolis—449 nm) than the pristine PU (576 nm). The incorporation of olive oil, honey, and propolis resulted in the enhancement of the tensile strength (PU/olive oil—12.91 MPa and PU/olive oil/honey/propolis—14.346 MPa) compared with the pristine PU (7.12 MPa) as revealed in the mechanical testing.

The blood clotting time of PU/olive oil (Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)—175 ±4 s and Partial thromboplastin time (PT)—103.3 ±3.512) was enhanced than pristine PU suggesting its improved anticoagulant behavior. Further, the developed scaffold showed low hemolytic index percentage (PU/olive oil—1.41% and PU/olive oil/honey/propolis—0.95%) than the control (2.48%) indicating its safety with RBC.

Cytotoxicity test of the electrospun scaffold with human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H tetrazolium assay demonstrated the non‐toxic and enhanced cell viability rates of HDF cells in developed scaffold than the pristine PU.

Hence, the PU/olive oil/honey/propolis nanocomposite possessing better mechanical, physio‐chemical and biological properties might serve as a plausible candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Propolis Component Relieves Neuropathic Pain (Burning, Coldness, "Pins and Needles," Numbness and Itching)

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates neuropathic pain by suppressing the p38/NF-κB signal pathway in microglia

J Pain Res. 2018 Nov 1;11:2709-2719

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Background:

Management of neuropathic pain is still a clinical challenge. Evidence has accumulated indicating that propolis is effective in attenuating neuropathic pain; however, the mechanism is not fully understood. Our present study investigated the effects and the possible mechanism of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the main ingredient of propolis, in improving neuropathic pain via its inhibition on p38/NF-κB signal pathway in microglia.

Materials and methods:

Chronic constriction injury (CCI) mice model and the microglial cell line BV-2 were used to investigate the effects and the mechanism of CAPE. Cell signaling was measured by real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay.

Results:

CAPE relieved neuropathic pain behaviors induced by CCI in mice. CAPE also inhibited CCI-induced activation of microglia. Furthermore, CAPE suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, inhibited the translocation of NF-κB and decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6.

Conclusion:

CAPE was found to be an effective and safe drug candidate for alleviating neuropathic pain by its powerful inhibition on the P38/NF-κB signal pathway.

Propolis Component Inhibits Growth of Multiple Myeloma Cells (Bone Marrow Cancer, Kahler's Disease, Chemotherapy, Corticosteroids, Radiation, Stem-Cell Transplant)

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester exerts apoptotic and oxidative stress on human multiple myeloma cells

Invest New Drugs. 2018 Nov 22

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a phenolic compound initially identified in bee glue. CAPE is reported to exhibit antitumor activity in many cancer models. However, the effect of CAPE on multiple myeloma (MM) is not well studied.

We investigated the anti-myeloma effect of CAPE, and the data showed that CAPE inhibited the growth of human MM cells in a dose (1 ~ 30 μM) and time (24 ~72 h) dependent manner without altering the viability of normal human peripheral blood B cells. Stress and toxicity pathway analysis demonstrated that CAPE, in a dose- and time-related fashion, induced the expression of apoptotic and oxidative stress-response genes including growth arrest and DNA-damage inducible, alpha and gamma (GADD45A and GADD45G) and heme oxygenase-1.

 Apoptosis of MM cells by CAPE was further confirmed through flow cytometric analysis with up to 50% apoptotic cells induced by 50 μM CAPE within 24 h. Western blot analysis revealed the CAPE-induced activation of apoptosis executioner enzyme caspase-3, and corresponding cleavage of its downstream target poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP).

The oxidative stress caused by CAPE cytotoxicity in MM cells was evaluated through measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, antioxidant intervention and glutathione depletion. The intracellular ROS level was not elevated by CAPE, but the pretreatment of antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine) and glutathione synthesis inhibitor (buthionine sulfoximine) suggested that CAPE may cause oxidative stress by decrease of intracellular antioxidant level rather than over production of ROS.

These data suggest that CAPE promotes apoptosis through oxidative stress in human multiple myeloma cells.

New Patent for Transdermal Delivery of Apitoxin (Honey Bee Venom)

Area Company Receives Patent

Nov 20, 2018 

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office notified Harold Gallaher and Amanda Hutchings of Divine Api-Logics LLC of the approval of their utility patent application titled “Apitherapy Method and Composition.”

The patent covers a matrix system for the transdermal delivery of Apitoxin (honey bee venom).

“We are thrilled that after years of hard work, research and development, our patent was finally granted,” Hutchings said. “It just goes to show that hard work and dedication does actually pay off. With this patent, we are able to start exploring some really exciting ideas for current and future products. The approval of this patent allows the freedom for us to grow our current product lines, Harold’s Famous and The Hive Skin Care Co., and to eventually expand into the OTC drug market.

“This patent also grants us 20 years of important, broad legal protections for our ideas, from the initial date of our application, which was November 18, 2015.”

Added Gallaher: “While expanding sales of our Harold’s Famous [Bee Cream] products, we have also extended research into new and exciting fields. It is wonderful to hear from people who find that our products offer them a better quality of life. It’s also wonderful to be leading this type of innovation while maintaining environmental responsibility and bringing awareness to the declining honey bee population.”

Divine Api-Logics LLC has a corporate office in Farmington and a distribution center and research facility in Ste. Genevieve.

Honey, Propolis Protect Against Effects of Radiation

Biophysical Studies of Some Bee Products as Radioprotectors

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

The study had been planned to evaluate some antioxidant ingredients in honey and propolis. Also, a study on ionizing gamma irradiated rats was done to assess these antioxidants as radioprotectors. Bioactive ingredients, such as phenols, flavonoids and trace elements, were explored using FTIR, UV-Vis and AAS spectroscopic techniques.

Animals were exposed to fractionated gamma radiation doses. Honey, propolis and their combination were administrated before and during the irradiation period. Serum levels of total protein, albumin and uric acid were estimated. Also, the osmotic fragility of Red Blood Corpuscles (RBCs) membranes and a microscopic examination of blood films were investigated.

The analysis demonstrated that the level of phenolic, flavonoid and trace elements are higher in propolis than honey. The levels of total protein and albumin decreased post irradiation while the level of uric acid increased. Likewise, osmotic fragility of RBCs membranes was increased with a sticking forming RBCs aggregation.

It had been found that administration of the natural antioxidants induced amelioration in most of the studied parameters. It can be concluded that natural antioxidants produced a modulation against oxidative stress induced by ionizing radiation.

Iraqi Propolis May Help Treat Infections

Iraqi propolis increases degradation of IL-1β and NLRC4 by autophagy following Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Microbes Infect. 2018 Feb;20(2):89-100

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

Autophagy is a cellular process for maintaining cellular homeostasis. This process can be induced by different factors, such as immune stimuli and pathogen-associated molecules. Autophagy has an important role in the control of IL-1β secretion by macrophages and other cell types.

In present study, we describe a novel role for Iraqi propolis affecting autophagy in controlling the secretion of IL-1β in bone-marrow macrophages (BMDMs). After infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the presence of propolis, the degradation of IL-1β was induced, and the activity of inflammasome was reduced. Iraqi propolis-induced autophagy in in vitro and in vivo models decreased the levels of IL-1β and caspase-1.

Results indicated that IL-1β pathway production is regulated by autophagy via two different novel mechanisms, namely, regulation of the activation of NLRC4 inflammasome and IL-1β targeting for lysosomal degradation.

Brazilian Green Propolis is an Effective and Economic Anti-Cancer Agent

Anticancer activity of the supercritical extract of Brazilian green propolis and its active component, artepillin C: Bioinformatics and experimental analyses of its mechanisms of action

Int J Oncol. 2018 Mar;52(3):925-932

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees by mixing their saliva with plant sources, including tree bark and leaves and then mixed with secreted beeswax, possesses a variety of bioactivities.

Whereas caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has been recognized as a major bioactive ingredient in New Zealand propolis, Brazilian green propolis, on the other hand, possesses artepillin C (ARC). In this study, we report that, similar to CAPE, ARC docks into and abrogates mortalin-p53 complexes, causing the activation of p53 and the growth arrest of cancer cells.

Cell viability assays using ARC and green propolis-supercritical extract (GPSE) revealed higher cytotoxicity in the latter, supported by nuclear translocation and the activation of p53. Furthermore, in vivo tumor suppression assays using nude mice, we found that GPSE and its conjugate with γ cyclodextrin (γCD) possessed more potent anticancer activity than purified ARC.

GPSE‑γCD may thus be recommended as a natural, effective and economic anticancer amalgam.

Gumbo-Limbo Botanical Origin of Triterpenoids from Yucatecan Propolis

Botanical origin of triterpenoids from Yucatecan propolis

Phytochemistry Letters
Volume 29, February 2019, Pages 25-29

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

Highlights

• Mangiferolic acid, iso-mangiferolic acids and dammarenediol II in Yucatecan propolis.
• The resin of B. simaruba is a botanical source of triterpenes in propolis sample.
• Triterpenes in propolis sample not from the resin of local M.indica varieties.
• First report of dammarenediol II as a component of propolis.

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous material produced by bees from plant exudates; the most common secondary metabolites found in propolis are poliphenolics with different biological activities. Nevertheless, to date, there are a number of reports describing the presence of triterpenoids in propolis. This work describes the isolation and identification of the triterpenoids mangiferolic acid (1), iso-mangiferolic acid (2), and dammarenediol II (3), together with a number of ubiquitous pentacyclic triterpenes, from the extract of a propolis sample collected in Yucatan, Mexico. While the cycloartanes 1 and 2 have been reported previously from propolis samples collected in Africa, Asia and South America, this is the first report of 3 as a component in propolis.

The botanical origin of 3 and the pentacyclic triterpenes has been traced to the resin of Bursera simaruba, a tree commonly found in Yucatan peninsula. The results of this investigation confirm the close relationship between the flora surrounding the beehive and the chemical composition of propolis.

Propolis, Vitamin E Protect Against Liver Toxicity

Synergistic potential of propolis and vitamin E against sub-acute toxicity of AlCl3 in Albino mice: in vivo study

Physiol Res. 2018 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print]

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

Current study evaluated the synergistic potential of propolis and Vitamin E against sublethal toxicity of aluminum chloride on different biochemical parameters and liver histology. Swiss albino mice (n=42) were randomly divided into five groups. Group I received 0.2 ml of 0.9 % saline solution, Group II received Propolis (50 mg/kg b.w.), Group III received Vitamin E (150 mg/kg b.w.), Group IV received AlCl3 50 mg/kg b.w., Group V received AlCl3 + Propolis, Group VI received AlCl3 + Vitamin E and Group VI received AlCl3 + propolis + Vitamin E.

Blood and tissue samples were collected after 7 and 21 days. The body weight of the animals significantly increased in all groups except group IV. The concentration of serum high density lipoprotein significantly decreased in group IV and increased in group V, VI and VII.

The level of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein significantly increased in AlCl3 treated group and increased in group V, VI and VII. Tissue sections were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Group II showed cellular necrosis. Group V, VI showed decreased number of vacuolization, sinusoidal spacing and macrophage cell infiltration. Group VI showed less degenerative changes in the third week.

Vitamin E and propolis in combination with Al provides more protection against AlCl3 induced toxicity.

Propolis May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes by Ameliorating Insulin Resistance

Galangin and Pinocembrin from Propolis Ameliorate Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Cells via Regulating Akt/mTOR Signaling

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Oct 21;2018:7971842

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

Insulin resistance has a critical role in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pinobanksin, galangin, chrysin, and pinocembrin from propolis on insulin resistance.

Our study shows that galangin and pinocembrin can ameliorate insulin resistance; on the contrary, pinobanksin and chrysin are ineffective. Galangin and pinocembrin treatments substantially increase glucose consumption and glycogen content by enhancing the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase. Galangin treatment with 80 μM increased hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activities by 21.94% and 29.12%, respectively.

Moreover, we hypothesize that galangin and pinocembrin may have a synergistic effect on the improvement of insulin resistance via Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, through distinctly upregulating the phosphorylation of IR, Akt, and GSK3β and remarkably downregulating the phosphorylation of IRS. Most notably, this is the first study to our knowledge to investigate pinocembrin about the alleviation of insulin resistance.

Our results provide compelling evidence for the depth development of propolis products to ameliorate insulin resistance.

Royal Jelly Boosts Endurance Training

Effects of Royal Jelly Administration on Endurance Training-Induced Mitochondrial Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle

Nutrients 2018, 10(11), 1735

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

We investigated the effect of royal jelly (RJ), a natural secretion from worker bees, on the endurance training-induced mitochondrial adaptations in skeletal muscles of ICR mice. Mice received either RJ (1.0 mg/g body weight) or distilled water for three weeks. The mice in the training group were subjected to endurance training (20 m/min; 60 min; 5 times/week).

There was a main effect of endurance training on the maximal activities of the mitochondrial enzymes, citrate synthase (CS), and β-hydroxyacyl coenzyme Adehydrogenase (β-HAD), in the plantaris and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles, while no effect of RJ treatment was observed. In the soleus muscle, CS and β-HAD maximal activities were significantly increased by endurance training in the RJ-treated group, while there was no effect of training in the control group.

Furthermore, we investigated the effects of acute RJ treatment on the signaling cascade involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. In the soleus, phosphorylation of 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were additively increased by a single RJ treatment and endurance exercise, while only an exercise effect was found in the plantaris and TA muscles.

These results indicate that the RJ treatment induced mitochondrial adaptation with endurance training by AMPK activation in the soleus muscles of ICR mice.

Egyptian Beekeeper Uses Venom to Treat His Patients for Pain, Rheumatism, Boost Immunity

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

CAIRO: On his rooftop in the outskirts of Cairo, Omar Abulhassan raises thousands of bees - not for the honey, but their venom.

After reading about the benefits of bees in the Koran, Abulhassan, 30, decided five years ago to raise the insects and use the venom in alternative therapy. He believes bee stings can relieve pain and cure illnesses such as rheumatism.

"These are not the only benefits," said Abulhassan, who has no medical background. "It helps with having a better mood."...

Iranian Honey Bee Venom May Help Treat Cervical Cancer

Apoptotic Effect of Melittin Purified from Iranian Honey Bee Venom on Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cell Line

Int J Pept Res Ther. 2018;24(4):563-570

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

Melittin, an amphipathic 26-residue peptide, is the main component of honey bee venom. Studies have been demonstrated that melittin has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanism of action is not completely understood.

In the present study we have shown that purified melittin from Iranian honey bee venom shows anti-cancer effects on human cervical cancer cell line through induction of apoptosis. The venom was collected from Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) and melittin isolated using reversed phase HPLC. Biological activity of melittin was analyzed by hemolytic test on human red blood cells. In order to investigate whether melittin inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells, the viability of the melittin treated HeLa cell line was measured via MTT assay.

Finally, cell death analysis was performed using Propidum iodide and Annexin V-FITC dual staining. The results showed that the half hemolytic concentration (HD50) induced by mellitin was 0.5 µg/ml in free FBS solution. IC50 obtained after 12 h at 1.8 µg/ml by MTT assay. According to flow cytometric analysis, melittin induced apoptosis at concentrations more than 1 µg/ml.

These results suggest that melittin induces apoptotic cell death in cervical cancerous cells as observed by flow cytometric assay. It is concluded that melittin could be regarded as a potential candidate in future studies to discovery of new anticancer agents.

Propolis Beats Anti-Viral Drug Aciclovir in Treating Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Labialis)

Lip creams with propolis special extract GH 2002 0.5% versus aciclovir 5.0% for herpes labialis (vesicular stage) : Randomized, controlled double-blind study.

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2018 Nov 7

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

A lip cream with special propolis extract GH 2002 at a concentration of 0.5% (199 patients) was tested against aciclovir 5% (198 patients) in the treatment of episodes of herpes labialis under double-blind conditions. Upon inclusion, all patients were in the vesicular phase.

Application was five times daily of approximately 0.2 g of cream to the entire upper and lower lip. The primary parameter was the difference in time between groups to complete encrustation or epithelization of the lesions. Secondary endpoints were the course of typical herpes symptoms (pain, burning and itching, tension and swelling), the global assessment of efficacy and the safety of application. The predefined clinical situation was reached after a (median) 3 days with propolis and 4 days with aciclovir (p < 0.0001).

Significant differences in favor of propolis were also found for all secondary parameters. No allergic reactions, local irritations or other adverse events occurred.

Honey Helps in the Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis

Clinical and Videodermoscopic Evaluation of the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of a Shampoo Containing Ichthyol, Zanthalene, Mandelic Acid, and Honey in the Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis

Skin Appendage Disord. 2018 Oct;4(4):296-300

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules   

Purpose of the Study:

The aim of the present prospective multicenter open study was to clinically and instrumentally evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a shampoo, Mellis Cap® shampoo, containing ichthyol, zanthalene, mandelic acid, and honeydew honey in the treatment of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.

Procedures:

Thirty subjects with mild to moderate psoriasis applied the shampoo three times a week for 12 weeks. The outcome was evaluated at 30 days (T1), 60 days (T2), and 90 days (T3) of treatment, comparing it to baseline (T0) by means of clinical and patients' evaluation, digital photographs, and videodermoscopy.

Results:

Clinical and patients' evaluation showed improvement of scalp psoriasis and itching. This was confirmed by videodermoscopy analysis with a significant reduction of scalp psoriasis severity at T2 and T3 compared to baseline. No side effects were observed or reported.


Conclusions:
Study treatment was well tolerated and showed significant clinical and instrumental improvement of scalp psoriasis. Mellis Cap® shampoo is a good alternative to other medicated shampoos in the treatment of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis.

Finnish Beekeepers Encouraged to Harvest Pollen and Bee Larvae as Foodstuffs

Grubs, pollen to create new buzz in beekeeping business

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

UUTISET

On the heels of crunchy insect bread made from crickets, beekeepers in Finland are now looking to sweeten their margins with grubs and pollen.

Finnish apiarists are inceasingly interested in producing insect-related foodstuffs in addition to honey, according to the Finnish Beekeepers' Association.

"It's a way for beekeepers to get some extra income on top of their honey production," project chief Anneli Salonen from the association told Yle.

Bee-entrepreneurs looking to sweeten their business, are exploring adding protein-rich grubs of drone bees and pollen to their product ranges. Pollen and grub collection does not disturb the life of a beehive, as the worker bees that run much of the hive are undisturbed in the process.

But everyone isn't jumping at a chance to introduce their taste buds to bee larvae...

Introducing 'bee glue'

One of the lesser-known by-products of beekeeping is propolis, a resinous wax known as 'bee glue' that is produced when bees collect resins from trees and other plants.

Propolis has numerous uses both inside a hive as well as on a plate.

"A propolis shell protects the hive and its entry points," Salonen said. "It is also a disinfectant and antibiotic, so it defends the hive against bacteria and microbes. Once stung, bees also coat intruders such as mice with propolis, embalming them in the hive."

Consumers can meanwhile look forward to propolis-based nutritional supplements touted for their anti-inflammatory properties, according to Salonen.

Propolis May Help Treat Necrosis of the Liver

Brazilian green propolis suppresses acetaminophen-induced hepatocellular necrosis by modulating inflammation-related factors in rats

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

J Toxicol Pathol. 2018 Oct;31(4):275-282

Propolis is a resin-like material produced by honey bees from bud exudates and sap of plants and their own secretions. An ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEBGP) contains prenylated phenylpropanoids and flavonoids and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) is a typical hepatotoxic drug, and APAP-treated rats are widely used as a model of drug-induced liver injury. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions cause APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis and are also related to expansion of the lesion. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of EEBGP on APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis in rats and the protective mechanism including the expression of antioxidative enzyme genes and inflammation-related genes.

A histological analysis revealed that administration 0.3% EEBGP in the diet for seven days reduced centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration induced by oral administration of APAP (800 mg/kg) and significantly reduced the area of necrosis. EEBGP administration did not significantly change the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes in the liver of APAP-treated rats but decreased the mRNA expression of cytokines including Il10 and Il1b, with a significant difference in Il10 expression.

In addition, the decrease in the mRNA levels of the Il1b and Il10 genes significantly correlated with the decrease in the percentage of hepatocellular necrosis.

These findings suggest that EEBGP could suppress APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis by modulating cytokine expression.

Propolis as a Probiotic May Boost Gut Microbiota

Resveratrol and propolis: Two promising targets to boost gut microbiota

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

05-Nov-2018 By Tingmin Koe

Recent studies have revealed how polyphenols can alter gut microbes, suggesting they are worthy of further examination alongside probiotics to boost health outcomes.

Propolis Nanofibers May Help Wound Healing

Electrospinning of zein/propolis nanofibers; antimicrobial properties and morphology investigation

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
November 2018, 29:165

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

In this work, for the first time, zein nanofiber mats loaded with ethanol extracts propolis (EEP) were successfully produced.

Raw propolis was extracted by ethanol 70% and total flavonoid content was estimated by aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The anti-microbial activity of the EEP was investigated and compared with amoxicillin via zone of inhibition test against various microorganisms included gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, gram-negative: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungus: Candida albicans.

The EEP showed activity only against gram-positive types and fungus, whereas no activity was observed against gram-negative types. Electrospun zein nanofiber was obtained from 70% ethanolic solutions included different content of zein, 15–40 wt.%. The SEM images revealed a smooth ribbon-like morphology for zein nanofibers without any beads in zein content more than 25 wt.%. As well, the SEM images of electrospun zein nanofibers containing different content of propolis (0–40 wt.% based on the zein content) disclosed the increase in the average size of fibers with propolis content from 264 to 419 nm. This increasing was more probably due to the reduction in ionic conductivity of zein solutions with propolis content.

The proteinic nature of zein along with the antimicrobial activity and the herbal nature of the propolis make the obtained mats promising candidate for more evaluation in wound healing study.

VIDEO: Bee Venom Used to Treat Pain, Lyme Disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Arthritis

Honey Bee’s venom used to treat pain

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Local honey has long been touted as a way to treat allergies.

But did you know the honey bee's venom can take the sting out of pain? Or so, some say.

It’s part of apitherapy.

"It's an ancient art in medicine and incorporates all the products of the bee hive as the medicine chest," said Frederique Keller, a licensed acupuncturist in New York and the President of the American Apitherapy Association.

"The venom has 60 identifiable components as well as some unidentifiable ones,” said Keller. “The two biggest ones are appemine and melittin and one is a peptide 401 that's what it's called. It's 100 times more potent than cortisone."...

Propolis Boosts Wound Healing

Transdermal Hydrogel Composed of Polyacrylic Acid Containing Propolis for Wound Healing in a Rat Model

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Macromolecular Research

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Carbopol® hydrogel containing propolis (CHP) on wound healing in a rat model. CHP extracts inhibited nitric oxide production induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 cells with a concentration-dependent manner.

Wounds were prepared through excision to remove full-thickness skin of rats k]and then were covered with CHP. The covered wounds showed significantly rapid contraction and closure. Histological tissue examination indicated that CHP induced advanced granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialization in the wound.

These results indicate that CHP may be helpful for the promotion of wound healing.

Honey May Help Treat Wounds Using Maggot Debridement Therapy

In vitro evaluation of the association of medicinal larvae (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae) and topical agents conventionally used for the treatment of wounds

Acta Trop. 2018 Oct 29. pii: S0001-706X(18)30549-7

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

Wound healing is a complex process involving multiple biochemical and cellular events and represents a neglected public health issue. As a consequence, millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic wounds. The search for new treatment alternatives is therefore an important issue.

In the context of wound healing, Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) is an inexpensive treatment with few contraindications and very promising results. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro feasibility and implications of larvae (= MDT) use when combined with topical agents as a strategy to identify additive or synergistic combinations. The weight and survival rate of Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Insecta, Diptera, Calliphoridae) larvae reared in an in vitro wound with either honey, hydrogel, 10% papain gel, essential fatty acids (EFA), collagenase, or silver sulfadiazine were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h. Hydrogel (for weight: 24 and 72 h; for survival: 24 h) and 10% papain gel (for weight: 48 h; for survival: 48 and 72 h) demonstrated the least interference in larval weight gain and survival rate, when compared to the control group.

The results obtained in this study showed that the combined use of larvae and hydrogel or 10% papain gel may be promising to maximize the tissue repair. Honey, EFA and collagenase could be used to prepare the bed of the dry wounds to receive the MDT.

Brazilian Red Propolis Shows Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Antioxidant, and Anti-Cancer Activity

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumor activities of the red propolis Alagoas

Braz J Biol. 2018 Oct 29. pii: S1519-69842018005029101

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas.

Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed.

The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method.

The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins.

It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Taiwanese Propolis May Help Treat Gout (Gouty Inflammation)

Mechanistic insight into the attenuation of gouty inflammation by Taiwanese green propolis via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

J Cell Physiol. 2018 Oct 28

Dysregulation of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including gouty arthritis. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome requires priming and activation signals: the priming signal controls the expression of NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)-1β precursor (proIL-1β), while the activation signal leads to the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome and to caspase-1 activation.

Here, we reported the effects of the alcoholic extract of Taiwanese green propolis (TGP) on the NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro and in vivo. TGP inhibited proIL-1β expression by reducing nuclear factor kappa B activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. Additionally, TGP also suppressed the activation signal by reducing mitochondrial damage, ROS production, lysosomal rupture, c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 phosphorylation and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein oligomerization.

Furthermore, we found that TGP inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome partially via autophagy induction. In the in vivo mouse model of uric acid crystal-induced peritonitis, TGP attenuated the peritoneal recruitment of neutrophils, and the levels of IL-1β, active caspase-1, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in lavage fluids. As a proof of principle, in this study, we purified a known compound, propolin G, from TGP and identified this compound as a potential inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Our results indicated that TGP might be useful for ameliorating gouty inflammation via inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome.