Friday, August 30, 2019

Brazilian Red Propolis Varnish Helps Prevent Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Dose-response evaluation of propolis dental varnish in children: A randomized study.

Recent Pat Biotechnol. 2019 Aug 26

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OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dose-response concentration of alcoholic extract of Brazilian red propolis (BRP), in the form of dental varnish, against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in children.

METHODOLOGY:

Twenty-four children, aged between 36 and 71 months, of both genders and without caries, were selected to participate in this pilot study and grouped randomly into four groups to receive different concentrations of BRP varnish (1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%). The varnish was applied to the surface of all second deciduous molars. The antimicrobial activity was observed in saliva, which was collected in two phases: Before applying the BRP varnish and after use.

RESULTS:

There was microbiological reduction of S. mutans in the oral cavity of the children in all the tested concentrations. The highest percentage reduction of S. mutans was observed at the concentration of 2.5% (P = 0.0443).

CONCLUSION:

The BRP extract in the form of dental varnish has antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and constitutes a possible alternative in the prevention of dental caries.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Malaysian Tualang Honey Improves Quality of Life for HIV Positive Patients (AIDS)


Tualang honey ameliorates viral load, CD4 counts and improves quality of life in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infected patients

J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Sep 28;9(4):249-256. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.05.003. eCollection 2019 Oct.

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This is the first study to report on the effects of honey in asymptomatic HIV positive subjects in ameliorating CD4 count, viral load (VL) and quality of life (QOL). It is a randomized, controlled, open labelled study, comparing the effects of Tualang honey (TH) administration for six months at three different doses: 20 g (THL), 40 g (THI) or 60 g (THH) daily compared with control (no administered treatment, THC).

Only asymptomatic HIV positive subjects (n = 95) having CD4 count 250-600 cell/ml, not on antiretrovirals were enrolled. Blood, (together with QOL questionnaires administration) were investigated at baseline, three and six months (CD4 cell count) while VL was determined only at baseline and six months. Significant reductions in CD4 counts in THL and THC groups (p = 0.003 for both) were seen with no significant reductions in the CD4 counts in THI and THH groups (p = 0.447 and 0.053 respectively). There was improvement in VL in THC and THI (130% and 32% respectively) and reductions in THL and THH (26% and 8% respectively). Within and between group analyses for VL indicated significant differences between THL and THH compared to THC.

In addition, significant improvement in QOL of groups which received TH was noted. TH has the potential to improve the QOL (physical and psychological) and CD4 counts. There was a trend of lower VL in asymptomatic HIV subjects following TH administration thus supporting the possible role of TH in boosting the immune system by improving CD4 counts, causing VL reductions in HIV positive subjects.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Propolis Supplementation Improves Immune response


Propolis supplementation improved productivity, oxidative status, and immune response of Barki ewes and lambs

Vet World. 2019 Jun;12(6):834-843

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Aim:

The present study was conducted to study the effect of propolis administration on bio-hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and productivity of Barki ewes during late pregnancy and lactation under the arid conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-five pregnant Barki ewes were fed the basal diet (n = 12, control) and the basal diet plus propolis (5 g/kg diet, n = 13) for 1 month before parturition and continued 2 months after parturition. Milk yield and milk composition, hematological constituents, antioxidant enzyme activities, thyroid hormones, and lambs birth and weaning weights, and antioxidants were determined.

Results:

Significant (p < 0.05) increase in white blood cells in the propolis group compared to control was observed. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH) and corpuscular Hb (MCH concentration %) were decreased (p < 0.05) in propolis compared to control group. Milk yield was increased (p < 0.05) in the propolis group compared with control and continued to increase with the advancement of lactation. Milk fat and milk total solids increased (p < 0.05) in the propolis group than the control. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was increased (p < 0.05) in propolis compared to control with no effect in IgM and IgG. Superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide (HP), and nitric oxide were decreased (p < 0.01) in the propolis group compared to control. Weaning weight for lambs born to ewes fed propolis was increased (p < 0.05) at week 8 after birth compared with control lambs. Malondialdehyde and HP activities were decreased (p < 0.01) in lambs born to propolis ewes compared to control.

Conclusion:

Crude Chinese propolis (5 g/d) supplementation improved milk yield, milk composition, and the antioxidant enzymes in Barki ewes and immune functions, growth performance and antioxidant status in their lambs under arid conditions.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Pollen Extracts May Help Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Chronic Prostatitis (CP) - (Enlarged Prostate, Bladder, Urinary Tract, Kidney)


Therapeutic efficacy of orally administered pollen for nonallergic diseases: An umbrella review.

Phytother Res. 2019 Aug 21

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Pollen has been used for centuries as a tonic and a multipurpose remedy in traditional medicine. The present umbrella review aims to qualitatively assess the therapeutic efficacy of orally administered pollen in the management of nonallergic diseases.

MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Articles were independently screened and selected, then quality of evidence of included studies was evaluated with a dedicated NIH tool. Retrieved evidence was critically appraised and discussed. Two hundred four articles were found and, after selection process, five systematic reviews were included in the present work, including one with a meta-analysis.

Evidence from these reviews supports the use of grass pollen extracts for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis (CP). Additional preliminary evidence on the topic indicates the potential use of grass pollen extracts for vasomotor symptoms in women. Overall, results of the present review suggest that flower pollen extracts may be useful as a complementary remedy for the management of BPH, CP, and vasomotor symptoms. Evidence regarding bee pollen is too limited to draw any conclusion on its clinical efficacy. Further studies are needed.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Asian Giant Honey Bee Honey May Help Treat Osteoporosis (Ageing, Aging, Old, Elderly, Bones, Diagnosis, Treatment)


Protective effects of honey by bees (Apis dorsata) on decreased cortical thickness and bone impact strength of ovariohysterectomized rats as models for menopause

Vet World. 2019 Jun;12(6):868-876

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Aim:

This study aimed to determine the potential of honey as anti-osteoporosis by evaluating its effectiveness in increasing bone impact strength and cortical thickness, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five female rats at 3 months of age, weighing 150-200 g were used in the study. They were placed in individual cages and adapted to food and environment for 10 days. On the 11th day, after the animals were adapted for 10 days, the animals were randomly divided into five treatment groups (n = 9): Sham operation group (SH); ovariohysterectomized (OVX) group with no treatment; OVX with treatment Apis dorsata 1 g/kg BW (AD-1); OVX with treatment A. dorsata 2 g/kg BW (AD-2); and OVX with treatment A. dorsata 4 g/kg BW (AD-3). Furthermore, those nine rats in each treatment group were divided into three groups. Three of them were observed at months 1st, 2nd, and 3rd so that in each observation taken three rats in each treatment group. At the end of the study, the rats were euthanized and necropsy for taking their second femoral bone, i.e. dexter region for examining their bone impact strength, while the sinister region was used for measure the cortical thickness of the femoral diaphysis and examining their bone microarchitecture using SEM analysis.

Results:

Based on results of the ANOVA test, the cortical thickness measurements of femoral diaphyseal can be seen that from month 1 to month 3 the lowest result was found in the group of rats that were OVX-I. Meanwhile, the highest result was found in the group of rats that were not OVX (SH-III). It was significantly different from the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The groups of rats were OVX with honey supplementation at doses of 2 g/kg BW had shown an increasing pattern in the cortical bone thickness from month 1 to month 3. Even on the observation of the 3rd month, the cortical bone thickness in the AD-2 (AD-2-III) group was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from that in the group of rats was not OVX in month 1 (SH-I). The results of the bone impact strength measurement from month 1 to month 3 indicated that the groups of rats were OVX without the administration of honey supplements had the lowest value. The highest bone impact strength was found in the group of rats that was not OVX, but not significantly different (p > 0.05) with the groups of rats that were OVX administered honey supplement with a dose of 2 g/kg BW (AD-2) and 4 g/kg BW (AD-3).

Conclusion:

The supplement of honey A. dorsata at doses of 2 g/kg BW in the group of rats was that OVX can inhibit the decreasing of the cortical bone thickness and repair damage in microarchitecture to generate bone impact strength. As a result, bones are not easily broken.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Honey Helps Treat Eczema


Eczema treatment: A certain sweet tasting natural product could help relieve symptoms

ECZEMA is a general term that relates to a set of chronic skin conditions which is caused by inflammation. The symptoms of the condition have been described as “agonising”. What natural product could help soothe the symptoms?

By JESSICA KNIBBS

Eczema is a condition in which a person’s skin becomes dry, red and itchy. The symptoms are at their worst when a person experiences a flare-up. This often happens as a result of coming into contact with certain irritants that are known to trigger the condition. People can use creams, natural products, and dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent eczema flares. Natural remedies cannot cure eczema, but can help manage the symptoms and prevent future flares.

Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and people have used it to heal wounds for centuries.

Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to humankind since ancient times.

Traditionally, honey has been used around the world to treat skin disorders with a microbiological aetiology.

In Ayurvedic medicine, honey is used to treat cuts and wounds, dermatitis, burns, and eczema.

In modern day practice, manuka honey, produced by honey bees feeding on the manuka tree, is applied topically in the treatment of wounds.

A 2016 study looked at honey and how it could help with skin disorders.

The study by Taylor and Francis Online said: “Studies have shown that honeys form around the world can inhibit the growth of a range of dermatologically important microbes.

"Studies suggest that honey is able to modulate immunological parameters related to the skin immune system...

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

New Zealand Propolis May Help Treat Gastric Cancer


Antiproliferative Acylated Glycerols from New Zealand Propolis

J Nat Prod. 2019 Aug 20

Previous work has shown that a number of phenolic components of NZ propolis possess antiproliferative activity against certain human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines.

Here we report on a series of acylglycerols isolated from the nonpolar fraction of propolis resin, which represent further bioactive constituents unrelated to the more usual phenolic compounds generally found in propolis. NZ propolis is sourced from poplar trees, and the acylglycerols have been shown to be present in the leaves and buds of some common poplars. The compounds are a series of monoglycerides containing 3,8-dihydroxy fatty acids, many of which are further acylated with acetic acid residues. The dihydroxy fatty acids are C18 to C24, with the most abundant being C20 and C22.

These acylglycerols were found to have strong antiproliferative activity against three human gastrointestinal cell lines, particularly gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87, where one example shows an IC50 of less than 50 μM.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Russian Pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko Jailed in US to Use Bee Venom Therapy to Treat Painful Leg

Health of Russian pilot jailed in US is failing, wife says

The pilot's spouse insists that US doctors do not provide him with medical assistance

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ROSTOV-ON-DON, August 19. /TASS/. The health of Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot serving a 20-year sentence in the US, is failing, his wife Viktoria told TASS on Monday.

"He says he is not receiving any medical care, [his leg] is hurting, it is getting worse, so he has decided to use bee venom as a treatment," she said. "He says his leg is hurting so bad that he has trouble walking," Viktoria Yaroshenko added...

Monday, August 19, 2019

Propolis May Prevent Heart Damage in Diabetes Patients


Propolis relieves the cardiotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in diabetic rats via alleviations of paraoxonase-1 and xanthine oxidase genes expression

Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2019 Sep;159:127-135

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Pesticides cardiotoxicity in case of diabetic-induced cardiac complications is unidentified. The probable amelioration role of propolis is gauged against the cardiotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos in the diabetic rats through paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and xanthine oxidase (XO) genes dysregulation.

Fifty-six male rats were distributed (n = 7) into eight groups. The first one saved as control whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were kept for propolis aqueous extract (100 mg/kg), diabetes (60 mg/kg streptozotocin) and chlorpyrifos (2.5 mg/kg), respectively. The 5th was diabetes/chlorpyrifos combination, while 6th, 7th, and 8th were intubated with propolis for four weeks after diabetic induction, chlorpyrifos intoxication, and their combination, respectively. The plasma glucose, lipid profiles, cardiac enzymes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly elevated, while insulin decreased in the diabetic and combination groups.

Although the cardiac acetylcholinesterase, total thiols, and PON1 significantly reduced after diabetic and/or chlorpyrifos gavage, the protein carbonyl, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and XO significantly elevated. The mRNA genes expression of PON1 and XO have also confirmed the enzymatic activities. Interestingly, propolis significantly restored the hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, IL-6 elevations, and antioxidant defense system disorder.

These records revealed that the immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant tasks are fine pointers for the cardiovascular defender of propolis especially during diabetes and/or pesticides exposure.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Manuka Honey Shows Antimicrobial Activity Against Gram Positive and Gram Negative Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli)


Evaluation of Physiological Effects Induced by Manuka Honey Upon Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Microorganisms. 2019 Aug 13;7(8). pii: E258

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Several studies have explored the antimicrobial properties of manuka honey (MkH). However, the data available regarding antibacterial action mechanisms are scarcer. The aim of this study was to scrutinize and characterize primary effects of manuka honey (MkH) upon the physiological status of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria models, respectively), using flow cytometry (FC) to reveal its antibacterial action mechanisms. Effects of MkH on membrane potential, membrane integrity and metabolic activity were assessed using different fluorochromes in a 180 min time course assay. Time-kill experiments were carried out under the same conditions. Additionally, MkH effect on efflux pumps was also studied in an E. coli strain with an over-expression of several efflux pumps. Exposure of bacteria to MkH resulted in physiological changes related to membrane potential and membrane integrity; these effects displayed slight differences among bacteria. MkH induced a remarkable metabolic disruption as primary physiological effect upon S. aureus and was able to block efflux pump activity in a dose-dependent fashion in the E. coli strain.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Propolis May Help Prevent Damage to Liver by Alcohol


Alterations in the Transcriptional Profile of the Liver Tissue and the Therapeutic Effects of Propolis Extracts in Alcohol-induced Steatosis in Rats

An Acad Bras Cienc. 2019 Aug 12;91(3):e20180646

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The hepatoprotective effects of the ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) on alcohol-induced liver steatosis were investigated in Wistar rats. Chronic alcoholic fatty liver was induced by administration of 52% alcohol to male Wistar rats at the dose of 1% body weight for 7 weeks. Then animals were simultaneously treated with 50% ethanol solutions of EEP or normal saline at the dose of 0.1% body weight for 4 further weeks. Serological analyses and liver histopathology studies were performed to investigate the development of steatosis. Microarray analysis was conducted to investigate the alterations of hepatic gene expression profiling. Our results showed that 4-week treatment of EEP helped to restore the levels of various blood indices, liver function enzymes and the histopathology of liver tissue to normal levels. Results from the microarray analysis revealed that the hepatic expressions of genes involved in lipogenesis were significantly down-regulated by EEP treatment, while the transcriptional expressions of functional genes participating in fatty acids oxidation were markedly increased. The ability of EEP to reduce the negative effects of alcohol on liver makes propolis a potential natural product for the alternative treatment of alcoholic fatty liver.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Propolis May Protect the Hearts of Diabetes Patients


Propolis relieves the cardiotoxicity of chlorpyrifos in diabetic rats via alleviations of paraoxonase-1 and xanthine oxidase genes expression

Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2019 Sep;159:127-135

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Pesticides cardiotoxicity in case of diabetic-induced cardiac complications is unidentified. The probable amelioration role of propolis is gauged against the cardiotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos in the diabetic rats through paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and xanthine oxidase (XO) genes dysregulation. Fifty-six male rats were distributed (n = 7) into eight groups.

The first one saved as control whereas the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were kept for propolis aqueous extract (100 mg/kg), diabetes (60 mg/kg streptozotocin) and chlorpyrifos (2.5 mg/kg), respectively. The 5th was diabetes/chlorpyrifos combination, while 6th, 7th, and 8th were intubated with propolis for four weeks after diabetic induction, chlorpyrifos intoxication, and their combination, respectively. The plasma glucose, lipid profiles, cardiac enzymes and interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly elevated, while insulin decreased in the diabetic and combination groups.

Although the cardiac acetylcholinesterase, total thiols, and PON1 significantly reduced after diabetic and/or chlorpyrifos gavage, the protein carbonyl, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and XO significantly elevated. The mRNA genes expression of PON1 and XO have also confirmed the enzymatic activities.

Interestingly, propolis significantly restored the hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, IL-6 elevations, and antioxidant defense system disorder.

These records revealed that the immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant tasks are fine pointers for the cardiovascular defender of propolis especially during diabetes and/or pesticides exposure.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Bee Pollen May Help Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Colitis

Protective effects of Bee pollen extract on the Caco-2 intestinal barrier dysfunctions induced by dextran sulfate sodium

Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Sep;117:109200

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Bee pollen (BP) is a natural medicine from the hive with various potential health-promoting benefits, but until now there is no study to determine its protective roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The aim of this study was to reveal the in vitro gastrointestinal protective effects of BP against IBD using molecular and metabolic methods. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) challenged Caco-2 cell monolayers were applied to mimic intestinal epithelial cell dysfunctions and metabolic disorders. The pretreatment with BP extract rich in polyphenols ameliorated DSS-induced cell viability losses. It also exerted protective effects against intestinal barrier impairment by strengthening epithelial integrity and tight junction losses induced by DSS. BP up-regulated anti-oxidant (NQO1, Txnrd1, Nrf2) and down-regulated inflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) mRNA expressions, in accompany with MAPK signaling inhibition.

Furthermore, metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS revealed that BP, and DSS treated Caco-2 cells have different metabolomic profiles, with significant changes on key metabolites involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Our results showed that BP has great therapeutic potential throughout the early stages of DSS-induced colitis.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

East Java Propolis Helps Prevent Dental Granuloma (chronic apical periodontitis)


East java extract propolis as potential intracanal medicament in experimentally induced chronic apical periodontitis

Indian J Dent Res. 2019 May-Jun;30(3):342-346

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Introduction:

A persistent infection after cleaning and shaping root canal is the main etiology of root canal treatment failure. Enterococcus faecalis has been considered as one of the most resistant species in root canal treatment. E. faecalis can stimulate receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) which can increase nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFATc1) in chronic apical periodontitis. East Java propolis has antibacterial effects and is biocompatible with in vitro effects.

Aim:

This study is aimed to analyze the East Java propolis extract as potential intracanal medicament in chronic apical periodontitis caused by E. faecalis bacterial infection.

Materials and Methods:

This study used 30 Wistar rats divided into three groups. In Group I, the first upper right molar tooth as healthy tooth was used for negative control group. In Group II, the first upper right molar tooth was used for a prepared root canal, and 10 ml brain heart infusion broth containing E. faecalis ATCC29212 106 CFU was injected into the canal and restored with glass-ionomer cement (GIC) for the experimentally induced chronic apical periodontitis group. In Group III, after root canal preparation, E. faecalis ATCC 29212 106 CFU was injected, and then, 10 μl propolis applied and tooth restored with GIC. It took 21 days for the periapical lesions to develop after pulp infection. The rats were then sacrificed to conduct immunohistochemical examinations in order to measure the expressions of RANKL and NFATc1.

Results:

The average of RANKL and NFATc1 expression in Group III was significantly lower than those in the experimentally induced chronic apical periodontitis group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that East Java propolis extract is a potential intracanal medicament through the study of experimentally induced chronic apical periodontitis caused by E. faecalis infection in Wistar rats.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Honey Useful in Preventing Spread of Hospital Infections

Novel nano-composite hydrogels with honey effective against multi-resistant clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2019 Aug 9

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Novel alginate hydrogels with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and honey components were produced with the aim to target multidrug-resistant bacterial strains causing nosocomial wound infections. AgNP synthesis was optimized in highly concentrated honey solutions so that a 5-month stable, colloid solution with 50% of honey and ~ 8 nm AgNPs at neutral pH was obtained.

The colloid solution was further used to produce nano-composite Ag/alginate hydrogels in different forms (microbeads, microfibers and discs) that retained all AgNPs and high fractions of honey components (40-60%) as determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid and Folin-Ciocalteu methods. The hydrogels were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy while the antibacterial activity was investigated against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including 13 multi-resistant clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, one clinical strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and one clinical strain of Staphylococcus aureus.

At the total released silver concentration of ~ 9 μg/ml, the hydrogels exhibited strong bactericidal activity against standard and most of the investigated multi-resistant hospital strains with the exemption of 3 clinical strains of A. baumannii in which antibacterial effects were absent.

These results reveal the need for further in-depth studies of bacterial resistance mechanisms and, in the same time, potentials of the novel Ag/alginate hydrogels with honey components to combat wound infections and enhance healing as non-sticky, antibacterial, and bioactive dressings.

Friday, August 09, 2019

Propolis May Help Treat Osteoarthritis (Arthritis, Aging)


Propolis Reduces the Expression of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Chondrocytes under Interleukin-1β Stimulus

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Aug 1;20(15). pii: E3768

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BACKGROUND:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive and multifactorial disease that is associated with aging. A number of changes occur in aged cartilage, such as increased oxidative stress, decreased markers of healthy cartilage, and alterations in the autophagy pathway. Propolis extracts contain a mixture of polyphenols and it has been proved that they have high antioxidant capacity and could regulate the autophagic pathway. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on chondrocytes that were stimulated with IL-1β.

METHODS:

Rabbit chondrocytes were isolated and stimulated with IL-1β and treated with EEP. We evaluated cell viability, nitric oxide production, healthy cartilage, and OA markers, and the expression of three proteins associated with the autophagy pathway LC3, ATG5, and AKT1.

RESULTS:

The EEP treatment reduces the expression of LC3, ATG5, and AKT1, reduces the production of nitric oxide, increases the expression of healthy markers, and reduces OA markers.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that treatment with EEP in chondrocytes that were stimulated with IL-1β has beneficial effects, such as a decrease in the expression of proteins associated with autophagy, MMP13, and production of nitric oxide, and also increased collagen II.

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Kourtney Kardashian Takes a Spoonful of This $36 Honey Every Day

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In one of her most recent tell-all articles, Kardashian detailed the tonics and supplements she uses daily. Beyond expected picks like Vital Proteins collagen powder, one product stood out: a $36 “superfood” honey. Yes, you read that correctly.

European Propolis Highly Effective Against Protozoal Pathogens (Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense, Leishmania mexicana, Crithidia fasciculata, Sleeping Sickness, Nagana, Leishmaniasis)


European propolis is highly active against trypanosomatids including Crithidia fasciculata

Sci Rep. 2019 Aug 6;9(1):11364

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Extracts of 35 samples of European propolis were tested against wild type and resistant strains of the protozoal pathogens Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma congolense and Leishmania mexicana. The extracts were also tested against Crithidia fasciculata a close relative of Crithidia mellificae, a parasite of bees. Crithidia, Trypanosoma and Leishmania are all members of the order Kinetoplastida.

High levels of activity were obtained for all the samples with the levels of activity varying across the sample set. The highest levels of activity were found against L. mexicana. The propolis samples were profiled by using liquid chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and principal components analysis (PCA) of the data obtained indicated there was a wide variation in the composition of the propolis samples.

Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) associated a butyrate ester of pinobanksin with high activity against T. brucei whereas in the case of T. congolense high activity was associated with methyl ethers of chrysin and pinobanksin. In the case of C. fasciculata highest activity was associated with methyl ethers of galangin and pinobanksin.

OPLS modelling of the activities against L. mexicana using the mass spectrometry produced a less successful model suggesting a wider range of active components.

Wednesday, August 07, 2019

Brazilian Red Propolis May Help Prevent Dental Cavities


Cytotoxic and antibacterial effect of a red propolis mouthwash, with or without fluoride, on the growth of a cariogenic biofilm

Arch Oral Biol. 2019 Jul 30;107:104512

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OBJECTIVE:

To evaluatein vitro the antibacterial activity, the antibiofilm effect and the cytotoxic potential of mouthwashes containing Brazilian red propolis with or without fluoride.

METHODS:

The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) against S. mutans, S. sanguinis, S. salivarius and L. casei were determined for RPE mouthwashes. A cariogenic biofilm with the aforementioned bacteria was formed over cellulose membrane disks (N = 30, 13 mm), which were submitted for 1 min to the following mouthwashes: plain mouthwash base; 0.05% NaF; 0.8% RPE; 0.8% RPE + 0.05% NaF and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX). The bacterial viability and the production of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) were measured. Cytotoxic potential of the mouthwashes was also evaluated. For bacterial viability and EPS production, Mann-Withney and one-way ANOVA tests were performed followed by Tukey, with results considered significant when p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS:

MIC and MBC values of RPE mouthwashes ranged from 7.44 to 29.76 mg/mL and from 7.44 to ≥59.52 mg/mL, respectively, presenting better action against S. salivarius. RPE mouthwashes showed 44% of viable cells after 1 min of contact with fibroblasts. RPE (7.74) had the greatest reduction of viable total microorganisms and did not differ from the RPE + NaF (7.95) (p = 0.292). CHX (7.54) was the most effective in reducing Streptococcus spp, but did not differ from RPE (p = 0.521) and RPE + NaF (p = 0.238). There was no difference between the treatments regarding EPS production.

CONCLUSION:

RPE and RPE + NaF mouthwash showed similar antibacterial activity, toxicity level and antibiofilm effect compared to CHX.

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

Penile Denudation Successfully Treated with Manuka Honey Dressings


Benign tumours leading to total penile denudation treated with Manuka honey dressings: A case report and review of literature

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Int J Surg Case Rep. 2019 Jul 19;61:191-194

INTRODUCTION:

Penile denudation is a devastating condition often reconstructed with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG). As this kind of reconstruction is challenging, we present an non-invasive treatment using Manuka honey dressings with a satisfying result. This was performed as a salvage procedure after failed STSG.

CASE:

A 55-year-old non-smoking male was admitted from his general practitioner with a newly onset of phimosis and lower urinary tract symptoms. Benign tumours complicated with infection were found on all segments of the penis causing dehiscence of the skin. After surgical removal of tumours and an unsuccessful STSG, Manuka honey dressings was used. Full sexual function was regained, and the patient was satisfied with the result.

DISCUSSION:

Alternatives to STSG are full-thickness skin graft using the inguinal or scrotal borrowing method, or using a dermal matrix before a STSG. A rediscovered method is using Manuka honey, with its unique combination of bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and healing-promoting properties. A wide range of wound types may benefit from Manuka honey dressings. A recent Danish in vitro study on honey derived from various Danish floras even shows high antibacterial effect superior to commercial medical grade honey. Considering a growing resistance to antibiotics, medical honey may contribute as a alternative to extensive wound care.

CONCLUSION:

We successfully treated a penile denudation with Manuka honey following a failed STSG. Wounds, ulcers, and burns may be infected, and can be challenging, time consuming, and expensive to treat. Manuka honey may be a good alternative to reconstructive surgery and can be managed on an out-patient basis.

Monday, August 05, 2019

Indonesian Stingless Bee Propolis Shows Anti-Tumor Activity (Cancer, Tumour, Anti-Angiogenic, Angiogenesis)


Preliminary studies: the potential anti-angiogenic activities of two Sulawesi Island (Indonesia) propolis and their chemical characterization

Heliyon. 2019 Jul 19;5(7):e01978

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Several studies have previously reported propolis, or its constituents, to inhibit tumour angiogenesis. The anti-angiogenic activity of two Indonesian stingless bee propolis extracts from Sulawesi Island on vascular cells were assessed. Sample D01 was obtained from the outer side of bee hives, while D02 was from the inner side of the same hives.

The extracts were profiled by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry. The anti-angiogenic capacity was assessed on HUVECs and placenta-derived pericytes by cell viability, multi-channel wound healing, and CoCl2 based-hypoxia assays. The exact chemical composition has not been confirmed. The most abundant compounds in Indonesian sample D01 seem to be unusual since they do not immediately fall into a clear class.

Two of the most abundant compounds have elemental compositions matching actinopyrones. Identification on the basis of elemental composition is not definitive but compounds in D01 are possibly due to unusually modified terpenoids. Sample D02 has abundant compounds which include four related diterpenes with differing degrees of oxygenation and some sesquiterpenes. However, again the profile is unusual.

The anti-angiogenic assays demonstrated that D01 elicited a strong cytotoxic effect and a considerable anti-migratory activity on the vascular cells. Although D02 demonstrated a much weaker cytotoxic effect on the cell lines compared to D01, it elicited a substantial protective effect on the pericytes against CoCl2-induced dropout in an experiment to mimic a micro-environment commonly associated with angiogenesis and tumour growth.

These results demonstrate modulatory effects of these propolis samples in vascular cells, which requires further investigation.

Friday, August 02, 2019

Brazilian Organic Propolis Has Strong Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Anti-inflammatory and anti-Candida effects of Brazilian organic propolis, a promising source of bioactive molecules and functional food

J Agric Food Chem. 2019 Aug 1

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Brazilian organic propolis (BOP) is an unexplored Brazilian propolis that is produced organically and certified according to international legislation.

Our results showed that BOP has strong anti-inflammatory effects and acts by reducing NF-кB activation, TNF-α release and neutrophil migration. In addition, BOP6 exhibited antifungal activity on planktonic and biofilm cultures of Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsisolis, and it reduced in vitro yeast cell adhesion to human keratinocytes at sub-inhibitory concentrations. BOP demonstrated significantly low toxicity in Galleria melonella larvae at antifungal doses.

Lastly, a chemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeoyltartaric acid, 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin, gibberellin A7, A9 and A20 in BOP, which may be responsible for the biological properties observed. Thus, our data indicate that BOP is a promising source of anti-inflammatory and antifungal molecules that may be used as a functional food.

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Moroccan Propolis Shows Anti-Tumor and Anti-Inflammatory Properties


In Vitro Interactions of Moroccan Propolis Phytochemical's on Human Tumor Cell Lines and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Biomolecules. 2019 Jul 29;9(8). pii: E315

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Propolis is a resin manufactured by bees through the mixture of plant exudates and waxes with secreted substances from their metabolism, resulting in a complex mixture of natural substances of which quality depends on the phytogeographic and climatic conditions around the hive.

The present study investigated the contribution of phenolic compounds to the cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities of propolis. The phenolic composition was evaluated by liquid chromatography with diode-array detection coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/DAD/ESI-MSn) analysis after phenolic extraction. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was checked using human tumor cell lines (MCF7- breast adenocarcinoma, NCI-H460- non-small cell lung carcinoma, HeLa- cervical carcinoma, HepG2- hepatocellular carcinoma, and MM127- malignant melanoma), as well as non-tumor cells (a porcine liver primary culture-PLP2). The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the murine macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell line. The results showed a composition rich in phenolic acids, such as caffeic and p-coumaric acid, as well as flavonoids, such as pinocembrin, pinobanksin, and pinobanksin-3-O-butyrate.

Samples MP2 from Sefrou and MP3 from Moulay Yaâcoub presented a high concentration in phenolic compounds, while MP1 and MP4 from Boulemane and Immouzzer Mermoucha, respectively, showed similar composition with low bioactivity.

The higher concentration of phenolic compound derivatives, which seems to be the most cytotoxic phenolic class, can explain the pronounced antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity observed for sample MP2.