Patients Warm to Ear-Candling Treatment
By Francine Milford, Sarasota Herald-Tribune (Florida), 12/29/05
What can lighting a candle and sticking it in your ear actually do for you?
The answer, according to Venice aesthetician Therese Lynston, is quite a lot.
The process is thought to date back at least to 2500 B.C., when ancient Egyptians used linen from flax. Ear candling also was thought to be common in China, India, Tibet, and in Mayan, Aztec and American Indian cultures.
While offering facials, paraffin treatment, body wraps and waxing services, Lynston has decided to add one more type of wax to her available treatments -- beeswax.
According to Lynston, ear candling, also known as ear coning, restores equilibrium, clears the ear canal and provides tranquility. . .
There is disagreement about the effectiveness and safety of using ear candling.
Some people have had bad reactions to this treatment. Before deciding if ear candling is right for you, consult with your primary care physician before seeking treatment.
Beeswax Cone Candles
Dutchman's Gold
Cone candles can be used for the ears as a painless, therapeutic cleansing procedure which removes excess earwax and congestion from sinuses etc., using a hollow cone candle made of cotton and covered with 100% beeswax.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
U.S. Researchers Use New Technique to Identify Floral Sources of Honey
Hybrid Sampling Identifies Floral Sources of Honey
Photonics.com, December 2005
Not all honey is created equal. When bees feast on the pollen from different flowers, they produce honey that differs greatly in taste and appearance. For example, a study by the National Honey Board of Longmont, Colo., revealed that bees that dine on buckwheat create dark honey with a medicinal taste, while those eating clover produce sweet and transparent honey.
Now postdoctoral researcher Jagdish C. Tewari and associate professor in agricultural and biological engineering Joseph M.K. Irudayaraj from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., have used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface acoustic wave sensing to identify the flowers responsible for the sweet fluid. . .
The two scientists performed the research while at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, in collaboration with the National Honey Board. They published their results in the Sept. 7 issue of Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Contact: Jagdish C. Tewari, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; +1 (765) 496-2030; e-mail: E-mail: jctewari@purdue.edu.
Photonics.com, December 2005
Not all honey is created equal. When bees feast on the pollen from different flowers, they produce honey that differs greatly in taste and appearance. For example, a study by the National Honey Board of Longmont, Colo., revealed that bees that dine on buckwheat create dark honey with a medicinal taste, while those eating clover produce sweet and transparent honey.
Now postdoctoral researcher Jagdish C. Tewari and associate professor in agricultural and biological engineering Joseph M.K. Irudayaraj from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., have used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and surface acoustic wave sensing to identify the flowers responsible for the sweet fluid. . .
The two scientists performed the research while at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, in collaboration with the National Honey Board. They published their results in the Sept. 7 issue of Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Contact: Jagdish C. Tewari, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; +1 (765) 496-2030; e-mail: E-mail: jctewari@purdue.edu.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Australian Bees Exported to U.S.
Why California is Abuzz with the Sound of Australian Bees
John Thistleton, The Canberra Times, 12/29/05
Although a toss-up as to who works hardest - Steve Rickets or his honeybees - the latter have a new job description: moneybees.
Mr Ricketts thought he struck gold in honey but the real money is flowing in exporting bees to America, where a mite has wiped out the bee population.
Without bees there can be no Californian almond and fruit crop, which is worth billions of dollars. And Australian honey producers are making the most of the new industry.
John Thistleton, The Canberra Times, 12/29/05
Although a toss-up as to who works hardest - Steve Rickets or his honeybees - the latter have a new job description: moneybees.
Mr Ricketts thought he struck gold in honey but the real money is flowing in exporting bees to America, where a mite has wiped out the bee population.
Without bees there can be no Californian almond and fruit crop, which is worth billions of dollars. And Australian honey producers are making the most of the new industry.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Australian Firm Studies Venom’s Use to Treat Pain, Inflammation
Developer of Peptides Based on Animal Venoms Launches U.S. Presence
Managed Care Law Weekly, 12/25/05
Xenome Limited announced it has extended its business development operations to the United States and strengthened its management team with four key appointments.
David Slack has been named chief business officer, Richard Lewis was named chief scientific officer, Kathryn Radford was named vice president of strategic marketing, and Katherine Nielsen was named director, intellectual property. . .
Lewis an original co-founder of Xenome, will be the key driver in identifying, prioritizing and developing a continually evolving stream of novel drug candidates from Xenome's chemically diverse library of synthetic venom peptides. He has been considered a key opinion leader in the area of venom peptide pharmacology for over 20 years. Lewis has managed several commercial venom research programs at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), University of Queensland where he spearheaded the development of new classes of peptide therapeutic candidates. . .
Xenome discovers peptides from Australian animal venoms. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Xenome translates the evolutionary advantages inherent in venom peptides into highly bioactive libraries of molecules used by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Xenome uses the peptide molecule in its drug development activities, which are focused on pain management and inflammatory disease.
Managed Care Law Weekly, 12/25/05
Xenome Limited announced it has extended its business development operations to the United States and strengthened its management team with four key appointments.
David Slack has been named chief business officer, Richard Lewis was named chief scientific officer, Kathryn Radford was named vice president of strategic marketing, and Katherine Nielsen was named director, intellectual property. . .
Lewis an original co-founder of Xenome, will be the key driver in identifying, prioritizing and developing a continually evolving stream of novel drug candidates from Xenome's chemically diverse library of synthetic venom peptides. He has been considered a key opinion leader in the area of venom peptide pharmacology for over 20 years. Lewis has managed several commercial venom research programs at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB), University of Queensland where he spearheaded the development of new classes of peptide therapeutic candidates. . .
Xenome discovers peptides from Australian animal venoms. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Xenome translates the evolutionary advantages inherent in venom peptides into highly bioactive libraries of molecules used by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Xenome uses the peptide molecule in its drug development activities, which are focused on pain management and inflammatory disease.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Venom Immunotherapy to Prevent Anaphylactic Shock
Immunotherapy of Hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera Venom is Reviewed
Immunotherapy Weekly, 12/28/05
Researchers review immunotherapy of hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom in a recent issue of Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy.
"Insect sting allergy is a common condition with a risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis. After a severe reaction, the fear of being re-stung can significantly reduce quality of life. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a highly effective treatment of the underlying type I-sensitization. [Our] review addresses the mechanisms of immune modulation by VIT and outlines current clinical application," investigators in Germany report. . .
Roers and Hunzelmann published their review in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy (Immunotherapy of hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom. Expert Opin Biol Ther, 2005;5(10):1349-1358).
For additional information, contact Nicolas Hunzelmann, Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Josef-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, D-50931 Cologne, Germany. E-mail: Nicolas.hunzelmann@uni-koeln.de.
The publisher of the journal Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy can be contacted at: Ashley Publications Ltd., Telephone House, 69-77 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LQ, England.
Immunotherapy Weekly, 12/28/05
Researchers review immunotherapy of hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom in a recent issue of Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy.
"Insect sting allergy is a common condition with a risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis. After a severe reaction, the fear of being re-stung can significantly reduce quality of life. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a highly effective treatment of the underlying type I-sensitization. [Our] review addresses the mechanisms of immune modulation by VIT and outlines current clinical application," investigators in Germany report. . .
Roers and Hunzelmann published their review in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy (Immunotherapy of hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom. Expert Opin Biol Ther, 2005;5(10):1349-1358).
For additional information, contact Nicolas Hunzelmann, Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Josef-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, D-50931 Cologne, Germany. E-mail: Nicolas.hunzelmann@uni-koeln.de.
The publisher of the journal Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy can be contacted at: Ashley Publications Ltd., Telephone House, 69-77 Paul Street, London EC2A 4LQ, England.
VOA News Report on Beeswax
Bees Keep Busy Producing More Than Just Honey
By Mario Ritter, Voice of America News, 12/26/05
Last week we talked about how bees make honey. Yet bees also produce other useful materials.
Beeswax is another product, although much less of it is produced than honey. Bees need to eat about three kilograms of honey, or more, to produce less than one-half kilogram of wax.
The beauty industry uses a lot of beeswax as a base for skin care products. Anyone who has ever lit a candle might have lit one made of beeswax. Woodworkers mix beeswax with oils to protect wood surfaces. And leatherworkers use beeswax to protect leather from water. . .
By Mario Ritter, Voice of America News, 12/26/05
Last week we talked about how bees make honey. Yet bees also produce other useful materials.
Beeswax is another product, although much less of it is produced than honey. Bees need to eat about three kilograms of honey, or more, to produce less than one-half kilogram of wax.
The beauty industry uses a lot of beeswax as a base for skin care products. Anyone who has ever lit a candle might have lit one made of beeswax. Woodworkers mix beeswax with oils to protect wood surfaces. And leatherworkers use beeswax to protect leather from water. . .
Monday, December 26, 2005
Antibacterial Activity of 13 Honeys Against Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Journal of Medicinal Food, Mar 2005, Vol. 8, No. 1: 100-103
In this study the activity of 13 honeys, including three commercial antibacterial honeys, against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using standard well diffusion methods.
All honeys, and an artificial honey, were tested at four concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 1% wt/vol) against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and zones of inhibition were measured. All honeys tested had an inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with one honey still having activity against E. coli and three having activity against P. aeruginosa at 2.5%. No honey was active at 1% concentrations. E. coli was more susceptible to inhibition by the honeys used in this study than was P. aeruginosa.
In this study we have demonstrated that several honeys, in addition to commercial antibacterial honeys, can inhibit E. coli and P. aeruginosa and may have potential as therapeutic honeys.
In this study the activity of 13 honeys, including three commercial antibacterial honeys, against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined. Antibacterial activity of the honeys was assayed using standard well diffusion methods.
All honeys, and an artificial honey, were tested at four concentrations (10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 1% wt/vol) against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and zones of inhibition were measured. All honeys tested had an inhibitory effect on the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa, with one honey still having activity against E. coli and three having activity against P. aeruginosa at 2.5%. No honey was active at 1% concentrations. E. coli was more susceptible to inhibition by the honeys used in this study than was P. aeruginosa.
In this study we have demonstrated that several honeys, in addition to commercial antibacterial honeys, can inhibit E. coli and P. aeruginosa and may have potential as therapeutic honeys.
Honey Component Linked to Obesity
Fructose May Trick You into Thinking You are Hungrier than You Should Be
Biotech Law Weekly, 12/30/05
University of Florida (UF) researchers have identified one possible reason for rising obesity rates, and it all starts with fructose, found in fruit, honey, table sugar and other sweeteners, and in many processed foods.
Fructose may trick you into thinking you are hungrier than you should be, say the scientists, whose studies in animals have revealed its role in a biochemical chain reaction that triggers weight gain and other features of metabolic syndrome - the main precursor to type 2 diabetes. In related research, they also prevented rats from packing on the pounds by interrupting the way their bodies processed this simple sugar, even when the animals continued to consume it.
The findings, reported in a recent issue of Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology and in a recent online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, add to growing evidence implicating fructose in the obesity epidemic and could influence future dietary guidelines. UF researchers are now studying whether the same mechanism is involved in people. . .
"If you feed fructose to animals they rapidly become obese, with all features of the metabolic syndrome, so there is this strong causal link," Johnson said, "And a high-fructose intake has been shown to induce certain features of the metabolic syndrome pretty rapidly in people."
Now UF research implicates a rise in uric acid in the bloodstream that occurs after fructose is consumed, Johnson said. That temporary spike blocks the action of insulin, which typically regulates how body cells use and store sugar and other food nutrients for energy. If uric acid levels are frequently elevated, over time features of metabolic syndrome may develop, including high blood pressure, obesity and elevated blood cholesterol levels. . .
"We cannot definitively state that fructose is driving the obesity epidemic," said Johnson. "But we can say that there is evidence supporting the possibility that it could have a contributory role - if not a major role. I think in the next few years we'll have a better feel for whether or not these pathways that can be shown in animals may be relevant to the human condition. . ."
Biotech Law Weekly, 12/30/05
University of Florida (UF) researchers have identified one possible reason for rising obesity rates, and it all starts with fructose, found in fruit, honey, table sugar and other sweeteners, and in many processed foods.
Fructose may trick you into thinking you are hungrier than you should be, say the scientists, whose studies in animals have revealed its role in a biochemical chain reaction that triggers weight gain and other features of metabolic syndrome - the main precursor to type 2 diabetes. In related research, they also prevented rats from packing on the pounds by interrupting the way their bodies processed this simple sugar, even when the animals continued to consume it.
The findings, reported in a recent issue of Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology and in a recent online edition of the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology, add to growing evidence implicating fructose in the obesity epidemic and could influence future dietary guidelines. UF researchers are now studying whether the same mechanism is involved in people. . .
"If you feed fructose to animals they rapidly become obese, with all features of the metabolic syndrome, so there is this strong causal link," Johnson said, "And a high-fructose intake has been shown to induce certain features of the metabolic syndrome pretty rapidly in people."
Now UF research implicates a rise in uric acid in the bloodstream that occurs after fructose is consumed, Johnson said. That temporary spike blocks the action of insulin, which typically regulates how body cells use and store sugar and other food nutrients for energy. If uric acid levels are frequently elevated, over time features of metabolic syndrome may develop, including high blood pressure, obesity and elevated blood cholesterol levels. . .
"We cannot definitively state that fructose is driving the obesity epidemic," said Johnson. "But we can say that there is evidence supporting the possibility that it could have a contributory role - if not a major role. I think in the next few years we'll have a better feel for whether or not these pathways that can be shown in animals may be relevant to the human condition. . ."
Yemeni Beekeepers Urged to Form Associations
Honey Industry Gains Higher Dimensions
Yemen Times, 12/25/05
SANA'A, Dec. 25 - The production of Yemeni honey is rated at an annual total of 1706 tons as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture in its latest report. Seventeen percent of the quantity produced is exported to neighboring and foreign countries generating an income of $ 9 million. . .
More interesting is that the honey sector is encouraged to create its own associations and networks. This would be considered as a significant step in professional this industry and including it in the organized sector of the national economy. The creation of such associations as mentioned by the beekeepers would assist in marketing their products and beekeeping tools. In addition, a database of the beekeeping industry and relevant information will be created during the project implementation.
Yemen Times, 12/25/05
SANA'A, Dec. 25 - The production of Yemeni honey is rated at an annual total of 1706 tons as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture in its latest report. Seventeen percent of the quantity produced is exported to neighboring and foreign countries generating an income of $ 9 million. . .
More interesting is that the honey sector is encouraged to create its own associations and networks. This would be considered as a significant step in professional this industry and including it in the organized sector of the national economy. The creation of such associations as mentioned by the beekeepers would assist in marketing their products and beekeeping tools. In addition, a database of the beekeeping industry and relevant information will be created during the project implementation.
Friday, December 23, 2005
U.S. Entrepreneurs Use Beeswax, Honey in Products
West Mayfield Firm Builds Healthy Business on Organic Products
Stephanie Waite, Beaver County Times (USA), 12/19/2005
In 2004, the small West Mayfield-based manufacturer of body and skin care products introduced the nation's first U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic full line of body and skin care, called Nourish. . .
The Nourish line is set to do $1 million in business this year, and triple that amount in 2006, Lynn Betz said. The Nourish line will appear next year in major grocery stores including Whole Foods, Wegman's, Harris Teeter and Price Chopper. Sensibility Soaps also won contracts to make its product under private-label brand names. . .
Nourish meets exacting standards to merit the label. Strawberry products must contain actual strawberries, with no chemicals to enhance the smell. Fruits, vegetables and even beeswax must be purchased from organic farmers. . .
Nourish's biggest seller is the deodorant, Melia said. The wild greens variety contains cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, corn starch, shea butter, vegetable protein extract, essential oils of lavender, patchouli and oakmoss. And it works. . .
Granola & Brown Sugar Body Smoothie, 10 oz., $11.95
Raw cane sugar, soybean oil, shea butter, apple flavor, almond oil, oatmeal, beeswax, almonds, olive oil, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon leaf pure essential oil, oregano leaf extract, olive leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, lavender flower extract, golden seal root extract.
Woman's Soap Business Takes Off With Help of Feisty Goat
Christina Cooke, Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee), 12/19/05
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- Jill Wyse bought three La Mancha goats last year to eat the brush that was overtaking her 14-acre farm atop Lookout Mountain, but she soon discovered the animals were more than just weed eaters. . .
Since June, Ms. Wyse has been making and selling goat milk soap to shops across North Georgia and Tennessee. She calls her business Sassy Goat Milk Soap, after Ruby's brazen attitude. Brown's Ferry Nursery and Market, Flintstone Farm and Garden, Greenlife Grocery, The Little Market and Tootie's Treasures carry the soap, and Ms. Wyse sells it online, too. . .
She milks her goats twice a day, usually at about 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Then in her kitchen, she heats lye and the fresh goat milk in one pot and olive oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, beeswax and honey in another. . .
Stephanie Waite, Beaver County Times (USA), 12/19/2005
In 2004, the small West Mayfield-based manufacturer of body and skin care products introduced the nation's first U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic full line of body and skin care, called Nourish. . .
The Nourish line is set to do $1 million in business this year, and triple that amount in 2006, Lynn Betz said. The Nourish line will appear next year in major grocery stores including Whole Foods, Wegman's, Harris Teeter and Price Chopper. Sensibility Soaps also won contracts to make its product under private-label brand names. . .
Nourish meets exacting standards to merit the label. Strawberry products must contain actual strawberries, with no chemicals to enhance the smell. Fruits, vegetables and even beeswax must be purchased from organic farmers. . .
Nourish's biggest seller is the deodorant, Melia said. The wild greens variety contains cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, corn starch, shea butter, vegetable protein extract, essential oils of lavender, patchouli and oakmoss. And it works. . .
Granola & Brown Sugar Body Smoothie, 10 oz., $11.95
Raw cane sugar, soybean oil, shea butter, apple flavor, almond oil, oatmeal, beeswax, almonds, olive oil, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon leaf pure essential oil, oregano leaf extract, olive leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, lavender flower extract, golden seal root extract.
Woman's Soap Business Takes Off With Help of Feisty Goat
Christina Cooke, Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee), 12/19/05
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- Jill Wyse bought three La Mancha goats last year to eat the brush that was overtaking her 14-acre farm atop Lookout Mountain, but she soon discovered the animals were more than just weed eaters. . .
Since June, Ms. Wyse has been making and selling goat milk soap to shops across North Georgia and Tennessee. She calls her business Sassy Goat Milk Soap, after Ruby's brazen attitude. Brown's Ferry Nursery and Market, Flintstone Farm and Garden, Greenlife Grocery, The Little Market and Tootie's Treasures carry the soap, and Ms. Wyse sells it online, too. . .
She milks her goats twice a day, usually at about 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Then in her kitchen, she heats lye and the fresh goat milk in one pot and olive oil, safflower oil, coconut oil, castor oil, beeswax and honey in another. . .
Thursday, December 22, 2005
First ‘World Apitherapy Day’ – March 30, 2006
Bees For Life, World Apitherapy Network
World Apitherapy Day:
Dr. Philipp Terc (formerly Filip Tertsch), the first scientific researcher on medical uses of apitoxin, was born on March 30, 1844, Praporiste, Bohemia, Czech Republic, at 9 Praporiste Street, the son of Johann Tertsch and Barbara Stepan (Barbara Tertsch).
As Praporiste is not far from Passau, and March 30 is just the next day after the Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Course in Passau (March 24-29, 2006), all those interested will be able to visit Praporiste and to meet Czech beekeepers and apitherapists, and -who knows- some descendants from Terc/Tertsch family.
This next coming March 30 will be the first celebration of Dr. Terc's birthday and the World Apitherapy Day.
World Apitherapy Day:
Dr. Philipp Terc (formerly Filip Tertsch), the first scientific researcher on medical uses of apitoxin, was born on March 30, 1844, Praporiste, Bohemia, Czech Republic, at 9 Praporiste Street, the son of Johann Tertsch and Barbara Stepan (Barbara Tertsch).
As Praporiste is not far from Passau, and March 30 is just the next day after the Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Course in Passau (March 24-29, 2006), all those interested will be able to visit Praporiste and to meet Czech beekeepers and apitherapists, and -who knows- some descendants from Terc/Tertsch family.
This next coming March 30 will be the first celebration of Dr. Terc's birthday and the World Apitherapy Day.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Japanese Cosmetic Company Uses Royal Jelly
Cosmetics Makers Focus on Anti-Aging Products
Nikkei Weekly (Japan), 12/19/05
A growing number of products are being promoted by cosmetics makers for their ability to restore and reinvigorate tired skin. . .
Last month, Kose Corp. started selling Ultimation Stretch Comfort, which comes in a package containing a beauty essence and a mask.
Users spread the essence, which contains a rich blend of such nutrients as royal jelly, on the face, then wear a jelly-type mask for about 15 minutes.
Nikkei Weekly (Japan), 12/19/05
A growing number of products are being promoted by cosmetics makers for their ability to restore and reinvigorate tired skin. . .
Last month, Kose Corp. started selling Ultimation Stretch Comfort, which comes in a package containing a beauty essence and a mask.
Users spread the essence, which contains a rich blend of such nutrients as royal jelly, on the face, then wear a jelly-type mask for about 15 minutes.
CON: Bee Sting Therapy No Help in Multiple Sclerosis
By Anne Harding, Reuters, 12/20/05
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Bee sting therapy is not effective in treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and does not improve quality of life, according to the first controlled study to investigate the alternative treatment in MS patients.
Patients with MS should not undergo bee venom therapy "unless better evidence to justify its use becomes available," warn Dr. Jacques De Keyser of the University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands and colleagues in the journal Neurology this month. . .
A Randomized Crossover Study of Bee Sting Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Results: During bee sting therapy, there was no significant reduction in the cumulative number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions. The T2*-weighted lesion load further progressed, and there was no significant reduction in relapse rate. There was no improvement of disability, fatigue, and quality of life. Bee sting therapy was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events.
Conclusions: In this trial, treatment with bee venom in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis did not reduce disease activity, disability, or fatigue and did not improve quality of life.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Bee sting therapy is not effective in treating the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), and does not improve quality of life, according to the first controlled study to investigate the alternative treatment in MS patients.
Patients with MS should not undergo bee venom therapy "unless better evidence to justify its use becomes available," warn Dr. Jacques De Keyser of the University Medical Center Groningen in The Netherlands and colleagues in the journal Neurology this month. . .
A Randomized Crossover Study of Bee Sting Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Results: During bee sting therapy, there was no significant reduction in the cumulative number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions. The T2*-weighted lesion load further progressed, and there was no significant reduction in relapse rate. There was no improvement of disability, fatigue, and quality of life. Bee sting therapy was well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events.
Conclusions: In this trial, treatment with bee venom in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis did not reduce disease activity, disability, or fatigue and did not improve quality of life.
PRO: 40 Percent of MS Patients Benefit From BVT
Treasure Coast MS Patients Endure Stings to Ease Pain
Katie Campbell, Fort Pierce Tribune (Fort Pierce, FL), 2/24/2004
"There's an underground movement in this country that says bee venom helps treat MS (multiple sclerosis)," said Joseph A. Bellanti, director of the Immunology Center at Georgetown University, who since 2000 has been conducting the first controlled study of the therapy.
For the past half-century, theories of bee venom relieving multiple sclerosis symptoms have been floating around folk medicine circles. Advocates maintain that bee venom contains an anti-inflammatory substance that activates the body's adrenal glands to boost the immune system.
With multiple sclerosis the immune system and nervous system progressively deteriorate. Conventional medical doctors say there is no cure.
So far the bee venom treatment has not been scientifically proven to effectively treat multiple sclerosis, but Bellanti's initial findings in the Multiple Sclerosis Association-backed study show that more than 40 percent of the small group of people he studied experienced significant improvement.
"They swore by it," he said.
Katie Campbell, Fort Pierce Tribune (Fort Pierce, FL), 2/24/2004
"There's an underground movement in this country that says bee venom helps treat MS (multiple sclerosis)," said Joseph A. Bellanti, director of the Immunology Center at Georgetown University, who since 2000 has been conducting the first controlled study of the therapy.
For the past half-century, theories of bee venom relieving multiple sclerosis symptoms have been floating around folk medicine circles. Advocates maintain that bee venom contains an anti-inflammatory substance that activates the body's adrenal glands to boost the immune system.
With multiple sclerosis the immune system and nervous system progressively deteriorate. Conventional medical doctors say there is no cure.
So far the bee venom treatment has not been scientifically proven to effectively treat multiple sclerosis, but Bellanti's initial findings in the Multiple Sclerosis Association-backed study show that more than 40 percent of the small group of people he studied experienced significant improvement.
"They swore by it," he said.
PRO: 58 Percent of MS Patients had 'Significantly Positive Result' Benefit From BVT
Bee Stings: Poison or Panacea?
Lorilyn Rackl, Chicago Daily Herald, 10/11/1999
But anecdotal evidence - especially about alternative therapies - rarely makes the pages of prestigious, peer-reviewed medical journals.
Oak Park physician Ross Hauser knows this.
The conventionally trained medical director of Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services also knows that bee venom therapy has appeared to work in some of his patients.
So he set out to prove that in a scientific setting.
Hauser enrolled 51 patients with chronic MS in a study, overseen by the institutional review board of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, an organization of natural-medicine doctors.
Like many of the physicians who practice apitherapy, Hauser used purified bee venom in syringes rather than live bee stings.
He started by giving each patient a sample "sting" to check for allergic reactions, which occur in roughly 2 percent of the general population. Reactions are more likely from yellow jackets or wasps than run-of-the-mill honeybees.
Based on where the MS patient had problems, injections were given at various trigger points on the body.
"The first symptoms to respond were fatigue and endurance," Hauser said. "Significant improvements were also made in balance and bowel control."
After one year, 58 percent of the study's patients had a "significantly positive result," Hauser said. Nearly 30 percent saw no benefits, and one patient's condition actually got worse.
There's plenty of debate among apitherapists about how long patients should stick with the therapy before bailing on the bees.
Some patients say they see results right away; others endure stings for months without any noticeable change. How long a person has to stay on a stinging regimen varies widely, too.
Bee-Venom Therapy for Treating Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinical Trial
Bee Venom Therapy References
Lorilyn Rackl, Chicago Daily Herald, 10/11/1999
But anecdotal evidence - especially about alternative therapies - rarely makes the pages of prestigious, peer-reviewed medical journals.
Oak Park physician Ross Hauser knows this.
The conventionally trained medical director of Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services also knows that bee venom therapy has appeared to work in some of his patients.
So he set out to prove that in a scientific setting.
Hauser enrolled 51 patients with chronic MS in a study, overseen by the institutional review board of the American College for Advancement in Medicine, an organization of natural-medicine doctors.
Like many of the physicians who practice apitherapy, Hauser used purified bee venom in syringes rather than live bee stings.
He started by giving each patient a sample "sting" to check for allergic reactions, which occur in roughly 2 percent of the general population. Reactions are more likely from yellow jackets or wasps than run-of-the-mill honeybees.
Based on where the MS patient had problems, injections were given at various trigger points on the body.
"The first symptoms to respond were fatigue and endurance," Hauser said. "Significant improvements were also made in balance and bowel control."
After one year, 58 percent of the study's patients had a "significantly positive result," Hauser said. Nearly 30 percent saw no benefits, and one patient's condition actually got worse.
There's plenty of debate among apitherapists about how long patients should stick with the therapy before bailing on the bees.
Some patients say they see results right away; others endure stings for months without any noticeable change. How long a person has to stay on a stinging regimen varies widely, too.
Bee-Venom Therapy for Treating Multiple Sclerosis: A Clinical Trial
Bee Venom Therapy References
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