The Butterfly Girl
Brenda Duran, North County Times (USA), 7/30/06
Rays of late-morning sunshine filter through the white miniblinds of Cristina Perez's window and illuminate the vivid patchwork of purple and red sores that cover her pale, 4-foot, 10-inch body.
Bending slowly forward on a padded table, Cristina, 23, flinches in pain as she unwinds the rolls of white gauze that keep her fragile skin from falling off…
She knows this hour of agony soon will be over, this constant reminder of the deadly disease that has haunted her since birth -- Epidermolysis Bullosa…
The rare, incurable genetic skin disorder known as EB affects 12,000 people in the United States and causes severe blistering inside and outside the body, making the epidermis fragile enough to fall off with a simple rub…
After years of trying all kinds of antibiotic creams, her back, the most affected part of her body, has become the latest guinea pig for healing potions, the one place she spends the most time trying to heal, she said.
She uses such natural remedies as "Egyptian Magic," a cream of olive oil and bee pollen, and Manuka honey, a speciality from Switzerland that resembles caramel.
The two are slathered on Cristina's back when she changes her bandages every other day. It is the first time in her life she said she has seen positive results.
To prove it, she has featured a "wound photo diary" on her Web site.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Bee Venom Toxicity Limited by Mast Cells
Stanford Snake Venom Study Shows That Certain Cells May Eliminate Poison
Stanford School of Medicine, 7/27/2006
Death by snakebite is horrible. The immediate pain of the bite is followed by swelling, bruising and weakness, then sweating or chills, with numbness, nausea, blurred vision and possibly convulsions before it's all over. Such misery is produced by a veritable witches' brew of toxins in snake venom.
It's long been thought that the body's own immune system, rather than reducing the symptoms, may make things worse. But now researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that the immune system really does side with the victim, at least in four kinds of venom that were used in their experiments. Their findings will be published in the July 28 issue of Science.
Venom from three species of poisonous snakes and one species of honeybee were studied by a group led by Stephen Galli, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pathology. Using mice, they analyzed how mast cells, a vital part of the immune system in mammals, reacted to the various venoms. The net effect of the mast cell response to the four venoms "is to enhance resistance to the toxicity and reduce mortality induced by the venom," said Galli, the paper's senior author…
Testing the mast cell response even further, they also experimented with the venom from honeybees, with the same positive result. "The mast cells significantly limit not only the toxicity, but also the mortality associated with the venom," said Galli…
Stanford School of Medicine, 7/27/2006
Death by snakebite is horrible. The immediate pain of the bite is followed by swelling, bruising and weakness, then sweating or chills, with numbness, nausea, blurred vision and possibly convulsions before it's all over. Such misery is produced by a veritable witches' brew of toxins in snake venom.
It's long been thought that the body's own immune system, rather than reducing the symptoms, may make things worse. But now researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that the immune system really does side with the victim, at least in four kinds of venom that were used in their experiments. Their findings will be published in the July 28 issue of Science.
Venom from three species of poisonous snakes and one species of honeybee were studied by a group led by Stephen Galli, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Pathology. Using mice, they analyzed how mast cells, a vital part of the immune system in mammals, reacted to the various venoms. The net effect of the mast cell response to the four venoms "is to enhance resistance to the toxicity and reduce mortality induced by the venom," said Galli, the paper's senior author…
Testing the mast cell response even further, they also experimented with the venom from honeybees, with the same positive result. "The mast cells significantly limit not only the toxicity, but also the mortality associated with the venom," said Galli…
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Medical-Grade Honey Now a Reality
Researchers Taste Success With Honey Cure
By Jennifer Harper, The Washington Times (USA), 7/29/2006
"In hospitals today we are faced with germs which are resistant to almost all the current antibiotics," said Dr. Arne Simon, an oncologist with the Children's Hospital at the University of Bonn. "As a result, the medical use of honey is becoming attractive again for the treatment of wounds."…
With cooperation from specialists in a dozen German hospitals, Dr. Simon is planning a large-scale study on honey's curative effects. He has already charted the success of traditional honey poultices on troublesome surgical wounds and skin conditions…
None of this has escaped the commercial sector. "Medical-grade honey" is now a reality.
MediHoney -- sterile, prepackaged applications of honey -- is now manufactured by Australia's Capilano Honey to treat stubborn surgical wounds, oral infections and skin conditions. New Zealand's Comvita annually sells $30 million worth of wound dressings that combine "medical-grade active manuka honey" -- made from a local plant -- and seaweed fibers.
British-based Medlock Medical and Advancis Medical also offer sterile honey dressings and creams, noting the only potential caution for patients is "known allergy to bee venom."
Will Americans have access? Perhaps. According to a recent report from CNN, MediHoney has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration and expects an answer late this year -- and a potential gateway into our annual $2.8 billion "wound care market."
By Jennifer Harper, The Washington Times (USA), 7/29/2006
"In hospitals today we are faced with germs which are resistant to almost all the current antibiotics," said Dr. Arne Simon, an oncologist with the Children's Hospital at the University of Bonn. "As a result, the medical use of honey is becoming attractive again for the treatment of wounds."…
With cooperation from specialists in a dozen German hospitals, Dr. Simon is planning a large-scale study on honey's curative effects. He has already charted the success of traditional honey poultices on troublesome surgical wounds and skin conditions…
None of this has escaped the commercial sector. "Medical-grade honey" is now a reality.
MediHoney -- sterile, prepackaged applications of honey -- is now manufactured by Australia's Capilano Honey to treat stubborn surgical wounds, oral infections and skin conditions. New Zealand's Comvita annually sells $30 million worth of wound dressings that combine "medical-grade active manuka honey" -- made from a local plant -- and seaweed fibers.
British-based Medlock Medical and Advancis Medical also offer sterile honey dressings and creams, noting the only potential caution for patients is "known allergy to bee venom."
Will Americans have access? Perhaps. According to a recent report from CNN, MediHoney has applied for approval from the Food and Drug Administration and expects an answer late this year -- and a potential gateway into our annual $2.8 billion "wound care market."
Friday, July 28, 2006
German Hospital Uses Honey to Treat Wounds
Honey Often More Effective Than Antibiotics
Scientist Live, 7/28/06
For several years now Bonn pediatricians have been pioneering the use in Germany of medihoney in treating wounds. Medihoney bears the CE seal for medical products; its quality is regularly tested. The success is astonishing: “Dead tissue is rejected faster, and the wounds heals more rapidly,” Kai Sofka, wound specialist at the University Children’s Clinic, emphasises.
“What is more, changing dressings is less painful, since the poultices are easier to remove without damaging the newly formed layers of skin.”
Some wounds often smell unpleasant – an enormous strain on the patient. Yet honey helps here too by reducing the smell. “Even wounds which consistently refused to heal for years can, in our experience, be brought under control with medihoney – and this frequently happens within a few weeks,” Kai Sofka says...
Scientist Live, 7/28/06
For several years now Bonn pediatricians have been pioneering the use in Germany of medihoney in treating wounds. Medihoney bears the CE seal for medical products; its quality is regularly tested. The success is astonishing: “Dead tissue is rejected faster, and the wounds heals more rapidly,” Kai Sofka, wound specialist at the University Children’s Clinic, emphasises.
“What is more, changing dressings is less painful, since the poultices are easier to remove without damaging the newly formed layers of skin.”
Some wounds often smell unpleasant – an enormous strain on the patient. Yet honey helps here too by reducing the smell. “Even wounds which consistently refused to heal for years can, in our experience, be brought under control with medihoney – and this frequently happens within a few weeks,” Kai Sofka says...
Thursday, July 27, 2006
New Antioxidant Features Propolis, Pomegranate Seed Flour
Beehive Botanicals Introduces New Antioxidant Supplement Propolpom(TM)
Hayward, WI — Beehive Botanicals is pleased to introduce PropolPom™, a new super-antioxidant formula like no other. PROPOL2000™ combined with pomegranate seed flour results in a supplement that yields 44 times the antioxidant value of fresh blueberries. (PropolPom™ tested at 107,700 ORAC units per 100 grams compared with blueberries at 2,400.)
PropolPom™ is available in capsules or bulk powder for manufacturing. Beehive Botanicals offers custom-blending in its cGMP (Certified Good Manufacturing Practices) environment.
Through research and the long road of experience, the “Propolis Experts” at Beehive Botanicals have developed a proprietary process that retains the freshness of propolis without sacrificing purity.
PROPOL2000™ is lab-tested and certified to contain a minimum of 8% bioflavonoids.
To learn more, contact a Beehive Botanicals Sales Associate at 1-800-BEEHIVE or 715-634-4274.
Hayward, WI — Beehive Botanicals is pleased to introduce PropolPom™, a new super-antioxidant formula like no other. PROPOL2000™ combined with pomegranate seed flour results in a supplement that yields 44 times the antioxidant value of fresh blueberries. (PropolPom™ tested at 107,700 ORAC units per 100 grams compared with blueberries at 2,400.)
PropolPom™ is available in capsules or bulk powder for manufacturing. Beehive Botanicals offers custom-blending in its cGMP (Certified Good Manufacturing Practices) environment.
Through research and the long road of experience, the “Propolis Experts” at Beehive Botanicals have developed a proprietary process that retains the freshness of propolis without sacrificing purity.
PROPOL2000™ is lab-tested and certified to contain a minimum of 8% bioflavonoids.
To learn more, contact a Beehive Botanicals Sales Associate at 1-800-BEEHIVE or 715-634-4274.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Venom Claimed to Cure Arthritis
Pete Lemley’s Cure for Arthritis
South Dakota Magazine (USA)
Katie wrote a post yesterday about Pete Lemley, the old Badlands rancher who built the dinosaur that stands between Scenic and Rapid City.
When Pete was himself a dinosaur, he suffered greatly from arthritis. One day, while shutting a gate, a bumblebee stung his arthritic knuckles. They swelled for a day, but in the morning the swelling was down and the arthritis was gone. Convinced that the bee venom had cured him, Pete scraped the flesh on his arm and applied bee’s venom over a two-month period. He never complained about arthritis again, according to his daughter, Maggie Warren, in her book titled “The Badlands Fox.”
South Dakota Magazine (USA)
Katie wrote a post yesterday about Pete Lemley, the old Badlands rancher who built the dinosaur that stands between Scenic and Rapid City.
When Pete was himself a dinosaur, he suffered greatly from arthritis. One day, while shutting a gate, a bumblebee stung his arthritic knuckles. They swelled for a day, but in the morning the swelling was down and the arthritis was gone. Convinced that the bee venom had cured him, Pete scraped the flesh on his arm and applied bee’s venom over a two-month period. He never complained about arthritis again, according to his daughter, Maggie Warren, in her book titled “The Badlands Fox.”
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Antioxidative Capacity of Bee-Collected Pollen ‘Very High’
Antioxidative Properties of Bee Pollen in Selected Plant Species
Food Chemistry, Volume 100, Issue 1 , 2007, Pages 237-240
Abstract: Phenolic constituents (total phenols, phenylpropanoids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant ability were determined in bee pollen of 12 plant species. Antioxidant ability was measured as total antioxidant activity, radical-scavenging activity and activity against free hydroxyl radical. Great variability of phenolic contents was observed in the pollen of investigated species. Total antioxidant activity differed considerably (0.8–86.4% inhibition of lipid peroxidation), however, in most of the examined pollens, it was high and corresponded with the phenylpropanoid level…
In most of the investigated plant species, antioxidative capacity of bee pollen was very high.
Food Chemistry, Volume 100, Issue 1 , 2007, Pages 237-240
Abstract: Phenolic constituents (total phenols, phenylpropanoids, flavonols and anthocyanins) and antioxidant ability were determined in bee pollen of 12 plant species. Antioxidant ability was measured as total antioxidant activity, radical-scavenging activity and activity against free hydroxyl radical. Great variability of phenolic contents was observed in the pollen of investigated species. Total antioxidant activity differed considerably (0.8–86.4% inhibition of lipid peroxidation), however, in most of the examined pollens, it was high and corresponded with the phenylpropanoid level…
In most of the investigated plant species, antioxidative capacity of bee pollen was very high.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Honey Has Strong Antioxidative, Antibacterial Activities
Characterization of Honey from Different Floral Sources. Its Functional Properties and Effects of Honey Species on Storage of Meat
Food Chemistry, Volume 97, Issue 2 , July 2006, Pages 256-262
Abstract: The antioxidative effects of honey species and their related products were evaluated using a lipid peroxidation model system. The antioxidant activities of honey species gradually decreased with passage of time…
From the results of the bacterial test on storage of meat and muscle, each honey exhibited the inhibition of bacterial growth. In particular, propolis and royal jelly exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects against bacterial growth. This suggests that honey species from different floral sources possess strong antioxidative and antibacterial activities and are scavengers of active oxygen species.
Food Chemistry, Volume 97, Issue 2 , July 2006, Pages 256-262
Abstract: The antioxidative effects of honey species and their related products were evaluated using a lipid peroxidation model system. The antioxidant activities of honey species gradually decreased with passage of time…
From the results of the bacterial test on storage of meat and muscle, each honey exhibited the inhibition of bacterial growth. In particular, propolis and royal jelly exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects against bacterial growth. This suggests that honey species from different floral sources possess strong antioxidative and antibacterial activities and are scavengers of active oxygen species.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Propolis Extract May Alter Labeling of Plasma Proteins
A Propolis Extract and the Labeling of Blood Constituents with Technetium-99m
Acta Biol Hung, 2006 Jun;57(2):191-200
Since ancient times propolis has been employed for many human purposes because to their favourable properties. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) have been used in nuclear medicine procedures. Some authors have reported that synthetic or natural drugs can interfere with the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc. The aim of this work was to evaluate the action of a propolis extract on the labeling of blood elements with 99mTc…
Results suggest that at high concentration the constituents of this extract could alter the labeling of plasma proteins competing with same binding sites of the 99mTc on the plasma proteins or acting as antioxidant compounds.
Acta Biol Hung, 2006 Jun;57(2):191-200
Since ancient times propolis has been employed for many human purposes because to their favourable properties. Blood constituents labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) have been used in nuclear medicine procedures. Some authors have reported that synthetic or natural drugs can interfere with the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc. The aim of this work was to evaluate the action of a propolis extract on the labeling of blood elements with 99mTc…
Results suggest that at high concentration the constituents of this extract could alter the labeling of plasma proteins competing with same binding sites of the 99mTc on the plasma proteins or acting as antioxidant compounds.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
China: 3 Arrested in Scam Selling Fake Bee Venom
Xu Zhongyan and Dong Zhen, Shanghai Daily (China), 7/22/2006
HONGKOU District Police arrested three suspects on charges they earned 410,000 yuan (US$51,360) in a fake bee venom scam.
The three were arrested in Guangzhou early this month, said police, who detailed one of three cases.
A man, surnamed Wang, a 60-year-old experienced doctor, told police he was cheated by three men who pretended to be bee venom dealers.
Wang allegedly told the police that he paid 230,000 yuan for a bottle of fake bee venom.
Bee venom is a precious natural material used in some Chinese herbal medicines…
HONGKOU District Police arrested three suspects on charges they earned 410,000 yuan (US$51,360) in a fake bee venom scam.
The three were arrested in Guangzhou early this month, said police, who detailed one of three cases.
A man, surnamed Wang, a 60-year-old experienced doctor, told police he was cheated by three men who pretended to be bee venom dealers.
Wang allegedly told the police that he paid 230,000 yuan for a bottle of fake bee venom.
Bee venom is a precious natural material used in some Chinese herbal medicines…
Friday, July 21, 2006
Bee Venom Enzyme Helps Fight Malaria
Transgenic Mosquitoes Enlisted in Fight Against Malaria
Mario Osava, Inter Press Service, 7/20/2006
RIO DE JANEIRO, Jul 20 (Tierramérica) - Brazil's René Rachou Research Centre has genetically modified a mosquito to eliminate its ability to transmit the parasite that causes malaria.
If this mosquito can reproduce in nature, and replace the original disease-carrying mosquito, it would help control a disease that affects 300 to 500 million people each year -- 90 percent in Africa -- and claiming one million lives annually.
But it is still a long way off, "at least 10 years," scientist Luciano Andrade Moreira told Tierramérica. He coordinates the research that began in 2003 at the Rachou Center, of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, in Belo Horizonte, capital of the eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
The genetic modification of the mosquito involves introducing into its genes a protein that produces an enzyme to block the malaria parasite. Five years ago, U.S. researchers discovered the enzyme in bee venom. Its function is to prevent the parasite from leaving the insect's intestine…
Mario Osava, Inter Press Service, 7/20/2006
RIO DE JANEIRO, Jul 20 (Tierramérica) - Brazil's René Rachou Research Centre has genetically modified a mosquito to eliminate its ability to transmit the parasite that causes malaria.
If this mosquito can reproduce in nature, and replace the original disease-carrying mosquito, it would help control a disease that affects 300 to 500 million people each year -- 90 percent in Africa -- and claiming one million lives annually.
But it is still a long way off, "at least 10 years," scientist Luciano Andrade Moreira told Tierramérica. He coordinates the research that began in 2003 at the Rachou Center, of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, in Belo Horizonte, capital of the eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
The genetic modification of the mosquito involves introducing into its genes a protein that produces an enzyme to block the malaria parasite. Five years ago, U.S. researchers discovered the enzyme in bee venom. Its function is to prevent the parasite from leaving the insect's intestine…
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Hawaiian Entrepreneurs Market Skin Cream Containing Honey, Beeswax, Propolis, Bee Pollen
Honey Girl Relies on Busy Bees
By Nadine Kam, Star-Bulletin, 7/20/2006
She started recommending the Maxwells' cream to her patients, and eventually partnered with the Maxwells to market it more widely. The result is Honey Girl Organics, with products sold through the company's Web site and a handful of outlets.
Head-to-toe care is available in six products, from a foot balm to face and eye cream, and a jar of "Super Skin Food" featuring royal jelly and vitamin E to nourish body parts prone to cracking and roughness.
The creams utilize extra-virgin olive oil, purified waters and essential oils, with just a touch of honey, so you won't have to worry about attracting those other six-legged busybodies, ants. Because the creams also contain organic beeswax infused with propolis and bee pollen, they might have a few dark specks, which Sirlin says is nothing to worry about. The specks are remnants of the propolis, which she describes as a resinlike paste gathered by bees.
"It has antiseptic properties to ensure a germ-free environment for the bees. They bring it back and mix it with beeswax to seal the hive entrance," she said…
By Nadine Kam, Star-Bulletin, 7/20/2006
She started recommending the Maxwells' cream to her patients, and eventually partnered with the Maxwells to market it more widely. The result is Honey Girl Organics, with products sold through the company's Web site and a handful of outlets.
Head-to-toe care is available in six products, from a foot balm to face and eye cream, and a jar of "Super Skin Food" featuring royal jelly and vitamin E to nourish body parts prone to cracking and roughness.
The creams utilize extra-virgin olive oil, purified waters and essential oils, with just a touch of honey, so you won't have to worry about attracting those other six-legged busybodies, ants. Because the creams also contain organic beeswax infused with propolis and bee pollen, they might have a few dark specks, which Sirlin says is nothing to worry about. The specks are remnants of the propolis, which she describes as a resinlike paste gathered by bees.
"It has antiseptic properties to ensure a germ-free environment for the bees. They bring it back and mix it with beeswax to seal the hive entrance," she said…
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Honey Prevents Bacterial Growth, Promotes Healing
Honey's Health Buzz
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (USA), 7/19/06
Honey is more than a sweetener. The natural carbohydrate contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and cancer-preventing compounds. The darker the honey, the more antioxidant content, so dark buckwheat honey contains the most value. And it has benefits beyond its value as a food. You can use it to treat wounds. It reduces swelling, prevents bacterial growth and promotes healing. Organic raw honey that has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered is best. Children under age 1 should not eat honey because of the risk of food poisoning. One tablespoon equals 64 calories.
Honey is a Natural Sedative
Learn to Beat Stress
Alan Hayes, Central Coast Express, 7/19/2006
A teaspoon of honey at bedtime is also a natural sedative it is very nutritious and contains vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, silica and potassium and the sugars in honey stimulate serotonin production which induces natural relaxation.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (USA), 7/19/06
Honey is more than a sweetener. The natural carbohydrate contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and cancer-preventing compounds. The darker the honey, the more antioxidant content, so dark buckwheat honey contains the most value. And it has benefits beyond its value as a food. You can use it to treat wounds. It reduces swelling, prevents bacterial growth and promotes healing. Organic raw honey that has not been pasteurized, clarified or filtered is best. Children under age 1 should not eat honey because of the risk of food poisoning. One tablespoon equals 64 calories.
Honey is a Natural Sedative
Learn to Beat Stress
Alan Hayes, Central Coast Express, 7/19/2006
A teaspoon of honey at bedtime is also a natural sedative it is very nutritious and contains vitamins B and C, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, silica and potassium and the sugars in honey stimulate serotonin production which induces natural relaxation.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
World’s Most Expensive Honey High in Antioxidants
Sidr Honey
By Nicole Weston, Luxist, 7/17/06
Sidr Honey is said to be the single most expensive honey in the world. It comes from the Hadramaut Mountains in the Southwestern Arabian Peninsula, where it is harvested only twice per year. The honey is from bees who feast only on the pollen of the Sidr tree, considered by many to be a holy tree and is one of the most resilient, ancient tree varieties in the area. Sidr honey is reputed to have many medicinal benefits and has an unusually high level of antioxidants, not to mention a rich, unforgettable taste. It can be found online and sells for $200/kg.
By Nicole Weston, Luxist, 7/17/06
Sidr Honey is said to be the single most expensive honey in the world. It comes from the Hadramaut Mountains in the Southwestern Arabian Peninsula, where it is harvested only twice per year. The honey is from bees who feast only on the pollen of the Sidr tree, considered by many to be a holy tree and is one of the most resilient, ancient tree varieties in the area. Sidr honey is reputed to have many medicinal benefits and has an unusually high level of antioxidants, not to mention a rich, unforgettable taste. It can be found online and sells for $200/kg.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Propolis and Cancer Prevention
Brazilian Natural Dietary Components (Annatto, Propolis and Mushrooms) Protecting Against Mutation and Cancer
Hum Exp Toxicol, 2006 May;25(5):267-72
This review summarizes some of our studies conducted to verify the anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential of some Brazilian natural dietary constituents (annatto, mushrooms, and propolis). Overall data have shown a clear role for these compounds in preventing mutation and specific preneoplastic lesions. Taken together, these agents indicate a favorable side-effect profile and may prove to be a promising alternative for cancer prevention strategies, although more investigation is needed to fully explore this issue.
Hum Exp Toxicol, 2006 May;25(5):267-72
This review summarizes some of our studies conducted to verify the anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic potential of some Brazilian natural dietary constituents (annatto, mushrooms, and propolis). Overall data have shown a clear role for these compounds in preventing mutation and specific preneoplastic lesions. Taken together, these agents indicate a favorable side-effect profile and may prove to be a promising alternative for cancer prevention strategies, although more investigation is needed to fully explore this issue.
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