Turkish Propolis Shows Radical Scavenging Activity

Pressurized Liquid Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Anatolia Propolis and Their Radical Scavenging Capacities
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press

Propolis samples from important honey producing locations of Anatolia namely; Bingol (BG), Rize (RZ), Tekirdag (TK) and Van (VN), were evaluated for their antiradical capacities, total phenolic contents and individual phenolic compounds which was recovered by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Several extraction parameters of PLE such as; temperature, pressure, solvent type, extraction time and cell size were investigated for their effects on the extraction performances.

The results showed that, 40 °C, 1500 psi, Ethanol:Water:HCl; (70:25:5, v/v/v) containing 0.1% tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) as solvent, three extraction cycles within 15 min, and a cell size of 11 mL was the most favorable PLE operating conditions. Results of the tests performed to designate the success of the polyphenol analysis showed that the recovery was in the range of 97.2 and 99.7%.

Major phenolic compounds in all samples were found to be gallocatechin (GCT), catechin (CT), epicatechin gallate (ECTG), caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), and myricetin (Myr). ChA level of BG propolis was 4.5, 3 and 23 times higher than that of RZ, TK and VN region, respectively.

Antiradical tests showed that all propolis samples have superior antiradical capacities up to 500 mg Trolox equivalent activity per gram of extract.

Royal Jelly Protein Stimulates Queen Development

Royalactin Induces Queen Differentiation in Honeybees
Nature, 4/24/2011

The honeybee (Apis mellifera) forms two female castes: the queen and the worker. This dimorphism depends not on genetic differences, but on ingestion of royal jelly, although the mechanism through which royal jelly regulates caste differentiation has long remained unknown.

Here I show that a 57-kDa protein in royal jelly, previously designated as royalactin, induces the differentiation of honeybee larvae into queens. Royalactin increased body size and ovary development and shortened developmental time in honeybees. Surprisingly, it also showed similar effects in the fruitfly (Drosophila melanogaster). Mechanistic studies revealed that royalactin activated p70 S6 kinase, which was responsible for the increase of body size, increased the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinase, which was involved in the decreased developmental time, and increased the titre of juvenile hormone, an essential hormone for ovary development. Knockdown of epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) expression in the fat body of honeybees and fruitflies resulted in a defect of all phenotypes induced by royalactin, showing that Egfr mediates these actions.

These findings indicate that a specific factor in royal jelly, royalactin, drives queen development through an Egfr-mediated signalling pathway.

Kate Middleton Uses Bee Venom Facial

Kate's Bizarre NZ Facial Treatment
By Alanah Eriksen, New Zealand Herald, 4/28/2011

Kate Middleton may have been using venom from New Zealand bees as a face treatment ahead of her wedding.

The royal bride is reported to have taken the beauty tip from Prince William's stepmother, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Bee Venom Mask, supposedly an alternative to botox, was credited last year with making Camilla, 63, look years younger.

The cream, which is sold online and in specialist boutiques, is said to work by gently stinging the skin, leaving a tingling sensation and causing the body to direct blood flow to the area…

New Zealand Firm Plans Products Using Medicinal Ingredients in Honey, Propolis

Range of Products a Long Way from a Pot of Honey
By Owen Hembry, New Zealand Herald, 4/26/2011

Manuka Health New Zealand is hoping a new range of products incorporating the benefits of manuka honey and propolis will help it more than double turnover within five years.

The company displayed new products at last month's NZBIO conference which encapsulated the active ingredients found in manuka honey and propolis - methylglyoxal and caffeic acid phenethyl ester respectively - with cyclodextrins as a powder.

The company had started making manuka honey lozenges and propolis powder which it intended to soon start selling as part of a CycloPower range of products.

The products encapsulated the active ingredients using cyclodextrins - a compound with the ability to enhance solubility, stabilise, control release rate, increase bio-availability and absorption.

Chief executive Kerry Paul said: "CycloPower moves us a long way from a pot of honey, improving bioactivity, ease of use and convenience, and with a presentation consistent with medical applications.

"Those are our starting products but we've got a whole pipeline of products lined up to bring out progressively over time."

The encapsulation process eliminated disadvantages of delivering the active ingredient in honey, including acidity, taste and odour, and opened the way to a wide range of applications such as eye drops, Nasal sprays, topical creams and oral capsules.

Oral delivery of manuka honey's active ingredient methylglyoxal opened up many possibilities to make better use of its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, the company said.

"From a commercial perspective it increases the multiples earned per kilogram of honey by around 10 times," Paul said. "It opens up new frontiers, midway between natural health and pharmaceutical products."

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester's main property was as an anti-tumour compound, Paul said…

Apitherapy Worshop Held in Saudi Arabia

Baqshan Chair for Bee Research Organizes Apitherapy Workshop
King Saud University, 4/25/2011

This week, heads of the international beekeepers association and the Asian beekeepers association, along with Saudi researchers, were among the guests at a workshop on the medical and therapeutic use of bee products. The workshop was organized by the Eng. Abdullah Baqshan Research Chair for Bee Research.

Dr. Ahmad Khazim Al-Ghamdi, supervisor of the Chair, said the apitherapy workshop is the first of its kind in the Kingdom and drew physicians and experts from Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, the United States, France, Thailand and elsewhere who are renowned for using bee products in therapy.

Dr. Al Ghamdi said the workshop was held because the Chair recognizes the importance of apitherapy, especially for its effectiveness in treating more than 500 ailments, including breast cancer, chronic wounds, skin ulcerations, burns, skin diseases, hepatitis, arthritis and eczema.

He added that a goal of the workshop was to spread knowledge about the medical properties of bee products and increase awareness of them among health workers.

He said the workshop also aimed to bring to the Arab world medical technology pertaining to the use of bee products and to consider laws and regulations governing apitherapy in other countries for the purpose of drafting a national plan.

Dr. Al Ghamdi added that the workshop would conclude with a two-day training session by Dr. Stefan Stangaciu, director of the German and Rumanian Apitherapy Association on the practical implementation of bee product therapy. That session was intended for doctors, advanced students, pharmacists, pharmacological industry workers, alternative medicine workers, nurses and apiarists…

Propolis Has Low Toxicity, Even in High Doses

Pharmacognostic and Acute Toxicological Evaluation of Scaptotrigona aff. postica Propolis Extract in Pre-Clinical Assays
Nat Prod Res, 2011 Jan 1:1-10

The propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica is popularly used in Maranhao State, Brazil, for treating wounds and respiratory illnesses. Nevertheless, little is known about the chemical composition of this propolis and the adverse effects of its use.

Hence, this study is a pharmacognostic characterisation of the propolis hydroalcoholic extract (PHE) from S. aff. postica.

The methodology consisted of an evaluation of the sensory and chemical parameters. Chemical analysis of PHE indicated high concentrations of phenolic and triterpens substances, and the absence of steroids.

Additionally, we evaluated the acute toxicity of propolis using 48 Swiss male and female mice. The animals received single doses of PHE (1000, 2000 or 4000 mg kg(-1)) orally and were observed for 14 days. After this period, the mice were sacrificed and the blood was used for biochemical and haematological evaluation.

PHE did not induce any death, and the acute treatment significantly reduced serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.

The resultant data indicate that PHE from S. aff. postica has low toxicity when used orally, even in high doses.

Freeze-Dried Bee Pollen Has Highest Antioxidant Activity

Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amide Derivatives, Phenolics Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Extracts of Pollen Samples from Southeast Brazil
J Agric Food Chem, 2011 Apr 18

Seven bee pollen samples with different palynological sources were harvested from Pindamonhangaba municipality (Southeast Brazil). Methanol extracts of untreated samples (control), samples freezed to -18oC and samples freezed and then dried were analyzed by HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS/MS.

Glycosides of quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin and patuletin were detected. The main constituent found in all samples C1-C7 (seven collections of bee pollen along 21 days) was N',N",N'"-tris-p-feruloylspermidine, together N',N",N'"-tris-p-coumaroylspermidine. Distinct phenolic profiles characterize the samples analyzed, but no differences were noted as resulting from different treatments.

Total phenolic ranged from 1.7 to 2.2%. Antioxidant activities above 75% (based on the DPPH method) were observed for all extracts, not correlated with total phenolic content.

Among samples from the same origin, those freezed were more active than samples untreated (control), and the samples freezed and dried were the most active.

Video: Allergy Sufferers Turn to Local Honey

For 20 years, John Pluta's bee collection kept growing and the demand for his local honey and bee products shot up as well. Word spread quickly to allergy sufferers of a possible solution.

"I've been eating it from here for quite a few years. Last year I didn't eat much of it and I did have some allergy problems. I ate some this past winter and I haven't had any problems this year," said Jimmy Warren of Milledgeville…

Pluta says some people take advantage of the bee venom by using Apitherapy which can give relief to arthritis and other joint issues.

Coniferous, Thyme Honeys Show Highest Antibacterial Activity

Antibacterial Activity of Different Honeys Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Anaerobe, Article in Press

To study the antimicrobial activity of honey, 60 samples of various botanical origin were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against 16 clinical pathogens and their respective reference strains. The microbiological quality of honeys and the antibiotic susceptibility of the various isolates were also examined.

The bioassay applied for determining the antimicrobial effect employs the well-agar diffusion method and the estimation of minimum active dilution which produces a 1 mm diameter inhibition zone.

All honey samples, despite their origin (coniferous, citrus, thyme or polyfloral), showed antibacterial activity against the pathogenic and their respective reference strains at variable levels.

Coniferous and thyme honeys showed the highest activity with an average minimum dilution of 17.4 and 19.2% (w/v) followed by citrus and polyfloral honeys with 20.8 and 23.8% respectively. Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica subsp.

Enterica, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis were proven to be up to 60% more resistant than their equal reference strains thus emphasizing the variability in the antibacterial effect of honey and the need for further research.

Honey a Potential Treatment for Renal Cancer

Honey Induces Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Pharmacogn Mag, 2011 Jan;7(25):46-52

Background: The fact that antioxidants have several preventative effects against different diseases, such as coronary diseases, inflammatory disorders, neurologic degeneration, aging, and cancer, has led to the search for food rich in antioxidants. Honey has been used as a traditional food and medical source since ancient times. However, recently many scientists have been concentrating on the antioxidant property of honey. By use of human renal cancer cell lines (ACHN), we investigated the antiproliferative activity, apoptosis, and the antitumor activity of honey.

Materials and Methods: The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum treated with different concentrations of honey for 3 consecutive days. Cell viability was quantitated by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) by flow cytometry.

Results: Honey decreased the cell viability in the malignant cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC (50) values against the ACHN cell lines were determined as 1.7 ± 0.04% and 2.1 ± 0.03% μg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Honey induced apoptosis of the ACHN cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by flow cytometry histogram of treated cells.

Conclusion: It might be concluded that honey may cause cell death in the ACHN cells, in which apoptosis plays an important role. Most of the drugs used in the cancer treatment are apoptotic inducers, hence apoptotic nature of honey is considered vital. Therefore, it prompted us to investigate honey as a potential candidate for renal cancer treatment.

Honey Has Considerable Therapeutic Effects on Wounds, Ulcers, Burns

Honey for Wound Healing, Ulcers, and Burns; Data Supporting Its Use in Clinical Practice
ScientificWorldJournal, 2011 Apr 5;11:766-87.

The widespread existence of unhealed wounds, ulcers, and burns has a great impact on public health and economy. Many interventions, including new medications and technologies, are being used to help achieve significant wound healing and to eliminate infections.

Therefore, to find an intervention that has both therapeutic effect on the healing process and the ability to kill microbes is of great value.

Honey is a natural product that has been recently introduced in modern medical practice. Honey's antibacterial properties and its effects on wound healing have been thoroughly investigated. Laboratory studies and clinical trials have shown that honey is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agent.

This paper reviews data that support the effectiveness of natural honey in wound healing and its ability to sterilize infected wounds.

Studies on the therapeutic effects of honey collected in different geographical areas on skin wounds, skin and gastric ulcers, and burns are reviewed and mechanisms of action are discussed. (Ulcers and burns are included as an example of challenging wounds.) The data show that the wound healing properties of honey include stimulation of tissue growth, enhanced epithelialization, and minimized scar formation. These effects are ascribed to honey's acidity, hydrogen peroxide content, osmotic effect, nutritional and antioxidant contents, stimulation of immunity, and to unidentified compounds. Prostaglandins and nitric oxide play a major role in inflammation, microbial killing, and the healing process.

Honey was found to lower prostaglandin levels and elevate nitric oxide end products. These properties might help to explain some biological and therapeutic properties of honey, particularly as an antibacterial agent or wound healer.

The data presented here demonstrate that honeys from different geographical areas have considerable therapeutic effects on chronic wounds, ulcers, and burns. The results encourage the use of honey in clinical practice as a natural and safe wound healer.

Honey, Bee Pollen Effective in Preventing Postoperative Adhesions

The Effect of Oral Honey and Pollen on Postoperative Intraabdominal Adhesions
Turk J Gastroenterol, 2011 Feb;22(1):65-72

Background/aims: We evaluated the effect of oral usage of honey and pollen, either separately or together, on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

Methods: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Abrasion was performed on the cecum, and a patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. Group 1 rats received no treatment; Group 2 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey; Group 3 rats received 4 g/kg/day pollen; and Group 4 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey and pollen mixed in equal amounts, in addition to the standard feeding for postoperative 21 days. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day.

Following the adhesion scoring, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. The tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate the antioxidant capacity.

Results: Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control and other groups. No dense adhesion was observed in the treatment groups. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between the control and honey and honey+pollen groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase levels were significantly different between the control and other groups. Catalase levels were different between the control and honey groups. Plasma antioxidant levels were different between the control and other groups. The pathological scores for fibrosis and inflammation were significantly different between the control and other groups.

Conclusions: Honey and pollen were found to be effective in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions, and these effects were thought to be a result of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Honey May Help Treat Inflammatory Conditions

Effects of Honey on Inflammation and Nitric Oxide Production in Wistar Rats
Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao, 2011 Apr;9(4):447-52

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of honey on acute and chronic inflammations and nitric oxide production in rats.

Methods: Carrageenan, cotton pellet and formaldehyde methods were used in quantifying the anti-inflammatory effect of honey while the effect of honey on nitric oxide (NO) production was investigated by administering NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously) and L-arginine (300 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally) to groups of rats. Animals were divided into five groups each comprising of five rats in each experiment; two groups were orally administered distilled water (control) and indomethacin (5 mg/kg body weight), respectively, while the remaining three groups were administered 2, 6 and 10 g/kg honey for anti-inflammatory studies.

Results: Honey significantly reduced the paw size in the carrageenan model, while in the cotton pellet model, the granuloma weight was significantly reduced. Honey also significantly reduced the arthritis induced by formaldehyde injection from the second day of the study.

In the investigation on NO involvement, L-NAME significantly inhibited paw oedema while the administration of L-arginine abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of honey and L-NAME.

Conclusion: The results obtained from the study confirm that honey has an anti-inflammatory effect which may be due in part to inhibition of NO release. Therefore honey may be used to treat certain acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Bee Pollen Boosts Release of Growth Factor

The Effect of Bee Pollen on Secretion Activity, Markers of Proliferation and Apoptosis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells in vitro
J Environ Sci Health B, 2011 Apr;46(3):207-12

The general objective of this in vitro study was to examine the effect of bee pollen on the release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormone progesterone, and expression of markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Concentrations of IGF-I and progesterone were determined by RIA method and expression of PCNA and caspase-3 by immunocytochemistry. Bee pollen addition at the dose of 10 ng/mL significantly inhibited IGF-I release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. This growth factor was not influenced by 100 and 1000 ng/mL doses of bee pollen. Progesterone release by cells was not influenced by bee pollen addition at the doses of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/mL as used in our study. Similarly expression of PCNA and caspase-3 was not affected by bee pollen addition.

The present study shows dose-dependent regulation of IGF-I by experimental bee pollen addition in vitro. Progesterone release, expression of PCNA and caspase-3 in porcine ovarian granulosa cells was not induced by pollen.

Our results contribute to new insights regarding the possible effect of bee pollen on IGF-I release, which is important for regulation of porcine ovarian functions.

Propolis Boost Immune Response

The Immune Enhancement of Propolis Adjuvant on Inactivated Porcine Parvovirus Vaccine in Guinea Pig
Cell Immunol, 2011 Apr 9

Two experiments were carried out. In immune response test, the immune enhancement of propolis, oilemulsion and aluminium salt were compared in guinea pig vaccinated with inactivated porcine parvovirus (PPV) vaccine.

The result showed that three adjuvants could enhance antibody titer, T lymphocyte proliferation, IL-2 and IL-4 secretion of splenic lymphocyte. The action of propolis was similar to that of oilemulsion and superior to that of aluminium salt, especially in early period of vaccination propolis could accelerate antibody production.

In immune protection test, the effects of three adjuvants on PPV infection were compared in guinea pig vaccinated with PPV vaccine then challenged with PPV. The result showed that propolis and oilemulsion could enhance the antibody titer, IL-2 and IL-4 content in serum and decrease the PPV content in blood and viscera. In the effect of improving cellular immune response, the propolis was the best.

These results indicated that propolis possessed better immune enhancement and would be exploited into a effective adjuvant of inactivated vaccine.