New Zealand Firm Uses Cyclodextrins to Form Complex Molecules with Manuka Honey and Propolis

Presentation

Cyclodextrins are a circular compound made up of sugar molecules.

• Produced from starch via enzymatic conversion
• Used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry

We are using cyclodextrins to form complex molecules with Manuka Honey and Propolis -- enhanced bioactivity

• Not a new idea…coenzyme Q10…..supplementation for angina, heart attacks - beauty creams with encapsulated Vit C - Lipioic Acid

Manuka Honey Component Boosts Action of Antibiotics

Distinct Synergistic Action of Piperacillin and Methylglyoxal Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Indian J Exp Biol, 2011 Jul;49(7):547-51

The dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal is a natural constituent of Manuka honey produced from Manuka flowers in New Zealand. It is known to possess both anticancer and antibacterial activity. Such observations prompted to investigate the ability of methylglyoxal as a potent drug against multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

A total of 12 test P. aeruginosa strains isolated from various hospitals were tested for their resistances against many antibiotics, most of which are applied in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. Results revealed that the strains were resistant to many drugs at high levels, only piperacillin, carbenicillin, amikacin and ciprofloxacin showed resistances at comparatively lower levels.

Following multiple experimentations it was observed that methylglyoxal was also antimicrobic against all the strains at comparable levels. Distinct and statistically significant synergism was observed between methylglyoxal and piperacillin by disc diffusion tests when compared with their individual effects. The fractional inhibitory concentration index of this combination evaluated by checkerboard analysis, was 0.5, which confirmed synergism between the pair.

Synergism was also noted when methylglyoxal was combined with carbenicillin and amikacin.

Clover Honey Exhibits Strong Antibacterial Activity

Antioxidative, Antibrowning and Antibacterial Activities of Sixteen Floral Honeys
Food Funct, 2011 Aug 22

Commonly consumed honeys from sixteen different single floral sources were analyzed for their in vitro antioxidant capacities by several methods including DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, SASR and MDA assays.

The total polyphenol contents varied among the tested honeys and were highly correlated to their antioxidant capacity values. The antioxidant capacity of Chinese milk vetch flower honeys was significantly higher than those of other flower honeys.

All honeys tested were active in inhibiting the browning of apple homogenate and linden honey displayed the highest inhibition rate as 85%.

When the antimicrobial activity of the investigated honeys was screened using Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), clover honey exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity as 2.2 mg mL(-1) kanamycin equivalent inhibition.

Hot-Air Drying May Reduce Nutritional Properties of Bee Pollen

Influence of the Commercial Processing and Floral Origin on Bioactive and Nutritional Properties of Honeybee-Collected Pollen
International Journal of Food Science & Technology, Published online: 22 AUG 2011

Pollen is characterised for having a low fat content, a relatively high content of dietary fibre and an important amount of minerals and essential amino acids. With regard to bioactive compounds, honeybee-collected pollen exhibits an important source of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity.

The purpose of this research was to study how the nutritional properties and the stability of the bioactive compounds found in honeybee-collected pollen were affected by the commercial processing and its floral origin.

To achieve this goal, pollen pellets of different floral origin were harvested directly from hives and immediately stored at −80 °C. Pollen pellets were dried by placing them into hot-air chambers (traditional drying methodology) or by means of freeze-drying.

We found a slight influence of floral origin on the nutritional properties of pollen pellets (multifloral pollen had higher contents of fat, carbohydrates, proteins and mineral elements than monofloral-type pollen), whereas the abundance of bioactive compounds was correlated with the origin factor as well as the methodology employed to dry the fresh pollen pellets, especially carotenoid pigments such as lutein (5.73 ± 1.80, 4.93 ± 1.16 and 0.81 ± 0.16 μg of lutein per g of pollen for fresh, lyophilised and hot-air-dried multifloral pollen).

Propolis May Help Treat Arthritis

Suppression of Interleukin 17 Production by Brazilian Propolis in Mice with Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Inflammopharmacology, 2011 Aug 23

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from leaf buds and cracks in the bark of various plants. Propolis has been reported to have immunomodulatory activity. We hypothesized that propolis would be able to reduce the disease severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

We evaluated the effect of Brazilian propolis ethanolic extract on the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Mice fed propolis exhibited significant lower clinical arthritis scores than those fed the control diet.

To investigate the mechanism of the effect of propolis on CIA mice, we examined interleukin-17 (IL-17) production in CIA mice fed propolis using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay and flow cytometric analysis. The numbers of IL-17-producing cells in the CIA mice fed propolis were significantly decreased. To determine direct influence of propolis on cytokine production, splenocytes were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of propolis extract in vitro.

Concentration-dependent declines in IL-17 expression were observed by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. We further found that propolis significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells from murine splenocytes in a concentration-dependent manner.

Taken together, our results may provide a new light on the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis.

Honey a Safe Alternative to Preserve Tissue Samples

Honey as a substitute for formalin? Ozkan N, Salva E, Cakalağaoğlu F, Tüzüner B.
Biotech Histochem, 2011 Aug 23

Formalin has long been the standard fixative for clinical routines worldwide. After the Formaldehyde Standard became law in the US in 1987, as a result of increasing concerns about the potential carcinogenicity of formaldehyde, attempts have been made to find safer alternatives. Alcoholic formalin is a useful fixative, because in addition to fixation, dehydration also is begun.

For centuries, honey has been known to be an antibacterial agent with the potential to preserve compounds without harmful effects on its users. We compared the effects of honey fixation with other routine fixatives using conventional histochemical and immunohistochemical staining methods.

Our results demonstrated that tissues fixed in either honey or alcoholic formalin and 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) have similar histomorphology. Honey fixation showed minor histomorphological differences among the various tissues; however, it did not influence affect correct diagnostic conclusions.

Our results suggested that honey can be used as a safe alternative to formalin in histopathology.

Honey and Microbial Infections

A Review Supporting the Use of Honey for Microbial Control
J Med Food, 2011 Aug 22

Honey has been used as a medicine throughout the ages and has recently been reintroduced to modern medical practice. Much of the research to date has addressed honey's antibacterial properties and its effects on wound healing.

Laboratory studies and clinical trials have shown that honey is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. Honey antimicrobial action explains the external and internal uses of honey.

Honey has been used to treat adult and neonatal postoperative infection, burns, necrotizing fasciitis, infected and nonhealing wounds and ulcers, boils, pilonidal sinus, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. These effects are ascribed to honey's antibacterial action, which is due to acidity, hydrogen peroxide content, osmotic effect, nutritional and antioxidants content, stimulation of immunity, and to unidentified compounds.

When ingested, honey also promotes healing and shows antibacterial action by decreasing prostaglandin levels, elevating nitric oxide levels, and exerting prebiotic effects. These factors play a major role in controlling inflammation and promoting microbial control and healing processes.

This article reviews data supporting the effectiveness of natural honey in eradicating human pathogens and discusses the mechanism of actions.

Video: Bee Products’ Healing Properties on Display in Ukraine

Study Identifies New Royal Jelly Proteins

Novel Royal Jelly Proteins Identified by Gel-based and Gel-Free Proteomics
J Agric Food Chem, 2011 Aug 22

Royal jelly (RJ) plays an important role in caste determination of honeybee (a genetically same female egg develops either into a queen or worker bee depending on the time and the amount of RJ feed to the larva) and also has numerous health promoting properties for humans.

We applied gel-based and gel-free proteomics approaches followed with high-performance liquid chromatography-chip quadruple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry to comprehensive reveal RJ proteome.

Generally, 37 and 22 nonredundant proteins were identified by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis and gel-free analysis, respectively, and 19 new proteins were found by these two proteomics approaches.

In agreement with previous studies, major royal jelly proteins was the main protein family in RJ and proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism as glucose oxidase, alpha-glucosidase precursor, glucose dehydrogenase, were also successfully identified. Importantly, the 19 newly identified proteins were mainly classified into three functional categories: oxidation-reduction, ergic53 CG6822-PA, isoform A isoform 1, Sec61 CG9539-PA and ADP/ATP translocase; protein binding, regucalcin (RC) and translationally controlled tumor protein CG4800-PA isoform 1 and lipid transport, apolipophorin-III-like protein.

These new findings not only significantly increase the RJ proteome coverage, but also help us get new knowledge of RJ for honeybee biology and potential use for human health promotion.

Portuguese Propolis Extract Protects Nerve Cells

Northeast Portuguese Propolis Protects Against Staurosporine and Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Neurotoxicity in Primary Cortical Neurons
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press

The present work describes the protective effects of the crude Northeast Portuguese propolis enriched phenolic extract against staurosporine (STS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neurotoxicity.

These two stress inducers act through various pathways, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the induction of apoptosis through caspases activation. STS (25 and 50 nM) and H2O2 (100 μM) increased intracellular ROS and diminished cellular reducing ability in cultured cortical neurons, under conditions unrelated with massive loss of plasma membrane integrity, suggesting decreased neuronal function. Moreover, 25 nM STS and 100 μM H2O2 increased caspase-3 activity by about 2.8-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively. Pre-treatment of cortical neurons with the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) in the range of 0.01 to 1 μg/ml showed no protective effect on cell reducing capacity, but decreased H2O2-stimulated increment in ROS production by about 17%. In addition, the EEP attenuated STS- or H2O2- induced activation of caspase-3 by 23-39%.

Overall, the results show moderate protective effects induced by Northeast Portuguese EEP in c subjected to stress stimuli.

Honey Works with Superabsorbent Dressing to Reduce Wound Bacterial Load

Using a Superabsorbent Dressing and Antimicrobial for a Venous Ulcer
Br J Nurs, 2011 Aug 12-25;20(15):38-43.

In chronic wounds, exudate is believed to prolong the inflammatory phase and is detrimental to healing (Trengove et al, 1999; Vowden and Vowden, 2004). Poor exudate management can have important management cost implications, and may result in increased patient morbidity (White and Cutting, 2006).

Accurate assessment of wound exudate is a key component of wound healing and management is achieved through different methods depending on the cause of the excessive exudate production. Superabsorbent dressings have been designed to treat highly exuding wounds; they have a greater fluid-handling capacity than traditional dressings and require changing less frequently (Tadej, 2009).

This case study reports on the combined use of a superabsorbent dressing with an antibacterial dressing in a 102-year-old patient who presented with a painful infected venous ulcer complicated by some arterial disease. The combination of the superabsorbent KerraMax® (Crawford Healthcare) with the antibacterial honey Algivon® (Advancis Medical) created the ideal dressing for the treatment of this infected mixed aetiology ulcer, as manuka honey has a strong antibacterial effect (Molan, 1992), and the dressing absorbs the excessive exudate.

The dressings worked together to reduce the bacterial load on the wound bed surface, with the honey selectively destroying the bacteria (Molan, 1992), and KerraMax absorbed and locked away the bacteria-containing exudate, which helped to reduce further exudate production, prevent maceration and reduce the potential for a wound to become malodorous (Hampton, 2011).

Bee Venom Component Protects Cells Against Injury

Protective Effects of Melittin on Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Injury to Hepatocytes Via Anti-Apoptotic Mechanism
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Article in Press

Melittin is a cationic, hemolytic peptide that is the main toxic component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). Melittin has multiple effects, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, in various cell types. However, the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of melittin have not been fully elucidated in hepatocytes.

Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, liver cancer, and other liver diseases.

In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 μg/mL) and high dose (2 μg/mL) of melittin. The low doses significantly protected these cells from DNA damage in TGF-β1-induced apoptosis compared to the high dose. Also, melittin suppressed TGF-β1-induced apoptotic activation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase family of proteins, which resulted in the inhibition of poly–ADP–ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage.

These results demonstrate that TGF-β1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis and that an optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects against TGF-β1-induced injury to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway. These results suggest that an optimal dose of melittin can serve to protect cells against TGF-β1-mediated injury.

Highlights

► We investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on TGF-β1-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes.
► TGF-β1 induces hepatocyte apoptosis.
► TGF-β1-treated hepatocytes were exposed to low doses (0.5 and 1 μg/mL) and high dose (2 μg/mL) of melittin.
► An optimal dose of melittin exerts anti-apoptotic effects to hepatocytes via the mitochondrial pathway.

Is Bee Venom Nature's Botox?

By Renee Trilivas, Allure, August 17, 2011

Kate Middleton isn't the only royal creating a buzz with her beauty habits. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, reportedly slathers on a $90 bee venom-based face mask to combat the aging process. This “organic face lift” claims to smooth out wrinkles by tricking the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Recently, the British beauty brand which makes the mask, Heaven by Deborah Mitchell, scored a $164 million, ten-year distribution deal in China. But is it actually a viable alternative to Botox? We ask dermatologist Jeannette Graf if the main ingredient in this $90 mask is really the bee's knees.

Dr. Graf says melittin, the active compound in bee venom, does have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and can boost the immune system. Since the venom is anaphylactic, it temporarily relaxes the facial muscles, breaking down cell membranes and improving circulation—all of which can theoretically contribute to a tighter complexion…

Bees Still Love Obama: White House Hive Awash in Honey

By Paul Bedard, U.S.News & World Report, 8/17/2011

Bee Culture Editor Kim Flottum, left, with White House bee keeper Charlie Brandts beside the South Lawn hive.

At least the White House honey bees are sticking with the president. Set in some of Washington's lushest gardens and tree groves, and right next to first lady Michelle Obama's veggie patch, the single South Lawn hive has produced a record 225 and a half pounds of honey this year, nearly double its first year production.

"It's just craziness," says White House carpenter and bee keeper Charlie Brandts. "They did really well this year."…

New Book Details Honey’s Healing Properties

Honey: Nature's Golden Healer
Mother Earth News

A compregensive introduction to the "nectar of the gods."

With increasing numbers of people ditching drugs for natural healing, Honey: Nature's Golden Healer is a timely look at how the beehive can help us look and feel better. Highlighted with hundreds of vivid color photographs, the book explains how honey is made and describes the complex lives of honeybees, beehive architecture and the sophisticated social structure of beehives. Novice beekeepers will find enough reliable information to get started on a small scale.

Honey examines the beneficial properties of honey and other bee products, such as propolis, pollen, royal jelly and beeswax, and explains how to collect and use them. The book includes recipes for homemade remedies, luxurious beauty formulas and delicious treats.

•The critical role of honeybees in agriculture
•The many types and colors of honey
•Raw Honey
•How honey compare to sugar
•Preserving with honey
•Honey's antibacterial properties and how they work
•Honey as a neutraceutical (a foodstuff with medicinal properties)
•Bee sting therapy
•Super-honeys
•The benefits of propolis, bee pollen and royal jelly
•Honey in cooking and baking

This informative and illuminating book shows the links between honey and god health and why protecting the threatened populations of honeybees is important not only for their own survival, but for human longevity.

About the Author: Gloria Havenhand is a beekeeper with hive populations in the millions. Her company, Medibee, produces bee products. She lives in Derbyshire, England.