First Report of Prenylated Flavonoids in Brazilian Propolis and Schaftoside in Green Propolis

Comparative Chemistry of Propolis from Eight Brazilian Localities

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2013;2013:267878

Propolis is a complex honeybee product with resinous aspect, containing plant exudates and beeswax. Their color, texture, and chemical composition vary, depending on the location of the hives and local flora. The most studied Brazilian propolis is the green (alecrim-do-campo) type, which contains mainly prenylated phenylpropanoids and caffeoylquinic acids. Other types of propolis are produced in Brazil, some with red color, others brown, grey, or black. 

The aim of the present work was to determine the chemical profiles of alcohol and chloroform extracts of eight samples of propolis, corresponding to six Brazilian regions. Methanol and chloroform extracts were obtained and analyzed by HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS and GC/MS. Two chemical profiles were recognized among the samples analyzed: (1) black Brazilian propolis, characterized chiefly by flavanones and glycosyl flavones, stemming from Picos (Piauí state) and Pirenópolis (Goiás state); (2) green Brazilian propolis, characterized by prenylated phenylpropanoids and caffeoylquinic acids, stemming from Cabo Verde (Bahia state), Lavras and Mira Bela (Minas Gerais state), Pariquera-Açu and Bauru (São Paulo state), and Ponta Grossa (Paraná state). 

The present work represents the first report of prenylated flavonoids in Brazilian propolis and schaftoside (apigenin-8-C-glucosyl-6-C-arabinose) in green propolis.

Honey-Alginate Matrix Boosts Wound Healing

Assessment of Molecular Events During in vitro Re-Epithelialization Under Honey-Alginate Matrix Ambience

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl, 2013 Aug 1;33(6):3418-3425

Re-epithelialization is one of the most important stages of cutaneous regeneration and its success requires supportive micro-ambience which may be provided with suitable bio-matrix. Biocompatibility and efficacy of such bio-matrix in re-epithelialization could be explored by multimodal analysis of structural and functional attributes of in vitro wound healing model including evaluation of prime molecular expressions of the epithelial cells during repair.

Present study examines the influence of honey-alginate and alginate matrices on re-epithelialization in keratinocyte (HaCaT) population in a 2-D wound model.

Cellular viability, proliferation and cell-cell adhesion status were assessed during wound closure using live/dead cell assay and by evaluating expressions of Ki67, p63 and E-cadherin along-with % change in cellular electrical impedance. Efficacy of honey-alginate matrix in comparison to only alginate one was demonstrated by a quicker reduction in wound gap, improved cellular viability, enhanced expressions of Ki67, p63 and its isoforms (TAp63, ΔNp63) as well as E-cadherin.

Faster restoration of electrical attribute (% of impedance change) after wounding also indicated better impact of honey-alginate matrix in re-epithelialization.

Bee Sting Banished Tremor

The Vindicator, 5/28/2013

Q. Within a week of having a reaction to a bee sting (the skin was hot, red, swollen and blistered), the tremors in my right hand and jaw disappeared. I’d had them for three years and had just gotten a referral to see a neurologist.

My mother and her mother had Parkinson’s disease, so I suspect that is where I was headed, though I hadn’t been officially diagnosed. Have you heard of this before?

A. There may be scientific support for your response to bee venom. We were somewhat surprised to discover research demonstrating that bee-venom injections have benefit against Parkinson’s disease (Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, September 2012). 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation funded a study of bee-venom therapy in a mouse model of Parkinson’s. The results were positive. French researchers are currently recruiting subjects for a clinical trial (MIREILLE) to assess the value of bee venom in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Apitherapy Day August 8 in Pennsylvania

Apitherapy Day Thursday Aug 8, 2013 With Frederique Keller L.Ac. AAS President And Craig Byer AAS Board Member
Join us and the Eastern Apicultural Society  for Apitherapy Day presented by the AmericanApitherapy Society, Inc. with  Frederique Keller L.Ac., President AAS,  and Craig Byer, Board Member AAS

Spend an entire day with us learning theory and practical applications of Apitherapy in conjunction with the Eastern Apicultural Society. To be held at West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania. Register on the EAS website at www.easternapiculture.org

Apitherapy Workshop Schedule

Apitherapy Overview and Beekeeping

8:30-9:00

Pollen and Bee Bread

9:00-9:30

Propolis: Collection, Preparations, and indications

9:30-10:00

Break (Vendor Area)

10:00-12:00

Bee Venom Therapy: Applications & Technique (informed Consent Form for people participating in afternoon Bee Venom Workshop)

1:30-3:00

Bee Venom Therapy Practical Demonstration

Break (Vendor Area)

3:30-5:30

The Colors of Propolis & Salve-making Workshop

Bee Venom Facials Offered in UAE Spa

Unravelling the Buzz Around The Nail Spa's Bee Sting Facial

Sarah Ferguson, The National, 5/25/2013

…Also known as the bee venom facial, this anti-ageing treatment is billed as a natural, non-invasive alternative to Botox. The products contain venom which is extracted - humanely - from the stingers of bees. When the mask is applied, the venom supposedly tricks the skin into reacting as though it's been stung, which increases blood flow, collagen and elasticity. The bee venom products also contain manuka honey, which soothes and heals the skin.

Still a relatively new and exclusive treatment, The NailSpa, which has branches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is the only chain of salons in the UAE offering the Heaven facial. And so, with a little trepidation, I headed to the spa's branch in Al Wahda Mall to see what the buzz was all about…

After the mask had been removed, my skin was moisturised and the bee venom mask applied. The venom causes a mild tingling sensation, but no pain. A brief head massage later and I was back to the real world, after one of the more indulgent spa treatments I've experienced.

The immediate effect was glowing, soft, smooth and supple skin. A consultation with colleagues the next day confirmed that my skin did look smoother and suppler, but it's not quite the drastic change a few shots of Botox would have resulted in…

Bee venom, a treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

An experimental strategy to protect our dopaminergic neurons

My Science Work, 5/22/2013

Sometimes, the unexpected leads to discoveries. A clinical observation has put researchers on the trail of a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Injecting bee venom seems to hold back the slow and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. A study [available on MyScienceWork] presents the first results of that technique and brings new hope to the fight against this neurodegenerative disorder...

Propolis Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

10 ways you can prevent and even reverse Skin Cancer

The Guardian, 5/21/2013

May is skin cancer awareness month, with this Friday, May 24th being “Don’t Fry Day”, supported by the EPA, the FDA and the National Cancer Association.  How can we take measures to avert over-exposure to damaging rays?  A recent article on Fox suggests that researchers are looking for a vaccine to help prevent skin cancer, but is a vaccine really what we need?  Another recent article states “holidaymakers are at risk…because their sunscreen is out of date”, claiming that people are lathering up with expired sunscreen that isn’t working.

Statistics say skin cancer is the most common form of cancer these days with 1 in 6 Americans diagnosed.  What can we do to remain healthy and cancer-free?

Here are 10 healthy suggestions to prevent and even reverse possible skin cancer…

Bee Propolis – With excellent results, more than 20 studies in experimental medicine and hospital settings used Bee Propolis internally and externally  to successfully prevent malignant cell growth, increase the aspects of the immune system that wards off cancer, bringing balance back into the body of one previously ravaged with cancer.  Bee Propolis in amounts of only 30-50 drops of a tincture 4x a day had these amazing results, reducing different types of cancer, including malignant melanoma.  (Other types of cancer that received benefits were breast, colon and genital cancer along with lung and liver metastases).  In Yugoslavia, the use of Propolis was found to reduce harmful side-effects of radiation therapy…

Honey an Alternative for Management of Drug Multiresistant Pathogens

Differences in Composition of Honey Samples and Their Impact on the Antimicrobial Activities against Drug Multiresistant Bacteria and Pathogenic Fungi

Arch Med Res, 2013 May 15. pii: S0188-4409(13)00110-0

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Antibiotic multiresistant microbes represent a challenging problem. Because honey has a potent antibacterial property, the antimicrobial effects of different honey samples against multiresistant pathogens and their compositions were investigated.

METHODS:

Five honey samples were used: Talah, Dhahian, Sumra-1, Sidr, and Sumra-2. Samples were analyzed to determine chemical composition such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, pH, total flavonoids, total phenolics, hydrogen peroxide concentration, minerals and trace elements. Antimicrobial activities of the samples against 17 (16 were multiresistant) human pathogenic bacteria and three types of fungi were studied. Specimens of the isolates were cultured into 10 mL of 10-100% (volume/volume) honey diluted in broth. Microbial growth was assessed on a solid plate media after 24 h and 72 h incubation.

RESULTS:

The composition of honey samples varied considerably. Sumra 1 and 2 contained the highest level of flavonoids and phenolics and the lowest level of hydrogen peroxide, whereas Dhahian honey contained the highest level of hydrogen peroxide. Sixteen pathogens were antibiotic multiresistant. A single dose of each honey sample inhibited all the pathogens tested after 24 h and 72 h incubation. The most sensitive pathogens were Aspergillus nidulans, Salmonella typhimurum and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of honey samples, the most effective honey against bacteria was Talah and against fungi were Dhahian and Sumra-2.

CONCLUSIONS:

Various honey samples collected from different geographical areas and plant origins showed almost similar antimicrobial activities against multiresistant pathogens despite considerable variation in their composition. Honey may represent an alternative candidate to be tested as part of management of drug multiresistant pathogens.

‘Promising Role’ for Honey in Cancer Treatment

Therapeutic Implications of the Warburg Effect Assessing the Survival of MRC5 and A549 Cell Lines Upon Exposure to Honey and D Glucose

Biomed Sci Instrum, 2013 Apr 5;49:101-108

Lung cancer is a one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in United States. Experimental evidence support that cancer cells do exhibit higher glycolytic rates than normal cells. To exploit this unique cancer-dependent ATP generation phenomenon, we hypothesize that exposure of cancer cells to organic inhibitors of glycolysis would negatively impact their survival and alter their growth and viability resulting from the vast decrease in their essential glycolytic ATP production; no negative consequences will be seen on normal lung cells.

The human lung fibroblast cell line MRC-5 and the human lung alveolar epithelial cancer cell line A549 were used in this study as models for normal lung and lung cancer respectively. Using standard methods, both cell lines were maintained and exposed to honey and D-glucose reagents at concentration levels ranging from 31.3-2,000 µg/ml in 96 well plates in quadruplets and experiments repeated at least three times using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), and cell counting (T4 Cellometer; automated cell counting system) assays as well as phase-contrast photo-imaging.

Our results indicate that exposure of both cell lines to these organics lead to concentration dependent cell destruction/cell survival depending on the cell line exposed. Honey and D-glucose showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differential negative effects on the A549 line in comparison to its unexposed control as well as to their effects on the MRC-5 cell line.

These findings show a promising role for honey and D-glucose as biotherapeutic metabolites of interest for selective management of cancerous cells.

Video: Māori Invest in Bee Venom Anti-Ageing Product

A Māori financed cosmetic product made from bee venom is being released today. Kānu is an anti-ageing serum developed by Professor Shaun Holt, an expert in complementary medicines. Kānu bee venom products are from the Honey Lab and they have secured private Māori investors.

Spanish Propolis Shows High Scavenging Activity

Chemical and Functional Characterisation of Propolis Collected from East Andalusia (Southern Spain)

Phytochem Anal, 2013 May 14

INTRODUCTION:

Propolis is a complex mixture of natural sticky, gummy and resinous components produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from plant materials. However, phytochemical data of the Andalusian (southern Spain) propolis are scant.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objectives of this study were to chemically characterise the compounds and evaluate the anti-oxidant activity found in 28 Andalusian propolis samples.

METHODS:

Ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared and examined for their anti-oxidant activity by 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. To characterise the phenolic composition, the presence of 11 compounds was identified by HPLC analysis with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detection.

RESULTS:

All propolis samples had strong anti-oxidant activity, accompanied by high total phenolic content. The most abundant compounds were flavonoids. Concerning the phenolic compounds content, our results showed that the 75% of the samples analysed contained at least 80 mg/g of flavonoids, primarily pinobanksin 3-acetate, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin and pinobanksin. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester was detected in almost all EEP samples but in smaller proportions (mean 12.9 ± 2.8 mg/g).

CONCLUSION:

The present investigation constitutes the first comprehensive report on the phenolics identified in southern Spanish propolis. The results revealed that the samples tested showed a high scavenging activity and therefore indicate the possible use of Andalusian propolis as an important source of natural anti-oxidants.

Propolis Used to Produce Water Repellant, UV Protected Antibacterial Cloth

Propolis Induced Antibacterial Activity and Other Technical Properties of Cotton Textiles

Int J Biol Macromol, 2013 May 8

Propolis is a gum gathered by honey bees from various plants; the honey bees use propolis to seal holes in their honey combs, smooth out the internal wall and protect the entrance against intruders. It is composed of 50% resin (flavonoids and related phenolic acid), 30% wax, 10% essential oils., 5% pollen and 5% various organic components. As a natural mixture, propolis is widely used in medicine and cosmetics and food. So far no attempts have been yet made to make use of propolis in the realm of textile finishing .

Current work presents the first systemic study targeted to build up a scientific basis for production of cotton textiles having antibacterial activity and other useful properties by making use of propolis as eco-friendly finish within the scope of green strategy.

Propolis extract solution (70/30 ethanol/water) of 10% concentration was prepared as the stock. Different amounts of the latter were used along with a crosslinking agent and catalyst for treatment of cotton fabrics as per pad-dry-cure technique. Antibacterial activity of the so treated fabrics was obtained through monitoring the efficiency of the interaction of propolis with cotton cellulose. This interaction was expressed as inhibition zone diameter after the treated fabrics were exposed to (G +ve) and (G-ve) bacteria .
Other properties include crease recovery, tensile strength and elongation at break. Factors affecting these properties such as type, nature and concentration of the crosslinking agent, concentration, of propolis, and conditions of curing were investigated. In addition characterization of the propolis containing modified cotton fabrics including demonstration of the antibacterial activity, SEM, FTIR, durability to washing, UV protection and water repellency were performed.

Based on results obtained It is concluded that application of propolis along with glyoxal and Al2(SO4)3 catalyst using pad-dry (3min./80°C), cure(5/140°C) bring about cotton textile with superior antibacterial activity, water repellent and ease of care characteristics as well as UV. Protection .Tentative mechanism of the reaction of propolis with cotton in presence of glyoxal was also reported.

Egyptian Bee Pollen, Propolis Show Anti-Mutagenic and Antioxidant Effects

Assessment of Anti-Mutagenic, Anti-Histopathologic and Antioxidant Capacities of Egyptian Bee Pollen and Propolis Extracts

Cytotechnology, 2013 May 16

Bee pollen and propolis are popular, traditional health foods. The objective of the current study was to investigate the anti-mutagenic, anti-histopathologic and antioxidant effects among water extracts of Egyptian bee pollen (WEBP) and brown powder of water-soluble derivative propolis (WSDP) on cisplatin (CDDP) induced hepatic, renal, testicular and genotoxicity in male albino mice (Mus muscullus), in addition to their effects on the oxidant/antioxidant status in the tested organs.

Hepatic, renal and testicular dysfunctions were evaluated histologically; while genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated by the bone marrow chromosomal aberration assay and mitotic index, respectively. Moreover, oxidative stress was explored via determination of lipid peroxidation, catalase activity and the concentration of the reduced form of glutathione.

The treatment of mice with WEBP and WSDP at doses 140 and 8.4 mg/kg b. wt./day, respectively for 14 days simultaneously with CDDP (2.8 mg/kg b. wt.) resulted in significant protection. The positive control animals taken CDDP alone showed toxic histological and genetical manifestations (at P < 0.05) accompanied with an elevated content of peroxidized lipid and lowered catalase activity and glutathione concentration in the homogenate of liver, kidney and testis tissues (at P < 0.001). These toxic side effects in all tested organs were greatly ablated with a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation level and elevation in catalase activity and glutathione concentration (P < 0.001) when using both WEBP and WSDP.

On the basis of the present assays, Bee pollen appears more potent in exerting an ameliorative effect and this effect was more pronounced in testis.

Different Honeys Showed Similar Antimicrobial Activities Against Multiresistant Pathogens

Differences in Composition of Honey Samples and Their Impact on the Antimicrobial Activities against Drug Multiresistant Bacteria and Pathogenic Fungi

Archives of Medical Research, Available online 15 May 2013

Background an Aims

Antibiotic multiresistant microbes represent a challenging problem. Because honey has a potent antibacterial property, the antimicrobial effects of different honey samples against multiresistant pathogens and their compositions were investigated.

Methods

Five honey samples were used: Talah, Dhahian, Sumra-1, Sidr, and Sumra-2. Samples were analyzed to determine chemical composition such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, pH, total flavonoids, total phenolics, hydrogen peroxide concentration, minerals and trace elements. Antimicrobial activities of the samples against 17 (16 were multiresistant) human pathogenic bacteria and three types of fungi were studied. Specimens of the isolates were cultured into 10 mL of 10–100% (volume/volume) honey diluted in broth. Microbial growth was assessed on a solid plate media after 24 h and 72 h incubation.

Results

The composition of honey samples varied considerably. Sumra 1 and 2 contained the highest level of flavonoids and phenolics and the lowest level of hydrogen peroxide, whereas Dhahian honey contained the highest level of hydrogen peroxide. Sixteen pathogens were antibiotic multiresistant. A single dose of each honey sample inhibited all the pathogens tested after 24 h and 72 h incubation. The most sensitive pathogens were Aspergillus nidulans, Salmonella typhimurum and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of honey samples, the most effective honey against bacteria was Talah and against fungi were Dhahian and Sumra-2.

Conclusions

Various honey samples collected from different geographical areas and plant origins showed almost similar antimicrobial activities against multiresistant pathogens despite considerable variation in their composition. Honey may represent an alternative candidate to be tested as part of management of drug multiresistant pathogens.

Royal Jelly Prevents Age-Related Loss of Muscle Mass

Royal Jelly Prevents the Progression of Sarcopenia in Aged Mice In Vivo and In Vitro

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2013 May 8

Sarcopenia is characterized by the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. One of the mechanisms of sarcopenia is the loss in the function and number of muscle satellite cells.

Royal jelly (RJ) is a health food used worldwide. To obtain better digestion and absorption than RJ, protease-treated RJ (pRJ) has been developed. RJ and pRJ have been suggested to have potential pharmacological benefits such as prolonging the life span and reducing fatigue. Because these effects may improve sarcopenia and the functions of satellite cells, we examined the effects of RJ or pRJ treatment on the skeletal muscles in an animal model using aged mice.

In vivo, RJ/pRJ treatment attenuated the decrease in the muscle weight and grip strength and increased the regenerating capacity of injured muscles and the serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels compared with controls. In vitro, using isolated satellite cells from aged mice, pRJ treatment increased the cell proliferation rate, promoted cell differentiation, and activated Akt intracellular signaling pathway compared with controls.

These findings suggest that RJ/pRJ treatment had a beneficial effect on age-related sarcopenia.