Propolis Ointment Helps Heal Skin Ulcers

Evaluation and Comparison of Wound Healing Properties of an Ointment (AlpaWash) Containing Brazilian Micronized Propolis and Peucedanum ostruthium Leaf Extract in Skin Ulcer in Rats

International journal of pharmaceutical compounding
Volume 22, Issue 2, 1 March 2018, Pages 154-163

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Several previous studies have demonstrated improved wound healing associated with natural-based formulations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a topical formulation containing both a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and a Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract for the treatment of wounds created by surgical punch in rats. The study was conducted for 14 days and animals were treated as follows: gauze group (G), polyethylene glycol base ointment (Control), AlpaWash (an ointment containing a Brazilian micronized propolis extract and Peucedanum ostruthium leaf extract [Treatment]), and polysporin (one of the most commonly used topical antibiotic ointments, based on bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate [Reference Standard]).

In general, the results demonstrated that ointments, due to occlusiveness and the ability to maintain moisture under the damaged area, offered improvements when compared to lesions without any treatment. Additionally, the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, as well as antioxidants and antimicrobials, offered improved stimulation and could accelerate wound healing. The Control, Treatment, and Reference Standard groups were able to close the lesion, as measured by the wound healing rate determination and follow-up photographs.

However, AlpaWash and Polysporin presented some additional benefits- anti-inflammatory activity, measured using myeloperoxidase and histological count, as well as fibroplasia and hydroxyproline production, suggesting that skin with a better quality could be formed following these two treatments.

Therefore, based on the current concern of antibiotic overuse in wound healing, the emergence of multi-resistant organisms and the decrease in newer antibiotics, AlpaWash is considered a prominent formulation to be employed in wound-healing applications.

Propolis May Help Treat Blastocystosis, the Most Common Parasitic Infection in the United States and Worldwide

IN VITRO ANTI-PROTOZOAL ACTIVITY OF PROPOLIS EXTRACT AND CYSTEINE PROTEASES INHIBITOR (PHENYL VINYL SULFONE) ON BLASTOCYSTIS SPECIES

J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2016 Aug;46(2):261-272

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Blastocystis is one of the commonest enteric protozoan parasites worldwide. Despite its controversial clinical significance, frequent association with symptoms has necessitated treatment of cases with persistent symptoms. For long time, metronidzole (MTZ) was considered as a basic drug for blastocystosis treatment, however reports of treatment failure as well as its well-known side effects has promoted the search for more safe and effective alternatives.

In vitro antiprotozoal activity of ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis and a cysteine protease inhibitor, phenyl vinyl sulfone (PVS) on Blastocystis spp. was assessed through challenging with graded concentrations of propolis extract (125, 250, 500 & 1000pg/ml) and PVS (100, 200 and 300 ptg/ml) compared to MTZ (10, 50 and 100 pg/ml) and viable parasites were counted after 24, 48 and 72 hr. of incubation. Molecular subtyling of Blastocystis spp. was done using subtype specific sequence-tagged site (STS) primers.

Propolis extract inhibited the growth of Blastocystis spp. in both of the detected subtypes (STI and ST3), which was especially observed in cultures exposed to 500 & 1000 μg/ml through all incuba- tion periods with the later concentration producing comparable results to MTZ. While PVS showed significant parasite count reduction on ST3 isolates, especially with the highest concentration, however the effect on STl isolate was nonsignificant.

These findings highlight the potential antiprotozoal activity of propolis extract as a potent natural alternative for MTZ in treatment of blastocystosis.

Sidr Honey Inhibits MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Molecular typing and evaluation of Sidr honey inhibitory effect on virulence genes of MRSA strains isolated from catfish in Egypt

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018 Sep;31(5):1865-1870

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Fish represent a worldwide significant source of animal protein. In order to investigate the prevalence of MRSA in catfish as well as the inhibitory effect of Sidr honey on virulence genes of MRSA, fish were collected from Bahr Elbaker canal at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Swab samples were collected under complete aseptic conditions from internal organs (pancreas, liver, kidney and intestine), gills and skin then subjected to bacteriological examination.

A total of 70 S. aureus strains were isolated from catfish, out of them 15 (21.42%) strains were identified as MRSA as a first record in Egypt. PCR was used for detection of meca, coa and spa genes in the isolated MRSA strains before and after the exposure to sidr honey. Before exposure to sider honey, all the selected MRSA strains showed positive results for meca, coa and spa genes with specific amplicon size of 310 bp, 430 bp and 226 bp, respectively. After exposure to sidr honey, MRSA strains showed inhibition of coa and spa genes, but has no effect on meca gene. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used for detection of the morphological characters of MRSA strains before and after treatment with sidr honey.

After exposure of MRSA strains to 30% (w/v) Sidr honey for 48 hours, cells surfaces were observable irregular with the appearance of cell debris. In conclusion, MRSA strains could be isolated from fresh water catfish in Egypt which may be attributed to the contamination of water and fish food.

Sider honey showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of isolated MRSA strains. Moreover, it could inhibit spa and coa genes. SEM is a valuable tool revealing the abnormal morphological changes that take place in MRSA strains after exposure to Sidr honey.

Chinese Propolis May Help Treat Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Chinese Propolis Exerts Anti-Proliferation Effects in Human Melanoma Cells by Targeting NLRP1 Inflammatory Pathway, Inducing Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Autophagy

Nutrients 2018, 10(9), 1170

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Melanoma is a malignant tumor that begins in the melanocyte and has the highest mortality rate among all cutaneous tumors. Chinese propolis (CP) has been shown to have a potent antitumor effect against various cancers.

In this study, we uncovered the combined effects of antiproliferation and anti-inflammation of CP on suppressing the progression of human melanoma cell line A375. We evaluated the alterations of protein expression after CP treatment by Western blot. After CP treatment, A375 cells underwent intrinsic apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we found that CP suppressed inflammation in A375 cells. NLRP1 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 1), confirmed as a proinflammatory protein in melanoma progression, was downregulated significantly by CP, as were the NLRP1-related caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARD) proteins, including caspase-1 and caspase-4. Additionally, decreasing mRNA levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-18 further proved the negative regulation of CP on the melanoma inflammatory environment. We also discovered that CP induced autophagy in A375 cells.

Interestingly, inhibiting autophagy in CP-treated cells diminished its antitumor effect, suggesting that the autophagy was attributed to CP-induced apoptosis. Collectively, CP is a promising candidate for drug development for melanoma therapy.

Propolis Possesses Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal, Anti-Protozoal, Hepatoprotective, Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Viral, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Tumor Properties

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Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences

Composition and functional properties of propolis (bee glue): A review

Conclusion

Propolis; a honey-bee hive product, possesses a wide range of pharmacological potentials including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Besides, the addition of ethanolic extract of propolis in the composition of mouthwashes and toothpastes enhances the prevention of microbial infection and is effective in the treatment of gums inflammation.

Moreover, the presence of bioflavonoids, arginine, vitamin C, provitamin A, B complex along with some minerals possesses wound healing property and therefore enhances injury cure. Instead of individual component, there may be combined action, which leads propolis to have diverse biological performance.

Finally, the development of new propolis compounds from propolis coming from diverse geographical origins is vital in controlling various pathogenic diseases. The current literature review suggests that propolis may be explored further for its potential properties against human pathogen.

Propolis Kills More Than 99% of Salivary Bacteria

Activity of preparations from Spilanthes oleracea, propolis, Nigella sativa, and black garlic on different microorganisms involved in oral diseases and on total human salivary bacteria: A pilot study 

Phytotherapy Research

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Due to continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, there is a need for alternative treatment options to reduce the levels of oral pathogens for the maintenance of oral as well as overall health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial potential of tinctures of Spilanthes oleracea and propolis, Nigella seed oil, and an ethanolic extract of black garlic on microorganisms involved in oral diseases. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration assay and the minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration assay were used in this study. Inhibition effects against total human salivary bacteria were also determined. Our results show that all of the preparations tested had potent antimicrobial activities. When measured 10 min after exposure, even low concentrations of the propolis tincture were found to have killed more than 99% of salivary bacteria, whereas Spilanthes tincture and black garlic extract killed more than 90% and Nigella seed oil more than 60% of the pathogens. This suggests that all preparations are promising candidates for the use in oral health care products and that all have the potential to control biofilm associated infections.

Pharmacological Effects Major Royal Jelly Protein

Architecture of the native major royal jelly protein 1 oligomer

Nat Commun. 2018 Aug 22;9(1):3373

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Honeybee caste development is nutritionally regulated by royal jelly (RJ). Major royal jelly protein 1 (MRJP1), the most abundant glycoprotein among soluble royal jelly proteins, plays pivotal roles in honeybee nutrition and larvae development, and exhibits broad pharmacological activities in humans. However, its structure has long remained unknown.

Herein, we identify and report a 16-molecule architecture of native MRJP1 oligomer containing four MRJP1, four apisimin, and eight unanticipated 24-methylenecholesterol molecules at 2.65 Å resolution. MRJP1 has a unique six-bladed β-propeller fold with three disulfide bonds, and it interacts with apisimin mainly by hydrophobic interaction. Every four 24-methylenecholesterol molecules are packaged by two MRJP1 and two apisimin molecules.

This assembly dimerizes to form an H-shaped MRJP14-apisimin4-24-methylenecholesterol8 complex via apisimin in a conserved and pH-dependent fashion.

Our findings offer a structural basis for understanding the pharmacological effects of MRJPs and 24-methylenecholesterol, and provide insights into their unique physiological roles in bees.

Bee Venom May Help Treat Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema

Therapeutic effects of bee venom on experimental atopic dermatitis

Mol Med Rep. 2018 Aug 17

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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent eczema and itching. It is caused by a poorly controlled immune response and damage to the skin barrier.

Purified bee venom (BV) is a natural toxin produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), and is well known for its anti‑inflammatory, analgesic and anti‑cancer effects against various types of disease. However, treatment strategies based on anti‑inflammatory properties have not been adequately studied in AD.

Thus, the present study examined the progression of AD‑like skin lesions induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and the mechanism of action of BV. BV, administered by intraperitoneal inoculation, was observed to reduce the symptoms of AD, in addition to the serum immunoglobulin E levels, according to dorsal skin thickness and histopathologic analysis. The treatment also inhibited the infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells.

These results suggested that it is possible to develop novel AD alternative therapy using BV by effectively suppressing allergic skin inflammation in AD.

Propolis Component May Help Protect Brain Against Alzheimer's Disease

Neuroprotective Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester in A Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease Involves Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

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Aging Dis. 2018 Aug 1;9(4):605-622

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive pathology, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen over a number of years. The hallmarks of AD, such as amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangles, are strongly intertwined with oxidative stress, which is considered one of the common effectors of the cascade of degenerative events.

The endogenous nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the "master regulator" of the antioxidant response and it is known as an indicator and regulator of oxidative stress. The present study aimed to determine the potential neuroprotective activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a polyphenolic compound abundant in honeybee [propolis], against the neurotoxicity of Aβ1-42 oligomers (AβO) in mice.

An intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of AβO into the mouse brain triggered increased reactive oxygen species levels, neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and memory impairment. In contrast, the intraperitoneal administration of CAPE (10 mg/kg) after i.c.v. AβO-injection counteracted oxidative stress accompanied by an induction of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 via the modulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β in the hippocampus of mice.

Additionally, CAPE treatment decreased AβO-induced neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, and improved learning and memory, protecting mice against the decline in spatial cognition.

Our findings demonstrate that CAPE could potentially be considered as a promising neuroprotective agent against progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

Propolis, Bee Pollen Help Treat High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Boost Fertility

Therapeutic potentials of propolis and pollen on biochemical changes in reproductive function of L-NAME induced hypertensive male rats

Clin Exp Hypertens. 2018 Aug 17:1-7

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BACKGROUND:

Hypertension is described as increased blood pressure based on changed hemodynamics and associated with an increased oxidative damage to reproductive function. This work is to determine therapeutic and protective effects of apitherapy products (propolis and pollen) on reproductive functions of L-NAME-induced hypertensive male rats.

METHODS:

Experimental animals were indiscriminately separated into four groups of seven rats in each group: (I) Control, (II) L-NAME, (III) L-NAME+ propolis and (IV) L-NAME+ pollen. At the end of the experimental applications, the rats were decapitated by anesthesia and biochemical analyzes were performed on the removed testicular tissues.

RESULTS:

The levels of TOS, NF-κB and MDA in the L-NAME group compared to control have increased (p < 0.05). The levels of these parameters in L-NAME+ propolis and L-NAME+ pollen groups compared to the L-NAME group have decreased (p < 0.05). TAS levels, PON1 and CAT activities were significantly decreased in testis tissue samples in the L-NAME-induced group (p < 0.05). However, these parameters were significantly lower in the L-NAME plus propolis and pollen groups (p < 0.05) compared with rats administered L-NAME alone (p < 0.05). NO level significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in L-NAME group compared with control group. There was no statistically significant changes in the NO level of the L-NAME+ propolis group compared with the L-NAME-treated group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

It has been determined that ethanolic extracts of propolis and pollen, which are natural bee products in the regulation of rising blood pressure. Propolis or pollen is thought to help regulate reproductive function by inhibiting the functioning of inflammatory pathways leading to hypertension.

Welsh 'Super Honey' Helps Kill Hospital Superbugs

Welsh hospital sets up beehives to produce a ‘super honey’ similar to manuka that is used as alternative medicine

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The Sun

BOFFINS have set up beehives in a hospital garden with the aim of producing “super honey” to fight disease.

The hives are surrounded by specific flowers found to have antibacterial qualities.

NHS staff have been trained to care for the bees at Llandough Hospital, near Cardiff.

Six off-duty workers will don bee hats and veils when they harvest honey from the hives.

The Pharmabee project, led by the city university’s Prof Baillie, has identified the plants whose nectar was the source of antibacterial compounds.

The "super honey" compounds have helped kill hospital superbugs...

Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference October 26-28 in Providence, Rhode Island (Apitherapy and Beekeeping, Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly)

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Tualang Honey Reduces Inflammation Following Epileptic Seizure (Epilepsy)

Tualang Honey Reduced Neuroinflammation and Caspase-3 Activity in Rat Brain after Kainic Acid-Induced Status Epilepticus

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Jul 15;2018:7287820

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The protective effect of tualang honey (TH) on neuroinflammation and caspase-3 activity in rat cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem after kainic acid- (KA-) induced status epilepticus was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated orally with TH (1.0 g/kg body weight) five times at 12 h intervals. KA (15 mg/kg body weight) was injected subcutaneously 30 min after last oral treatment. Rats were sacrificed at 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h after KA administration.

Neuroinflammation markers and caspase-3 activity were analyzed in different brain regions 2 h, 24 h, and 48 h after KA administration. Administration of KA induced epileptic seizures. KA caused significant (p < 0.05) increase in the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF-1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and increase in the caspase-3 activity in the rat cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem at multiple time points. Pretreatment with TH significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevation of TNF-α, IL-1β, GFAP, AIF-1, and COX-2 level in those brain regions at multiple time points and attenuated the increased caspase-3 activity in the cerebral cortex.

In conclusion, TH reduced neuroinflammation and caspase-3 activity after kainic acid- (KA-) induced status epilepticus.

Honey May Help Treat Gastric Ulcers

Antiulcer Effect of Honey in Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Induced Gastric Ulcer Model in Rats: A Systematic Review

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Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Jul 15;2018:7515692

Background:

Peptic ulcer is a basic term for ulcers on the lower oesophagus, stomach, or jejunum. The specific term for ulcer in the stomach is gastric ulcer. The extensive use of honey around the globe helps researchers to study the usefulness of honey. Many studies had already been conducted and proved the effectiveness of honey in treating gastric ulcer.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on honey used as an alternative treatment of gastric ulcer cause by NSAIDs. A comprehensive search was conducted in Medline, SCOPUS, and Ebscohost. The main criteria used were articles published in English and using NSAIDs-induced gastric ulcer in rat's model and those reporting the effectiveness of honey.

Results:

Articles published between 2001 and 2014 were identified to be relevant in studies related to the inclusion criteria. The literature search found 30 potential and closely related articles in this review, but only 5 articles were taken which meet the criteria needed to be fulfilled.

Conclusions:

All studies in this review reported the efficacy of honey for gastric ulcer based on its antioxidant and cytoprotective activities. Most of the studies conducted used different types of honey at various doses on rats. Future studies should be conducted to identify the appropriate dose for humans to achieve similar gastroprotective effects.

Apiquality & Apimedica Conference October 11-16, 2018 - Sibiu - Romania (Apitherapy and Beekeeping, Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly)

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