Use of Honey for Wound Treatment Leads to Shorter Hospital Stays

Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial on the Use of Medical Grade Honey Following Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer to Reduce the Incidence of Wound Infection
Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2011 Aug 8

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using Leptospermum honey in a randomised trial to reduce the incidence of wound infection after microvascular free tissue reconstruction for cancer of the head and neck.

During the one-year study period 70 consecutive patients were admitted to the regional maxillofacial ward for free tissue reconstruction. Of these, 56 (80%) consented to be randomised and 49 (70%) were actually randomised, 25 into the honey dressings group, and 24 into the conventional dressings group (control). Six patients were missed when consent was required, 8 did not consent, and 7 who had given consent were missed at the randomisation stage in theatre.

Results of wound swabs were positive in 36% of the honey group and 38% of the control group. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 28% and 25%, respectively. Of these, 38% were deemed to require intervention.

Honey dressings were acceptable to both patients and nurses. There was a reduction in duration of hospital stay in the honey group (median 12 days, IQR 10-21) compared with the control (median 18 days, IQR 13-28). The cost of standard and honey dressings was similar.

This feasibility study has shown that a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is possible and that several hundreds of patients would be required to show a clinical benefit for honey. Further research is needed to confirm a shorter duration of hospital admission and if so, whether this is due to more rapid healing.

Propolis a Natural Anti-Protozoal Agent

Activity of Cuban Propolis Extracts on Leishmania amazonensis and Trichomonas vaginalis
Nat Prod Commun, 2011 Jul;6(7):973-6

In this paper we analyzed the antiprotozoal effects of eighteen Cuban propolis extracts (brown, red and yellow type) collected in different geographic areas, using Leishmania amazonensis (as a model of intracellular protozoa) and Trichomonas vaginalis (as a model of extracellular protozoa).

All evaluated propolis extracts caused inhibitory effect on intracellular amastigotes of L. amazonensis. However, cytotoxicity on peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice was observed. Only five samples decreased the viability of T. vaginalis trophozoites at concentrations lower than 10 microg/mL. No correlation between the type of propolis and antiprotozoal activity was found.

Cuban propolis extracts demonstrated activity against both intracellular and extracellular protozoa model, as well as the potentialities of propolis as a natural source to obtain new antiprotozoal agents.

Video: Propolis Recommended to Treat Warts

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Argentinean Propolis Examined

Chemical Composition of Argentinean Propolis Collected in Extreme Regions and Its Relation with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities
Nat Prod Commun, 2011 Jun;6(6):823-7

This paper reveals, for the first time, the functional properties of propolis from an extreme region of Argentine (El Rincón, Province of Catamarca, Argentina), as well as the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds.

The antioxidant activity was determined by the ABTS method and beta-carotene bleaching. The antibacterial activity was determined on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by the microdilution method and bioautographic assays. Twelve compounds were isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. The main bioactive compounds were 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone (3), 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone (9), 2',4',4-trihydroxy-6'- methoxychalcone (8), 5-hydroxy-4',7-dimethoxyflavone (4), 4',5-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (10) and 7-hydroxy- 5,8-dimethoxyflavone (11). All compounds were active against clinical isolates (MIC50 10 microg/mL) and displayed antioxidant activity (SC50 values of 20 microg/mL).

The MIC and SC50 values of the isolated compounds were lower than those obtained with crude propolis extracts, chloroform sub-extracts and isolated fractions.

Brazilian Green Propolis May Help Treat Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

Isolation, Identification, and Biological Evaluation of HIF-1-Modulating Compounds from Brazilian Green Propolis
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Article in Press, Accepted Manuscript

The tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia, low-nutrient levels, and acidosis. A natural product chemistry-based approach was used to discover small molecules that modulate adaptive responses to a hypoxic microenvironment through the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling pathways.

Five compounds, such as baccharin (3), beturetol (4), kaempferide (5), isosakuranetin (6), and drupanin (9), that modulate HIF-1-dependent luciferase activity were identified from Brazilian green propolis using reporter assay. Compounds 3, 9 and 5 reduced HIF-1- dependent luciferase activity. The cinnamic acid derivatives 3 and 9 significantly inhibited expression of the HIF-1α protein and HIF-1 downstream target genes such as glucose transporter 1, hexokinase 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor A. They also exhibited significant anti-angiogenic effects in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay at doses of 300 ng/CAM.

On the other hand, flavonoids 4 and 6 induced HIF-1-dependent luciferase activity and expression of HIF-1 target genes under hypoxia. The contents (g/100 g extract) of the HIF-1-modulating compounds in whole propolis ethanol extracts were also determined based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry as 1.6 (3), 14.2 (4), 4.0 (5), 0.7 (6), and 0.7 (9), respectively.

These small molecules screened from Brazilian green propolis may be useful as lead compounds for the development of novel therapies against ischemic cardiovascular disease and cancer based on their ability to induce or inhibit HIF-1 activity, respectively.

Royal Jelly May Protect Skin From Sun Damage

Royal Jelly Protects Against Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin Fibroblasts via Enhancing Collagen Production
J Med Food, 2011 Aug 3

Royal jelly (RJ) is a honeybee product containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, free amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. As its principal unsaturated fatty acid, RJ contains 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which may have antitumor and antibacterial activity and a capacity to stimulate collagen production.

RJ has attracted interest in various parts of the world for its pharmacological properties. However, the effects of RJ on ultraviolet (UV)-induced photoaging of the skin have not been reported.

In this study we measured the 10-HDA content of RJ by high-performance liquid chromatography and tested the effects of RJ on UVB-induced skin photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The effects of RJ and 10-HDA on UVB-induced photoaging were tested by measuring procollagen type I, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 after UVB irradiation.

The RJ contained about 0.211% 10-HDA. The UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts treated with RJ and 10-HDA had increased procollagen type I and TGF-β1 productions, but the level of MMP-1 was not changed.

Thus RJ may potentially protect the skin from UVB-induced photoaging by enhancing collagen production.

Honey Helps Treat Inflammation, Infection of Cornea

The Use of Topical Honey in the Treatment of Corneal Abrasions and Endotoxin-Induced Keratitis in an Animal Model
Curr Eye Res, 2011 Aug 3

Purpose: To investigate the effect of topically applied honey on intact corneas, surgically induced corneal abrasions and endotoxin induced keratitis.

Materials and Methods: The effect of honey on the cornea was investigated by application of honey on intact corneas, wounded corneas and endotoxin-induced keratitis in Lewis rats. The corneas were wounded by creating an epithelial defect using a surgical blade, and the keratitis was induced by topically applying Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin to scarified corneas.

After treatment rats were sacrificed and cornea harvested in each case. Corneas were processed for paraffin embedding for histological and immuno-fluorescence staining. Corneas were also harvested and processed for total ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolation for reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for various growth factors and inflammatory chemokines/cytokines).

Results: Histological analysis revealed that no inflammation or morphological changes occurred after honey treatment in naive intact corneas. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were also not altered after honey treatment. Topical application of honey to injured corneas resulted in faster epithelial healing and decreased expression of VEGF, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in injured corneas.

Our results also established that honey treatment reduced the inflammation in endotoxin-induced keratitis by reducing the levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF and TGF-β), inflammatory cytokines (IL-12) and chemokines (CC chemokine receptor 5(CCR-5)).

Conclusion: Short term use of honey on intact corneas can be safe. Honey has anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be explored in several corneal inflammatory and infectious conditions.

Algerian Propolis Extract Protects Against Kidney Damage

Polyphenolic Fraction of Algerian Propolis Protects Rat Kidney Against Acute Oxidative Stress Induced by Doxorubicin
Indian J Nephrol, 2011 Apr;21(2):101-6

We evaluated the effects of propolis extract on renal oxidative stress induced by doxorubicin throughout an analytical and pharmacological study of the eastern Algerian propolis using thin layer chromatography, ultra-violet-high-performance liquid chromatography) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The pharmacological study was carried out in vivo on Wistar rat pre-treated with propolis extract 100 mg/kg/day for seven days. Doxorubicin at 10 mg/kg of body weight was administered intravenously on Day 7. Serum creatinine concentration, scavenging effect of flavonoids, lipid peroxidation and glutathione concentration were measured. Chemical analysis allowed identification and quantification of the phenolic compounds including pinostrombin chalcone (38.91%), galangin (18.95%), naringenin (14.27%), tectochrysin (25.09%), methoxychrysin (1.14%) and a prenylated coumarin compound suberosin (1.65%). The total flavonoid concentration in the propolis extract was 370 mg (quercetin equivalents QE) /g dry weight (QE/g DWPE).

Propolis extract restored the renal functions and reduced the toxic effect of doxorubicin. These data show a protective effect of Algerian propolis extract against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress.

Prenylated Flavanones From Taiwanese Propolis Have Anti-Cancer Potential

Chemical Modification and Anticancer Effect of Prenylated Flavanones from Taiwanese Propolis
Nat Prod Res, 2011 Jul 27

Our previous studies demonstrated that eight prenylated flavanones (1-8), isolated from Taiwanese propolis, were capable of a broad spectrum of biological activities. Among them, nymphaeol A (3), nymphaeol B (4) and nymphaeol C (7), abundant in Taiwanese propolis, exhibited cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. It therefore seemed interesting to improve their activity via a semi-synthetic strategy.

In this study, 12 novel prenylated flavanones were synthesised in our laboratory and their activities were assessed for two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and DU-145, and a human hepatoma cell line, Hep-3B. Of these compounds, 10c, 11 and 12 showed more potent cytotoxicity against the PC-3 cell line than 5-Fu. Using cytometric analysis followed by double staining with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide, it was observed that these compounds induced apoptosis as well.

This suggests that prenylated flavanones 10c, 11 and 12 may have anticancer potential for further development.

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Depression and Anxiety

Antidepressant-Like Activity of 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, a Unique Unsaturated Fatty Acid of Royal Jelly, in Stress-Inducible Depression-Like Mouse Model
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2012;2012:139140. Epub 2011 Jul 24

Symptoms of depression and anxiety appeared in mice after they had been subjected to a combination of forced swimming for 15 min followed by being kept in cages that were sequentially subjected to leaning, drenching, and rotation within 1-2 days for a total of 3 weeks.

The animals were then evaluated by the tail-suspension test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-field test at 1 day after the end of stress exposure. Using these experimental systems, we found that 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (HDEA), an unsaturated fatty acid unique to royal jelly (RJ), protected against the depression and anxiety when intraperitoneally administered once a day for 3 weeks simultaneously with the stress loading. Intraperitoneally administered RJ, a rich source of HDEA, was also protective against the depression, but RJ given by the oral route was less effective.

Our present results demonstrate that HDEA and RJ, a natural source of it, were effective in ameliorating the stress-inducible symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Honey Flavone May Help Prevent, Treat Cancer

Chrysin Reduces Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in the Human Prostate Cancer Cell Line PC-3
Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2011;66(6):1073-1079

INTRODUCTION: Honey is a common household product with many medicinal uses described in traditional medicine. Only recently has its antioxidant properties and preventive effects against disease been highlighted. Chrysin is a natural flavone commonly found in honey that has been shown to be an antioxidant agent. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of honey and chrysin on cultured human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS: Cells were cultured in RPMI medium and treated with different concentrations of honey and chrysin for three consecutive days. Cell viability was quantitated by the 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The percentage of apoptotic cells was determined by flow cytometry using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate.

RESULTS: The MTT assay revealed that both compounds had an antiproliferative effect on PC-3 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 values for honey and chrysin against PC-3 cells were 2.5% and 24.5% after 48 h and 1.8% and 8.5% after 72 h, respectively. Chrysin induced apoptosis in PC-3 cells, as determined by flow cytometry.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that honey has anti-proliferative effects on prostate cancer cells and the effects are mainly due to chrysin. Therefore, chrysin may be a potential compound for both cancer prevention and treatment. Further in vivo investigation is needed to support the use of chrysin in cancer therapy.

Manuka Honey Component Boosts Activity 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.

Derma Sciences Receives FDA Clearance for MEDIHONEY Hydrogel

PRINCETON, N.J., Aug 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Derma Sciences, Inc. , a medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on advanced wound care, today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for its patented MEDIHONEY(R) Hydrogel Wound and Burn Dressing with Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. This product will be available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) formulations for the treatment of first- and second-degree burns, in addition to various chronic and acute wounds. The product will be sold in several sizes and configurations including dressings with and without an adhesive border and is expected to be available in early 2012, with a full commercial launch in the spring of 2012.

Commenting on the clearance, Edward J. Quilty, president and chief executive officer of Derma Sciences, said, "This proprietary dressing, our fifth line extension in our rapidly growing MEDIHONEY franchise, combines the proven healing properties of Manuka honey with hydrogels that provide and maintain a moist wound environment to help clean and debride necrotic tissue. Importantly, this dressing does not adhere to the wound bed and, as such, will not disturb the wound bed during dressing changes. MEDIHONEY Hydrogel dressing will be the first in the line that is directed to the treatment of burns, an enormous therapeutic area, expanding our advanced wound care addressable market."…
According to the American Burn Association National Burn Repository (2010 report) there were 450,000 burn injuries that received medical attention in the United States last year. The majority are first-degree (damage only the outer layer of skin) and second degree (damage the outer layer and the layer underneath). The leading cause of burns is direct flame, with scalding the second leading cause of burns.

Irradiation of Honey Enhances Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant Capacities and Total Phenolic Contents Increase with Gamma Irradiation in Two Types of Malaysian Honey
Molecules, 2011 Jul 27;16(8):6378-95

Two types of monofloral Malaysian honey (Gelam and Nenas) were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents, with and without gamma irradiation.

Our results showed that both types of honey can scavenge free radicals and exhibit high antioxidant-reducing power; however, Gelam honey exhibited higher antioxidant activity than Nenas honey, which is in good correlation with its phenolic contents.

Interestingly, we also noted that both irradiated honeys have higher antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared to nonirradiated honeys by Folin-Ciocalteu and UV-spectrophotometry methods, respectively. However, HPLC analysis for phenolic compounds showed insignificant increase between irradiated and nonirradiated honeys. The phenolic compounds such as: caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, p- coumaric acid, quercetin and hesperetin as indicated by HPLC method were found to be higher in Gelam honey versus Nenas honey.

In conclusion, irradiation of honey causes enhanced antioxidant activities and flavonoid compounds.

Royal Jelly Said to Boost Fertility

Hive Naturals® Introduces BeeFertile® Before Trying IVF, Try BeeFertile®: A Natural, Healthy Fertility Supplement
Heber City, UT (PRWEB) July 26, 2011 -- When Josh and Chavah went looking for a natural answer to their infertility problems, after exhausting expensive medical options, they discovered an old family formula passed from generation to generation. BeeFertile®is the breakout product from Hive Naturals®, which harnesses the power of bees and other proven natural remedies for those trying to conceive. It was the natural answer Josh and Chavah were looking for.

Hive Naturals® was inspired by Josh and Chavah’s personal quest for a family. They decided to start their family, but, like 1 in 5 couples worldwide, found it difficult to get pregnant. Doctors had no answers for the couple. With fertility methods like IVF too costly for the couple – Josh was working on finishing off his college degree – they were left heartbroken with the lack of options. That is when Chavah’s father suggested that they try an old family formula that he had been recommending to other couples in the family’s health food store for nearly 30 years. The regimen combined almost two-dozen essential oils, vitamins, herbs, and bee products. After three years of trying without BeeFertile’s ingredients, it only took three months into the regimen for Chavah to become pregnant. Inspired by their own conception story and the knowledge that infertility affects 12 million people in the US every year, Josh and Chavah made it their mission to streamline this formula and make it available to everyone looking to conceive – giving birth to BeeFertile® kits.

BeeFertile® is available in three kits: Women’s, Men’s, and Couple's. Each kit contains a three-month supply of once-daily supplement pills and the proprietary Royal Jelly and Honey mixture designed to optimize each gender's reproductive health. The Women’s kit seeks to support a healthy reproductive system and egg production through well-researched herbal and natural supplements that includes Chasteberry, Red Raspberry Leaf, and Evening Primrose Oil. The Men’s kit not only seeks to support a healthy male reproductive system but also sperm production through a regimen of vitamins and supplements which includes Pine Bark Extract, CoQ10 and L-Carnitine. One ingredient that sets BeeFertile® further apart, is their inclusion of Royal Jelly in every kit. Royal Jelly is a honey-like substance fed to the Queen Bee to enable her to produce up to 2,000 eggs per day. Not used anywhere else, this nutrient rich substance not only supports improved fertility in both men and women, but also is a potential answer for many of those suffering from PMS, low estrogen levels, and irregular menstrual cycles…