Manuka Honey Dressing: An Effective Treatment for Chronic Wound Infections

British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 46, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 55-56

Abstract: The battle against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) wound infection is becoming more difficult as drug resistance is widespread and the incidence of MRSA in the community increases. Manuka honey dressing has long been available as a non-antibiotic treatment in the management of chronic wound infections.

We have been using honey-impregnated dressings successfully in our wound care clinic and on the maxillofacial ward for over a year.

US Teen Entrepreneurs Promote Organic Honey From Ghana

The Honey Project Empowers Teen Entrepreneurs
By Bridget Carey, The Miami Herald (USA), 12/31/2007

When high school students want to get experience in running a business, they usually take up summer internships or shadow corporate executives.

But several Broward County students have taken it a big step further -- they are running their own honey business and with a global twist.

The Honey Project is a program tied to the Junior Achievement Youth Entrepreneurship Program and the Minority E-Commerce Association -- also known as MECA. It selects 15 Broward high school students to run the business, which sells organic African honey.

Nathan Burrell, founder of MECA, conceptualized the The Honey Project and along with being a partner in the business, he serves as an advisor for the students.

''There are many after-school programs that focus on career training or reading or certain things from that standpoint, but we're one of the few unique projects that talk about youth entrepreneurship, in a sense that really gives the students an opportunity to own and manage their own business,'' Burrell said. "It's literally the students who are in control, who make the decisions on the day-to-day operations for the company.''

The Honey Project is a nonprofit entity that sells organic honey from Africa to people in the United States. The students charge about $20 for a 12-ounce jar to help raise money for the village in Agogo, Ghana, where the honey is produced…

Members Sought for Proposed Canadian Apitherapy Society

Join the team for a proposed Canadian Apitherapy Society and learn more about a planned December 2008 Apitherapy Conference & Course in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to be offered in conjunction with the Ontario Beekeeper’s Association Annual Convention.

For more information, contact: Annie vanAlten, E-mail: anniesapitherapy@execulink.com

Royal Jelly Components Help Regulate Immune System

Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Activities of Royal Jelly Components In Vitro
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, Volume 29, Issue 3 & 4, 2007, pages 521 - 536

Abstract: In this work the effect of different components isolated from royal jelly (RJ) was studied using an in vitro rat T-cell proliferation assay.

We found that lower concentrations of MEL 174 (final water extract of RJ) and MEL 147 (3-10-dihydroxydecanoic acid) stimulated T-cell proliferation, triggered by concanavalin A (Con-A) and the process was followed by an increase in the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2).

Higher concentrations of MEL 174, MEL 247 (dry powder of RJ) and MEL 138 (trans-10-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid) inhibited T-cell proliferation. The inhibition of T-cell proliferation in the presence of MEL 174 was followed by a decrease in IL-2 production, which was partly abrogated by exogenous IL-2, a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) production and increased apoptosis.

In conclusion, our results showed the complexity of biological activity of RJ and suggest that its water extract possesses the most potent immunomodulatory activity in vitro.

Sound Stimulation Boosts Bee Venom Collection

Application of Coupled Electrical and Sound Stimulation for Honeybee Venom Collection
Journal of Apicultural Science, Vol. 51 No. 2 2007

Summary: In the years 1998-2001, in apiaries of the Apiculture Division, Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, a study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of honeybee venom collection by means of coupled electrical and sound stimulation as compared to standard electrical stimulation as elaborated earlier.

Venom was recovered simultaneously from five colonies with a similar strength. In three of them, both standard stimulation with electrical impulses and sound stimuli emitted through loudspeakers mounted on venom storeys were used; whereas in the two others use was only made of the standard stimulation with electrical impulses. In each experimental year, venom collection was carried out in three terms, in 14-day intervals.

The results obtained in the experiment enabled concluding that the application of coupled electrical and sound stimulation for venom collection yielded a significantly higher mass of venom as compared to that recovered with the use of electrical stimulation only.

When expressed in percent, the mean mass of venom collected at single treatment from one honeybee colony was higher by 86% with the application of the coupled electrical and sound stimulation.

Propolis Component Induces Cancer Cell Death

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Induces Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis in Human Myeloid Leukemia U937 Cells
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, December 03, 2007

Abstract: Caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), a biologically active ingredient of propolis, has several interesting biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immunostimulatory, anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive, anti-metastatic and carcinostatic activities.

Recently, several groups have reported that CAPE is cytotoxic to tumor cells but not to normal cells. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of CAPE-induced apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia U937 cells…

From the results, it was concluded that CAPE induces the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis but not death receptors- or ER-mediated apoptosis in U937 cells.

Video: Honey Making a Medical Comeback

By Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press, 12/27/2007

TRENTON, N.J. - Amid growing concern over drug-resistant superbugs and nonhealing wounds that endanger diabetes patients, nature's original antibiotic - honey - is making a comeback…

Dr. Craig Lambrecht, a North Dakota emergency physician, started using a paste version of Medihoney while serving with the National Guard in Iraq last winter. (View the video.)

At a military clinic for Iraqi children, he used it on patients with severe burns from cooking fuels, open fires and explosions. He said Iraqi families soon preferred the honey over other treatments because it was natural and because the honey dressings don't need to be changed as often as traditional ones. The children also healed more quickly and with less complications, he said.

After seeing its success in Iraq, Lambrecht, who has five children of his own, is a fan…

U.S. Pharmacies to Stock Honey-Laced Bandages Next Year

Sweet Health News About Honey
By Jordan Lite, NY Daily News (USA), 12/27/2007

If you've got a bad cut or think you've come down with a drug-resistant superbug, instead of going to a drugstore, you may just want to say, "Pass the honey, honey."

Used for thousands of years to treat wounds, honey is finding new credibility as a health aid from government regulators and scientists who have rediscovered its healing properties.

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration allowed a Princeton, N.J.-based company to promote the first honey-based wound dressing.

Honey can ease children's coughs, a recent study found. And it may even reduce the risk of anemia and infection in cancer patients getting chemotherapy, 2006 research shows.

"Where's the money in honey?" asked Derma Sciences Vice President Barry Wolfenson, who sells the new wound dressing, Medihoney, in the U.S. and Canada.

"There is a business to be made here," he predicted yesterday. "It will be a big market."

Since the FDA green-lighted Medihoney on Nov. 7, Derma Sciences (DSCI.ob) has sold about $150,000 worth to North American doctors and wound-care facilities, Wolfenson said.

The company plans to roll out honey-laced adhesive bandages and gels at pharmacies next year…

'Healthly' Honey On Sale - For £42

Sky News, 12/23/2007

Honey, thought to be the most expensive in the world, has gone on sale at Harrods.

Life Mel honey costs a whopping £42 for a pot containing just 120g.

Celebrities including Sienna Miller and Kylie Minogue are huge fans, according to the London department store.

But the jars will not be found on the shelves of the food hall.

Harrods is selling the product in its pharmacy instead, because of its reputed health benefits…

Life Mel's high price tag is down to the fact that it is made by bees fed on a special diet including herbs such as Siberian ginseng and echinacea…

Audio: Honey May Be Good Cough Remedy After All

National Public Radio (USA), 12/26/2007

With all the negative news about children's cough syrup, some parents are wondering how to treat their sick kids. It turns out that honey may be just the thing. New research published in the Ar­chives of Pe­di­at­rics & Ad­o­les­cent Med­i­cine suggests this old remedy is good for coughs.

Alex Chadwick gets the story from Slate.com columnist and pediatrician Sydney Spiesel…

Listen to the audio.

Propolis Aspiration May Mimick Lung Cancer

Pulmonary Tumour with High Carcinoembryonic Antigen Titre Caused by Chronic Propolis Aspiration
Eur Respir J, 2007; 30:1227-1230

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) titre elevation is sometimes found in benign diseases, such as gastro-intestinal tract inflammatory disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, very high CEA titre is rarely encountered in benign pulmonary disease.

A 36-yr-old female, who had suffered from body weight loss, was found to have high serum CEA titre (60.8 ng·mL–1). Image studies revealed one pulmonary tumour at the left lower lobe, satellite nodules and mediastinal lymphadenopathy.

Left lower lobectomy and lymph node dissection were performed for suspicious pulmonary malignancy. The pathological examination revealed that the tumourous lesion was composed of small and fragmented foreign bodies, fibrinopurulent exudate and heavy eosinophils. The bronchial epithelium was characterised by goblet cell hyperplasia and CEA overexpression. The remaining lung parenchyma possessed similar foreign body reaction. The patient’s medical history was reviewed and it was found that she had spread propolis topically on nasal mucosa as an adjuvant therapy to asthma for 6 months prior to this medical event. The CEA titre decreased after the operation to 14.2 and 7.88 ng·mL–1 after 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively.

Propolis is used widely in folk medicine but it also has strong sensitising potential. One rare case of propolis aspiration is reported with presentation mimicking lung cancer.

Propolis Could Prevent Development of Insulin Resistance

Effect of Propolis on Insulin Resistance in Fructose-drinking Rats
Yakugaku Zasshi, 2007 Dec ;127 (12):2065-73 18057795

Propolis, a honeybee product, contains a variety of biologically active substances. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of propolis on insulin resistance induced by fructose-drinking rats (FDR; type 2 diabetic animal model)…

In isolated and perfused mesenteric vascular beds of FDR, propolis treatment resulted in a significant reduction of sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstrictor response to periarterial nerve stimulation (PNS; 8 Hz) and tended to increase the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) nerve-mediated vasodilator response to PNS, compared with those in untreated FDR. However, propolis treatment did not significantly affect norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction and CGRP-induced vasodilation.

These results suggest that propolis could be an effective functional food to prevent the development of insulin resistance.

Despite Ability to Calm Coughs, Honey Not Recommended for Infants

Dangers of Honey Reiterated for Infants
Deseret Morning News (USA), 12/20/2007

Although honey has been recommended to calm a child's cough, it's a potentially deadly remedy for children under a year old.

Tuesday, Salt Lake Valley health officials issued a warning to parents that infants, with their underdeveloped immune systems, can get botulism from honey.

There's renewed interest in the sweet remedy following recommendations that children under 6 not be given over-the-counter cold medicines. Even before that, their effectiveness had been questioned. Studies have shown honey is more effective.

But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says honey sometimes contains Clostridium botulism spores that can translate into a deadly disease for infants. Each year, across the country, about 110 botulism cases are reported. Of those, about half occur in infants and 15 percent of infant botulism is traced to honey…

Miniature Fuel Cell Harnesses the Power of Bee Venom

Kathryn Young, CanWest News Services, 12/16/2007

Harnessing the power of ant bites and bee stings, a B.C. company has developed a micro fuel cell that will come on the market next year to recharge cellphones, digital cameras, iPods or any other electronic device anywhere, anytime.

"It's like carrying your wall plug around with you," said Neil Huff, chief executive officer of Burnaby-based Tekion. "It'll charge your cellphone at the same rate the wall plug does."

Tekion's recharger, which contains a miniature fuel cell that runs on formic acid - the same chemical emitted as venom by biting ants and bees - is about the size of a BlackBerry and should retail for under $100…

Comvita Buys Medical Honey Producer

By Sineva Toevai, The New Zealand Herald, 12/20/2007

Health products manufacturer Comvita has acquired medical honey maker Kiwibee for $2.15 million in an effort to maintain supply of the raw material.

The acquisition of the North Island business includes 3000 beehives on 150 Manuka sites, land, buildings and an extraction facility...

Propolis May Help Treat American Foulbrood

In Vitro Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Brazilian Propolis Against Paenibacillus Larvae
J Invertebr Pathol, 2007 Oct 17

The honey bee disease American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious problem since its causative agent (Paenibacillus larvae) has become increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics.

The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro activity of propolis collected from various states of Brazil against P. larvae…

The propolis extracts from the various states of Brazil showed significant inhibition of P. larvae. Clear dose responses were found for individual propolis extracts, particularly between the concentrations of 1.7 and 0.12mg propolis/treatment disk, but the source of the propolis, rather than the concentration, may be more influential in determining overall activity.

Two of the three tested antibiotics (tylosin and terramycin) exhibited a greater level of inhibition compared to most of the Brazilian samples, which could be due to the low concentrations of active compounds present in the propolis extracts. Additionally, the majority of the Brazilian propolis samples were more effective than the few collected in MN, USA.

Due to the evolution of resistance of P. larvae to conventional antibiotic treatments, this research is an important first step in identifying possible new active compounds to treat AFB in honey bee colonies.

Wound Microorganisms Should be Tested for Sensitivity to Honey

Honey: A Reservoir for Microorganisms and an Inhibitory Agent for Microbes
African Health Sciences, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2007, pp. 159-165
African Health Sciences, Makerere University Medical School, Vol. 7, No. 3, 2007, pp. 159-165

Background: Honey is an ancient remedy for the treatment of infected wounds, which has recently been 'rediscovered' by the medical profession. The use to which honey is put in medical care is increasing daily with many authors pointing out its importance and role in wound care. There have been reports that honey contains many microorganisms including bacteria and fungi.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to highlight the various uses, organisms commonly found in honey, how the organisms arrived in the honey and their effects on wounds and wound care. Would the presence of these organisms not constitute a limiting factor to the use of honey in wound management? This is what this review aims to answer.

Methods: A literature search was done on honey using pubmed, google, local books and journals. Relevant journals were extracted and discussed with emphasis on the antimicrobial properties as well as microbial content of honey and the implications of these.

Results: The production of honey as well as the storing process account for the presence of microorganisms. Most of these organisms are said to be in inactive forms as they can hardly survive in honey because of its several properties including hygroscopicity, hyperosmolarity, acidity, peroxide content, antibiotic activities etc. However there is a need for caution in the use of honey in wound management.

Conclusion: We suggest that wounds to be treated with honey should be investigated i.e with a swab for the microorganisms present on the wound and their sensitivity to the honey before commencing honey treatment. This will help in carefully selecting wounds that might do well with honey treatment not withstanding other properties of honey that aid wound healing.

Propolis Minerals, Flavonoids, Phenolic Compounds May Help Protect the Liver

Duration-Dependent Hepatoprotective Effects of Propolis Extract Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Damage IN Rats.
Advances in Therapy, 2007 Sep-Oct;24(5):1136-45

Propolis is a natural product produced by bees that was discovered through the study of traditional cures and knowledge of indigenous people throughout the world. It is rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, and in amino acids, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc.

The investigators studied the duration-dependent hepatoprotective effects of propolis extract (200 mg/kg, orally) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4); 1.5 mL/kg, intraperitoneally)-induced liver damage in rats…

Propolis extract reversed alterations in all parameters when administered within 6, 12, and 24 h of toxicant exposure. Propolis therapy produced duration-dependent protection, with maximal protection achieved at 24 h after CCl(4) exposure. It is believed that propolis in its natural form has general pharmacologic value and marked hepatoprotective potential because of its composition of minerals, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.

Honey and Contemporary Wound Care: An Overview

Ostomy/Wound Management, Volume 53 - Issue 11 - November 2007 - Pages: 49 - 54

…Despite lack of promotional support from large corporations, interest in the use of honey in wound management has increased in recent years. However, a clinical profile in wound care commensurate with other modalities has not been achieved despite offering similar indications of use and an increase in research activity and clinical reports. Zumal and Lulat observed, “The therapeutic potential of uncontaminated, pure honey is grossly underutilized.” Clinicians need reassurance that any health-related agent is safe and meets its stated therapeutic purpose. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that although natural in origin, the honey used in wound care should be of medical-grade standard and not sourced from honey destined for the supermarket shelf. Medical grade honey is filtered, gamma-irradiated, and produced under carefully controlled standards of hygiene to ensure that a standardized honey is produced…

The resurgence of interest in honey as a modern wound dressing offers opportunities for both patients and clinicians. Recent additions to the honey product range of dressings indicate commercial confidence in the future of therapeutic honey. The wheel has turned full circle and honey is being re-established as a valuable agent in modern wound care management. Its advantages — providing a moist environment, debriding, deodorizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory capabilities — are factors that have been shown to facilitate healing. These advantages have been experienced by patients and clinicians in Europe and Australia and are now available to patients in North America. Use of any medical device must be based on clinical justification and available evidence about product safety and effectiveness. Continued research is needed to increase our understanding about the role of honey in a variety of wounds and its effect on healing compared to other treatment modalities.

Bee Venom Therapy Induces Repigmentation in Vitiligo Skin

Bee Venom Stimulates Human Melanocyte Proliferation, Melanogenesis, Dendricity and Migration
Exp Mol Med, 2007 Oct 31;39(5):603-13

Pigmentation may result from melanocyte proliferation, melanogenesis, migration or increases in dendricity. Recently, it has been reported that secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) known as a component of bee venom (BV), stimulates melanocyte dendricity and pigmentation.

BV has been used clinically to control rheumatoid arthritis and to ameliorate pain via its anti- inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Moreover, after treatment with BV, pigmentation around the injection sites was occasionally observed and the pigmentation lasted a few months. However, no study has been done about the effect of BV on melanocytes.

Thus, in the present study, we examined the effect of BV on the proliferation, melanogenesis, dendricity and migration in normal human melanocytes and its signal transduction…

Overall, in this study, we demonstrated that BV may have an effect on the melanocyte proliferation, melanogenesis, dendricity and migration through complex signaling pathways in vitro, responsible for the pigmentation. Thus, our study suggests a possibility that BV may be developed as a therapeutic drug for inducing repigmentation in vitiligo skin.

Six New Propolis Flavonoids Identified

Effect of Egyptian Propolis on the Susceptibility of LDL to Oxidative Modification and its Antiviral Activity with Special Emphasis on Chemical Composition
Z Naturforsch, 2007 Sep-Oct;62(9-10):645-55

The antioxidant activity of eight Egyptian propolis samples from different localities was evaluated by the antioxidative potential and capacity ofthe DPPH-ESR signal, superoxide anion generated in the xanthine-xanthine oxidase (XOD) system and low density lipoprotein (LDL) peroxidation assay…

The antiviral activity ofpropolis samples was investigated. They showed variations in their activity; sample D induced the highest antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus.

42 Polyphenolic compounds were identified by HPLC; 13 aromatic acids, esters and alcohols were present, 29 flavonoids were identified, 6 of them being new to propolis.

Apitherapists to Offer Workshop at US Beekeeping Convention

On January 12, apitherapist Reyah Carlson and American Apitherapy Society Vice President Frederique Keller will offer an apitherapy workshop at the American Beekeeping Federation annual convention in Sacramento, Calif.

Attendees will learn health and healing from the use of all honeybee products, including a demonstration of bee sting application and technique. This portion of the conference is open to the public.

Video: Honey for Cuts

WYFF-4, 11/29/2007

Home remedies for cuts can be spicy or sweet.

Call for Papers for the 6th German Apitherapy Congress with International Participation

When: March 28-30, 2008
Where: Holiday Inn Hotel, Passau, Germany

We are kindly asking all scientists and practitioners interested to participate as a speaker/author to our coming event in Passau, Germany, to send us first the title(s) of their presentations/posters, then their abstracts, as soon as possible.

Please forward this important message to all people you might think interested to be in Passau at the end of March next year.

The first details on our Congress, Expo, Pre- and Post-Congress Workshops are already listed in www.Apitherapie.de

Your feedback will be highly appreciated, so please do write to all the below e-mail addresses.

Dr. Stefan Stangaciu

President of the German Apitherapy Society
http://www.apitherapie.de/

E-mails: drstangaciu@apitherapy.com, drstangaciu@apitherapie.de, drstangaciu@gmail.com

Honey, Royal Jelly Lip Balms Released in Japan

Japanese Flavour Lip Cream
Cosmetics & Toiletries & Household Products Marketing News, 12/25/2007

Baison has released a moisturising lip cream in 2 traditional Japanese flavours.

"Kuromitsu [Molasses] No Kaori" - A sweet scented lip cream formulated with molasses and honey extracts "Mikan [Tangerine] No Kaori" - Formulated with tangerine skin extract, honey and a royal jelly extract.

Both products come in a black Japan lacquer-like container decorated with silver water droplets. Price: 504 yen.

Beeswax Used in New Lip Moisturizer

Merlot Skin Care Announces Natural Grape Seed Lip Moisturizer

El Paso, TX (PRWEB) December 13, 2007 -- This spring Merlot Skin Care, the leader in natural grape seed-based skin care technology, announces a brand new way to revitalize your lips. Merlot's breakthrough Lip Moisturizer softens and smoothes lips with its unique combination of beeswax and natural grape seed oil…

Video: Comvita Official Discusses Honey Wound Dressings

The Buzz Over Honey
CNBC (USA), 10/15/2007

Scott Coulter, sales & marketing manager of Comvita speaks to CNBC's Martin Soong about his company's business in making bandages using manuka honey in Squawk's On the Road: New Zealand.

Bees Provide Us with 'Super Foods'

By Brooke Wagenheim, The News-Press (USA), 12/12/2007

Bee products have been relied upon since ancient times, for healing, nourishment and sustenance. Beyond honey, "super foods" such as bee pollen and bee propolis can be used for health-boosting effects.

The beauty of these products is that science is completely incapable of duplicating any of these by-products. The bees themselves must make it all...

Honey contains glucose, fructose, proteins, antimicrobials, hormones and carbohydrates. It also contains a complex mixture of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Raw honey also contains live enzymes that are vitally important for the proper functioning of all of our body systems.

Bee pollen

Bee pollen is a "super food" made for us by the bees. It is well known for its nearly complete nutrient content and its remarkable ability to provide energy. It has been used as a food for many centuries.

References to it have been found in medical information from 2735 B.C. Bee pollen contains nearly all of the B complex vitamins, vitamins C, A, E, folic acid and carotenoids. It contains a wide variety of minerals and trace elements, along with essential fatty acids…

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is manufactured for the nourishment of the hive's queen bee. It also cannot be synthetically reproduced by science.

It contains compounds that have not yet been identified. But what science does know is that royal jelly is rich in natural hormones, minerals, B vitamins, folic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. It also contains aspartic acid, which is essential for tissue regeneration and growth. This super food is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-aging…

Propolis Recommended for Sore Throats

Alternative Ways to Tame a Sore Throat
Easier Lifestyle, 12/11/2007

…Bee Propolis is one of the oldest natural remedies used by mankind, created by bees using a resin collected by leaf buds and bark it is combined with enzymes, pollen and wax. The bees use it as a kind of external immune system antibiotic to seal line, repair and strengthen their hive creating a sterile and safe environment. As a natural remedy it is believed to have a similar effect and aids in supporting the immune system.

Bee Propolis is rich in flavonoids, amino acids and minerals. Flavonoids support health by strengthening capillaries and other connective tissue, with an additional function as an anti-inflammatory – a perfect trait for a sore throat.

USA: Program of the 1st International Symposium on Honey and Human Health

On the 8th of January, 2008, the 1st International Symposium on Honey and Human Health will be held in Sacramento, California.

8:30 to 9 AM - - 1st Session: “The History of Honey and its Role in Human Health,” Kirsten Traynor, Humboldt Scholar Recipient

9 to 9:30 AM - - 2nd Session: “Honey for Nutrition and Health - A Review,” Stephan Bogdanov, PhD, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Berne, Switzerland

9:30 to 10:15 AM - - 3rd Session: “The Uniqueness of Honey and its role in Restorative Sleep,” Mike McInnes, Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Edinburgh, Scotland

10:30 to 11 AM - - 4th Session: “Short Sleep Duration as a Risk Factor for Hypertension,” James Gangwisch, PhD, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York

11 to 11:45 PM - - 5th Session: “Cognitive Function: Mental Performance and Memory ¬ Does Honey have a Role in Improving Human Cognition?” and “The Effect of Honey Compared to Sucrose, Mixed Sugars, and a Sugar-free Diet on Weight Gain in Young Rats,” Dr. Nicola Starkey, Waikato University, Hamilton, New Zealand

11:45 to 12 PM - - 6th Session: “Prevention of Chemotherapy-induced Neutropenia by Special Honey Intake,” Jamal Zidon, MD, Head, Department of Oncology, Sieff Gov’t Hospital, Israel

12 to 1 PM - - Speaker’s Luncheon / Recognition of Industry Leaders

1 to 1:30 PM - - 7th Session: “Future Directions for Honey Research,” Ron Fessenden, MD, MPH, Co-Chairman of the Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health, Inc

1:30 to 2:15 PM - - 8th Session: Dr. David Baer, Research Physiologist, USDA, ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, “The Challenges of Insulin Resistance and Diabetes - - Does Honey Play a Role?”

2:15 to 2:45 PM - - 9th Session: Panel Discussion “The Metabolism of Honey in the Human - - Differentiating Between Honey and other Sweeteners?” Panel Members - Dr. David Baer, Mike McInnes, Dr. G.B.S.K. Prasad, Moderator Ron Fessenden, MD, MPH

3 to 3:30 PM - - 10th Session: “Subjects with Impaired Glucose Tolerance Exhibit a High Degree of Tolerance to Honey,” GBKS Prasad, MD, Jiwaji University, India

3:30 to 4 PM - - 11th Session: “The Anti-microbial Properties of Honey ¬ Impact on Medical Therapeutics,” Dr. Shona Blair, microbiologist and post-doctoral research Fellow, University of Sydney and University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

4 to 4:30 PM - - 12th Session: “Lactic Acid Bacteria - The Missing Link in Honey's Enigma,” Tobias C Olofsson, PhD & Alejandra Vásquez, PhD, Microbiology Laboratory at Campus Helsingborg, Lund University, Sweden

4:30 to 5 PM - - 13th Session: “Honey as a Cough Suppressant,” Jessica Beiler, MPH, Pediatric Clinical Research, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Video: Demonstration of Romanian Bee Venom Collector

The venom collecting devices use electrical impulses to stimulate bees to sting a special collection sheet. The venom is then gathered from the sheet and stored. These devices are used by beekeepers to collect venom for individual, research or pharmaceutical use. They are easy to assemble and simple to operate…

The latest versions of collecting device are microprocessor driven and are capable of collecting bee venom from 6, 20 or even 40 hives at a time.

View the Video.

New Indian Honey Product Has More Bioflavonoids, Antioxidants

Himalaya partners with the Soliga tribe to collect certified organic honey from the tropical evergreen forests of South India. Himalaya buys forest honey from the Soligas, so they may build better lives for themselves. The Soligas believe human life is intertwined with the natural ecosystem, leading to the practice of sustainable harvesting where the wild bee colony and comb are not destroyed. Hundreds of different flora gives this honey a unique flavor and robust aroma.

Soliga Forest Honey contains 3 times more bioflavonoids and 7 times more antioxidants than wildflower honey.

Video: Bee Sting 'Cures Pain'

View the Video: INT News

Doctors in Beijing believe they have found a cure for rheumatism, arthritis, back pain, and even a way to improve liver problems and cancers.It is called bee venom therapy, part of apitherapy…

Video: Propolis - Produits de la Rûche

View the Video: Biofeeling

La propolis est un antibiotique naturel fabriqué par les abeilles. c'est un produit naturel utile pour optimiser ses défenses immunitaires.

Propolis May Help Flowers Last Longer in Beeswax Vase

The Honeycomb Vase
By Alice Rawsthorn, The New York Times, 12/8/2007

How many workers does it take to make a vase? To devotees of the Arts and Crafts Movement, it’s one. But in the case of the Honeycomb Vase, it’s 40,000 — because the “workers” who made it were bees toiling in their hive.

The vase was conceived by Tomás Gabzdil Libertiny, a young Slovakian product designer. Eager to explore the relationship between design and nature, he settled upon beeswax as a suitable material and chose the vase as an appropriate object to make from it…

Intriguing though the vases are, they’re not likely to revolutionize vase manufacturing. For one thing, they can be made only from April to June, when the bees are at their most productive; for another it takes the bees around a week to make each one. The clincher is that the vases aren’t watertight.

The solid-beeswax vases are, though, and Libertiny is convinced that flowers last longer in them, because beeswax contains propolis, an antibacterial agent that protects against biological decay. “We found out by accident,” he explains. “We had a bouquet, which was too big for the beeswax vase, so we put half of the flowers in a glass vase. We noticed the difference after a week or so.

Propolis Component Accelerates Wound Healing

Caffeic Acid Phenetyl Ester Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing in a Rat Model and Decreases Oxidative Stress
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Volume 32 Issue 6 Page 709-715, November 2007

Background. Cutaneous injury causes a depression in antioxidant status, as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in response to injury.

Aim. To determine the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, on wound healing in rats…

Results. Wound tissues showed a significant increase in glutathione and nitric oxide levels, and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase levels in the CAPE group compared with the control group. Histopathology of the wound tissues displayed rapid epithelium development in the CAPE group compared with the control group.

Conclusion. This study has demonstrated that CAPE partly accelerates full-thickness wound healing by its antioxidant and ROS-scavenging capabilities.

Honey Recommended for Cuts and Blisters

The Cures in Your Kitchen
By Angela Epstein, Third Age, 12/5/2007

Most of us keep the bathroom cabinet stocked with remedies for common ailments, but we could just as well look in our kitchen cupboards instead. Many everyday ingredients can double as home cures for a host of complaints, from toothache to sciatica -- and with no worry of side-effects. Here, we round up 25 of the best home remedies ...

Cuts, Grazes and Blisters

Manuka honey contains a powerful antiseptic to prevent infection and can be applied in small amounts to treat cuts, grazes and blisters, says Dr. Dixon. Use the lowest strength Manuka honey (basic factor 10-15).

Nutritionist Jane Clarke adds that the honey has also been shown to have strong anti-viral properties, and taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey twice a day may help speed up recovery after a viral infection...

Comparison of the Volatile Composition in Thyme Honeys from Several Origins in Greece

J. Agric. Food Chem, 55 (20), 8152–8157

Abstract: Thyme honey is the most appreciated unifloral Greek honey in Greece as well as around the world. In an effort to investigate the headspace composition of this type of honey, 28 samples were analyzed by means of solid-phase microextraction coupled to a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry system.

The botanical origin of the samples was ascertained by pollen analysis, and samples displayed relative frequencies of thyme pollen between 18 and 41%. A total of 62 compounds were isolated, and phenylacetaldehyde was the most abundant (32.9% of the total peak area). Possible botanical markers are 1-phenyl-2,3-butanedione (13.4%), 3-hydroxy-4-phenyl-2-butanone, 3-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-butanone (14.7%), phenylacetonitrile (4.8%), and carvacrol (0.9%), since these compounds are found only in thyme honey…

Editor’s Note: Thyme honey is used for wound treatment by Professor Bernard Descottes at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges in France.

For more information, see:

APIMEDICA Presentation: Honey and Helicobacter Pylori

Study: Honeydew, Thyme Honey Contain High Levels of Phenol

Palestinians Praise Medicinal Value of Thyme Honey

Malaysian University to Study Honey as Remedy for Muslim Pilgrims’ Coughs, Asthma

USM Sending Researchers to Mecca for Studies on Haj Pilgrims
Bernama (Malaysia), 12/5/2007

PENANG, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- A team of researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) are leaving for Mecca to conduct studies on the use of Tualang bee honey as a remedy for coughs and asthma that often affect haj pilgrims.

The university's Haj Research Project director Prof Dr Kamarulazizi Ibrahim said the research was being conducted in collaboration with the Umm Al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to reporters after sending 10 of 25 USM researchers to Mecca at the Bayan Lepas International Airport today, he said the university also received the cooperation from the Pilgrims Fund Board Malaysia.

He said that as part of the research, the pilgrims were divided into three groups. The first was given Tualang bee honey, the second received influenza vaccines while the third would serve as a control group.

"This will enable us to know the effectiveness of Tualang bee honey and influenza vaccines against coughs and asthma," he said…

Ghanaians Told Honey Enhances Physical, Mental Performance

Ghanaians Urged to Consume More Honey
Ghana News, 12/4/2007

Mr. Richard Okoe, Project Officer of Nkoranza-Kwabre Rural Bank, has advised Ghanaians to consume more honey in order to improve their health.

Mr. Okoe, chairman of Nkoranza-Techiman bee keepers association, was speaking at the inauguration of a 120-member association at Nkoranza.

He noted that honey contained nutrients that promoted the growth and development of the body and advised parents to encourage their children to consume honey to enhance their physical and mental performance…

Q-and-A: Honey vs. Cough Syrup

Video of Interview with Dr. Ian Paul of Penn State College of Medicine

View the video.

Honey a Better Option for Childhood Cough than Over the Counter Medications

Science Daily, 12/4/2007

A new study by a Penn State College of Medicine research team found that honey may offer parents an effective and safe alternative than over the counter children's cough medicines.

The study found that a small dose of buckwheat honey given before bedtime provided better relief of nighttime cough and sleep difficulty in children than no treatment or dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cold medications.

Honey did a better job reducing the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infection than DM or no treatment. Honey also showed a positive effect on the sleep quality of both the coughing child and the child's parents. DM was not significantly better at alleviating symptoms than no treatment.

These findings are especially notable since an FDA advisory board recently recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children less than 6 years old because of their lack of effectiveness and potential for side effects…

Local Honey Recommended for Allergies

Local Honey, Berries Can Fight Itching, Sneezing
Leah Betancourt, WHIO-TV (USA), 12/3/2007

When people suffer from allergies, relief may be a matter of changing what they eat.

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

While many people are tempted to take over-the-counter remedies to lessen the symptoms, there is a better way to fight back, certified nutritional therapist Norma Kayte O’Dell said in an e-mail interview.

She promotes supporting the body to handle these invaders or diminishing exposure through changes in diet.

"Foods that help manage inflammation and support the immune system can help alleviate allergic reactions," O'Dell said.

One such food is local raw honey.

Tom Ogren, horticulturist and author of "Allergy-Free Gardening," said honey works in a way similar to allergy shots -- it builds up a tolerance to local pollens. He said honey made about five to 10 miles from the buyer's home is most useful, and farmer's markets are a good place to buy it. Beekeepers can tell buyers where the honey was produced.

Ogren pointed out that if a person's allergies are worse during the spring, then it's best to buy honey made from bees working springtime flowers…

Propolis May Be Helpful in Treating Colitis

Effectiveness of Mesalamine and Propolis in Experimental Colitis
Advances In Therapy, Volume 24 No. 5 September/October 2007 Pgs. 1085-1097

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of propolis and mesalamine on experimental colitis in rats…

Most propolis-treated rats had normal histology; mesalamine-treated and propolis+mesalamine–treated rats had inflammatory cell infiltration at rates of 50% and 33%, respectively. The investigators concluded that propolis and mesalamine are efficient independently and in combination, but that their combined effect was not observed to be additive in experimental colitis.

New Royal Jelly Anti-Aging Product Introduced in Japan

Dr. CI Labo Launches ‘Royal Jelly 2000’
NPI Center, 11/30/2007

Dr. CI Labo has introduced a dietary supplement containing fresh royal jelly “Royal Jelly 2000.” The product was developed to meet the needs of women wanting to stay young and healthy, and contains 2000 mg of royal jelly.

New Honey and Bee Products Shop Opens in London

'The New Zealand Honey Shop' Opens First Physical Store in Southfields, London

Specialising in genuine UMF Manuka Honey , Propolis, Bee Pollen, and other bee-based products from the pristine environment of New Zealand...

Visit: http://www.newzealandhoneyshop.co.uk/

Alternative Treatments for Wounds: Leeches, Maggots, and Bees

By Ramaz Mitaishvili, Abkhazia Institute for Social and Economic Research, 11/30/2007

The recalcitrant nature and complexity of chronic wounds continue to challenge health practitioners in the field, with many of the standard treatment options often failing to provide good outcomes. Chronic wounds are often infected with bacteria resistant to antibiotics, compounding the problem. Some alternative biologic forms of treatment have been used and are gaining recognition; they include apitherapy (application of honey), maggots, and leeches. In addition to other wound-promoting actions, they all seem to show efficacy against bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Honey -- A Topical Treatment for Wounds In recent years, there has been a resurgent interest in the use of honey in wound care. Honey, a plant nectar that is modified by the honey bee Apis mellifera, has been used as a treatment for wounds since antiquity, with records of its use dating back to the early Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans.

There are several mechanisms through which honey is thought to act on and heal wounds. When it is applied directly on a wound surface or via a dressing, it can act as a sealant, keeping the wound moist and free from contamination. In addition, honey is comprised of glucose (35%), fructose (40%), sucrose (5%), and water (20%). This high sugar content plus vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) provides topical nutrition that is thought to promote healing and tissue growth. Honey is also a hyperosmotic agent that draws fluid from the wound bed and underlying circulation, which kills bacteria that cannot thrive in such an environment. It is bactericidal in other ways as well. During the process of honey production, worker bees add the enzyme glucose oxidase to the nectar. When honey is applied to the wound, this enzyme comes into contact with oxygen in the air, which leads to the production of the bactericide hydrogen peroxide. Macroscopically, honey has also shown debriding action…

Honey Component Promotes Intestinal Health in the Elderly

Bamboo Prebiotics Boost Gut Health in the Elderly

By Stephen Daniells, Nutra Ingredients-USA, 11/30/2007

The gut health of elderly people is positively changed by xylooligosaccharides, found in bamboo shoots, fruit, vegetables and honey, and was more efficient than fructooligosaccharides and inulin, Taiwanese researchers report…

Substance May Contribute to Pain-Relieving, Wound-Healing Effect of Honey

Kynurenic Acid in Honey from Arboreal Plants: MS and NMR Evidence
Planta Medica, 2007 Nov 12

KYNA, a Trp metabolite, shows neuroprotective activity against excitotoxic amino acids by antagonizing the NMDA receptor (glycine, glutamate). Here we report the identification of KYNA by a combination of ESI-MS/MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses in honey varieties of arboreal origin.

KYNA are absent in single-flower honeys from herbal flowers. These different distribution patterns might possibly involve an indirect plant defence mechanism against fungal pathogens and herbivorous parasites, ever-present on wild trees.

The presence of KYNA in honey may explain its pain-relieving effects reported in the literature. The substance, acting in concert with honey flavonoids (COX-2 inhibitors), by antagonizing the NMDA receptor may contribute to the antinociceptive effect of honey.

Moreover, kynureninates, owing to their antimicrobial properties, can favour the successful outcome of wounds and burns.

Honey Maintained Blood Glucose Levels Following Exercise Better than Sucrose

Effects of Ingesting Protein with Various Forms of Carbohydrate Following Resistance-Exercise on Substrate Availability and Markers of Anabolism, Catabolism, and Immunity
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12 November 2007

Background: Ingestion of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) following intense exercise has been reported to increase insulin levels, optimize glycogen resynthesis, enhance PRO synthesis, and lessen the immuno-suppressive effects of intense exercise. Since different forms of CHO have varying glycemic effects, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the type of CHO ingested with PRO following resistance-exercise affects blood glucose availability and insulin levels, markers of anabolism and catabolism, and/or general immune markers…

Methods: 40 resistance-trained subjects performed a standardized resistance training workout and then ingested in a double blind and randomized manner 40 g of whey PRO with 120 g of sucrose (S), honey powder (H), or maltodextrin (M). A non-supplemented control group (C) was also evaluated…

Conclusion: CHO and PRO ingestion following exercise significantly influences glucose and insulin concentrations. Although some trends were observed suggesting that H maintained blood glucose levels to a better degree, no significant differences were observed among types of CHO ingested on insulin levels. These findings suggest that each of these forms of CHO can serve as effective sources of CHO to ingest with PRO in and attempt to promote post-exercise anabolic responses.

Study: Some Royal Jelly Products Contain Little 10-HDA

Comparison of UPLC and HPLC for Determination of Trans -10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid Content in Royal Jelly by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction with Internal Standard
Journal Chromatographia, Volume 66, Numbers 3-4, 2007

Abstract: The ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and compared to detect the trans-10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) content in royal jelly cream and lyophilized powder…

The concentration of 10-HDA ranges from 1.26 to 2.25% for pure royal jelly cream samples and 3.01–6.26% for royal jelly lyophilized powder samples. For 30 royal jelly products, the 10-HDA content varied from no detectable to 1.005%.

Malaysian Spa Uses Beeswax ‘Ear Candles’ to Treat Migraines

Johor Buzz: Pamper Your Face
By Kamachy Habimanan, New Straits Times (Malaysia), 11/28/07

Pusat Kecantikan Mutiara Manja, located on the first floor of Pekan Rabu, is one place where you can be sure of a good facial without digging deep into your pocket…

The centre is also popular for its ear-candling treatment.

"Ear-candling, or coning, is a method of cleaning the ears. A hollow candle is stuck into the ear and lit, sucking out earwax. It traps dust and dirt, helps fight infections and reduce migraines...

(Editor's note: Ear candles are normally cones made of cloth and beeswax.)

Austrian ‘Bee Air’ Spa Treats Respiratory Problems

An Austrian spa offers treatment with “bee air” as a cure for respiratory problems. Spa owners say the treatment usually takes 10 to 14 days and is only offered from May to August.

Translate from German to English.

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of hive products in treating asthma and respiratory tract infections.

Case Report: Bee Venom Therapy Helps Relieve Pain

Bee Stings—A Remedy for Postherpetic Neuralgia?
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Volume 32, Issue 6, Pages 533-535 (November 2007)

Objective: This case report describes the effects of bee stings on painful postherpetic neuralgia in a 51-year-old man.

Case Report: The patient was stung by 3 bees in the distribution in which he had been experiencing postherpetic neuralgia. One day after the bee stings, the patient’s painful postherpetic neuralgia was completely relieved, and the relief lasted for 1 and a half months. Subsequently, the patient’s pain returned, but at significantly less intensity and frequency than what he had experienced prior to the bee stings.

Conclusions: Bee venom and bee sting therapy have been shown to have both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain why the bee stings relieved the patient’s postherpetic neuralgia. Bee sting or bee venom therapy should be further investigated as a potential treatment modality for postherpetic neuralgia.

Video Demonstration of Bee Venom Therapy

View the Video

Bee Bread Used to Treat Child with Rare Genetic Disorder

The Benefits of Beebread for T.J.
An apitherapy case history of a child born with a rare chromosomal abnormality
By Priscilla Coe, Journal of the American Apitherapy Society, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2007

Donald Downs, a long-time apitherapist in Wellington, Ohio, and member of the AAS board, has, at several AAS conferences, presented a brief case history on his work with T.J.

Born with a virtually unknown genetic abnormality, T.J. was given a brief life expectancy. Beebread was introduced into formula via his feeding tube at age two by his maternal grandmother, Angie Gebhart Bittner. A distinct turning point for the better was noted almost immediately in his overall health.

Since then, his only sustenance has been formula with the addition of beebread or honey, and his vitality and capabilities have steadily improved. Today, as T.J. approaches his sixth birthday, his grandmother notes the unimaginable strides her grandson has made, especially considering that no hope was given at birth, and she credits the hive products 100 percent. The following is a transcript of an interview with Angie in July 2007. Supplementing the interview are an excerpt from the child’s medical diagnosis, an afterword, and a description of beebread…

Propolis May Help Reduce Chromosome Damage

Effects of Propolis Crude Hydroalcoholic Extract on Chromosomal Aberrations Induced by Doxorubicin in Rats
Planta Medica, 2007 Nov 12

Propolis has been reported to display a broad spectrum of biological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antifungal properties, among others.

There is great interest not only in the determination of the chemical composition of propolis but also in the understanding of the mechanisms related to its therapeutic actions.

In this respect, the aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of both simultaneous (6, 12 and 24 mg/kg b. w.) and subacute (12 mg/kg b. w.) treatment with a crude hydroalcoholic extract of propolis on the frequency of chromosome aberrations induced by the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DXR) in Wistar rat bone marrow cells…

The results showed that the dose of 12 mg propolis/kg b. w., administered either as a single dose or as subacute treatment, caused a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of chromosome damage induced by DXR compared to the group treated only with DXR. This reduction might be, in part, due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the studied propolis, which are able to capture free radicals produced by chemotherapeutic agents such as DXR.

USA: 1st International Symposium on Honey and Human Health

The 1st International Symposium on Honey and Human Health features scientists, researchers and physicians from around the world presenting studies that underscore the role of honey as a functional food providing healthful benefits when consumed regularly.

Topics of scheduled presentations include:

* Immune system responses in patients given honey while undergoing chemotherapy
* Honey’s effectiveness in promoting restorative sleep
* Honey’s role in reducing insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes
* Honey’s effect on blood sugar and glycohemoglobin (HA1C) levels in type II diabetes
* Honey and its effect on cognitive performance and memory

Featured speakers include Dr. David Baer of the USDA Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland. The symposium was initiated by the non-profit Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health, Inc.

When: January 8, 2008, 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Doubletree Hotel, Sacramento, California

Contact: Ron Fessenden, 713-436-7802, info@prohoneyandhealth.com

Study: Weight Gain Significantly Lower in Honey-Fed Rats Than Those Fed Sucrose

The Effect of Honey Compared to Sucrose, Mixed Sugars, and a Sugar-Free Diet on Weight Gain in Young Rats
Journal of Food Science, 72 (3), S224–S229

ABSTRACT: To determine whether honey, sucrose, and mixed sugars as in honey have different effects on weight gain, 40 6-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a powdered diet that was either sugar free or contained 8% sucrose, 8% mixed sugars as in honey, or 10% honey freely for 6 wk…

Overall percentage weight gain was significantly lower in honey-fed rats than those fed sucrose or mixed sugars, despite a similar food intake. Weight gains were comparable for rats fed honey and a sugar free diet although food intake was significantly higher in honey-fed rats.

Honey as the New 'Silver' Dressing in Wound Care

By Sylvie Hampton, The Journal of Community Nursing (UK), November 2007, Volume 21, Issue 11

Silver is known to reduce bacteria in wounds and this aids healing in intractable wounds. However, the silver element within the dressing increases the cost of treatment and many Trusts are taking silver dressings off of their formularies. This has an implication for patients with wounds as the potential for infection could rise if prevention is not a consideration.

Honey has had a valued place in traditional medicine for centuries and has been used for reducing potential for clinical infection and for accelerating wound healing. Although honey has been used since ancient times some practitioners still hesitate to apply honey for treatment of wounds and some clinicians are under the impression that there is little or no evidence to support the use of honey as a wound dressing although positive findings on honey in wound care are widely reported.

Honey has been shown to give good results on a very wide range of types of wounds and it is therefore mystifying that there appears to be a lack of universal acceptance of honey as a wound dressing…

The antibacterial effects of honey

The antibacterial property of honey was first recognised in 1892 by van Ketel. Honey is a supersaturated sugar solution with a low water activity and high osmolarity which means that there is little water available to support the growth of bacteria and yeast. The high osmolarity is also considered to be a valuable tool in the treatment of established infections, because it prevents the growth of bacteria and encourages healing…

The action of some honey is linked to the production of hydrogen peroxide on dilution of the honey with wound exudate. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known antimicrobial agent, initially hailed for its antibacterial and cleansing properties when it was first introduced into clinical practice. In more recent times it has lost favour because of inflammation and damage to tissue. However, the hydrogen peroxide concentration produced in honey activated by dilution is typically around 1 mmol/l, about 1000 times less than in the 3 per cent solution commonly used as an antiseptic. The harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide are further reduced because honey sequesters and inactivates the free iron which catalyses the formation of oxygen free radicals produced by hydrogen peroxide and its antioxidant components help to mop up oxygen free radicals…

Clinical observations suggest that honey holds significant promise particularly in the management of non-healing wounds and when applied topically on wounds will accelerate the healing processes. It is also known for enhancing wound contraction in fresh wounds which is one of the key features of wound healing. Research has also indicated that honey may possess antiinflammatory activity which stimulates immune responses within a wound and the ability to modulate production and quenching of free radicals may contribute to the ability of some honeys to help in resolving the state of inflammation typifying chronic wounds…

Conclusion

Honey certainly has an effect on healing and has the potential to reduce clinical infection in wounds. It is useful in debridement of wounds and in reducing the malodour that can occur when bacteria is present. Therefore, there is an argument for replacing silver dressings with the more cost effective treatment with honey.

Royal Jelly May be Useful in Treating Neurological Disorders

Royal Jelly and Its Unique Fatty Acid, 10-Hydroxy-Trans-2-Decenoic Acid, Promote Neurogenesis by Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells In Vitro
Biomedical Research, 2007; 28 (5):261-266

Abstract: Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) proliferate vigorously as neurospheres in medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), but start differentiating into neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes in FGF-2-free medium.

An extract of royal jelly (RJ) significantly increased the percentage in the total cell population of not only neurons immunoreactive for class III beta-tubulin (Tuj1) but also astrocytes immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and oligodendrocytes immunoreactive for 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) generated from NSCs, but decreased that of nestin-positive NSCs.

These results highlight a novel and outstanding property of the RJ, i.e., that it facilitates the differentiation of all types of brain cells (neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes). On the other hand, 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (HDEA), an unsaturated fatty acid characteristic of RJ, increased the generation of neurons and decreased that of astrocytes from NSCs.

These observations suggest that RJ contains plural components that differently influence neuronal and/or glial lineages and that HDEA is one of such components of RJ that facilitates neurogenesis by NSCs.

Propolis Used in New ‘Immune Boosting’ Lozenge

Jarrow Formulas’, Inc. Introduces Immune Soothers(TM) With Pink Rock Rose, Bee Propolis and Elderberry
NPI Center, 11/20/2007

Los Angeles, CA, November 19, 2007 — Los Angeles-based Jarrow Formulas’ has introduced Immune Soothers™, immune boosting lozenges with Pink Rock Rose, Bee Propolis and Elderberry.

Jarrow Formulas Immune Soothers™ combines vitamin C with other immune boosting botanicals, in a sugar-free lozenge. Immune Soothers™ harnesses the power of Pink Rock Rose extract, an ancient Mediterranean preparation rich in health-promoting antioxidants that has been used for centuries to strengthen immune function.

According to Mark Becker, Director, Advertising/Communications for Jarrow Formulas, immunity is a very important factor in staying healthy. “The immune system is perhaps the most important body system for living well and maintaining good health,” says Becker. “Immune Soothers™ not only offers Pink Rock Rose extract, but also Bee Propolis and Elderberry, all of which help to support a challenged immune system.”…

Honey Recommended as Alternative Wound Treatment

Health Matters: If Turkey’s on the Menu, Follow These Steps
By Jan Chait, The Tribune-Star (USA), 11/21/2007

…While we’re on the subject of alternate treatments, one for wounds can be found in your cupboard: Honey, says Medscape. Apply the sweet nectar to a wound and it acts in a number of ways, say researchers.

Honey acts as a sealant; provides nutrition believed to promote healing and tissue growth; kills bacteria and, when an enzyme called glucose oxidase added to the nectar by worker bees comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it turns into hydrogen peroxide. Honey has also shown to have a debriding action, which means that it removes non-living tissue from wounds.

In June and July 2007, Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared Manuka (Medihoney), described as “a medicinal honey with enhanced antibacterial properties” as the first medicinal honey product for use in wounds and burns. Manuka comes from floral sources in Australia and New Zealand. In fact, researchers say, manuka may even be active against MRSA.

However, you don’t even have to use manuka honey on wounds: A microbiologist at the University of Sidney, Australia, “has tested various strains of honeys against bacterial strains obtained from hospitals and found that even the strains most resistant to antibiotics failed to grow in the presence of honey.”…

International Apitherapy Conference in Argentina

The Apitherapy Association of Argentina invites you to the 3rd International Apitherapy Conference November 27, 2007, in Cordoba.

For more information, e-mail: apiterapiacba@yahoo.com.ar, prensa@aadapiterapia.org.ar, nahual70@yahoo.com.ar

Honey and Royal Jelly May Help Block Infections

Pharma Investments, Ventures & Law Weekly, 11/25/2007

"Pseudomonas aeruginosa antibiotic resistance has led to the search of natural compounds, which would competitively block its fucose > fructose/mannose-binding lectin ( PA-IIL) that mediates its biofilm formation and adhesion to animal cells," researchers in Ramat Gan, Israel report.

"Such compounds were found in human milk ( HM) and avian egg whites (see also Life Sciences). The present research has revealed that honey and royal jelly ( RJ), which are assigned to protect beehive progeny and are applied for human infection therapy, match HM in PA-IIL blocking," wrote B. Lerrer and colleagues, Bar-Ilan University.

The researchers concluded: "The function of their fructose (higher in honey) and mannosylated glycoproteins (higher in RJ) as powerful decoys in PA-IIL neutralization is of ecological/biological importance and implementability for the antibacterial adhesion therapeutic strategy."…