Friday, February 28, 2014

Royal Jelly and Its Amazing Skin and Health Benefits


My very favorite anti –aging, moisturizing, healing, nutrient for the skin is Royal Jelly. The miraculous benefits of royal jelly have been used by many cultures for years. Its skin healing powers have been used for many different ailments. I am completely amazed at how much royal jelly has improved my skin…

Thursday, February 27, 2014

How Propolis Kills Breast Cancer Cells

Iron Magazine, February 24, 2014
Propolis is a sticky substance that bees make and which they use to seal the inside of their hives. Supplements manufacturers put the same propolis into capsules and tablets intended to stimulate the immune system. Researchers at New York University may now have discovered a new application for propolis. In the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy they describe how propolis in theory can protect women against breast cancer.
Propolis is a sticky substance that bees make and which they use to seal the inside of their hives. Supplements manufacturers put the same propolis into capsules and tablets intended to stimulate the immune system. Researchers at New York University may now have discovered a new application for propolis. In the Journal of Cancer Science and Therapy they describe how propolis in theory can protect women against breast cancer.
Researchers have known for several years already that propolis kills cancer cells in test tubes. Scientists suspect that the cancer-inhibitory effect of propolis is due to flavonoid compounds such as chrysin and quercetin, decano-acid analogues and above all caffeic acid phenethyl ester, often abbreviated to CAPE…

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

13 Newly-Identified Royal Jelly Proteins Associated with Metabolic Processes, Health Improvement

Comprehensive identification of novel proteins and N-glycosylation sites in royal jelly
BMC Genomics, 2014 Feb 16;15(1):135
BACKGROUND:
Royal jelly (RJ) is a proteinaceous secretion produced from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees. It plays vital roles in honeybee biology and in the improvement of human health. However, some proteins remain unknown in RJ, and mapping N-glycosylation modification sites on RJ proteins demands further investigation. We used two different liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques, complementary N-glycopeptide enrichment strategies, and bioinformatic approaches to gain a better understanding of novel and glycosylated proteins in RJ.
RESULTS:
A total of 25 N-glycosylated proteins, carrying 53 N-glycosylation sites, were identified in RJ proteins, of which 42 N-linked glycosylation sites were mapped as novel on RJ proteins. Most of the glycosylated proteins were related to metabolic activities and health improvement. The 13 newly identified proteins were also mainly associated with metabolic processes and health improvement activities.
CONCLUSION:
Our in-depth, large-scale mapping of novel glycosylation sites represents a crucial step toward systematically revealing the functionality of N-glycosylated RJ proteins, and is potentially useful for producing a protein with desirable pharmacokinetic and biological activity using a genetic engineering approach. The newly-identified proteins significantly extend the proteome coverage of RJ. These findings contribute vital and new knowledge to our understanding of the innate biochemical nature of RJ at both the proteome and glycoproteome levels.

Monday, February 24, 2014

SAVE THE DATE: 2014 Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference ( CMACC ), May 2-4, 2014

National University of Health Sciences
200 E. Roosevelt Rd.
Lombard, IL 60148
Contact: The American Apitherapy Society, Inc.
Join us in Celebrating a Very Special 25 Year Anniversary of the American Apitherapy Society!
The American Apitherapy Society proudly announces its 18th annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference to be held in Lombard, Illinois. Lombard, IL is located 20 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 30 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport. Medical doctors, a spectrum of holistic health practitioners, veterinarians, researchers, backyard beekeepers, and members of the general public interested in self-reliant health care will convene from all over the United states and the world to learn about Apitherapy. Apitherapy, an ancient healing modality, refers to the therapeutic use of products from the beehive including honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom therapy.
Attendees will be educated in the therapeutic properties of each of the hive products including a hands on bee venom therapy session where participants will obtain practical experience and learn to be self reliant with this amazing healing practice. Presentations are given by the CMACC faculty and guest speakers who are some of the most prominent and experienced apitherapists in the world. Examples of material covered in these presentations are allergic reactions, techniques of BVT, informed consent and legal issues, propolis and its many uses, veterinary apitherapy, wound healing, and much more. The preliminary program detailing material to be presented will be posted on the website shortly. Back by popular demand, we will be offering two levels of the course offering basic information to those new to Apitherapy and more advanced information to those already experienced with Apitherapy. Certificates of completion and CE credits will be available to participating professionals.
The AAS is a nonprofit membership organization established for the purpose of education in the advancement of Apitherapy. CMACC has been named in memory of Charles Mraz, an American pioneer in the use of bee venom to treat diseases.
Visit www.apitherapy.org where with a single click you can access all CMACC information, register and pay online. Don’t miss out on the EARLY BEE DISCOUNT by making sure you register by Sunday, March 2, 2014. Join us for the Friday night dinner celebration of our 25 year anniversary to socialize and relax with others while enjoying family style Greek cuisine. Hotels can be booked separately using the hotel link on the website; all of them include breakfast and transportation to and from the conference. A one year membership or renewal with AAS valued at $45.00 is included with the course fee. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Honey is a Promising Anti-Cancer Agent

Effects of Honey and Its Mechanisms of Action on the Development and Progression of Cancer
Molecules 2014, 19(2), 2497-2522
Honey is a natural product known for its varied biological or pharmacological activities—ranging from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive to hypoglycemic effects.
This review article focuses on the role of honey in modulating the development and progression of tumors or cancers. It reviews available evidence (some of which is very recent) with regards to the antimetastatic, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of honey in various forms of cancer. These effects of honey have been thoroughly investigated in certain cancers such as breast, liver and colorectal cancer cell lines. In contrast, limited but promising data are available for other forms of cancers including prostate, bladder, endometrial, kidney, skin, cervical, oral and bone cancer cells. The article also underscores the various possible mechanisms by which honey may inhibit growth and proliferation of tumors or cancers. These include regulation of cell cycle, activation of mitochondrial pathway, induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oxidative stress, amelioration of inflammation, modulation of insulin signaling and inhibition of angiogenesis. Honey is highly cytotoxic against tumor or cancer cells while it is non-cytotoxic to normal cells.
The data indicate that honey can inhibit carcinogenesis by modulating the molecular processes of initiation, promotion, and progression stages. Thus, it may serve as a potential and promising anticancer agent which warrants further experimental and clinical studies.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Indian Beekeepers Encouraged to Produce Apitherapy Products

Beekeeping’s diverse benefits dawn on 33,000 Punjab farmers
Indian Express, 2/21/2014
Beekeeping has come to mean more than producing honey in Punjab, the country’s largest producer in any case. Some 33,000 beekeepers have diversified into allied products such as royal jelly, bee venom and beeswax, besides breeding queen bees and renting bee colonies for pollination of crops. And these have been fetching them returns several times what honey does, they say…
“If we can earn Rs 2,000 per year per box from honey, we can earn lakhs per box per year from queen bees and royal jelly,” says Chandhi. For honey producers, the government has asked its horticulture department to add a 25 per cent subsidy to the 50 per cent given under the National Horticulture Mission. But Chandhi says, “We need imported equipment which is costly. The government should subsidise imports too.”
“The Beekeeping Board estimates that the present four lakh bee colonies can be increased to 10 lakh. Punjab has a potential for other valuable hive products including 780 tonnes beeswax, 270 tonnes propolis, 40 tonnes royal jelly and 45 kg bee venom,” says horticulture director Dr Lajwinder Singh.
“Except a few, beekeepers produce only honey in Punjab but now we are training them on high-value products,” says Dr Chaman Lal Vashisht,  beekeeping expert and coordinator of the board.
Royal jelly is used in medicine, cosmetics and as a dietary supplement. Its price from country to country varies from Rs 4,000 to 5,000 a kg, and Rs 1.5 lakh to 1.8 lakh if processed or frozen. Half a kilo royal jelly can be extracted from a box per year. China and Taiwan are major exporters.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Malaysian Tualang Honey to Treat Depression?

Enhancement of BDNF concentration and restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis accompany reduced depressive-like behaviour in stressed ovariectomised rats treated with either tualang honey or estrogen
ScientificWorldJournal, 2014 Jan 16;2014:310821
A possible interaction between glucocorticoids and estrogen-induced increases in brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in enhancing depressive-like behaviour has been documented.
Here we evaluated the effects of Tualang honey, a phytoestrogen, and 17 β -estradiol (E2) on the depressive-like behaviour, stress hormones, and BDNF concentration in stressed ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The animals were divided into six groups: (i) nonstressed sham-operated control, (ii) stressed sham-operated control, (iii) nonstressed OVX, (iv) stressed OVX, (v) stressed OVX treated with E2 (20  μ g daily, sc), and (vi) stressed OVX treated with Tualang honey (0.2 g/kg body weight daily, orally). Two months after surgery, the animals were subjected to social instability stress procedure followed by forced swimming test. Struggling time, immobility time, and swimming time were scored. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels, and the BDNF concentration were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Stressed OVX rats displayed increased depressive-like behaviour with significantly increased serum ACTH and corticosterone levels, while the BDNF concentration was significantly decreased compared to other experimental groups. These changes were notably reversed by both E2 and Tualang honey.
In conclusion, both Tualang honey and E2 mediate antidepressive-like effects in stressed OVX rats, possibly acting via restoration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and enhancement of the BDNF concentration.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

The Bee Venom Beauty Buzz

Although most beauty ingredients are harmless, some substances in skincare and cosmetics may raise an eyebrow or two. Beauty consumers are becoming more demanding in their quest for younger-looking skin, and increasingly open to exotic and even experimental ingredients.
From bee venom and caviar to expensive champagne, old taboos are being transformed into new, boundary- pushing innovations, registering a shift in consumer attitudes…
If snail mucus doesn't make you bat an eyelid, what about bee venom? It stars in Skin Physics Bee Venom Anti- Ageing Moisturiser.
'We chose bee venom as the hero active because of its incredible ability to visibly rejuvenate skin," says Lisa Harrison, Skin Physics' brand manager.
Bee venom has been used in ancient medicine, and now celebrities such as Kate Middleton and Victoria Beckham are helping to take this trend into the 21st century. But why?
Melittin, the active compound in bee venom, tricks the skin into thinking it has been stung, without any pain. Immediately, the skin starts plumping itself by producing collagen and elastin, thus smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Harrison says bee venom has "incredible anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties". "It's one of the most effective natural ingredients we've ever tested," Harrison says…

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Comprehensive Identification of Novel Proteins and N-glycosylation Sites in Royal Jelly

BMC Genomics, 2014 Feb 16;15(1):135
BACKGROUND:
Royal jelly (RJ) is a proteinaceous secretion produced from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees. It plays vital roles in honeybee biology and in the improvement of human health. However, some proteins remain unknown in RJ, and mapping N-glycosylation modification sites on RJ proteins demands further investigation. We used two different liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques, complementary N-glycopeptide enrichment strategies, and bioinformatic approaches to gain a better understanding of novel and glycosylated proteins in RJ.
RESULTS:
A total of 25 N-glycosylated proteins, carrying 53 N-glycosylation sites, were identified in RJ proteins, of which 42 N-linked glycosylation sites were mapped as novel on RJ proteins. Most of the glycosylated proteins were related to metabolic activities and health improvement. The 13 newly identified proteins were also mainly associated with metabolic processes and health improvement activities.
CONCLUSION:
Our in-depth, large-scale mapping of novel glycosylation sites represents a crucial step toward systematically revealing the functionality of N-glycosylated RJ proteins, and is potentially useful for producing a protein with desirable pharmacokinetic and biological activity using a genetic engineering approach. The newly-identified proteins significantly extend the proteome coverage of RJ. These findings contribute vital and new knowledge to our understanding of the innate biochemical nature of RJ at both the proteome and glycoproteome levels.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Infections Associated With Bee Venom Thereapy

Mycobacterium chelonae infections associated with bee venom acupuncture
Clin Infect Dis, 2014 Mar;58(5):e110-3
We report 3 cases of Mycobacterium chelonae infections after bee venom acupuncture. All were treated with antibiotics and surgery. Mycobacterium chelonae infections should be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic skin and soft tissue infections following bee venom acupuncture.

Monday, February 17, 2014

German Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Workshops, March 28-April 1

Apitherapy against Infections done by resistant to antibiotics bacteria
Stem cells and Apitherapy
Apitherapy against Cardiovascular diseases
Apitherapy for Children and Seniors
Venue: IBB Hotel, Passau

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Anti-Genotoxicity and Anti-Mutagenicity of Apis mellifera Venom

Mutat Res, 2014 Feb 10. pii: S1383-5718(14)00031-X
The search for substances able to inhibit and/or diminish the effects of genotoxic and mutagenic substances has been the target of several investigations performed in recent times. Hymenoptera venoms constitute a considerable source of substances with pharmacological potential. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic and anti-genotoxic, mutagenic and anti-mutagenic potentials of Apis mellifera venom in HepG2 cells. In this evaluation, the MTT test was applied to determine the most appropriate concentrations for the genotoxicity and mutagenicity tests. 
It was verified that the concentrations of 0.1, 0.05 and 0.01μg/mL were not cytotoxic, hence these concentrations were used in the experiments. For the evaluation of the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the bee venom the comet assay and the micronucleus test were applied, respectively. The concentrations mentioned above presented both genotoxic and mutagenic potential for HepG2 cells and it was necessary to test lower concentrations of the venom (10pg/mL, 1pg/mL and 0.1pg/mL) for the anti-genotoxicity and anti-mutagenicity tests, which were performed subjecting the cells to the action of MMS (methyl methanesulfonate) in order to verify the ability of the venom to inhibit or diminish the action of this compound, which has a recognized action on the genetic material. Pre-, post-treatment and simultaneous treatment with and without incubation with the venom were performed.
It was observed that the lowest three concentrations tested did not present any anti-genotoxic and anti-mutagenic activity on the cells. The use of bee venom for pharmacological purposes in treatments such as cancer must be done with extreme caution, since it was observed that even at very low concentrations the venom can induce genotoxicity and mutagenicity in human cells, as was verified for the HepG2 cells.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Honey - A Nutrient with Medicinal Property in Reflux

Indian J Med Res, 2013 Dec;138(6):1020-1
We read with interest the article by Singh and colleagues which showed that Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) ameliorated experimentally induced reflux oesophagitis (RE) in rats in a dose dependent manner. This study shows that the Ginseng offers protection against experimentally induced RE in rats by subsiding the inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Honey has been used as a nutrient and a medicine since ages, and has cytoprotective function and is also used for wound healing. This is likely to be due to its anti-inflammatory activity and stimulation of local wound responses. Honey has phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and has been used in chronic sinusitis6. Antimicrobial activity of honey is due to its osmotic effect. Honey leads to fast healing in patients with oral mucositis and is used in treating otorhinolaryngeal infections.
Oxygen derived free radicals are likely to be mediators in generation of RE. Honey has antioxidant and radical scavenging activity; it reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and restores intracellular glutathione. Honey may reduce inflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production. Honey has high density, high viscosity, and low surface tension, and therefore, can stay longer in the oesophagus as a coating on the mucus membrane. Honey is useful in treatment of RE because of non peroxide antibacterial activity. Honey can be used in treating reflux oesophagitis along with conventional therapy.
Mahantayya V. Math*, Rita M. Khadkikar
& Yashoda R. Kattimani
MGM Medical College, Kamothe,
Navi Mumbai 410 209, India
*For correspondence:
mathmv@rediffmail.com

mathmv@hotmail.com

Friday, February 14, 2014

Manuka Honey Decreases Virulence of MRSA

Proteomic and genomic analysis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exposed to manuka honey in vitro demonstrated down-regulation of virulence markers
J. Antimicrob. Chemother, (2014)   69  (3):  603-615
Objectives Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen. Its resistance to multiple antibiotics and its prevalence in healthcare establishments make it a serious threat to human health that requires novel interventions. Manuka honey is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is gaining acceptance in the topical treatment of wounds. Because its mode of action is only partially understood, proteomic and genomic analysis was used to investigate the effects of manuka honey on MRSA at a molecular level.
Methods Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with dual-channel imaging was combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry to determine the identities of differentially expressed proteins. The expression of the corresponding genes was investigated by quantitative PCR. Microarray analysis provided an overview of alterations in gene expression across the MRSA genome.
Results Genes with increased expression following exposure to manuka honey were associated with glycolysis, transport and biosynthesis of amino acids, proteins and purines. Those with decreased expression were involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, cell division, quorum sensing and virulence. The greatest reductions were seen in genes conferring virulence (sec3, fnb, hlgA, lip and hla) and coincided with a down-regulation of global regulators, such as agr, sae and sarV. A model to illustrate these multiple effects was constructed and implicated glucose, which is one of the major sugars contained in honey.
Conclusions A decreased expression of virulence genes in MRSA will impact on its pathogenicity and needs to be investigated in vivo.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

5th Apimedica and 4th Apiquality Forum to Be Held in Erzurum, Turkey, September 1-5, 2014

Dear Colleagues,
I feel happy in depth to invite you to 5th Apimedica and 4th Apiquality Forum 2014 to be held in Erzurum, Turkey between 1 and 5 September 2014 with the leadership of Erzurum Province Beekeepers Association. 
Main theme of the Forum is “Innovative approaches in beekeeping”. We think we can increase our knowledge, experience and inspiration by sharing them with other participants of the Forum through the presentation, participation and contribution of invaluable studies, scientists and sectoral representatives.
Social and cultural activities have also been planned in the program package which allows scientific satisfaction as well as the opportunity to see sectoral practices. We will absolutely have great pleasure to let our colleagues experience reputed Turkish hospitality at Forum 2014, which is expected to last more cheerfully and lively thanks to their valuable participation and contribution.
Hope to see you in Erzurum.
Taner Bayır
President of the Organising Committee of

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Banking on Manuka Honey's Healing Power

Business Day, 2/10/2014
If manuka honey is liquid gold, Masterton-based Watson & Son is looking for the mother lode.
"The goal is a bold one. Moving into the international wound-care market, 1000 tonnes [of honey a year] isn't going to cut it - the goal will be 100,000 tonnes," Watson & Son chief executive Warren Peat said.
The company's honey currently retails for $15-$65 a 250g pottle and will fetch much more if, as expected, it is registered as an approved medical product; so 100,000 tonnes quickly takes on bonanza dimensions.
The company has boomed since its establishment in 2004, winning the Deloitte/Unlimited Fast 50 award in 2008 for fastest growing business. Wellington-born Denis Watson owns the operation with his son and apiary manager Dan. They employ 85 staff throughout the North Island, rising to about 115 in high season.
As a member of the New Zealand Manuka Honey Exporters Collective, the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the company's manuka honey are rated on a 25-point scale. On-site technicians test for chemical identifiers known as DHA and MGO to prove the honey comes from manuka. The higher the rating, the higher its value.
But as the bees would actually rather get their honey from anything but manuka, whose small flowers and thick, sticky honey are hard work, the only way to guarantee a premium harvest is to "soak" them in manuka-- giving them no option.
They can fly only 2km from their hives, so for the October to March harvest season the firm trucks or even helicopters its 20,000 hives around the North Island to the thickest stands of flowering manuka it can lease.
Then the bees are collected at night and trucked around an annual loop from Northland via East Cape and Wairarapa to Wanganui, Taranaki and the volcanic plateau, with each area having a distinct, six-week flowering period…

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Propolis Gel a Potential Topical Medication for Preventing Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis

Mucoadhesive Propolis Gel For Prevention Of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
Curr Clin Pharmacol, 2014 Feb 5
The objective of this phase II study was to determine the effectiveness of a mucoadhesive propolis gel in the prevention of radiation-induced oral mucositis.
Twenty-four patients who were selected to undergo radiation therapy for oral cancer were included in this open-label trial. They were advised to use a mucoadhesive gel containing propolis 5,0% w/v three times a day starting one day before the course of radiation therapy and concluding after 2 weeks of radiation therapy. A weekly follow-up for evaluation of food intake, pain and grading of mucositis was performed.
In order to confirm the absence of Candida-related mucositis in patients who developed mucositis, it was performed exfoliative cytology of buccal mucosa, palate and tongue and the material for Candifast® Candida species identification. At the end of the study was made the compliance of patients, quality, appreciation and acceptance of product evaluation.
Twenty patients did not develop mucositis, two patients developed grade 1 mucositis and two patients developed grade 2 mucositis. None of the patients discontinued food intake and no pain was observed during the study. Candidosis was not detected in any patient.
Mucoadhesive propolis gel could be considered as a potential topical medication for preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis. However, comparative phase III study with larger number of patients should be done for confirmation of the efficacy of the product.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Bee Venom Could Help Treat Acne

The protective effects of melittin on Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo
J Invest Dermatol, 2014 Feb 4
Melittin is the main component in the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It has multiple effects including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory activities, in various cell types. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of melittin have not been elucidated in Propionibactierium acnes (P. acnes) induced keratinocyte or inflammatory skin disease animal models.
In this study, we examined the effects of melittin on the production of inflammatory cytokines in heat-killed P. acnes-induced HaCaT cells. Heat-killed P. acnes treated keratinocytes increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and toll like receptor 2. However, melittin treatment significantly suppressed the expression of these cytokines through regulation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Subsequently, we examined the living P. acnes (1 × 107 CFU) were intradermally injected into the ear of mice. Living P. acnes injected ears showed cutaneous erythema, swelling, and granulomatous response at 24 h after injection. However, melittin-treated ears showed markedly reduced swelling and granulomatous responses compared with ears injected with only living P. acnes.
These results demonstrate the feasibility of applying melittin for the prevention of inflammatory skin diseases induced by P. acnes.

Sunday, February 09, 2014

South Korean Bee Venom Skin Creams Popular in China

Chinese Opt For Korean Imports Over Western Beauty Brands
Ad Age Global, February 06, 2014
South Korea gave the world Samsung and Gangnam Style, but don't overlook its funky beauty exports: Snail slime facial masks. Fermented cosmetics. Bee venom skin creams…
Snail-ooze beauty masks from Korea, said to soothe skin, are big in China, and anti-aging bee-sting creams were reportedly a hit with Britain's royals…

Saturday, February 08, 2014

2014 Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference ( CMACC )

May 2-4, 2014
National University of Health Sciences
200 E. Roosevelt Rd.
Lombard, IL 60148
Contact: The American Apitherapy Society, Inc.
aasoffice@apitherapy.org

Join us in Celebrating a Very Special 25 Year Anniversary of the American Apitherapy Society!
The American Apitherapy Society proudly announces its 18th annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference to be held in Lombard, Illinois. Lombard, IL is located 20 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and 30 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport. Medical doctors, a spectrum of holistic health practitioners, veterinarians, researchers, backyard beekeepers, and members of the general public interested in self-reliant health care will convene from all over the United states and the world to learn about Apitherapy. Apitherapy, an ancient healing modality, refers to the therapeutic use of products from the beehive including honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom therapy...

Friday, February 07, 2014

Honey from Arid Regions Contains Higher Levels of Phenolic Compounds, Free Radical-Scavenging Activities

Bioactive components, antioxidant and DNA damage inhibitory activities of honeys from arid regions
Food Chem, 2014 Jun 15;153:28-34
Honey serves as a good source of natural antioxidants, which are effective in reducing the risk of occurrence of several diseases. This study was undertaken to address the limited knowledge regarding the polyphenolic content, antioxidant and DNA damage inhibitory activities of honeys produced in arid regions and compare them with well-recognized honeys from non-arid regions.
Different types of honey were assessed for their contents of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and certain types of phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacity of honey was evaluated by ferric-reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP), free radical-scavenging activity (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical-scavenging assay, total antioxidant activity, and DNA damage. Results clearly showed significant differences among honeys with all the evaluated parameters.
Results also showed that one or more types of honey from arid regions contained higher levels of phenolic compounds, free radical-scavenging activities, or DNA damage inhibitory activities compared with the evaluated honeys from non-arid regions.

Thursday, February 06, 2014

High Pressure Processing Does Not Accelerate the Conversion of DHA to Methylglyoxal in Honey

Effect of high pressure processing on the conversion of dihydroxyacetone to methylglyoxal in New Zealand mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey and models thereof
Food Chem, 2014 Jun 15;153:134-9
The effect of high pressure processing (HPP) on the conversion of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to methylglyoxal (MGO) was examined in New Zealand mānuka honey and models thereof.
The objective was to confirm that previously reported increases of MGO with HPP treatment originated from conversion of DHA. RP-HPLC was used to quantify DHA, MGO and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) after derivatisation with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride (PFBHA) or (in the case of MGO) separately with o-phenylenediamine (OPD). Fresh and stored mānuka honey, clover honey with DHA added and artificial 26 honey with DHA added were subjected to nine different pressures and holding times and compared to untreated samples.
There was no consistent trend of decrease in DHA or increase in MGO for any of the samples with any treatment. Samples showed random change generally within 5-10% of an untreated sample for MGO, DHA and HMF. HPP does not accelerate the conversion of DHA to MGO in honey.

Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Purederm Royal Jelly Essence Mask Review


The Purederm Royal Jelly Essence Mask is the next product from my Purederm mini haul. I was postponing the use of the masks until this afternoon I received a call from my cousin saying that he is getting engaged tomorrow. I mean how can one prepare everything at such a short notice. Well, what better chance could I get to use the mask…

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Royal Jelly and Pollen Made in Greece

Greek Reporter, 2/4/2014

In the 5th “Panhellenic Agrotica Conference” Crysoula Tananaki, lecturer at the Department of Agriculture in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Pavlos Bagiatis, chairman of the Beekeeping Association of Thessaloniki, declared that after six years of research the qualitative features of the Greek royal jelly and pollen have finally been determined. The list of features will be sent to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food of Greece and royal jelly and pollen will receive the Greek designation of origin…

Monday, February 03, 2014

Bee Venom Destroys Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The Mind Unleashed, 1/27/2014
Nano-particles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving the surrounding cells unharmed. The research was conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The Nanoparticles carry melittin, which is the principal active component of bee venom. Melittin fuses with the HIV virus and destroys it’s protective envelope while molecular bumpers prevent the nanoparticles from harming the body’s normal cells. Bee venom is known to disrupt cellular walls and destroy tumour cells as well.
Bee venom contains a potent toxin called melittin that can poke holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV, and other viruses. Large amounts of free melittin can cause a lot of damage. Indeed, in addition to anti-viral therapy, the paper’s senior author, Samuel A. Wickline, MD, the J. Russell Hornsby Professor of Biomedical Sciences, has shown melittin-loaded nano-particles to be effective in killing tumor cells.
The new study shows that melittin loaded onto these nanoparticles does not harm normal cells…

Sunday, February 02, 2014

Program on Bee Venom Therapy to Air Tonight

Tonight at 9 pm ET on Strange Medicine: Bee venom therapy is used to treat arthritis, tendinitis, dissolving scar tissue and Herpes, among other illnesses and most importantly feels like the only hope for a Multiple Sclerosis patient. Join Dr. Juan as he explores this way of treatment.

Propolis Helps Treat Dengue Fever

HDI to conduct second set of dengue fever clinical trials
The Jakarta Post, January 29 2014
HDI Group of Companies Indonesia plans to conduct a second set of clinical trials this year of its propolis honey-based treatment for dengue hemorrhagic fever in a government-run hospital in Jakarta.
The firm said the plan was the result of the success of its trials on 50 dengue fever patients at Persahabatan Hospital in East Jakarta three years ago.
“We want to help the government and the people because Indonesia always has to face the outbreak of this disease every single year. We are hoping that what we do today can save lives in the future and help speed up the recovery of patients,” HDI senior business and product development director Alva Paloma said.
She said the second trial would be conducted throughout 2014 and the company aims to publish the results by the end of the year.
“We also hope to conduct more trials in more state hospitals in other cities in the future,” she said, while declining to reveal which hospital the company was working with as both parties wanted the clinical tests to remain confidential.
The firm collaborated with Persahabatan Hospital in 2010 to carry out clinical tests of the propolis honey-based product on adult dengue patients with less than 100,000 thrombocytes, who had no kidney, heart or other diseases, and who had yet to enter Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).
Propolis is a resinous substance that bees produce from tree sap, buds and other botanical sources and is the focus of much biomedical research.
By giving the patients 300 milligrams of propolis honey extract daily, they showed improvements in between two and four days, with an increased number of thrombocytes and reduced temperatures…

Saturday, February 01, 2014

No Clear Geographic Delineation Observed for Sub-Saharan Propolis

Chromatographic analysis with different detectors in the chemical characterisation and dereplication of African propolis
Talanta, 2014 Mar;120:181-90
Propolis or bee glue has very diverse composition and is potentially a source of biologically active compounds. Comprehensive chemical profiling was performed on 22 African propolis samples collected from the sub-Saharan region of Africa by using various hyphenated analytical techniques including Liquid Chromatography (LC)-UltraViolet Detection (UV)-Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (ELSD), LC-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), Gas Chromatography (GC)-MS and LC-Diode Array Detector (DAD)-HRMS/MS.
The diversity of the composition of these African propolis samples could be observed by heat mapping the LC-UV and ELSD data. The characteristic chemical components were uncovered by applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to the LC-HRMS data and a preliminary dereplication was carried out by searching their accurate masses in the Dictionary of Natural Products (DNP). A further identification was achieved by comparing their GC-MS or LC-DAD-HRMS/MS spectra with previously published data.
Generally no clear geographic delineation was observed in the classification of these African propolis samples. Triterpenoids were found as the major chemical components in more than half of the propolis samples analysed in this study and some others were classified as temperate and Eastern Mediterranean type of propolis.
Based on the comparative chemical profiling and dereplication studies one uncommon propolis from southern Nigeria stood out from others by presenting prenylated isoflavonoids, which indicated that it was more like Brazilian red propolis, and more significantly a high abundance of stilbenoid compounds which could be novel in propolis.