Saturday, March 31, 2018

Propolis May Help Treat Colon and Breast Cancer


Cytotoxic, proapoptotic and antioxidative potential of flavonoids isolated from propolis against colon (HCT-116) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines

Food Res Int. 2018 Apr;106:71-80

Isolated and structurally confirmed, eleven flavonoids from propolis were examined for their cytotoxicity toward human colon cancer and human breast cancer cells. Their effect on induction of apoptosis and their antioxidative activities were also evaluated. Six flavonoids induced cytotoxic effects in both cell lines.

Luteolin had a marked effect on both cell lines, especially on HCT-116 cells (IC50 72h, 66.86μM). Also, luteolin was observed to have the highest apoptotic potential after 72h treatment of examined cell lines (27.13% and 37.09%, respectively). Myricetin exhibited selective inhibition of cell growth (IC50 114.75μM) and induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells only. Luteolin and galangin exhibited prooxidative properties 24h after the treatment in HCT-116 cells, while myricetin induced prooxidative effects in MDA-MB-231 cells. On the other hand, selected flavonoids exhibited antioxidative properties 72h after the treatment, decreasing superoxide anion radical and nitrite levels in both cell lines.

Cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects on colon and breast cancer cell lines and the influence on their redox status make tested flavonoids good candidates for developing new anticancer drugs.

Today is World Apitherapy Day


March 30 marks the annual celebration of “World Apitherapy Day," an event designed to enhance international understanding of the therapeutic use and health benefits of bee products.

Apitherapy is the use of bee hive products such as honey, propolis, bee-collected pollen, beeswax, drone larvae extract, bee venom, and royal jelly to maintain good health and in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions.

(Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from plants and trees and is used to coat the inside of the beehive and the honeycomb cells with an antiseptic layer. Royal jelly is a substance produced by young worker bees and fed to queens.

March 30 was chosen for World Apitherapy Day because it is the birth date of Dr. Philipp Terc (formerly Filip Tertsch), the first scientific researcher to investigate the medical uses of 'apitoxin," or bee venom. Terc was born on March 30, 1844, in Praporiste, Bohemia (Czech Republic).

Propolis All the Rage in French Pharmacies

Well+Good, March 29, 2018

When a skin-care item starts flying off the shelves in French pharmacies, you know it’s only a matter of time before it reaches cult status here, too. The upcoming star ingredient set to reach this status? Propolis.

Propolis is the resin that bees create out of trees, flowers, and wax, which they carry back to their hives to seal it and keep it sterile. “It’s full of bioflavanoids, it’s antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory,” says Angelina Umansky, the facialist and skin-care guru behind San Francisco’s Spa Radiance. “Bees bring it into their hives so they don’t get diseases.”

The long-time esthetician notes that the ingredient used to be around a lot in the 80s and 90s, but then vanished. “Old is becoming new again,” she says. “It’s in the French and Italian pharmacies, and I’ve seen a whole section for propolis.” It’s back, baby...

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Pectin-Honey Hydrogel Wound Dressings Show Antibacterial Activity

Pectin-honey hydrogel: Characterization, antimicrobial activity and biocompatibility

Biomed Mater Eng. 2018;29(3):347-356

BACKGROUND:

Novel pectin-honey hydrogels have been developed and characterized as medical device. Ideally, a wound dressing should maintain optimal fluid affinity, permit moisture evaporation, protect the wound from microbes, and have shape-conformability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity.

OBJECTIVE: 

A novel, simple and fast method to produce pectin-honey wound dressings is described.

METHODS: 

The properties of these pectin-honey hydrogels were investigated, including swelling ability, water vapour transmission rate, hydrogen peroxide production, methylglyoxal content and antibacterial activity. Biocompatibility was assessed by proliferation assays using cultured fibroblast cells and by in vivo study with subcutaneous and intraperitoneal implantation in rats.

RESULTS: 

Hydrogel showed a good water vapour transmission rate, fluid uptake and were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts. The hydrogel demonstrated good antibacterial activity toward clinically relevant pathogens, including S. aureus and E. coli. Biocompatibility was confirmed by the measurement of plasma levels of interleukin (IL)1 beta, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, and prostaglandin (PG)E2. No histological changes were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The presence of a natural active component, conformability, and complete resorbability are the main characteristics of this new biocompatible biomaterial that is well tolerated by the body, possibly improves healing, may be used for surgical complications prevention, with a simple and inexpensive production process.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Honey Helps Boost Exercise Performance

Effects of honey on exercise performance and health components: A systematic review

Effets du miel sur la performance et la santé : revue générale

Science & Sports
Available online 19 March 2018

Introduction

Honey consists mainly of carbohydrates (CHO), minerals, and vitamins which are properties that are believed able to improve exercise performance and general health. This review aimed to elucidate findings on the effects of honey on exercise performance as well as combined effects of honey and exercise on health-related outcomes.

Methods

Literature was searched systematically based on PRISMA guidelines, using PubMed, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases. Thirteen human and animal studies were included in the final analysis. Surprisingly, there were only three randomised-controlled studies that investigated the effect of honey on exercise performance per se, meanwhile, ten reported the combined effects of honey and exercise on bone health, hormones, immune system, and inflammation. Acute honey ingestion improved endurance performance in two studies, while, five studies reported improvements in bone health after consuming honey combined with jumping exercises or aerobic dance. One study reported that stress and reproductive hormones were positively regulated. Five studies reported increase in white blood cells and neutrophils after ingesting honey combined with resistance or aerobic exercises which boosted the immune system.

Conclusion

Honey alone could potentially improve aerobic exercise performance; however studies are limited. Meanwhile, honey in combination with exercise promotes bone health and improves immune systems. It is believed that CHO and other constituents of honey play an important role during exercise in exerting the said benefits.

Résumé

Introduction

Le miel est principalement composé de glucides, minéraux, et vitamines, susceptibles d’avoir des effets bénéfiques sur la performance à l’exercice et sur la santé. Nous présentons une revue générale des travaux portant sur les effets du miel sur la performance et sur les effets d’une ingestion de miel associée à l’exercice sur la santé.

Méthodes

Une recherche systématique selon les guidelines PRISMA a été effectuée à l’aide des bases de données PubMed, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus et Web of Science. Treize études humaines ou animales ont été retenues pour l’analyse finale. Étonnamment, il n’y avait que trois études randomisées contrôlées investiguant l’effet du miel sur la performance. Dix études portaient sur les effets combinés du miel et de l’exercice sur la santé osseuse, les hormones, le système immunitaire et l’inflammation. Deux études montraient que l’ingestion aiguë de miel améliore la performance lors d’un exercice en résistance. Cinq études objectivaient des améliorations des paramètres de santé osseuse après consommation de miel combinée à des exercices de type saut ou danse aérobie. Une étude a montré un effet bénéfique sur les hormones du stress et de la reproduction. Cinq études ont montré une augmentation des globules blancs et des neutrophiles après ingestion du miel associée à des exercices en résistance ou en endurance qui ont amélioré les fonctions immunitaires. La simple ingestion de miel semblerait améliorer la performance en endurance, mais les données sur cette question restent limitées.

Conclusion

Le miel associé à l’exercice favorise donc la santé osseuse et améliore les fonctions immunitaires. On peut ainsi supposer que les glucides et d’autres constituants du miel jouent un rôle important durant l’exercice en raison de ces divers effets.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

FLASH SALE: Concentrated Bee Propolis in Veggie Capsules, Produced at Organic and Kosher-Certified Facility, Equals 500 mg of Raw Propolis

JUST $9.95 TODAY on Amazon

About the product
  • Double-Sealed Bottle to Ensure Freshness and Purity
  • 100 Count, Capsule Shell: Vegetable Cellulose
  • Bottled in the United States at an NSF, Organic and Kosher Certified-Facility that Adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Stringent Quality Control Process Monitors Production from Raw Materials to Finished Product
  • Product is Tested and Inspected at Intervals During Manufacture

Honey-Based Gel Helps Treat Skin and Ear Infection in Dogs


In vitro efficacy of a honey-based gel against canine clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis

Vet Dermatol. 2018 Mar 22

BACKGROUND:

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis are important agents in canine pyoderma and otitis.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES:

Determine the in vitro efficacy of a honey-based gel (HBO) against meticillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP), meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and M. pachydermatis, by minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and time-kill assay (TKA). Efficacy of the product's honey component (HO) also was evaluated.

METHODS:

Sixty S. pseudintermedius and 10 M. pachydermatis canine isolates were selected. All isolates were tested against serial dilutions of an HBO containing 40% HO (40%, 20%, 10%, 5% and 2.5% w/v) and HO alone (undiluted, 40%, 20%, 10%, 5% and 2.5% w/v). Microbroth assay followed by subculture was used to determine MBC and MFC. The same protocol was applied after product exposure to catalase. A well-diffusion assay for S. pseudintermedius was used to generate inhibition zones. A TKA for 10 isolates of S. pseudintermedius and 10 isolates of M. pachydermatis was performed.

RESULTS:

MBC was 20% w/v (5-20% w/v) for HBO and HO. HBO had lower MBC values when compared to HO (P = 0.003). No statistical difference was observed between MSSP/MRSP isolates (HBO P = 0.757, HO P = 0.743). Only HO was affected by catalase (P = 0.015). MFC for HBO was 10% w/v (5-10% w/v) and 40% w/v for HO (20-≥40% w/v). All isolates were killed after 4 h of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and M. pachydermatis are susceptible to the HBO and these results can be used for future clinical trials.

Monday, March 26, 2018

Honey-Based Mouthwash Helps Treat Cavities, Plaque and Gingivitis


Effectiveness of three mouthwashes - Manuka honey, Raw honey, and Chlorhexidine on plaque and gingival scores of 12-15-year-old school children: A randomized controlled field trial

J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2018 Jan-Feb;22(1):34-39

Objectives: 

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of three types of mouthwashes manuka honey (MH), raw honey (RH), and chlorhexidine (CHX) on plaque and gingival scores of 12-15-year-old government school children.

Study Design: 

This study was a double-blind, randomized controlled field trial conducted in Belagavi city, India.

Materials and Methods: 

One hundred and thirty-five government school children aged 12-15 years were randomly selected and allocated into three groups, RH, MH, and CHX mouthwash groups. Ten milliliters each of honey-based mouthwash formulation and CHX mouthwashes (0.2%) were administered according to the group allocation twice daily for 21 days. All the children were examined at baseline, 22nd day (after discontinuation of mouthwash) and 28th day (1 week after discontinuation of mouthwash) for Gingival (Loe and silness 1963) and Plaque Index (Silness and Loe, 1964).

Results: 

Descriptive statistics was applied for distribution of study participants according to age and gender. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test and repeated measures ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni's post hoc were applied for inter- and intragroup comparison, respectively. Statistically significant reductions (P < 0.001) in plaque and gingival scores were observed in all the three types of mouthwash groups at the end of the 22nd day and 28th day. MH and RH mouthwash demonstrated equal effectiveness, whereas CHX mouthwash showed the maximum reduction in clinical parameters.

Conclusion: 

Honey-based mouthwash showed a promising antimicrobial effect on dental caries and plaque and gingival scores.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Taiwanese Green Propolis Has Significant Antibacterial Activity


Antibacterial activity of propolins from Taiwanese green propolis

J Food Drug Anal. 2018 Apr;26(2):761-768

Taiwanese green propolis is a prenylated flavonoid rich honeybee product and propolins isolated from Taiwanese green propolis exert a broad spectrum of biological activities, such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant. However, the anti-bacterial effects of Taiwanese green propolis or propolins are still poorly understood.

In the current study, the antibacterial effects of Taiwanese green propolis and propolins were evaluated. Results show that the maximum dry matter yields of Taiwanese green propolis were observed in the 95% and 99.5% ethanol extracts compared to other extraction methods. Consistently, the highest concentration of propolins C, D, F and G from Taiwanese green propolis was obtained in 95% and 99.5% ethanol extracts. Propolins inhibited the growth of gram-positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Listeria monocytogenes and Paenibacillus larvae).

The average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of propolins from ethanol extracts were 20 μg/ml. Among the propolins, propolin C had the highest antibacterial activity. Furthermore, Taiwanese green propolis also showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Taiwanese green propolis and propolins have significant antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive bacterial strains.

Propolis Helps fight Acne


The Buzzy Ingredient That's Brightening, Acne-Fighting & Youth-Promoting For Sensitive Skin Types

Mind and Body Green, March 19

For all my sensitive skin ladies out there, I present the natural beauty ingredient you need to know about for brightening, acne fighting, and a youthful glow: propolis. This powerful substance, made by honeybees, has been around for centuries yet flown under the radar in modern times, where (often harsh) acids and retinols are touted as the best skin-smoothing ingredients. But if you’re like me and the sheer mention of strong acids and vitamin A derivatives incites the onset of a skin reaction, you’ll be relieved to know about this alternative skin enhancing ingredient.

What is propolis?

I first learned about propolis while interviewing Tanya Hawkes, sustainable beekeeper and founder of organic skin care line Therapi Honey Skincare, who said, "To truly understand what a powerful compound propolis is, you have to look at the plant world. Propolis comes from the giants in the plant kingdom, trees. And trees have evolved to live thousands of years, but in order to do this they have to survive all environmental aggressors: viral, bacterial, pollution, insects, etc. To withstand all of this, trees have created a strong immunity of plant phenol chemicals and bioflavonoids to defend themselves," she said. Bees then piggyback off the trees' powerful immune systems. They harvest the immunity-boosting tree secretions like sap and resin and add enzymes through their body processes, as well as plant and beeswax, to produce an end product that's antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant. "The end result is propolis,” she explained.

Wow. Hawkes continued to explain that bees mainly line their hives with propolis as an external immune system but that it can be used in many other ways. For instance, if a mouse were to get inside the hive, which happens with relative frequency, the bees can sting the mouse to death, neutralizing the intruder. But since it’s too large to carry out of the hive, and a decaying rodent would unquestionably bring disease and bacteria, the bees mummify the mouse with propolis, protecting themselves completely from the decaying animal.

Propolis in skin care.

This powerful natural ingredient has become a staple in the natural world. As you might imagine, it can help reduce pigmentation and inflammatory redness, boost collagen, and offer antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors like pollution, sunlight, and radiation.

Personally, I’ve found when using propolis products, my skin appears brighter, and my inflammatory red acne marks fade more quickly. But what I love the most about this ingredient is its ability to produce powerful results gently. Instead of exfoliating my skin with harsh acids to reveal brighter, more youthful skin, propolis allows me to achieve these ends without stripping the skin.

Therapi Honey Skincare’s Propolis + Ultra Radiance Cream is one of my favorite propolis skin care products. I call this cream the "natural alternative to La Mer." It’s made with organic ingredients, including powerful propolis, and offers the perfect blend of water, oil, and waxes to keep my dry, dehydrated skin plump and nourished.

Farmacy’s Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Mask is another great option for sensitive skin in need of soothing and revitalizing. The creamy, warming mask contains potent propolis along with another powerful healing substance created by bees: royal jelly, a glandular secretion rich in antioxidants and fatty acids "nurse bees" feed to a larva when they want to turn it into a queen bee.

If I’m dealing with a skin reaction, which undoubtedly happens as a sensitive-skinned beauty blogger (aka guinea pig), in the past I’ve always opted for soothing Manuka honey masks, but recently I’ve discovered and been loving Beekeeper’s Naturals Bee Powdered to quell any irritations. Bee Powered is a potent blend of raw honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen that makes for a great mask alone or mixed with a spoonful of clay power, like S. W. Basics Hibiscus Mask, for gentle detoxing...

Friday, March 23, 2018

Propolis and Sahara Honeys Prevent Biofilm Formation on Urinary Catheters

Propolis-Sahara honeys preparation exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against bacterial biofilms formed on urinary catheters

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease
Volume 6, Issue 11, November 2016, Pages 873-877

Objective

To evaluate the antibacterial effect of Sahara honeys (SHs) against bacterial biofilms formed on urinary catheters in combination with propolis-Sahara honeys (P-SHs).

Methods

Three clinical isolates were subjected to biofilm detection methods. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity for SHs and P-SHs were determined using agar well diffusion and the percentage of biofilm inhibition (PBI) methods.

Results

The PBI for Gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)] was in the range of 0%–20%, while PBI for Gram-negative bacteria [Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (E. coli)] were in range of 17%–57% and 16%–65%, respectively. The highest PBI (65%) was produced by SH2 only on E. coli. In agar well diffusion assay, zones of inhibition ranged from 11–20 mm (S. aureus), 9–19 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and 11–19 mm (E. coli). The highest inhibition (20 mm) was produced by SH1 only on S. aureus. In addition, the treatment of SHs and P-SHs catheters with a polymicrobial biofilms reduced biofilm formation after 48 h exposure period.

Conclusions

SHs and P-SHs applied as a natural agent can be used as a prophylactic agent to prevent the formation of in vitro biofilm.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Corn Starch Film Containing Propolis Proposed for Wound Dressing, Skin Tissue Engineering

Physicochemical, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Characteristics of Corn Starch Film Containing Propolis for Wound Dressing

Journal of Polymers and the Environment pp 1–7

Modern dressings increase the rate of wound healing rather than just covering them. Dressing can protect the injured skin and keep it appropriately moist to speed up the healing process.

In this study, the ethanolic extract of propolis loaded with corn starch was successfully prepared using solvent casting. Characterizations of the samples performed in respect to their mechanical properties were examined by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and attenuated total reflectance—fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as antimicrobial capacities.

The MTT assay using fibroblast cells showed the cell viability of corn starch in the ethanolic extract of propolis wound dressing.

The results showed that by increasing the amount of ethanolic propolis extract from 0.25 to 1%, the tensile strength and the Young’s modulus of the samples were decreased, the elongation at the break increased about 15% as compared to the control films, and the contact angle properties were detected by a slightly hydrophobic character of the films in the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus even at low ethanolic extract of propolis concentrations (1%), mainly due to its phenolic compounds.

Therefore, ethanolic extract of propolis loaded with corn starch film will be a potential candidate for wound dressing and skin tissue engineering.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Propolis Syrup Delayed Radiation-Induced Esophagitis with Lung Cancer

Efficacy of a Propolis-Based Syrup (FARINGEL) in Preventing Radiation-Induced Esophagitis in Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Chemotherapy. 2018 Mar 19;63(2):76-82

AIM:

To evaluate the efficacy of a propolis-based syrup, FARINGEL®, in preventing radiation-induced esophagitis in locally advanced lung cancer patients.

METHODS:

Patients were treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using involved-field radiotherapy (RT). Every patient received FARINGEL at the beginning of CRT until the first follow-up. The data of the study group were compared with the data of a control group treated without the administration of the syrup.

RESULTS:

Forty-five patients were enrolled. Forty-one (91.1%) completed the protocol and were evaluable for esophagitis. Grade ≥2 toxicity occurred in 9/41 patients (22%). No differences in overall toxicity were detected between the study group and the control group (n = 55, 60.9 vs. 54.5%; p = ns). Grade 2-3 esophagitis was lower in the study group in comparison with the control group (22 and 38%, respectively), but statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.09). However, the onset of grade ≥2 esophagitis was delayed in the study group compared to the control group, occurring at higher doses of RT (41.8 vs. 25.4 Gy; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean number of interruption days for esophagitis was lower in the study group than in the control group (0.6 ± 2.0 vs. 2.1 ± 3.6; p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION:

FARINGEL was well-tolerated and delayed esophagitis that was induced by CRT for locally advanced lung cancer.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Clinical Trial: The Effect of Royal Jelly Vaginal Gel Compared to IUI Technique on Fertility Rate of Women With Low-Fertility Husbands

ClinicalTrials.gov

Brief Summary:

The present Pocock clinical trial study was conducted In the city of Mashhad in Iran between 2015 and 2016. The study inclusion criteria were men with low fertility of sperm motility < 25% and total motility < 50% (asthenozoospermia), no history of endocrine diseases, no diabetes men, no hormonal problems in their wives, and a healthy salpingography in their wives.

The study subjects were voluntarily assigned to royal gel and IUI groups. In royal gel group, 5 grams of royal gel was used after menstruation and every other night before and after intercourse. IUI group received 75 units of FSH from the second day of the cycle. Then vaginal ultrasound was performed from the sixth day of menstrual cycle to determine the right size of follicle. 10000 units of HCG was administered when follicle diameter reached 16mm, and the study subject was prepared for IUI 32-36 hours later. Each subject alternately swapped groups following fertility failure.

Monday, March 19, 2018

Manuka Honey May Help Prevent, Treat Colon Cancer

Inhibitory effect of Manuka honey on human colon cancer HCT-116 and LoVo cells growth. Part 1: Suppression of proliferation, promotion of apoptosis and arrest of cell cycle 

Food & Function, Accepted Manuscript

Numerous investigations have been made on plant phenolic compounds and cancer prevention in recent decades. Manuka honey (MH) represents a good source of phenolic compounds such as luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, gallic acid and syringic acid.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of MH on human colon cancer HCT-116 and LoVo cells. Both cells were exposed to different concentration of MH (0-20 mg/mL for HCT-116 cells and 0-60 mg/mL for LoVo cells) for 48 h to measure apoptosis and cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis and cell cycle regulatory gene and protein expression. MH exhibited profound inhibitory effects on cellular growth by reducing the proliferation ability, inducing apoptosis and arresting cell cycle in a dose-dependent manner.

Interestingly, MH treatment in non-malignant cells did not exert any significant toxicity at similar concentration. The apoptosis event was associated with increasing expression of p53, cleaved-PARP and caspase-3, and with the activation of both intrinsic (caspase-9) and extrinsic (caspase-8) apoptotic pathways. MH induced cell cycle arrest at S phase in HCT-116 cells, simultaneously, in LoVo cells, it arrested at G2/M phase through the modulation of cell cycle regulator genes (cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4, p21, p27 and Rb). The expression of p-Akt was suppressed while the expression of p-p38MAPK, p-Erk1/2 and endoplasmic stress markers (ATF6 and XBP1) was increased for apoptosis induction.

Overall, these findings indicate that MH could be a promising preventive or curative food therapy for colon cancer.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Propolis Helps Heal Diabetic Foot Ulcers


Topical propolis improves wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcer: a randomized controlled trial

Natural Product Research
Formerly Natural Product Letters
Latest Articles

In this randomized controlled trial, diabetic patients with foot ulcers (Wagner grades 1 and 2) were randomly assigned to conventional therapies for diabetic foot ulcer plus topical propolis ointment (5%; twice daily) or conventional therapies alone.

The process of ulcer healing was observed during 4 weeks and compared between the two groups regarding the size, erythema, exudates, white blood cell (WBC) count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The process of ulcer size reduction during the four-week period of study was significantly different between the groups. However, this difference was not significant between the third and fourth weeks. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding erythema and exudate reduction as well as WBC count and ESR.

Administration of topical propolis ointment in addition to the conventional treatments of diabetic foot ulcer could reduce the size of ulcers with Wagner grades 1 and 2.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

NEW PRODUCT: 2:1 Concentrated Bee Propolis in Veggie Capsules, Produced at Organic and Kosher-Certified Facility, Equals 500 mg of Raw Propolis

NEW PRODUCT: 2:1 Concentrated Bee Propolis in Veggie Capsules, Produced at Organic and Kosher-Certified Facility, Equals 500 mg of Raw Propolis

About the product

• Double-Sealed Bottle to Ensure Freshness and Purity
• 100 Count, Capsule Shell: Vegetable Cellulose
• Bottled in the United States at an NSF, Organic and Kosher Certified-Facility that Adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Stringent Quality Control Process Monitors Production from Raw Materials to Finished Product
• Product is Tested and Inspected at Intervals During Manufacture

BUY ApisVita Standardized Bee Propolis

Product description

• Propolis, often called “bee glue,” is a natural resinous compound produced by honey bees from botanical sources and is used to seal openings in the hive and to protect its interior from bacteria and fungi. The word “propolis” is derived from the Greek words “pro” (before) and “polis” (city), meaning “before the city” or “defender of the city.” In this case, the “city” is the hive.

• Propolis contains flavonoids, caffeic acid esters and diterpenic acids, which give it bactericidal, antiviral and antifungal properties.

• Propolisis reputed to have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-mycotic, astringent, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects.

• Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. Propolis pellets were even found among the grave goods in Paleolithic and Mesolithic burials of northeastern Italy.

“Throughout their 6,000 year civilization, the Egyptians used propolis medicinally as well as for the mummification of cadavers. The ancient Greeks used propolis to speed up the healing of wounds and Aristotle recommended it for all afflictions of the skin. The Roman legionnaires reportedly carried small amounts of propolis with them into battle, not only to help speed up wound healing but for its analgesic (numbing) properties. The Incas used propolis for infections. During the Boer War, the British used it to keep wounds from becoming infected. Throughout history, propolis has played an important role in veterinary medicine since many of the human uses for propolis are applicable to animals.” (Bee Culture Magazine, 10/21/2016)

Brazilian Red Propolis Shows Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiparasitic, Antitumor, Antioxidant, Metabolic and Nutraceutical Activities

Biological activities of red propolis: a review

Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2018 Feb 23

• Background: The red propolis (RdProp) is a resin produced by Apis mellifera bees, which collect the reddish exudate on the surface of its botanic source, the species Dalbergiae castophyllum, popularly known in Brazil as "rabo de bugio". Considered as the 13th type of Brazilian propolis, this resin has been gaining prominence due to its natural composition, rich in bioactive substances not found in other types of propolis.

• Objective: This review aims to address the most important characteristics of PV, its botanical origin, the main constituents, its biological properties and the patents related to this natural product.

• Method: By means of the SciFinder, Google Patents, Patus® and Spacenet, scientific articles and patents involving the term "red propolis" were searched until August 2017

• Results: A number of biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant, metabolic and nutraceutical activities are attributed to RdProp, demonstrating the great potential of its use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

• Conclusion: The available papers are associated to pharmacological potential of RdProp, but the molecular mechanisms or bioactive compounds responsible for each activity have not yet been fully elucidated.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Infertility


Protective potential of royal jelly against cadmium-induced infertility in male rats

Andrologia. 2018 Mar 12

This study aimed to investigate the protective potential of Royal jelly (RJ) against cadmium (Cd)-induced testicular dysfunction in rats.

Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats were assigned into five groups. G I; (control) injected intraperitoneally with saline, G II injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CdCl2 (1 mg/kg BW), G III received RJ (100 mg/kg BW/day) orally, G IV was pre-treated with RJ for 1 week then, treated with CdCl2 , and G V was co-treated with RJ and CdCl2 .

After day 56, serum and tissue samples were collected and analysed. The results showed decreased serum testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, sperm motility and count while increased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and sperm abnormalities, along with a severely damaged seminiferous tubules epithelium with cytoplasmic and nuclear disruptions following Cd toxicity.

Additionally, Cd stimulated testicular mRNA expression of TNF-α while inhibited those of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme androgen binding protein, FSH-receptor, LH-receptor, androgen receptor, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD), 17β-HSD, and cytochrome P450 17A1. These negative alterations of cadmium were greatly reduced by RJ treatment.

This study concluded that RJ protects against Cd-induced testicular toxicity.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Bee Venom May Help Treat Allergies

Inhibitory effects of bee venom on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory responses

Int J Mol Med. 2018 Mar 12

Although bee venom (BV) is a toxin that causes bee stings to be painful, it has been widely used clinically for the treatment of certain immune‑associated diseases. BV has been used traditionally for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

In this regard, the present study analyzed the effect of BV on the regulation of inflammatory mediator production by mast cells and their allergic inflammatory responses in an animal model. HMC‑1 cells were treated with BV prior to stimulation with phorbol‑12‑myristate 13‑acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI). The production of allergy‑associated pro‑inflammatory mediators was examined, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. Furthermore, to investigate whether BV exhibits anti‑inflammatory effects associated with anti‑allergic effects in vivo, a compound 48/80‑induced anaphylaxis model was used. BV inhibited histamine release, mRNA expression and production of cytokines in the PMACI‑stimulated HMC‑1 cells. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of BV on mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK), MAPK kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Akt were demonstrated.

The present study also investigated the ability of BV to inhibit compound 48/80‑induced systemic anaphylaxis in vivo. BV protected the mice against compound 48/80‑induced anaphylactic‑associated mortality. Furthermore, BV suppressed the mRNA expression levels of pro‑inflammatory cytokines, and suppressed the activation of MAPK and STAT3 in this model.

These results provide novel insights into the possible role of BV as a modulator for mast cell‑mediated allergic inflammatory disorders.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Bee Venom May Help Treat Chronic Sinusitis

Anti-inflammatory effect of bee venom in an allergic chronic rhinosinusitis mouse model

Mol Med Rep. 2018 Mar 9

Bee venom (BV) has long been used as anti-inflammatory agent in traditional oriental medicine; however, the effect of BV on chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is not commonly studied.

The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of BV on an allergic CRS mouse model. An allergic CRS mouse model was established following the administration of ovalbumin with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) into the nose. A total of 0.5 or 5 ng/ml of BV were intranasally applied 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Histopathological alterations were observed using hematoxylin and eosin, and Periodic acid Schiff staining.

The levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, interleukin (IL)‑4, IL‑10 and interferon (INF)‑γ in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were measured. Nuclear factor (NF)‑κB and activator protein (AP)‑1 expressions were also determined by immunohistochemical staining. The group treated with BV had significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and PAS‑positive cells. The levels of INF‑γ, and neutrophil and eosinophil counts in NLF were significantly decreased, and the SEB‑induced NF‑κB and AP‑1 expressions in mouse nasal mucosa were significantly suppressed by 0.5 and 5 ng/ml BV.

Thus, BV exerted significant anti‑inflammatory effects in an allergic CRS mouse model and may have potential value for the treatment of CRS.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Addition of Propolis Has Anti-Listerial Effect in Milk

Inhibitory activity of propolis against Listeria monocytogenes in milk stored under refrigeration

Food Microbiol. 2018 Aug;73:168-176

Propolis is a natural bee-product with documented antimicrobial properties in vitro. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for adding propolis into milk and to determine whether the addition of propolis can confer anti-listerial activity during the storage of milk under optimal or improper refrigeration conditions.

Upon dissolving propolis ethanolic extract (PEE) into glycerol, the PEE-glycerol mixture contained no visible insoluble particles and could be dispersed evenly into milk, without leaving any insoluble material. PEE, with or without glycerol, was added into extended shelf-life milk, artificially contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The addition of PEE dissolved into glycerol resulted in a pronounced and dose-dependent anti-listerial effect in milk stored at 4 °C, with the higher concentration tested (4 mg of dry PEE per mL of milk) resulting in complete inhibition of L. monocytogenes growth throughout 30 days of storage. The combination of PEE with glycerol was also effective in significantly reducing the growth rate of the pathogen in milk stored under improper refrigeration (10 °C).

Based on a patented PEE-deodorization protocol, the addition of deodorized PEE into milk resulted in a product with average consumer acceptability. However, the PEE deodorization process resulted in reduction or even complete removal of propolis constituents with known antibacterial activity, with a concomitant significant reduction in its anti-listerial effect.

Nonetheless, the data presented in this manuscript highlight the strong anti-listerial potential of propolis in milk and suggest that, upon further research on its deodorization and standardization, there may be room for the application of propolis as a natural preservative in dairy beverages.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Brazilian Green Propolis May Help Treat Cancer

Anticancer activity of the supercritical extract of Brazilian green propolis and its active component, artepillin C: Bioinformatics and experimental analyses of its mechanisms of action

Int J Oncol. 2018 Mar;52(3):925-932

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees by mixing their saliva with plant sources, including tree bark and leaves and then mixed with secreted beeswax, possesses a variety of bioactivities.

Whereas caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has been recognized as a major bioactive ingredient in New Zealand propolis, Brazilian green propolis, on the other hand, possesses artepillin C (ARC). In this study, we report that, similar to CAPE, ARC docks into and abrogates mortalin-p53 complexes, causing the activation of p53 and the growth arrest of cancer cells.

Cell viability assays using ARC and green propolis-supercritical extract (GPSE) revealed higher cytotoxicity in the latter, supported by nuclear translocation and the activation of p53.

Furthermore, in vivo tumor suppression assays using nude mice, we found that GPSE and its conjugate with γ cyclodextrin (γCD) possessed more potent anticancer activity than purified ARC. GPSE‑γCD may thus be recommended as a natural, effective and economic anticancer amalgam.

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Propolis May Help Treat Celiac Disease

Ex vivo immunomodulatory effect of ethanolic extract of propolis during Celiac Disease: involvement of nitric oxide pathway

Inflammopharmacology. 2018 Mar 7

Celiac Disease (CeD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy, in which dietary gluten induces an inflammatory reaction, predominantly in the duodenum. Propolis is a resinous hive product, collected by honeybees from various plant sources.

Propolis is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory effects, due to its major compounds, polyphenols and flavonoids. The aim of our study was to assess the ex vivo effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) upon the activity and expression of iNOS, along with IFN-γ and IL-10 production in Algerian Celiac patients. In this context, PBMCs isolated from peripheral blood of Celiac patients and healthy controls were cultured with different concentrations of EEP. NO production was measured using the Griess method, whereas quantitation of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels was performed by ELISA. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, NFκB and pSTAT-3 activity were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay.

Our results showed that PBMCs from Celiac patients produced high levels of NO and IFN-γ compared with healthy controls (HC). Interestingly, EEP reduced significantly, NO and IFN-γ levels and significantly increased IL-10 levels at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. Importantly, EEP downmodulated the iNOS expression as well as the activity of NFκB and pSTAT-3 transcription factors.

Altogether, our results highlight the immunomodulatory effect of propolis on NO pathway and on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we suggest that propolis may constitute a potential candidate to modulate inflammation during Celiac Disease and has a potential therapeutic value.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

Review of Honey as an Anti-Diabetic Agent

Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Feb 4;2018:4757893

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with multifactorial and heterogeneous etiologies. Two types of diabetes are common among humans: type 1 diabetes that occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys insulin and type 2 diabetes, the most common form, that may be caused by several factors, the most important being lifestyle, but also may be determined by different genes.

Honey was used in folk medicine for a long time, but the health benefits were explained in the last decades, when the scientific world was concerned in testing and thus explaining the benefits of honey.

Different studies demonstrate the hypoglycemic effect of honey, but the mechanism of this effect remains unclear.

This review presents the experimental studies completed in the recent years, which support honey as a novel antidiabetic agent that might be of potential significance for the management of diabetes and its complications and also highlights the potential impacts and future perspectives on the use of honey as an antidiabetic agent.

Friday, March 09, 2018

Determination of Aminoglycoside Residues in Honey and Royal Jelly

Optimization and application of parallel solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of 11 aminoglycoside residues in honey and royal jelly

J Chromatogr A. 2018 Feb 19. pii: S0021-9673(18)30211-5

A robust and sensitive method of solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was established and performed for the simultaneous determination of eleven aminoglycosides (AGs) in royal jelly and honey.

After sample extraction by a phosphate buffer containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA), the extraction solution was subjected to a parallel solid-phase extraction for clean-up prior to the LC-MS/MS analysis. The same method was applied to analyze two completely different matrices, honey and royal jelly. Good sensitivity, repeatability, and recovery were obtained by using the mobile phase without an ion-pairing reagent such as heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) or sodium heptanesulfonate.

The calibration curves of the honey and royal jelly samples exhibited a good linear response (R2 > 0.99) at six concentrations in the range of 10-1000 μg/mL. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the AGs ranged from 10 to 25 μg/kg in the honey and from 12.5 to 25 μg/kg in the royal jelly. The recoveries of the AGs for the honey and royal jelly samples were in the range of 79.48% to 108.95% and 74.61% to 113.70% respectively and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 1.23% and 9.59%, and between 1.51% and 9.98%, respectively.

The proposed approach has been allowed in China as a reference method for the simultaneous determination of eleven AGs in honey and royal jelly.

Thursday, March 08, 2018

Propolis Helps Prevent Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Business Standard

Propolis – Propolis or bee glue supports white and red blood cells. It is also a natural anti-infective and an antibiotic. Propolis helps protect the patient from infections and surrounding viruses. Propolis is both available as capsules and in liquid form in pharmacies.

Wednesday, March 07, 2018

Manuka Honey Helps Cure Acne


Can Manuka Honey Really Cure Your Acne?

Manuka honey is the homecoming queen of the beauty world this year. And like the homecoming queen at your high school, it's really good at a lot of things.

But beyond soothing allergies, fighting bacteria, and even helping you sleep better, one of the biggest promises Manuka honey offers is its supposed ability to fight acne. Even celebs like Kourtney Kardashian claim it’s helped zap stubborn zits.

Could slathering this specialty honey from New Zealand bees really clear up your complexion? 

Here's what dermatologists have to say:

Basically, what makes it great for your skin in general makes it really work for acne, says Karen Hammerman, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group.

"Its anti-inflammatory effects can decrease acne inflammation, and as an antibacterial, it leaves few bacteria to infect pores and cause acne," Hammerman says. This should help existing breakouts look less red and swollen, and prevent future painful pimples.

It can also help slough away dead skin cells, she says—keeping them from clogging your pores and causing blackheads and whiteheads. The soothing and hydrating properties of the sweet stuff can heal existing pimples, and it can help speed up recovery from old acne scars, says New York City dermatologist Arash Akhavan, M.D., founder of the Dermatology and Laser Group...

Tuesday, March 06, 2018

WATCH: Beekeeper Talks About Benefits of Apitherapy


Bees provide more than honey

Bo Sterk is a local beekeeper and president of the St. Johns County Beekeeping Association. He is also involved in Bees Beyond Borders, an organization that teaches beekeeping in the Caribbean.

Sterk has been keeping honeybees for 25 years and got started because of something called Apitherapy. Apitherapy is the use of bees and bee stings as therapy. Watch the video above to find out more.

Monday, March 05, 2018

Propolis May Help Treat Periodontitis

Rapid Bactericidal Action of Propolis against Porphyromonas gingivalis

J Dent Res. 2018 Feb 1:22034518758034

Propolis, a resinous substance produced by bees, is used as a folk medicine for treatment of periodontal diseases. However, its mode of the action and the compounds responsible for its activities remain obscure. In the present study, we comprehensively investigated the antibacterial activities of ethanol-extracted propolis (EEP) and EEP-derived compounds toward Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen for periodontal diseases.

Broth microdilution and agar dilution assays were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of EEP against a range of oral bacterial species, of which P. gingivalis showed a higher level of sensitivity than oral commensals such as streptococci. Its antibacterial activity toward P. gingivalis was maintained even after extensive heat treatment, demonstrating a high level of thermostability. EEP also induced death of P. gingivalis cells by increasing membrane permeability within 30 min. Spatiotemporal analysis based on high-speed atomic force microscopy revealed that EEP immediately triggered development of aberrant membrane blebs, followed by bleb fusion events on the bacterial surface.

Furthermore, we isolated artepillin C, baccharin, and ursolic acid from EEP as antibacterial compounds against P. gingivalis. Of those, artepillin C and baccharin showed bacteriostatic activities with membrane blebbing, while ursolic acid showed bactericidal activity with membrane rupture. In particular, ursolic acid demonstrated a greater ability to affect bacterial membrane potential with increased membrane permeability, probably because of its highly lipophilic nature as compared with other compounds.

Taken together, these findings provide mechanistic insight into the antibacterial activities of EEP and its exquisite membrane-targeting antibacterial compounds and imply the applicability of narrow-spectrum therapeutics with EEP for treatment of periodontitis.

In addition, the advanced technology utilized in the present study to visualize the nanometer-scale dynamics of microorganisms will contribute to expanding our understanding of the activities of antimicrobials and the mechanism of drug resistance in bacteria.

Sunday, March 04, 2018

Giant Honey Bee Venom Shows High Antioxidant Activity with Little Irritation


Antioxidant activity and irritation property of venoms from Apis species

Toxicon, 2018 Feb 27. pii: S0041-0101(18)30089-8. doi

Pharmacological effects of bee venom has been reported, however, it has been restricted to the bee venom collected from European honey bee (Apis mellifera). The aim of the present study was to compare the antioxidant activities and irritation properties of venoms collected from four different Apis species in Thailand, which includes Apis cerena (Asian cavity nesting honeybee), Apis florea (dwarf honeybee), Apis dorsata (giant honeybee), and A. mellifera.

Melittin content of each bee venom extracts was investigated by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay were used to determine the antioxidant activity, whereas, hen's egg test chorioallantoic membrane assay was used to determine the irritation property of each bee venom extracts. Melittin was the major constituent in all bee venom extracts.

The melittin content in A. dorsata, A. mellifera, A. florea, and A. cerena were 95.8 ± 3.2%, 76.5 ± 1.9%, 66.3 ± 8.6%, and 56.8 ± 1.8%, respectively. Bee venom extract from A. dorsata possessed the highest antioxidant activity with the inhibition of 41.1 ± 2.2% against DPPH, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 10.21 ± 0.74 mM Trolox/mg and equivalent concentration (EC1) of 0.35 ± 0.02 mM FeSO4/mg.

Bee venom extract from A. mellifera exhibited the highest irritation, followed by A. cerena, A. dorsata, and A. florea, respectively. Melittin was the compound responsible for the irritation property of bee venom extracts since it could induce severe irritation (irritation score was 13.7 ± 0.5, at the concentration of 2 mg/ml).

The extract from A. dorsata which possessed the highest antioxidant activity showed no irritation up to the concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. Therefore, bee venom extract from A. dorsata at the concentration not more than 0.1 mg/ml would be suggested for using as cosmetic ingredients since it possessed the highest antioxidant activity with no irritation.

This study is the first report to compare the bee venom extracts from different Apis species and display their potential application of bee venom extracts in cosmetic products.

Saturday, March 03, 2018

Honey Helps Reduce Post-Tonsillectomy Pain


Comparing the Efficacy of Peritonsillar Injection of Tramadol With Honey in Controlling Post-Tonsillectomy Pain in Adults

J Craniofac Surg. 2018 Mar 1

INTRODUCTION:

The authors investigated the effect of honey on post-tonsillectomy pain and compare its efficacy with tramadol.

METHODS:

This clinical trial was performed on 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesia I and II aged between 18 and 55 years and underwent tonsillectomy. Induction of anesthesia was carried out using 2 mg/kg propofol and 0.5 atracurium following 1.5 μg/kg fentanyl administration. Group B was given tramadol at dose of 2 mg/kg and with volume of 4 mL and Group A was given normal saline with the same volume 2 mL of medications were injected using needle (25) into tonsil bed and anterior old of each tonsil by an anesthesiologist. Three minutes after injection, the surgery was performed by the same ENT residents for all patients. In the recovery room Group B received antibiotics and oral acetaminophen. Group A was given antibiotics, oral acetaminophen, and honey dissolved in 40 mL warm water every 6 hours from when the patient was fully awake. Patients in Group A were told to eat honey 3 times a day 7 days postoperatively. Pain was scored using Numeric Rating Scale at the time points of 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours as well as 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Moreover, the healing status and epithelialization degree of tonsillar bed were considered on 1 and 7 days after the surgery by ENT specialist.

RESULTS:

The mean of pain score was significantly higher in Group A within 24 hours postoperatively as compared with Group B (P < 0.01). The mean of pain score was lower in Group B after 3 and 7 days but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Considering restoration status and epithelialization degree of tonsillar bed on the 1st and 7th days, there was no statistically significant difference between 2 groups; however, tonsillar bed healing process was better in Group B on the 7th day.

CONCLUSION:

The current investigation confirmed the positive impact of tramadol on post-tonsillectomy pain relief in adults. The authors also found that honey can be used as a complementary treatment along with acetaminophen and other analgesics for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain. Considering honey impact on wound healing and its anti-inflammatory effect, it is suggested for relieving complications after surgery.

Friday, March 02, 2018

Red Propolis Exhibits Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiparasitic, Antitumor, Antioxidant, Metabolic and Nutraceutical Activities

Biological activities of red propolis: a review

Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2018 Feb 23

• Background: The red propolis (RdProp) is a resin produced by Apis mellifera bees, which collect the reddish exudate on the surface of its botanic source, the species Dalbergiae castophyllum, popularly known in Brazil as "rabo de bugio". Considered as the 13th type of Brazilian propolis, this resin has been gaining prominence due to its natural composition, rich in bioactive substances not found in other types of propolis.

• Objective: This review aims to address the most important characteristics of PV, its botanical origin, the main constituents, its biological properties and the patents related to this natural product.

• Method: By means of the SciFinder, Google Patents, Patus® and Spacenet, scientific articles and patents involving the term "red propolis" were searched until August 2017

• Results: A number of biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antitumor, antioxidant, metabolic and nutraceutical activities are attributed to RdProp, demonstrating the great potential of its use in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

• Conclusion: The available papers are associated to pharmacological potential of RdProp, but the molecular mechanisms or bioactive compounds responsible for each activity have not yet been fully elucidated.

Thursday, March 01, 2018

New Bee Venom Proteins Identified

PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF APIS MELLIFERA VENOM DETERMINED BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY (LC) COUPLED WITH NANO-LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS

Acta Pol Pharm. 2017 Jan;74(1):53-65.

The integration of multidimensional liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analytical plat- form was proposed for proteomic exploration of honeybee venom. The combination of HPLC with nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS system was our method of choice for compressing the dynamic range of honeybee venom protein concentration.

Honeybee venom samples were separated into 6 fractions using HPLC and further analyzed by nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Applied approach allowed to identify in total 394 peptides giving the identification of 50 components including putative toxins and trace elements. Moreover, all 12 known honeybee venom allergens were acknowledged. Additionally, four novel hypothetical proteins have been observed which were not observed in other studies.

The newly recognized proteins should be further investigated, in order to characterize their functions in the venom of Apis mellifera.