Stingless Bee Honey May Help Relieve Symptoms and Problems of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

In Vitro Modulation of Endogenous Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Oxidative Stress in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) by Stingless Bee Honey Treatment

Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020 Dec 1;2020:4539891

Autism has been associated with a low antioxidant defense mechanism, while honey has been known for decades for its antioxidant and healing properties. Determination of stingless bee honey (KH) effects on antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative damage in Autism Lymphoblastoid Cell Line (ALCL) was performed. 

ALCL and its normal sibling pair (NALCL) were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium at 37°C and 5% CO2. ALCL was treated with 400 μg/mL KH (24 h), and oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was determined via comet assay. 

Low SOD activity (p < 0.05) and high MDA level (p < 0.05) were observed in ALCL compared to NALCL. Higher grade (Grades 2 and 3) of DNA damage was highly observed (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to NALCL, whereas lower grade (Grades 0 and 1) DNA damage was highly detected (p < 0.05) in NALCL compared to ALCL. KH treatment caused a significant increase in SOD and GPx activities (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. 

Correspondingly, KH treatment reduced the Grade 2 DNA damage (p < 0.05) in ALCL compared to untreated ALCL. CAT activity showed no significant difference between all three groups, while the MDA level showed no significant difference between treated and untreated ALCL. 

In conclusion, KH treatment significantly reduced the oxidative stress in ALCL by increasing the SOD and GPx antioxidant enzyme activities, while reducing the DNA damage...

Conclusions

KH, an antioxidant-rich natural product, has a high potential in alleviating oxidative stress, reducing the oxidative damage, and may help to improve the symptoms and problems of ASD.

Propolis and Bee Pollen May Help Treat High Cholesterol (Excess Triglycerides) and Liver Damage Caused by Type-2 Diabetes

Effect of antioxidant-rich propolis and bee pollen extracts against D-glucose induced type 2 diabetes in rats

Highlights

• Propolis and bee pollen have high antioxidant ability.
• Naringin and Apigenin were the most abundant polyphenolic compounds in propolis and bee pollen, respectively.
• 16 weeks of treatment with D-glucose led to type 2-diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hepato-renal damage.
• Propolis and bee pollen attenuated the deleterious effects induced by D-glucose.

The present study was designed to investigate the preventive effect of propolis, bee pollen and their combination on Type 2 diabetes induced by D-glucose in rats. 

The study was carried out by feeding daily two concentrations (100 and 200 mg/Kg BW) of propolis or bee pollen (or their combination to normal (non-diabetic) and diabetic rats for a period of 16 weeks. In vivo biochemical changes associated to diabetes are induced by drinking a solution containing 10% of D-glucose (diabetic rats). The in vitro antioxidant activity was also evaluated and the chemical composition of propolis and bee pollen extracts was determined by UHPLC-DAD. 

Phytochemical composition of propolis and bee pollen revealed the presence of several natural antioxidants, such as hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, flavonoids, flavan-3-ols and stilbens. The major antioxidant compound present in propolis was Naringin (290.19 ± 0.2 mg/Kg) and in bee pollen was apigenin (162.85 ± 17.7 mg/Kg). 

These results have been related with a high antioxidant activity, more intense in propolis extract. In rats, the administration of D-glucose had induced hyperglycemia (13.2 ± 0.82 mmol/L), increased plasmatic insulin levels (25.10 ± 2.12 U/L) and HOMA-IR index (14.72 ± 0.85) accompanied with dyslipidemia, elevation of hepatic enzyme levels, and a change in both serum renal biomarkers and plasmatic calcium. 

The co-administration of propolis and bee pollen extracts alone or in combination restored these biochemical parameters and attenuated the deleterious effects of D-glucose on liver and kidney functions. Furthermore, these effects were better attenuated in the combined therapy-prevented diabetic rats. Hence, it is possible to conclude that propolis and bee pollen can be used as a preventive natural product against diabetes induced dyslipidemia and hepato-renal damage.

Red Propolis May Be Used to Treat Schistosomiasis (Snail Fever, Bilharzia)

In vitro studies and experiments with mice show that the natural extract was more effective than the only drug available to combat this parasitic disease.

Well-known for its bactericidal and anti-fungal properties, Brazilian red propolis has now been found to act powerfully against the parasite that causes schistosomiasis, reducing the number of eggs and killing the helminths (worms).

In experiments performed at Universidade Guarulhos (UnG) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with FAPESP’s support, 400 milligrams per kilogram of body weight was a sufficient dose of red propolis to reduce the parasite load by more than 60% in mice infected with the flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. It was equally effective against the immature and adult stages of the parasite. In vitro tests also showed that red propolis blocked reproduction and oviposition (egg-laying).

“Propolis, especially the red variety, is well-known for its action against bacteria and fungi. It protects the beehive from intruders, and we expected that some of its more than 20 substances would act against parasitic infectious agents. What surprised us was that it disrupted the worm’s integument and killed adult as well as immature worms, which the conventional treatment for schistosomiasis doesn’t do,” said Josué de Moraes, a professor at UnG and last author of the article on the study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

The results of all the tests suggest red propolis may be more effective to treat schistosomiasis than the only pharmaceutical product available for this purpose. Before red propolis can be prescribed for patients, of course, it must be tested in clinical trials on humans with the disease...

Heat Treatment Decreases Antibacterial Activity of Honey

Antimicrobial activity of heat-treated Polish honeys

Food Chem. 2020 Nov 17;128561

Bactericidal properties of honey depend on botanical and geographical origin, where thermal treatment can have a significant affect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature on minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), vitamin C content, total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity of ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) of several nectar honey varieties from northern Poland (lime, rapeseed, multifloral and buckwheat). The honeys were subjected to thermal treatment at 22 °C, 42 °C, 62 °C, 82 °C and 100 °C for two exposure times. The results showed a significant reduction of antimicrobial properties (MBC ⩾ 50%) at 82 °C and 62 °C after 15 and 120 min exposure time for most samples. Short time exposure reduced vitamin C content (⩽ 50 %) but increased total polyphenols content (⩾ 27%) and FRAP value (⩾ 106%).

Bee Venom May Help Treat Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Pain, Stiffness, Swelling, Inflammation)

Investigation of anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom in experimentally induced adjuvant arthritis

Reumatologia. 2020;58(5):265-271

Abstract

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of the joints. An effective treatment method of the disease has not been developed yet. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of bee (Apis mellifera anatoliaca) venom (BV) on serum inflammatory parameters, serum antioxidant load and clinical parameters of experimentally induced adjuvant arthritis in rats.

Material and methods: A total of 35 Wistar albino male rats were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups. First group animals served as negative controls. The second, third, fourth and fifth groups were used for experimental arthritis induction. Following clinical development of arthritis, the first group was subcutaneously administered 0.2 ml of physiological saline, and the second, third and fourth groups were treated subcutaneously with 2 µg/kg, 4 µg/kg and 20 µg/kg once a week three times. Physiological saline injected fifth group animals were used as a sham-treatment group. Clinical observations and evaluation of arthritis were made at the 15th day, and at the end of the experiment. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, paraoxonase, serum aryl esterase, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined in cardiac blood samples taken at the end of the 29th day.

Results: From the data, total oxidant level (TOL) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were calculated. Significant improvements were observed in the clinical signs of arthritis and inflammatory markers such as in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and TOL and OSI in the 20.0 µg/kg BV-administered group. Bee venom administration did not cause any significant increase in ALT and AST values or signs of liver toxicity.

Conclusions: Bee venom treatment was effective in alleviation of symptoms of the experimental rat adjuvant arthritis by means of clinical observation and serum inflammatory markers.

Bee Bread, Bee Pollen Show Antimicrobial Activity

Bee-collected pollen (BCP) is a well-known functional food. Honey bees process the collected pollen and store it in the hive, inside the comb cells. The processed pollen is called bee- bread or ambrosia and it is the main source of proteins, lipids, vitamins, macro-and micro-elements in honey bee nutrition. During storage, beebread undergoes solid state fermentation which preserves it and increases the bioavailability of nutrients. Research on beebread has been rather limited until now. In recent years, there is an increasing interest regarding the antimicrobial properties of BCP and beebread, due to emerging antimicrobial resistance by pathogens. Both BCP and beebread exhibit antimicrobial properties against diverse pathogens, like bacteria and fungi. As is the case with other bee products, lack of antimicrobial resistance might be attributed to the synergy of more than one antimicrobial compounds within BCP and beebread. Furthermore, BCP and bee bread exert targeted activity against pathogens and affect the host microbiome in a prebiotic manner. This review aims to present up to date research findings regarding these aspects as well as to discuss current challenges and future perspectives in the field.

...BCP or BB demonstrate selective antimicrobial activity that is usually higher against Gram-positive compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Strain specificity should be further investigated to identify BCP/BB compounds responsible for that. In that respect more studies should be conducted towards exploring synergy of BCP and BB extracts (or compounds detected within) and antibiotics. This synergy could prevent or delay microbial resistance which is a major public health issue.

Invitation to the Online Romanian Apitherapy Congress, Nov. 20-22, 2020

The Romanian Apitherapy Society is offering next week-end (November 20-22), through ZOOM online platform, free access to our international speakers and regular participants.

For more details please check our website: http://www.apiterapie.ro/en/the-xiii-th-romanian-apitherapy-congress/

Please share this info with all your best friends and colleagues from your own national Apitherapy Associations/groups.

We have a limited number of seats in the conference room, so hurry-up with your registration.

Best regards from Romania,

Yours all,

Dr. Stefan Stangaciu

E-mail: drstangaciu@gmail.com + drstangaciu@apitherapy.com

How to Make Homemade Antibiotic with Turmeric and Honey

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of turmeric
• 100 grams of honey (Buckwheat Honey is Great) 

Instructions:

In a glass jar, mix the ingredient, and stir well.

Take a tablespoon of the remedy on every hour to treat the flu. Do not swallow it immediately, but leave it to melt in the mouth. On the next day, take the same amount but on every 2 hours, and repeat on the third day, taking it only three times daily.

You can also add it to your tea or milk.

Propolis Spray Helps Treat Viral and Bacterial Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (COVID, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Pandemic)

A standardized polyphenol mixture extracted from poplar-type propolis for remission of symptoms of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Phytomedicine. 2020 Oct 8;80:153368. 

Abstract

Background: The most common symptoms of mild upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are sore throat, muffled dysphonia, and swelling and redness of the throat, which result from the inflammation process following acute bacterial or viral infection.

Hypothesis/purpose: As propolis is a natural resinous substance traditionally used to maintain oral cavity and upper respiratory tract health due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, the aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an oral spray based on poplar-type propolis extract with a known and standardized polyphenol content, on the remission of the symptoms associated with mild uncomplicated URTIs.

Study design: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed.

Methods: This study was conducted in 122 healthy adults who had perceived mild upper respiratory tract infections. Participants, randomly assigned to receive either propolis oral spray (N = 58) or placebo (N = 64), underwent four visits (baseline = t0, after 3 days = t1 and after 5 days = t2 and after a follow-up of 15 days = t3) in an outpatient setting. Propolis oral spray total polyphenol content was 15 mg/ml. The dosage was 2-4 sprays, corresponding to 12-24 mg of polyphenols, three times for five days. The duration of the study was 8 weeks.

Results: After 3 days of treatment, 83% of subjects treated with propolis oral spray had remission of symptoms, while 72% of subjects in the placebo group had at least one remaining symptom. After five days, all subjects had recovered from all symptoms. This means that resolution from mild uncomplicated URTIs took place two days earlier, instead of taking place in five days as recorded in the control group. There was no relationship between the ingestion of propolis oral spray or placebo and adverse reactions.

Conclusion: Propolis oral spray can be used to improve both bacterial and viral uncomplicated URTI symptoms in a smaller number of days without the use of pharmacological treatment, leading to a prompt symptom resolution.

Italian Bee Pollens Show Antioxidant, Nutraceutical Properties (B2, B3, B6, B9, Amino Acids, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Omega-3, Omega-6)

Antioxidant, Nutraceutical Properties, and Fluorescence Spectral Profiles of Bee Pollen Samples from Different Botanical Origins

Antioxidants (Basel), 2020 Oct 15;9(10):E1001

Bee pollen is made by honey bees (Apis Mellifera) from the pollen of plants and flowers and represents an apiary product enriched in essential amino acids, polyphenols, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. 

This study investigated the botanical origin, micronutrient profile, and antioxidant activity of bee pollen samples (n = 10) harvested in Lucca and Massa Carrara (Tuscany, Italy) between 2016 and 2017. The palynological analysis showed that bee pollen samples were composed of nine botanical families. Front-face fluorescence spectroscopy was performed on bee pollen samples in bulk, without any treatment, and in ethanol extracts to determine the characteristic fluorescent profile and, to identify the main chemical compounds with biological activity. 

The main chemical compounds detected were polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids), hydro-soluble vitamins (B2, B3, B6, and B9), amino acids, and pigments. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was investigated, and one of the two Viburnum pollens resulted in the highest polyphenols and flavonoids content (20.15 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g fw and 23.46 ± 0.08 mg CE/g fw, respectively). However, Prunus and Eucalyptus families showed the highest in vitro (190.27 ± 8.30 µmol Fe2+/g) and ex vivo (54.61 ± 8.51 CAA unit) antioxidant capacity, respectively. 

These results suggested that Tuscan bee pollen, depending on the botanical family, is rich in essential nutrients and potential nutraceutical product.

Bee Venom Therapy Used to Treat Pain

WATCH THE VIDEO

Bee Pollen and Propolis May Help Treat Breast Cancer

Water-soluble propolis and bee pollen of Trigona spp. from South Sulawesi Indonesia induce apoptosis in the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line

Oncol Lett. 2020 Nov;20(5):274

Bee products are best known as one of the beneficial natural products providing multiple pharmacological effects, such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study aimed to identify potent products derived from the stingless bee Trigona spp. from Luwu Utara (South Sulawesi, Indonesia), focussing on the water-soluble extract of propolis and bee pollen, against the proliferation of the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line.

The results from DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method of antioxidant assay revealed that water-soluble propolis and bee pollen had high antioxidant activity, with half-maximal effective concentrations against DPPH radicals of 1.3 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively...

The present results suggested that water-soluble propolis and bee pollen may have the potential to be elaborated further as a breast anticancer therapy.

Preparing Bee Bread Caviar from Buckwheat Honey

Preparation of Beebread Caviar from Buckwheat Honey through Immobilization with Sodium Alginate

Molecules. 2020 Sep 29;25(19):E4483.

Honeys have a pleasant taste and a wide range of use. They are characterized by a relatively high consumption compared to bee pollen or beebread. Honeys are the most popular bee products. Considering health reasons, beebread exhibits the strongest properties as it has the highest nutritional value as well as strong detoxifying, antioxidant, and antiradical properties. Despite having such valuable properties, consumption of beebread is negligible; sometimes, it is limited only to supplementation in case of diseases. This paper proposes a new food product, that is, beebread caviar made from buckwheat honey. The expiry date and sensory and physicochemical quality of beebread caviar have been determined in this study. Beebread caviar, obtained by immobilization on alginate carrier, contained 0.34 mg GAE/mL extract. It remained stable until five days after preparation. Its total acidity was 33.7 mval/kg. Its extract content was 22.53%. Caviar had a high overall sensory score of 4.8 points on a 5-point scale. Beebread caviar can be successfully classified as probiotic food because beebread contains a large amount of lactic acid. In the form of caviar, a new, attractive, and convenient form of beebread consumption could become one of the products of comfortable and functional food.

Apitherapy Could Mitigate Some Risks Associated with COVID‐19/Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2, Treatment, Prophylactic)

Bee products as a source of promising therapeutic and chemoprophylaxis strategies against COVID‐19 (SARS‐CoV‐2)

Phytotherapy Research

The emergence of novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) in 2019 in China marked the third outbreak of a highly pathogenic coronavirus infecting humans. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. However, even after a decade of coronavirus research, there are still no licensed vaccines or therapeutic agents to treat the coronavirus infection.

In this context, apitherapy presents as a promising source of pharmacological and nutraceutical agents for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of COVID‐19. For instance, several honeybee products, such as honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom, have shown potent antiviral activity against pathogens that cause severe respiratory syndromes, including those caused by human coronaviruses. In addition, the benefits of these natural products to the immune system are remarkable, and many of them are involved in the induction of antibody production, maturation of immune cells, and stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses.

Thus, in the absence of specific antivirals against SARS‐CoV‐2, apitherapy could offer one hope toward mitigating some of the risks associated with COVID‐19...

Bee products are known for their several medicinal and pharmaceutical properties, which have been explored since the beginning of society. Of these, the antiviral effect and the ability to stimulate the immune system using bee products stand out as potentially promising alternative in the therapy of severe viral respiratory infections, such as COVID‐19.

Moreover, except for bee venom, apicomplexes are generally well tolerated and readily available, which can contribute to wide access in times of pandemic. The immunomodulatory, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro‐resolving effects of different bee products and their chemical components can be useful in prophylaxis, specific treatment, and even symptomatic treatment of COVID‐19. However, the number of current evidence is overwhelming, and large randomized and controlled clinical trials should be conducted to assess the real benefit of apitherapy against SARS‐CoV‐2.

In this direction, here, we present the numerous possibilities of apitherapy in combating COVID‐19 and highlight the importance of bee products as a promising source of therapeutic and prophylactic strategies against this emergent public health crisis.

Apitherapy Clinic Opened in Canada to Treat Lyme Disease, Arthritis, Immune Disorders

Niagara man builds plan for new clinic on the backs of bees

Gord Howard

His father and grandfather were beekeepers back in Paraguay. Unger, who came to Canada in 1974, keeps about five million of them in hives at BY’s Honey Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

He takes a bit of honey every day like a daily vitamin, and is a firm believer that bees and their byproducts can help help the body heal both physically and mentally.

Later this month he will open what he believes will be Canada’s first apitherapy clinic, using bee venom to ease the pain of people suffering a wide variety of ailments including Lyme disease, arthritis and an immune system weakened by chemotherapy...

Amy Schumer Has Lyme Disease — Why Do People Think Bees Can Help?

What is bee sting therapy?

Bee sting therapy is a form of apitherapy, which is an alternative treatment using products from honeybees. Along with bee sting venom, apitherapy can include honey, propolis, bee pollen, beeswax, and royal jelly.

"This strategy has been used in alternative medicine for more than 5,000 years," one study explains. "It consists of either indirect application, by extracting bee venom (BV) with an electric stimulus followed by its injection into the body or directly via bee stings."

To apply bee sting therapy directly, bees are held with a tweezer and placed onto a particular part of the body. After it stings, the bee is removed, but the stinger remains in the body for a short period of time.

This treatment was recently featured in the Netflix docuseries (Un)Well, so many people around the world were exposed to the idea of apitherapy to help manage symptoms of Lyme disease. In the sixth episode of the show, the founder of Heal Hive, Brooke Geahan, calls bee venom an antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and an anti-inflammatory.

She then explains one property of bee venom, called melittin, which supposedly breaks into the cell walls containing the Lyme disease bacteria (B. burgdorferi) and causes them to burst...

Korean Propolis Can Prevent H. pylori-Induced Gastric Damage (Ulcers)

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect of Korean propolis on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric damage in vitro

Journal of Microbiology (2020)

Helicobacter pylori, present in the stomach lining, is a Gramnegative bacterium that causes various gastrointestinal diseases, including gastritis and peptic ulcers. Propolis is a natural resinous substance collected from a variety of plants, and contains several natural bioactive substances. 

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of Korean propolis on H. pylori-induced damage in the human adenocarcinoma gastric cell line. The propolis used in this study was obtained from the Korea Beekeeping Association in South Korea. The expression of pro-inflammatory interleukins (ILs), such as IL-8, IL-12, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, which was increased after H. pylori infection, significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner upon pretreatment with Korean propolis, because of the suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kB pathway. 

The anti-oxidative activity of propolis was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate free radical assay. Korean propolis showed significant anti-oxidative effects via reactive oxygen species scavenging. In addition, pretreatment with Korean propolis upregulated the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes through Nrf2 signaling activation. These findings indicate that the use of Korean propolis, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, can be promising for the prevention of H. pylori-induced gastric damage.

Honey Bee Venom Rapidly Kills Aggressive Breast Cancer Cells

Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research study finds honeybee venom rapidly kills aggressive breast cancer cells

By Nicolas Perpitch

Venom from honeybees has been found to rapidly kill aggressive and hard-to-treat breast cancer cells, according to potentially groundbreaking new Australian research.

Key points:

• The research was published in the journal Nature Precision Oncology
• It found honeybee venom was effective in killing breast cancer cells
• Researchers say the discovery is exciting but there is a long way to go

The study also found when the venom's main component was combined with existing chemotherapy drugs, it was extremely efficient at reducing tumour growth in mice...

Bee Venom Therapy Used to Treat Psoriasis

3 Interesting Types of Bee Venom Therapy

Bee stings typically cause painful swelling to the infected area due to venom. The venom or apitoxin has numerous compounds, enzymes, and amino acids that can be used to treat several health conditions.

Medical uses for bee venom have been traced back to the Ancient Egyptians, in Europe and Asia. The Greek physician Hippocrates used bee stings to treat arthritis and other joint pain. Other healers have used the venom for other conditions such as skin rashes.

Today, the venom enzymes have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties as well as ease pain and help heal wounds. There had also been several therapies involving immune system conditions such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and even neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Here are three types of been sting venom therapy:

For Psoriasis

A small study with 50 volunteers participated in an experiment for bee venom as therapy for skin lesions. Half of the patients with psoriasis had weekly injections of apitoxin while the rest received a placebo. After 3 months of bee sting venom therapy, patients had significantly reduced levels of inflammatory blood markers and psoriasis plaques.

New Study Confirms Honey is Better Than Antibiotics at Treating Colds and Coughs

By Divya Ramaswamy

• Honey has been used for thousands of years as a home remedy for colds and coughs
• However, its effectiveness in treating common cough or flu hadn’t been studied heavily
• Now, experts at Oxford University’s Medical School and Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences found honey to be a more effective, safer, cheaper and readily available alternative to antibiotics

Honey can treat colds and coughs better than antibiotics or the usual over-the-counter medicines, a new study revealed.

Despite being a popular home remedy for coughs, the effectiveness of honey in treating these illnesses hasn’t been studied heavily. But, experts at Oxford University’s Medical School and Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences have now analyzed existing evidence to find out how upper respiratory infection symptoms like cough, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose responded to treatment with honey.

They conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, while searching several databases. The experts then identified 14 studies involving more than 1,700 participants of varying ages. Analysis of these studies revealed that, compared to usual care, honey improved cough frequency and severity. A couple of studies pointed out treatment with honey offered faster results and the symptoms lasted one or two days less.

The good old home remedy was found to be a more effective, safer, cheaper and readily available alternative to antibiotics in relieving symptoms of colds and flu-like illnesses. However, no specific type of honey was touted to be the best...

Honey Massage is Safe, Has Detoxifying Effect

Safety and detoxification effect of honey massage

Volume 13 Issue 4 -2020
August 2020

Background: Medical massage has positive health effects during treatments or rehabilitation. Massage with honey said to be useful also for detoxification, for which the evidence is limited.

Aim/Purpose: To study the safety and detoxification effect of honey massage. Does honey massage remove trace elements (e.g. manganese) from the body, which is recommended for daily intake: is honey massage safe? Can honey massage remove harmful elements or compounds from the body? Participants Experiment 1: Two groups are built: One group from Manganese mine worker (3 persons), and none-mine worker (4 persons). All seven-person was evaluated separately. Experiment 2: We built three groups. The first group was consuming bio certified meat and vegetables, the second the bio vegetarian and the third group regular, each group 3 persons.

Research design: The subjects were massaged with honey. During the massage, the texture of the honey changes and absorbs certain substances from the skin (we name it M-honey for Massage-Honey). The composition of the original and M-honey was examined. Main outcome measures: In the first series, we examined M-honey’s for twenty-seven elements, including heavy metals. In the second series, each group’s M-honey was analysed for content of 502 complex chemicals.

Results: Concerning minerals, including manganese, the amount of effluent was so small that the honey massage did not endanger the homeostasis of the body. It was found that the M-honey was able to remove a small amount of Al Ba, Ni, Sr. One group contained the neurotoxic permethrin.

Conclusion: Honey massage has been shown to be safe and to has a detoxifying effect. However, other massage techniques have not been compared to honey massage, so we do not know whether the detoxifying effect is a specific feature of honey massage or is a common feature of several massage techniques.

Could bee sting therapy possibly have a role in COVID-19 treatment?

Could bee sting therapy possibly have a role in COVID-19 treatment? Maybe. Maybe not. Should in-depth, scientific research be launched?

Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey

FROM: https://apitherapy.org/

"A total of 5115 beekeepers were surveyed from February 23 to March 8, including 723 in Wuhan, the outbreak epicentre of Hubei. None of these beekeepers developed symptoms associated with COVID-19, and their health was totally normal. After that, we interviewed five apitherapists in Wuhan and followed 121 patients of their apitherapy clinic. These patients had received apitherapy from October 2019 to December 2019, and all the five bee apitherapists have the habit of self-apitherapy for their own health care (apitherapy means making use of bee venom from the honeybee's sting to treat or prevent certain diseases). Without any protective measures, two of the five apitherapists were exposed to suspected COVID-19 cases and others were exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases, but none of them were infected eventually. None of the 121 patients were infected by SARS-CoV-2, and three of them had close contact with immediate family members who were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection cases.

Could bee sting therapy possibly have a role in COVID-19 treatment?Maybe. Maybe not. Should in-depth, scientific research be launched?

Yes, say a trio of researchers in an article published in sciencedirect.com.

Lead author Wei Yang, an oncologist from China, and two associates related some interesting but anecdotal information about beekeepers in the COVID-19 epicenter, the Hubei province. The beekeepers surveyed didn't contract the COVID-19 virus. Neither did a group of surveyed patients receiving apitherapy.

"A total of 5115 beekeepers were surveyed from February 23 to March 8, including 723 in Wuhan, the outbreak epicentre of Hubei. None of these beekeepers developed symptoms associated with COVID-19, and their health was totally normal. After that, we interviewed five apitherapists in Wuhan and followed 121 patients of their apitherapy clinic. These patients had received apitherapy from October 2019 to December 2019, and all the five bee apitherapists have the habit of self-apitherapy for their own health care (apitherapy means making use of bee venom from the honeybee's sting to treat or prevent certain diseases). Without any protective measures, two of the five apitherapists were exposed to suspected COVID-19 cases and others were exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases, but none of them were infected eventually. None of the 121 patients were infected by SARS-CoV-2, and three of them had close contact with immediate family members who were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection cases. It might be supposed that beekeepers are less likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 because they live in less densely populated rural areas. But the five apitherapists and their patients are from densely populated areas in Wuhan. These people have one thing in common: they develop a tolerance to bee sting."

The co-authors pointed out that "It reminds us the story of the discovery of cowpox and the eventual victory of humans over this disease (Bennett and Baxby, 1996)."

9 Evidence-Based Manuka Honey Health Benefits (Colds, Flu, Wound Healing, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Ulcers, Athletic Performance)

While more research is needed to endorse its use in a clinical setting, early results using sterilised, laboratory-tested manuka honey in limited, small-scale studies have been promising. Scroll on for nine evidence-backed manuka honey...

Mexican University Researchers Recommend Propolis to Prevent COVID-19/Coronavirus Infection

UNAM scientists recommend taking propolis to prevent COVID – 19 – Very Interesting

Although there is still no medicine to treat COVID-19, UNAM recommends the use of propolis to keep the immune response in check.

The Faculty of Higher Studies Cuautitlán of the UNAM recommended the preventive use of this substance made by bees against COVID-19 and other viral diseases, such as seasonal influenza, thanks to the biological activity it has on viral, fungal and bacterial microorganisms.

Dr. Tonatiuh Cruz Sánchez, head of the Propolis Microbiological Bioprospecting Analysis Laboratory, explained that among the more than 300 chemical compounds observed over a decade of laboratory research, the phenols and flavonoids are responsible for their antimicrobial and probably antiviral action:

“Within the phenols is the phenethyl ester of caffeic acid (CAPE), which acts on polymerase, an enzyme capable of replicating an infectious microorganism, making it an excellent antibacterial. Also, flavonoids contain antioxidants such as pinocembrin and quercetin, which are attributed antiviral activity, “UNAM explained in a statement...

Slovenia Uses Sounds of Honey Bees as an Anti-Stress, Anti-Anxiety Relaxation Aid

How Slovenia uses the sound of bees to relax

By Martina Zoldos
30th July 2020

The country has a time-honoured tradition of using the sounds of bees buzzing to relax everyone from firefighters to school children, acting as an alleviant for anxiety and stress.

In our high-stress, modern society, there’s luckily no shortage of relaxation aids: bedtime story audio apps, phone-free offices, or ASMR, hypnotic YouTube videos of people whispering or crinkling wrapping paper into a microphone to help people drift to sleep.

But in Slovenia, there’s one relaxation technique that may actually shock some people, especially entomophobes: lying down in a room filled with cages of thousands of buzzing bees...

1st International Apitherapy Zoom Conference from 6 to 8 September 2020, Katowice, Poland

1st International Apitherapy Conference from 6 to 8 of September 2020 Katowice

From 6 to 8 of September, the 1st International Apitherapy Conference will be organized as ZOOM Conference under the auspices of the Medical University of Silesia, International Federation of Apitherapy, Romanian Apitherapy Society and German Apitherapy Society. Our goal is to present the latest developments of using bee products in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetology. The conference will be a forum for the exchange of experience in the field of apitherapy for representatives of scientific centers from Poland and abroad.

We would like to exchange scientific experience and present our achievements at the conference. Let’s meet on Zoom us.

Australian, Malaysian, Brazilian Stingless Bee Honey Has Special Health Properties

Science sweetens native honey health claims

By University of Queensland

Science has validated Indigenous wisdom by identifying a rare, healthy sugar in native stingless bee honey that is not found in any other food.

University of Queensland organic chemist Associate Professor Mary Fletcher said Indigenous peoples had long known that native stingless bee honey had special health properties.

"We tested honey from two Australian native stingless bee species, two in Malaysia and one in Brazil and found that up to 85 per cent of their sugar is trehalulose, not maltose as previously thought," she said.

Dr. Fletcher said trehalulose was a rare sugar with a low glycaemic index (GI), and not found as a major component in any other foods.

"Traditionally it has been thought that stingless bee honey was good for diabetes and now we know why—having a lower GI means it takes longer for the sugar to be absorbed into the blood stream, so there is not a spike in glucose that you get from other sugars," Dr. Fletcher said...

Mayan Propolis Shows Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties

In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of Mayan propolis

Propolis has been used traditionally for different human diseases and even recently as dental biomaterials because of its antibacterial, antimycotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, a proper correlation between in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties has not been clearly established.

...Chemical analysis showed pinocembrin, pinobanksin-3-O-acetate, and pinobanksin-3-O-propionate as the main components of propolis. Macrophage viability was high (106%) when propolis was used up to 50 µg/mL. ELISA studies showed a reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) up to 145 pg/mL, 350 pg/mL, and 210pg/mL, respectively, while the anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) were increased up to 833pg/mL and 446 pg/mL. Finally, edema was reduced on paw and ear mice by 9% and 22%, respectively.

Mayan propolis has strong in vitro anti-inflammatory properties without compromising macrophage
viability, resulting in a low-to-mild in vivo anti-inflammatory response.

Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen May Help Treat Menopausal Problems

Apitherapy for menopausal problems

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2020 Jul 16

Purpose: Apitherapy, a method from the field of complementary and alternative medicine, claims that all health problems including menopausal problems can be cured using bee products, especially honey, bee-collected pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. This study was to investigate the recommendations of protagonists of holistic apitherapy and compare these to the current evidence.

Methods: Since holistic apitherapy is only promoted in books and apitherapeutical congresses, we identified books on the topic in English, French, and German language via bookseller platforms and the JUSTfind system of the Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Germany, which comprises 337 databases from the EBSCO Discovery Service.

Results: Only 29.5% (n = 38) of the apitherapy books mentioned the topic of menopausal problems. Among these, there were 24 different recommendations. Royal jelly is the number one recommended therapy, followed by pollen, the combination of pollen and royal jelly, and propolis. All other recommendations are mentioned just once. The recommendation regarding royal jelly must be regarded as correct. Strictly speaking, evidence regarding bee-collected pollen is poor, since all studies on pollen did not investigate pollen directly, but pollen extracts and these pollens came from pollen that was anemophilous but not entomophilous.

Conclusion: Royal jelly and pollen could be interesting treatment options in cases of menopausal symptoms. In order to promote bee products for menopausal symptoms with a good conscience trials, comparing bee products against other options, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, C. racemosa extracts, and/or yoga should be initiated, since these methods have already proven their value.

Greek Honey Has Antioxidant, Antiaging and Photoprotective Properties (Ageing, Aging, Seniors, Elderly, Skin Care, Health, Cosmetics)

Honey Extracts Exhibit Cytoprotective Properties Against UVB-Induced Photodamage in Human Experimental Skin Models

Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jun 30;9(7):E566

In the present study, we aimed to examine the antioxidant, antiaging and photoprotective properties of Greek honey samples of various botanical and geographical origin. Ethyl-acetate extracts were used and the and the total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Honey extracts were then studied for their cytoprotective properties against UVB-induced photodamage using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and/or reconstituted human skin tissue models. Specifically, the cytotoxicity, oxidative status, DNA damage and gene expression levels of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined.

Overall, the treatment of HaCaT cells with honey extracts resulted in lower levels of DNA strand breaks and attenuated the decrease in cell viability following UVB exposure. Additionally, honey extracts significantly decreased the total protein carbonyl content of the irradiated cells, however, they had no significant effect on their total antioxidant status. Finally, the extracts alleviated the UVB-induced up-regulation of MMPs-3, -7 and -9 in a model of reconstituted skin tissue. In conclusion, honey extracts exhibited significant photoprotective and antiaging properties under UVB exposure conditions and thus could be further exploited as promising agents for developing novel and naturally-based, antiaging cosmeceutical products.

Colorado Woman Treats Lyme Disease with Bee Venom Acupuncture

Woman with Lyme disease reveals she stings herself with BEES on her spine 30 times a week to treat her symptoms - after spending $1,000 a month on other options that didn't work

• Brittany Elliott, 27, from Denver, Colorado, opened up about bee venom therapy (BVT), or apitherapy, earlier this week in a viral TikTok video 
• The footage, which shows herself stinging herself with live bees that she orders online, has been viewed more than 1.1 million times
• Brittany said she was bitten by a tick at the age of seven but didn't develop symptoms until she moved into a home with toxic black mold when she was 22 
• Lyme disease can typically be treated by several weeks of oral antibiotics, though some patients still report symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain
• It took her years to finally get diagnosed with Lyme disease, but the treatments she was paying nearly $1,000 a month for weren't helping 
• Brittany, who now stings herself with 10 bees, three times a week, believes two to three years of the treatment will rid her of symptoms 

Propolis May Help Protect Against COVID-19/Coronavirus Infection

READ THE STUDY

Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) Honey as Supplementation Medium

Use of Black Seed (Nigella Sativa) Honey Bee to Improve Sheep Oocyte Maturation Medium 

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2020 Jun 13

Sheep are important livestock and a source of milk, meat, and wool globally. The increasing demand for animal protein requires increased productivity in sheep. In vitro fertilization and maturation can improve sheep productivity.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of honey bee addition as a supplementation medium on in vitro maturation improvement, gene expression of matured sheep oocytes, and determine the optimum concentration from honey bee for in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered female sheep. Grade A and B oocytes were cultured for 24 h in medium without honey bee (control, G1) or medium supplemented with 5% (G2), 10% (G3), or 20% (G4) honey bee. Oocyte maturation rate, glutathione concentration, and the expression of candidate genes (GDF-9, BAX, Cyclin B, C-MOS, IGF1) were determined in the matured oocytes. The maturation rate of sheep oocyte was better in the presence of 5% and 10% honey bee; the mean number of oocytes in metaphase II stage was higher than that in G1 and G4 groups. Glutathione concentration was highest in G2 (10.93 ± 0.57).

In general, gene expression levels were similar in G2 and G3, which were greater that in G1 and G4.

In conclusion, the optimal concentration of black seeds honey bee that can be added to the maturation medium is 5% to obtain the highest mean MII and glutathione concentration values, and to improve gene expression in in vitro matured sheep oocytes.

Does bee venom apitherapy prevent coronavirus/COVID-19 infection?

The Sangai Express

...When the Global number of confirmed COVID-19 case exceeded 2 million on the 15th April, 2020, Physicians of Johns Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Centre participated in the prevention and control of Corona Virus in China. The report of the discovery reflected of the discovery of Cowpox and the eventual victory of humans over the disease follows as in Hubei province, the epicentre of COVID-19 in China.

The local beekeepers were surveyed from February 23 to March 8, including 723 in Wuhan, the outbreak epicentre of Hubei. None of these beekeepers developed symptoms associated with COVID-19 and their health was totally normal. After that they interviewed patients in five apitherapy clinics. These patients had received apitherapy from October 2019 to December 2019 and all the five bee apitherapists have the habit of self-apitherapy for their health care (Apitherapy means making use of bee Venom from the honeybee’s sting to treat or prevent certain disease). Without any protective measures, two of the five apitherapists were exposed to suspected COVID-19 cases and others were exposed to confirmed COVID-19 case, but none of them were infected eventually...

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Depression

Chronic Royal Jelly Administration Induced Antidepressant-Like Effects Through Increased Protein Expression of sirtuin1 and OXPHOS in the Amygdala of Mice

Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2020 Apr 24

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common psychological disorder worldwide. However, one-third of patients with MDD are resistant to the present antidepressant medicine which regulates monoamine contents in the brain. Thus, another drug target is strongly required. Much evidence strongly suggests that sirtuin1, which is the key factor to regulate mitochondrial activity, may be implicated in MDD.

Objective: Since it is suggested that royal jelly (RJ) ameliorated depressive-like behavior and affected mitochondrial activity in mice, we hypothesized RJ could be an alternative medicine against MDD which acts via sirtuin1 signaling to improve mitochondrial activity.

Methods: In the present study, we applied a mouse model of MDD to investigate the effect of RJ on the depressive-like behavior and the sirtuin1 signaling on mitochondrial activity.

Results: Our results indicated that either the oral administration of RJ for 12 days or single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection decreased the duration of immobility in the tail suspension test, which suggested that RJ had an antidepressant-like effect. Moreover, sirtuin1 protein expression increased in mice following RJ treatment in the amygdala region, but not in the other brain regions. Similarly, the expressions of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) related proteins increased in the amygdala regions, but not in the hippocampal regions.

Conclusion: The increase of sirtuin1 and OXPHOS protein expression may at least in part contribute to the antidepressant-like effect of the RJ pathway, and RJ may have the potential to be a novel antidepressant drug.

Propolis Component May Help Block COVID-19/Coronavirus

Ashwagandha takes the lead to be the mother nature’s COVID-19 warrior: Study

They discovered that Withanone (Wi-N), a natural compound derived from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE), an active ingredient of New Zealand propolis, have the potential to interact with and block the activity of Mpro. The team described that they have also searched for the capability to these bioactives to modulate the protein on the surface of human cells, to which the SARS-CoV-2 binds and allows its entry into our cell - the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), and selected Withanone. The study is currently under review and expected to be published in a near future.

The team said that their findings may not only connect to save time and cost required for screening for anti-COVID-19 drugs, but may also offer some preventive and therapeutic value for the management of fatal COVID-19 pandemic, and hence warrant prioritized validation in the laboratory and clinical tests. They added that the drug development may take a while and in the current scenario, these natural resources (Ashwagandha and Propolis) may offer some preventive or even therapeutic value. However, although they are easily available and affordable, one has to be cautious about the content of bioactive ingredients. CAPE, while is a major component of propolis, its amount and stability are critical factors that could be managed by generating its complex with cyclodextrins. This has been earlier described by the DAILAB team. Withanone, on the other hand, varies with geography/parts/size of the Ashwagandha plant. So, in order to acquire or appreciate particular effects, we must use the right and quality-controlled resource/extracts.

Happy World Bee Day

Tualang Honey Supplementation as Cognitive Enhancer in Patients With Schizophrenia

Heliyon. 2020 May 12;6(5):e03948

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with clusters of symptoms, including cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the effect of Tualang Honey (TH) on cognitive domains, especially as it pertained to the verbal memory of schizophrenia patients.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study involved 80 individuals, diagnosed with schizophrenia. The Malay Version Auditory Verbal Learning Test (MVAVLT) was used. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. Intention to treat analysis was applied.

Result: A comparison of the total learning score at eight weeks between the two groups based on time effect and time-treatment interaction favoured TH group.

Conclusion: This study concludes that by supplementing schizophrenia patients with 8-week of TH did improve total learning performance across domains in the immediate memory among patients with schizophrenia.

Propolis Effective Against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1, Cold Sore)

[Comparison of Antiviral Effect of Olive Leaf Extract and Propolis with Acyclovir on Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1].

Mikrobiyol Bul. 2020 Jan;54(1):79-94

While acyclovir, a nucleoside analogue, is widely used for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), emergence of drug-resistant viruses due to frequent usage of this class of medicines, and their toxic side effects require exploring novel active molecules. Despite the studies on developing synthetic molecules in medical sciences and pharmacology, herbs as a natural source of biologically-active compounds remain popular.

In this in vitro study, olive leaf extract (OLE) and propolis alone or in combination with acyclovir were investigated for their antiviral efficacy in HSV-1.Toxic doses of OLE, propolis, and dimethyl sulfoxide, propolis diluent, for Hep-2 (ATCC, CCL-23) cells were determined by conventional cell culture. Using "endpoint" method, the viral dose infecting half of the cell culture (TCID50) was calculated, and viral quantity was determined with Spearman-Karber method. Antiviral effects of OLE and propolis on HSV-1 were investigated by conventional cell culture and real-time cell analysis (RTCA). Combinations of the two extracts with one another and with acyclovir were evaluated by RTCA. Active substances prepared at three different dilutions were added to tubes with HSV-1 of logTCID50: 11.5 in descending order starting from the highest non-toxic concentration, and they were left at room temperature for two different durations (one hour and three hours).

The aliquots taken from the tubes were cultured in plates containing Hep-2 cells and evaluated after 72 hours. Combinations of extracts and acyclovir at concentrations at least four times lower than the lowest concentration showing antiviral efficacy against HSV-1 were cultured with Hep-2 cells in the e-plates of the xCELLigence RTCA device, measurements were obtained at 30 minute intervals, and data were recorded in real time. In the test with two different durations and at different concentrations of OLE and propolis, antiviral efficacy was observed both with one-hour and three-hour incubation at a concentration of 10 μg/ ml for propolis and 1.2 mg/ml for OLE with RTCA.

The duration and concentration of the greatest decrease in viral quantity were in the first one hour and 10 μg/ml for propolis, and in the first one hour and 1.2 mg/ ml for OLE. Combination of propolis and OLE with acyclovir caused no cytopathic effects, and the combination of extracts led to delayed cytopathic effect.

According to these results, propolis and OLE, alone and in combinations with acyclovir, have antiviral efficacy against HSV-1. These agents may reduce the dose and side effects of acyclovir in case of co-administration since they exert their effects through a different mechanism than acyclovir,possibly through direct virucidal activity, inhibition of virus internalization or viral inhibition in early stages of replication (inhibition of adsorption/binding of viral particles to the cell).

These extracts that do not require conversion to active form have the potential to reduce infectivity in oral lesions, prevent spread, and be used in the topical treatment of acyclovir-resistant HSV infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. However, in vivo studies should be conducted to determine their medicinal properties and potential toxicities. These results should be supported by further comprehensive studies and the efficacy against other viruses should also be investigated.

Does Bee Venom Apitherapy Prevent COVID-19/Coronavirus Infection?

Bee venom and SARS-CoV-2

Toxicon

According to data from Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the global number of confirmed COVID-19 case exceeded 2.0 million on the 15th of April. I am a physician, and I participated the prevention and control of coronavirus in China.

There is one discovery we would like to report here. It reminds us the story of the discovery of cowpox and the eventual victory of humans over this disease (Bennett and Baxby, 1996). In Hubei province, the epicentre of COVID-19 in China, the local beekeepers association conducted a survey of beekeepers (Fig. 1). A total of 5115 beekeepers were surveyed from February 23 to March 8, including 723 in Wuhan, the outbreak epicentre of Hubei. None of these beekeepers developed symptoms associated with COVID-19, and their health was totally normal. After that, we interviewed five apitherapists in Wuhan and followed 121 patients of their apitherapy clinic. These patients had received apitherapy from October 2019 to December 2019, and all the five bee apitherapists have the habit of self-apitherapy for their own health care (apitherapy means making use of bee venom from the honeybee's sting to treat or prevent certain diseases). Without any protective measures, two of the five apitherapists were exposed to suspected COVID-19 cases and others were exposed to confirmed COVID-19 cases, but none of them were infected eventually. None of the 121 patients were infected by SARS-CoV-2, and three of them had close contact with immediate family members who were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection cases. It might be supposed that beekeepers are less likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 because they live in less densely populated rural areas. But the five apitherapists and their patients are from densely populated areas in Wuhan. These people have one thing in common: they develop a tolerance to bee sting.

Bee sting can cause allergic reactions (Park and Lee, 2016), and it can even lead to death due to the excessive stress response of the immune system (Vazquez-Revuelta and Madrigal-Burgaleta, 2018). Bee venom can affect the body's immune system (Cherniack and Govorushko, 2018) and enhance the differentiation of human regulatory T cells (Caramalho et al., 2015), which play an important role in control of SARS-CoV infection (Chen et al., 2010). Does the stimulation of the immune system caused by bee venom reduce susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2? To test this, animal experiments would be needed. Monkeys might be suitable for this study. Monkeys could be divided into two experimental groups with the same breed and age. One group could be made tolerant to bee venom after a period of daily bee stings, while the other group receives no intervention. They could then be raised in the same environment contaminated by SARS-CoV-2, and multiple tests performed to see if they were infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Our purpose in writing this letter is to ask scholars with appropriate research conditions to test this assumption. In the absence of vaccine of SARS-CoV-2, if this method works, then it could offer one hope towards victory over COVID-19.

VIDEO: Georgian Brandy and Propolis Used Against Coronavirus Pandemic

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Electrospun Manuka Honey Nanofibrous Wound Dressings

Manuka honey incorporated cellulose acetate nanofibrous mats: Fabrication and in vitro evaluation as a potential wound dressing

Wound dressings are the primary barrier between the wound surface and the outer environment. Here we report the fabrication of cellulose acetate (CA)–Manuka honey (MH) composite nanofibrous mats as a biocompatible and antimicrobial wound dressing. CA mats with different quantities of MH were developed by electrospinning. The ATR-FTIR spectra confirm the inclusion of MH in the composite CA-MH nanofibrous mats. The fibers were continuous and bead-free with acceptable mechanical properties. The fiber diameter increased with an increase in MH content. Inclusion of MH in the electrospun composite CA-MH nanofibrous mats shows high efficacy to prevent bacterial growth on the wound surface.

The MH loaded CA nanofiber mats showed good antioxidant abilities, while the ability to free radicalize the DPPH was dependent upon the factors of MH content in the fiber and the time of immersion in the DPPH solution. Besides, the nanofibrous mat's high porosity (85–90%) and WVTR values of 2600 to 1950 g/m2/day, suitable for wound breathability and the mats show high cytocompatibility to NIH 3T3 cell line in in vitro testing, proving to be effective for promoting wound healing...

Propolis Used to Treat Colds, Rheumatism, Diabetes, Stomach Pain

Searching for bioactive compounds from Vietnamese propolis

Propolis is biologically a mixture of sap with secretions from the bee's salivary glands, which is used to seal the hive, help preserve honey, protect the development of larvae, eggs and itself from the attack of pathogens.

Among bees, Italian bees (Apis melifera, Apini tones) and Du wasps (also known as stingless bees) (Meliponini tones) give much propolis and have drawn interest from researchers. Unlike Italian bee Apis melifera, the Du is rich in number of species, with more than 500 species in the world, distributed in many different geographical areas. In Vietnam, according to previous studies, there are more than 10 different species of the Du.

Propolis has long been used in the treatment of colds, rheumatism, diabetes, stomach pain, and has many biological activities that have been discovered such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-HIV. Due to many practical applications such as medicine products and functional foods, propolis has attracted a lot of research on chemical composition and biological activity.

Currently, scientists have isolated more than 500 compounds in honey propolis as well as Du propolis in the world. The chemical composition of propolis includes phenolic acid compounds, phenolic esters, flavonoids, triterpenes, stilbenes and prenyl flavanoids. However, there has not been much research on the chemical and biological activity of propolis in Vietnam...

Manuka Honey in High Demand Due to the Coronavirus - COVID-19

BusinessMole
   
Since the start of the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus (Also known as the Corona Virus), Manuka Honey has seen sales increase at around 100%. This rather significant spike in its demand has undoubtedly due to its “Superfood” status as seen by its many users globally. It is easy to see why this is the case when we delve deeper into its renowned properties.

Manuka Honey is not only famous for its taste, but also for its varied health benefits and importantly its bacteria killing properties. This particular honey is very unique in that it contains a compound called Methlyglyoxal (MGO). This is part of the chemical make up of three different elements that can determine the quality and potency of the product...

People Are Stinging Themselves With Bees at Home to Treat Lyme Disease

...The protocol is known as bee venom therapy (BVT), and among those afflicted with chronic Lyme, it’s gaining a lot of adherents. They call themselves “stingers.”

“I meet online two or three new people every week who I haven't found before, who are doing BVT,” she said. “Most people, if not everyone, say that they're improving.”

The claim is difficult to measure because chronic Lyme is not recognized by the medical establishment as existing at all. In other words, one can’t be recovering from a disease that most doctors simply won’t diagnose.

“The chronic Lyme label seems to be a convenient way to attribute very nonspecific symptoms that may have nothing to do with Lyme disease,” said Dr. Asim Ahmed, an infectious diseases expert at the Boston Children’s Hospital. “And it's just medically unaccepted as a diagnosis.”

The stingers of course don’t buy that, and are in a sense willing to prove it by stabbing themselves with pulsating venom sacs multiple times a week, sometimes for years...