Polyphenol-rich propolis extracts from China and Brazil exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating ubiquitination of TRAF6 during the activation of NF-κB
Journal of Functional Foods
Volume 19, Part A, December 2015, Pages 464–478
Propolis has documented anti-inflammatory properties, although its mechanisms of action are poorly understood. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effects of polyphenol-rich propolis extracts (PPE) from China (CPPE) and Brazil (BPPE) were examined.
Oral administration of PPE to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice decreased serum proinflammatory cytokine concentrations and inhibited pulmonary nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. Both PPE types modulated LPS-induced key inflammatory mediators production in RAW 264.7 macrophages. They also suppressed NF-κB activation in HEK 293T cells, correlating well with their inhibitory effects on IκB phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation in LPS-activated macrophages.
We found PPE suppressed NF-κB activation through delaying the ubiquitination of TRAF6 in HeLa-T6RZC stable cells and by directly disrupting the polyubiquitin synthesis in an in vitro kinase assay system.
Overall, analysis showed substantial compositional differences between CPPE and BPPE; nevertheless, they both displayed similar anti-inflammatory properties through NF-κB-responsive inflammatory gene expressions by inhibiting TRAF6 dependent canonical NF-κB pathway.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Friday, October 30, 2015
Four Propolis Compounds Possess Wound-Healing, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Characteristics
Substance from Australian bees could be used to relieve arthritis and heal wounds faster
ABC, 10/29/2015
A substance produced by Australian stingless bees could change the way wounds are treated, according to new research at a Queensland university.
University of the Sunshine Coast biomedical science PhD student Karina Hamilton has been studying a cerumen (wax-like secretion from the auditory canal) produced by the bees for three years.
She has made a breakthrough in her research with the discovery of four chemical compounds which could help with arthritis, inflammation and skin wounds.
She investigated 180 different chemical compounds within the cerumen — also called propolis — and found four compounds in particular possessed the wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant characteristics.
What the bees produce is a product of plant resin they collect and combine with salivary secretions and beeswax.
The bees use it to line hives.
While similar research has been undertaken in Europe, Ms Hamilton said it was the first time Australian stingless bees had been studied for medicinal purposes.
"There was one compound in particular that had very interesting effects on cells that might be implicated in wound healing," Ms Hamilton said.
"It [the compound] had a number of promising effects on the proliferation of certain cell types that are related to dermal wound healing."
What that means is the extract could accelerate the healing time of human flesh wounds.
It could also help relieve arthritis symptoms and inflammation...
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Propolis Protects Intestines from Radiation Exposure
Propolis aqueous extract preserves functional integrity of murine intestinal mucosa after exposure to ionizing radiation
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015 Oct 9;40(3):901-906
The ability of a specially prepared water propolis extract (PWE) to preserve the functional activity of the intestinal mucosa after radiation exposure was studied. PWE was given orally (650mg/kg) to rats five days prior to irradiation by 6Gy and continued for further two days. Rats were sacrificed 24h later, intestinal segments were examined histologically and homogenates were used to assess relevant biochemical parameters reflecting intestinal injury. Irradiation led to a rise in the histological damage score, a rise in tissue TNF-α and TBARS, and a decrease in sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, GSH and cholecystokinin as well as a decrease in plasma citrulline.
The findings reflect a decrease in intestinal functional activity. PWE preserved the intestinal integrity and largely protected against the changes induced in the histology damage score and all parameters measured, possibly as a result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of its caffeic acid content.
Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015 Oct 9;40(3):901-906
The ability of a specially prepared water propolis extract (PWE) to preserve the functional activity of the intestinal mucosa after radiation exposure was studied. PWE was given orally (650mg/kg) to rats five days prior to irradiation by 6Gy and continued for further two days. Rats were sacrificed 24h later, intestinal segments were examined histologically and homogenates were used to assess relevant biochemical parameters reflecting intestinal injury. Irradiation led to a rise in the histological damage score, a rise in tissue TNF-α and TBARS, and a decrease in sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, GSH and cholecystokinin as well as a decrease in plasma citrulline.
The findings reflect a decrease in intestinal functional activity. PWE preserved the intestinal integrity and largely protected against the changes induced in the histology damage score and all parameters measured, possibly as a result of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of its caffeic acid content.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Propolis Reduces Plaque
Comparison of Plaque Inhibiting Efficacies of Aloe Vera and Propolis Tooth Gels: A Randomized PCR Study
J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Sep;9(9):ZC01-ZC03
BACKGOUND AND AIM:
Allopathic medications used for periodontal disease are known to be associated with various side effects. Hence a search for naturotherapies are on the rise. Among the natural pharmacons available aloevera and propolis are considered to be effective and free from adverse effects. Taking this into account, the present study was done to compare the plaque inhibiting efficacies of Aloe vera and Propolis tooth gels in patients with chronic periodontitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Forty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to groups A and B containing 20 patients each. Patients in group A were advised to use Aloe vera tooth gel while those in group B were advised to use Propolis tooth gel. Clinical and microbiologic parameters using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months.
RESULTS:
Student t-test was performed for all the obtained results. In the Aloe vera group, comparison of baseline PCR and after 3 month results showed reduction only in P. gingivalis (p=0.001), where as statistically significant reduction in all the three red complex microorganisms was seen in propolis group. All the clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing, Probing pocket Depth, and Clinical Attachment Level) in both the groups showed statistically significant reductions after 3 months.
CONCLUSION:
Propolis showed a statistically significant reduction in plaque, microbiologic and clinical parameters. However, clinical trials of longer durations with larger sample sizes are required to evaluate the efficacy.
J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Sep;9(9):ZC01-ZC03
BACKGOUND AND AIM:
Allopathic medications used for periodontal disease are known to be associated with various side effects. Hence a search for naturotherapies are on the rise. Among the natural pharmacons available aloevera and propolis are considered to be effective and free from adverse effects. Taking this into account, the present study was done to compare the plaque inhibiting efficacies of Aloe vera and Propolis tooth gels in patients with chronic periodontitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Forty patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated to groups A and B containing 20 patients each. Patients in group A were advised to use Aloe vera tooth gel while those in group B were advised to use Propolis tooth gel. Clinical and microbiologic parameters using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months.
RESULTS:
Student t-test was performed for all the obtained results. In the Aloe vera group, comparison of baseline PCR and after 3 month results showed reduction only in P. gingivalis (p=0.001), where as statistically significant reduction in all the three red complex microorganisms was seen in propolis group. All the clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing, Probing pocket Depth, and Clinical Attachment Level) in both the groups showed statistically significant reductions after 3 months.
CONCLUSION:
Propolis showed a statistically significant reduction in plaque, microbiologic and clinical parameters. However, clinical trials of longer durations with larger sample sizes are required to evaluate the efficacy.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Royal Jelly May Help Treat High Blood Pressure
In-depth N-glycosylation analysis reveals species-specific modifications and functions of the royal jelly protein from western (Apis mellifera) and eastern honeybees (Apis cerana)
J Proteome Res. 2015 Oct 26
Royal jelly (RJ), secreted by honeybee workers, plays diverse roles as nutrients and defense agents for honeybee biology and human health. Despite being reported to be glycoproteins, the glycosylation characterization and functionality of RJ proteins in different honeybee species are largely unknown.
An in-depth N-glycoproteome analysis and functional assay of RJ produced by Apis mellifera lingustica (Aml) and Apis cerana cerana (Acc) were conducted. RJ produced by Aml yielded 80 nonredundant N-glycoproteins carrying 190 glycosites, of which 23 novel proteins harboring 35 glycosites were identified. For Acc, all 43 proteins glycosylated at 138 glycosites were reported for the first time. Proteins with distinct N-glycoproteomic characteristics in terms of glycoprotein species, number of N-glycosylated sites, glycosylation motif, abundance level of glycoproteins and N-glycosites were observed in this two RJ samples. The fact that the low inhibitory efficiency of N-glycosylated major royal jelly protein 2 (MRJP2) against Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae), and the absence of antibacterial related glycosylated apidaecin, hymenoptaecin and peritrophic matrix in the Aml RJ compared to Acc reveal the mechanism why the Aml larvae are susceptible to P. larvae, the causative agent of a fatal brood disease (American foulbrood, AFB).
The observed anti-hypertension activity of N-glycosylated MRJP1 in two RJ samples and a stronger activity found in Acc than in Aml reveal that specific RJ protein and modification are potentially useful for the treatment of hypertensive disease for humans. Our data gain novel understanding that the western and eastern bees have evolved species-specific strategies of glycosylation to fine tune protein activity for optimizing molecular function as nutrients and immune agents for the good of honeybee, and influence on the health promoting activity for human as well.
This serves as a valuable resource for the targeted probing of the biological functions of RJ proteins for honeybee and medical communities.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Bee Venom Helps Deliver Drugs Across Blood-Brain Barrier
MiniAp-4: A Venom-Inspired Peptidomimetic for Brain Delivery
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2015 Oct 23
Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a formidable challenge for therapies targeting the central nervous system. Although BBB shuttle peptides enhance transport into the brain non-invasively, their application is partly limited by lability to proteases.
The present study proposes the use of cyclic peptides derived from venoms as an affordable way to circumvent this drawback. Apamin, a neurotoxin from bee venom, was minimized by reducing its complexity, toxicity, and immunogenicity, while preserving brain targeting, active transport, and protease resistance. Among the analogues designed, the monocyclic lactam-bridged peptidomimetic MiniAp-4 was the most permeable. This molecule is capable of translocating proteins and nanoparticles in a human-cell-based BBB model. Furthermore, MiniAp-4 can efficiently deliver a cargo across the BBB into the brain parenchyma of mice.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Korean Face Cream Uses Bee Venom to Prevent Skin Damage
A fake bee sting from a face cream - called "Nature's Botox" by some skincare experts -- could be the best thing to help red, sun damaged, and aging skin.
Benefits: The way bee venom allegedly works is interesting: inserting a little of this to the skin essentially fools the area into thinking it's been stung by a bee. The body then sends blood to that area, which also stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin, both of which help skin stay firm and looking young. Bee venom products are great for people who are looking to combat fine lines and wrinkles, who are experiencing changes in their skin due to menopause or old age, or people with sun damaged or dull faces that are hoping to look a little more youthful.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Bee Venom Serum Helps Get Rid of Wrinkles
The beneficial effects of honeybee-venom serum on facial wrinkles in humans
Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Oct 1;10:1587-92
Facial wrinkles are an undesirable outcome caused by extrinsic photodamage and intrinsic aging processes. Currently, no effective strategies are known to prevent facial wrinkles. We assessed the beneficial effects of bee-venom serum on the clinical signs of aging skin.
Our results show that bee-venom serum treatment clinically improved facial wrinkles by decreasing total wrinkle area, total wrinkle count, and average wrinkle depth. Therefore, bee-venom serum may be effective for the improvement of skin wrinkles.
Clin Interv Aging. 2015 Oct 1;10:1587-92
Facial wrinkles are an undesirable outcome caused by extrinsic photodamage and intrinsic aging processes. Currently, no effective strategies are known to prevent facial wrinkles. We assessed the beneficial effects of bee-venom serum on the clinical signs of aging skin.
Our results show that bee-venom serum treatment clinically improved facial wrinkles by decreasing total wrinkle area, total wrinkle count, and average wrinkle depth. Therefore, bee-venom serum may be effective for the improvement of skin wrinkles.
Friday, October 23, 2015
WATCH: Caffeinated Forage Tricks Honeybees into Increasing Foraging and Recruitment Behaviors
An agent-based model also demonstrates how caffeine-enhanced foraging may reduce honey storage. Overall, caffeine causes bees to overestimate forage quality, tempting the colony into sub-optimal foraging strategies, which makes the relationship between pollinator and plant less mutualistic and more exploitative.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Quantification of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in North American Honey
Quantification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in North American plants and honey by LC-MS: single laboratory validation
Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2015 Oct 20:1-7
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of naturally occurring compounds produced by many flowering plants around the World. Their presence as contaminants in food systems has become a significant concern in recent years.
For example, PAs are often found as contaminants in honey through pollen transfer. A validated method was developed for the quantification of four pyrrolizidine alkaloids and one pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxide in plants and honey grown and produced in British Columbia. The method was optimised for extraction efficiency from the plant materials and then subjected to a single-laboratory validation to assess repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, LOD, LOQ and method linearity.
The PA content in plants ranged from1.0 to 307.8 µg/g with repeatability precision between 3.8 and 20.8% RSD. HorRat values were within acceptable limits and ranged from 0.62 to 1.63 for plant material and 0.56-1.82 for honey samples. Method accuracy was determined through spike studies with recoveries ranging from 84.6 to 108.2% from the raw material negative control and from 82.1-106.0 % for the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in corn syrup.
Based on the findings in this single-laboratory validation, this method is suitable for the quantitation of lycopsamine, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, heliosupine and echimidine in common comfrey (Symphytum officinale), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), blueweed (Echium vulgare) and hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and for PA quantitation in honey and found that PA contaminants were present at low levels in BC honey.
Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2015 Oct 20:1-7
For example, PAs are often found as contaminants in honey through pollen transfer. A validated method was developed for the quantification of four pyrrolizidine alkaloids and one pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxide in plants and honey grown and produced in British Columbia. The method was optimised for extraction efficiency from the plant materials and then subjected to a single-laboratory validation to assess repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, LOD, LOQ and method linearity.
The PA content in plants ranged from1.0 to 307.8 µg/g with repeatability precision between 3.8 and 20.8% RSD. HorRat values were within acceptable limits and ranged from 0.62 to 1.63 for plant material and 0.56-1.82 for honey samples. Method accuracy was determined through spike studies with recoveries ranging from 84.6 to 108.2% from the raw material negative control and from 82.1-106.0 % for the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in corn syrup.
Based on the findings in this single-laboratory validation, this method is suitable for the quantitation of lycopsamine, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, heliosupine and echimidine in common comfrey (Symphytum officinale), tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), blueweed (Echium vulgare) and hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and for PA quantitation in honey and found that PA contaminants were present at low levels in BC honey.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Honey Recommended for Healing in Quran
As Smooth as Honey—The Historical Use of Honey as Topical Medication
JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(10):1102.
A supersaturated solution of glucose and fructose—while that may not sound like the description of a wonder drug, honey has been revered as a medication with powerful healing properties across a diverse group of cultures. Take this passage from the Quran in the chapter entitled “The Bee” (Surat a-Nahl): “And your Lord taught the honey bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men.”
The use of honey in the topical treatment of wounds and other cutaneous disorders has endured the rise and fall of civilizations. The first written record of honey as a wound-healing agent dates back to 2600-2200 bce, where it is mentioned in an ancient Egyptian trauma manual currently referred to as the Edwin Smith Papyrus.1 Hippocrates, the father of medicine and author of the eponymous oath every physician swears, recommended honey for wounds of the head, ears, and penis.2 Famed Roman poet and orator Ovid espoused the cosmetic use of honey in his poem Medicamina Faciei Femineae (Cosmetics for the Female Face). He provided a recipe that uses honey to even out skin pigmentation.
The eons have not extinguished the role of honey in dermatology. A recent systematic review1 of 26 clinical trials found there is moderate- to high-quality evidence that honey-impregnated dressings may help heal partial-thickness burns and infected postoperative wounds faster than conventional dressings. Another randomized clinical trial supported the use of honey for the treatment of painful, recurrent aphthous ulcers.3
In a rapidly changing world, it is reassuring to see that certain natural remedies have withstood the test of time. If history is any indication, the use of honey in dermatology will continue to evolve and will likely be used to treat a wide array of conditions. How sweet it is!
JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(10):1102.
A supersaturated solution of glucose and fructose—while that may not sound like the description of a wonder drug, honey has been revered as a medication with powerful healing properties across a diverse group of cultures. Take this passage from the Quran in the chapter entitled “The Bee” (Surat a-Nahl): “And your Lord taught the honey bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men.”
The use of honey in the topical treatment of wounds and other cutaneous disorders has endured the rise and fall of civilizations. The first written record of honey as a wound-healing agent dates back to 2600-2200 bce, where it is mentioned in an ancient Egyptian trauma manual currently referred to as the Edwin Smith Papyrus.1 Hippocrates, the father of medicine and author of the eponymous oath every physician swears, recommended honey for wounds of the head, ears, and penis.2 Famed Roman poet and orator Ovid espoused the cosmetic use of honey in his poem Medicamina Faciei Femineae (Cosmetics for the Female Face). He provided a recipe that uses honey to even out skin pigmentation.
The eons have not extinguished the role of honey in dermatology. A recent systematic review1 of 26 clinical trials found there is moderate- to high-quality evidence that honey-impregnated dressings may help heal partial-thickness burns and infected postoperative wounds faster than conventional dressings. Another randomized clinical trial supported the use of honey for the treatment of painful, recurrent aphthous ulcers.3
In a rapidly changing world, it is reassuring to see that certain natural remedies have withstood the test of time. If history is any indication, the use of honey in dermatology will continue to evolve and will likely be used to treat a wide array of conditions. How sweet it is!
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Manuka Honey Lobby Devises Test to Prove Authenticity
Oct. 15 (BusinessDesk) - The UMF Honey Association says it has found the solution to fake manuka honey products, developing a portable device which tests for the nectar of Leptospermum Scoparium, the native manuka bush.
The manuka honey industry group, working with Analytica Laboratories and Comvita, presented the primary production select committee with a portable fluorescent test which can easily indicate whether a product is genuine manuka honey, and research defining the premium honey. Analytica executive director Terry Braggins said the development of a chemical fingerprint, based on the presence of the native bush's nectar, could distinguish monofloral honey made by bees foraging on manuka flowers from other blended or imitation honey...
The manuka honey industry group, working with Analytica Laboratories and Comvita, presented the primary production select committee with a portable fluorescent test which can easily indicate whether a product is genuine manuka honey, and research defining the premium honey. Analytica executive director Terry Braggins said the development of a chemical fingerprint, based on the presence of the native bush's nectar, could distinguish monofloral honey made by bees foraging on manuka flowers from other blended or imitation honey...
Monday, October 19, 2015
Brazilian Red Propolis is a Potential Anti-Cancer Agent
Brazilian red propolis: phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and effect against cancer cells
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 Oct 14;15(1):357
BACKGROUND:
The implementation of new public healthcare models that stimulate the use of natural products from traditional medicine, as a so-called integrated medicine, refers to an approach that use best of both conventional medicine and traditional medicine. Propolis is a widely used natural product by different ancient cultures and known to exhibit biological activities beneficial for health. The large number of studies conducted with propolis had shown that its chemical composition differs as a function of the climate, plant diversity and bee species and plays an important role on its therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of red propolis (EEP) and its fractionation, antioxidant action of EEP and its fractions hexane, cloroform and ethyl acetate and cytotoxic activity of EEP on human tumour cell lines SF-295 (glioblastoma), OVCAR-8 (ovary) and HCT-116 (colon).
METHODS:
EEP was obtained by maceration with absolute ethanol, then it was concentrated in rotaevaporator up to complete evaporation of the solvent. The crude extract was fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol and they were subjected to phytochemical screening and total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity of EEP and fractions was done by means of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Biomarkers of red propolis were identified by LC-Orbitrap-FTMS. To assess cytotoxic activity of the extract, cells were exposed to EEP over 72 h. Cell viability was assessed by means of MTT assay. The percentage of cell growth inhibition (IC50) was analysed by means of non-linear regression, and the absorbance values of the various investigated concentrations were subjected to one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's or Tamhane's tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS:
The results obtained using phytochemical screening and LC-Orbitrap-FTMS indicated the presence of phlobaphene tannins, catechins, chalcones, aurones, flavonones, flavonols, xanthones, pentacyclic triterpenoids and guttiferones in Brazilian red propolis. EEP and its hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions obtained by liquid-liquid partitioning exhibited satisfactory antioxidant percentages. EEP (IC50 < 34.27 μg/mL) exhibited high levels of cytotoxicity on all human tumour cell lines tested when compared to negative control.
CONCLUSIONS:
C-Orbitrap-FTMS was useful to establish the chemical profile of the red propolis. Brazilian red propolis has antioxidant properties and decreases substantially the percentage of cell survival of human tumour cells; thus, it has potential to serve as an anticancer drug.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 Oct 14;15(1):357
BACKGROUND:
The implementation of new public healthcare models that stimulate the use of natural products from traditional medicine, as a so-called integrated medicine, refers to an approach that use best of both conventional medicine and traditional medicine. Propolis is a widely used natural product by different ancient cultures and known to exhibit biological activities beneficial for health. The large number of studies conducted with propolis had shown that its chemical composition differs as a function of the climate, plant diversity and bee species and plays an important role on its therapeutic properties. The aim of this study was to analyse the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of red propolis (EEP) and its fractionation, antioxidant action of EEP and its fractions hexane, cloroform and ethyl acetate and cytotoxic activity of EEP on human tumour cell lines SF-295 (glioblastoma), OVCAR-8 (ovary) and HCT-116 (colon).
METHODS:
EEP was obtained by maceration with absolute ethanol, then it was concentrated in rotaevaporator up to complete evaporation of the solvent. The crude extract was fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol and they were subjected to phytochemical screening and total phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity of EEP and fractions was done by means of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Biomarkers of red propolis were identified by LC-Orbitrap-FTMS. To assess cytotoxic activity of the extract, cells were exposed to EEP over 72 h. Cell viability was assessed by means of MTT assay. The percentage of cell growth inhibition (IC50) was analysed by means of non-linear regression, and the absorbance values of the various investigated concentrations were subjected to one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's or Tamhane's tests (α = 0.05).
RESULTS:
The results obtained using phytochemical screening and LC-Orbitrap-FTMS indicated the presence of phlobaphene tannins, catechins, chalcones, aurones, flavonones, flavonols, xanthones, pentacyclic triterpenoids and guttiferones in Brazilian red propolis. EEP and its hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions obtained by liquid-liquid partitioning exhibited satisfactory antioxidant percentages. EEP (IC50 < 34.27 μg/mL) exhibited high levels of cytotoxicity on all human tumour cell lines tested when compared to negative control.
CONCLUSIONS:
C-Orbitrap-FTMS was useful to establish the chemical profile of the red propolis. Brazilian red propolis has antioxidant properties and decreases substantially the percentage of cell survival of human tumour cells; thus, it has potential to serve as an anticancer drug.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
New Method to Authenticate Manuka Honey
Competitive immunochromatographic assay for leptosperin as a plausible authentication marker of manuka honey
Food Chem. 2016 Mar 1;194:362-5
Manuka honey is known as one of the premium honeys because of its unique property: a potent antibacterial activity. Leptosperin, methyl syringate 4-O-β-d-gentiobioside, has been specifically identified in manuka honey. Because leptosperin is relatively stable under warmer conditions, measuring leptosperin levels may be applied to authenticate manuka honey.
In this study, an immunochromatographic separation and quantification of leptosperin techniques have been developed. The concentration of leptosperin measured by immunochromatography was significantly correlated with the concentration measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Because the immunochromatographic method is rapid and reliable, it could be applied to on-site quality control or inspection of honey samples by a beekeeper, a manufacturer, an inspector, a retailer, or a consumer.
Food Chem. 2016 Mar 1;194:362-5
Manuka honey is known as one of the premium honeys because of its unique property: a potent antibacterial activity. Leptosperin, methyl syringate 4-O-β-d-gentiobioside, has been specifically identified in manuka honey. Because leptosperin is relatively stable under warmer conditions, measuring leptosperin levels may be applied to authenticate manuka honey.
In this study, an immunochromatographic separation and quantification of leptosperin techniques have been developed. The concentration of leptosperin measured by immunochromatography was significantly correlated with the concentration measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Because the immunochromatographic method is rapid and reliable, it could be applied to on-site quality control or inspection of honey samples by a beekeeper, a manufacturer, an inspector, a retailer, or a consumer.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
What The Heck Is Medical-Grade Honey?
Refinery 29
The skin-care world has been buzzing (sorry, had to) with honey-infused goodies lately — everything from hand creams to toners to lip balms now has the bees' stamp of approval. The golden nectar is known for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, and is especially great for those who suffer from acne, says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD.
But we're not just talking about the stuff from your local grocery store — there are different tiers when it comes to honey. Manuka has long been considered the crème de la crème of honey products — and just a few weeks ago, we discovered that you can get better, more potent results with medical-grade manuka.
"Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties," says dermatologist Julia Tzu, MD. "It's much harder to obtain because it's derived specifically from [bees harvesting nectar from] the manuka plant." The manuka plant is native to New Zealand and southeast Australia. Unlike regular, store-bought honey, which contains hydrogen peroxide as its main antimicrobial component, manuka honey contains methylglyoxal, which is much more stable and less likely to be broken down by outside factors, explains Dr. Tzu...
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