Bee Pollen Boosts Release of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

The Effect of Bee Pollen on Secretion Activity, Markers of Proliferation and Apoptosis of Porcine Ovarian Granulosa Cells in vitro
Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B: Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes, Volume 46, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 207 - 212

The general objective of this in vitro study was to examine the effect of bee pollen on the release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormone progesterone, and expression of markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Concentrations of IGF-I and progesterone were determined by RIA method and expression of PCNA and caspase-3 by immunocytochemistry. Bee pollen addition at the dose of 10 ng/mL significantly inhibited IGF-I release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

This growth factor was not influenced by 100 and 1000 ng/mL doses of bee pollen. Progesterone release by cells was not influenced by bee pollen addition at the doses of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/mL as used in our study. Similarly expression of PCNA and caspase-3 was not affected by bee pollen addition.

The present study shows dose-dependent regulation of IGF-I by experimental bee pollen addition in vitro. Progesterone release, expression of PCNA and caspase-3 in porcine ovarian granulosa cells was not induced by pollen.

Our results contribute to new insights regarding the possible effect of bee pollen on IGF-I release, which is important for regulation of porcine ovarian functions.

Overview: Use of Honey, Bee Venom, Propolis in Modern Medicine

Insect Natural Products and Processes: New Treatments for Human Disease
Insect Biochem Mol Biol, 2011 May 30

In this overview, some of the more significant recent developments in bioengineering natural products from insects with use or potential use in modern medicine are described, as well as in utilisation of insects as models for studying essential mammalian processes such as immune responses to pathogens.

To date, insects have been relatively neglected as sources of modern drugs although they have provided valuable natural products, including honey and silk, for at least 4-7000 years, and have featured in folklore medicine for thousands of years. Particular examples of Insect Folk Medicines will briefly be described which have subsequently led through the application of molecular and bioengineering techniques to the development of bioactive compounds with great potential as pharmaceuticals in modern medicine.

Insect products reviewed have been derived from honey, venom, silk, cantharidin, whole insect extracts, maggots, and blood-sucking arthropods. Drug activities detected include powerful antimicrobials against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and HIV, as well as anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis and anti-coagulant factors and wound healing agents. Finally, the many problems in developing these insect products as human therapeutic drugs are considered and the possible solutions emerging to these problems are described…

Fig. 2.

Showing therapeutic efficacy of melittin-loaded nanoparticles in syngeneic B16F10 mouse melanoma tumours. Graph shows the increase in tumour volume of B16F10 melanoma tumours during the course of treatment with melittin-loaded nanoparticles (8.5 mg/kg) or controls (saline or nanoparticles alone; n = 5 each group). Photos show the dramatic differences in tumour volume at day 14 after 4 doses of melittin-loaded nanoparticles in comparison with the saline control. Data are represented as mean ± SD. Figure used with permission of American Society for Clinical Investigation and from, “Molecularly targeted nanocarriers deliver the cytolytic peptide melittin specifically to tumour cells in mice, reducing growth”, Soman et al., Journal of Clinical Invest, 119, 2830–2842, 2009, permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.

Propolis Source Demonstrates Anti-Aging Effects

Poplar Tree Leaf Bud Extract Could Fight Skin Aging
Medical News Today, 6/8/2011

Antioxidants are popular anti-aging ingredients in skin creams, and now scientists are reporting a new source of these healthful substances - leaf buds of poplar trees. Their study appears in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Xavier Vitrac and colleagues note that there's a long history of using poplar buds to treat various health problems, such as colds, sinusitis, sunburn and arthritis. A substance found in beehives that is made from poplar buds (called propolis) also appears to have similar disease-fighting benefits. Propolis' effects seem to be due to poplar bud compounds, but very little is known about these substances. To see whether poplar buds are a good source of antioxidants for skin creams, the researchers decided to test an extract from the buds.

The group found that poplar bud extract had moderate antioxidant activity, and it demonstrated anti-aging effects on cells in the laboratory…

U.S. Researcher Studies Benefits of Propolis to Bee Immune Systems

The Benefits of Studying Bees
Live Science, 6/9/2011

Marla Spivak is a MacArthur Fellow and Distinguished McKnight Professor and Extension Entomologist in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota. Her research and extension efforts focus on honeybee health, breeding, behavior and on the sustainable management of alternative pollinators. She has bred the MN Hygienic line of honeybees, which demonstrates resistance to diseases and Varroamites.

Her current line of study centers on propolis, a plant-derived resin collected by bees; specifically the benefits of propolis to the immune system of bees, and antimicrobial properties of propolis against bee and human pathogens…

Review Outlines Properties of Principal Bee Venom Component

Melittin: A Membrane-Active Peptide with Diverse Functions
Bioscience Reports, Volume 27, Numbers 4-5, 189-223

Melittin is the principal toxic component in the venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera and is a cationic, hemolytic peptide. It is a small linear peptide composed of 26 amino acid residues in which the amino-terminal region is predominantly hydrophobic whereas the carboxy-terminal region is hydrophilic due to the presence of a stretch of positively charged amino acids.

This amphiphilic property of melittin has resulted in melittin being used as a suitable model peptide for monitoring lipid–protein interactions in membranes.

In this review, the solution and membrane properties of melittin are highlighted, with an emphasis on melittin–membrane interaction using biophysical approaches. The recent applications of melittin in various cellular processes are discussed.

Propolis Extract Boosts Good Cholesterol

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport and the Expression of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 and G1 in Mice
Lipids, 2011 Jun 3

The ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) is beneficial in increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) and diminishing risks of atherosclerosis.

In this study, we examined the effects of EEP on reverse cholesterol transport in mice. (3)H -cholesterol laden macrophage was injected intraperitoneally into mice fed by gastric gavage with EEP. Plasma lipid level was determined and (3)H-cholesterol was traced in plasma, liver and feces. The effects of EEP on ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 and G1 (ABCA1 and ABCG1) and scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) in mice liver and in cultured cells were also investigated. EEP administration led to a significant increase in HDL-C and peritoneal macrophage-original (3)H-cholesterol in plasma, liver and feces. Liver protein expressions of ABCA1 and ABCG1 were increased but SR-B1 was not. In vitro experiments with HepG2 and Raw264.7 cell lines confirmed the above results.

The finding of these studies shows that EEP-enhanced reverse cholesterol transport may have resulted from EEP stimulated plasma HDL level and hepatic ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression.

Water-Extracted Anatolian Propolis Has Analgesic Effect

Analgesic Effect of Anatolian Propolis in Mice
Agri, 2011 Apr;23(2):47-50.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the analgesic effect of Anatolian propolis, which is added to toothpastes as a prophylactic component for periodontal diseases.

Methods: Water-, ethanol- and acetone-extracted Anatolian propolis were prepared. The analgesic effect of the extracts was assessed using the tail-flick test in mice (n=6 per extract). Comparison among groups was made using one-way ANOVA, followed by post-hoc Scheffe test to determine significant differences among the means of the data groups. P<0.05 was accepted as indicating a significant difference.

Results: We found that water-extracted Anatolian propolis caused a significant increase, 1.61-fold (p<0.001 versus control), in the latency time using tail-flick test in mice. However, acetone-extracted and ethanol-extracted propolis led to no significant effect.

Conclusion: We proved the analgesic effect of water-extracted Anatolian propolis. Thus, propolis used in the composition of toothpastes may be beneficial in terms of its analgesic action in addition to its other favorable effects.

Group Formed to Promote Tasmanian Medicinal Honey

ABC, 6/6/2011

A consortium of commercial beekeepers has been formed to promote medically active honeys and hive products from Tasmania.

It's called the Tasmanian Active Honey Group, and the word 'active' refers to medicinal properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity.

Julian Wolfhagen, from the Tasmanian Honey Company, one of the six businesses involved, says he wants to build consumer confidence in Tasmanian active hive products…

Bee Venom Therapy May Help Treat Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS

Effects of Bee Venom on Glutamate-Induced Toxicity in Neuronal and Glial Cells
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM), 30 May 2011

Bee venom (BV), which is extracted from honeybees, is used in traditional Korean medical therapy. Several groups have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of BV in osteoarthritis both in vivo and in vitro.

Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Changes in glutamate release and uptake due to alterations in the activity of glutamate transporters have been reported in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

To assess if BV can prevent glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity, we examined cell viability and signal transduction in glutamate-treated neuronal and microglial cells in the presence and absence of BV.

We induced glutamatergic toxicity in neuronal cells and microglial cells and found that BV protected against cell death. Furthermore, BV significantly inhibited the cellular toxicity of glutamate, and pretreatment with BV altered MAP kinase activation (e.g., JNK, ERK, and p38) following exposure to glutamate.

These findings suggest that treatment with BV may be helpful in reducing glutamatergic cell toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases.

Honey Reduces Impact of Intensive Cycling Training on Spermatogenesis, Fertility

The Effects of Honey Supplementation on Seminal Plasma Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, and Anti-Oxidants During 8 Weeks of Intensive Cycling Training
J Androl, 2011 Jun 2

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of natural honey supplementation on seminal plasma cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, and anti-oxidants during 8 weeks of intensive cycling training in male road cyclists.

Thirty-nine healthy non-professional male road cyclists aged 18-28 years participated in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to exercise+supplement (E+S,n=20), and exercise (E,n=19) groups. All subjects participated in 8 weeks of intensive cycling training. Ninety minutes before each training session, subjects in the E+S group supplemented with 70 g of honey, while subjects in the E group received 70 g of an artificial sweetener. All subjects had an initial sampling at baseline (T1). The next six semen collections were collected immediately (T2); 12 (T3); and 24 hours (T4) after the last training session in week 4; as well as immediately (T5); 12 (T6); and 24 hours (T7) after the last training session in week 8, respectively.

In the E group eight weeks of intensive cycling training significantly increased the seminal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P<0.008) and significantly decreased the levels of seminal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC) (P<0.008).

Significantly less elevation in the seminal IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, ROS, and MDA levels (P<0.008) and significant increase in the seminal SOD, catalase and TAC concentrations observed after the honey supplementation in the E+S group (P<0.008).

It may be possible that the honey supplementation following long-term intensive cycling training would be effective in attenuating the probable aggravating effects of intensive cycling training on spermatogenesis and fertility capacity in the road cyclists.

Study Looks at Effect of Honey on Nutritional Rehabilitation of Patients with PEM

Effect of Honey Supplementation on the Phagocytic Function during Nutritional Rehabilitation of Protein Energy Malnutrition Patients
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, Advance Access

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is associated with a significant impairment of cell-mediated immunity, phagocyte function, complement system, secretory immunoglobulin A antibody concentrations and cytokine production [ 1]. Honey is a natural substance with a lot of benefits for nutrition and health especially enhancement of the immune system.

This study was thus designed to evaluate the effect of honey intake during the nutritional rehabilitation of patients with PEM on their phagocytic function.

Thirty PEM patients and 20 matching controls were enrolled in the study and the patients were randomly assigned to either one of two groups. Both groups entered conventional nutritional rehabilitation program for 2 weeks with the first group…

Propolis Microparticles May Help Treat Vaginal Infections

Antifungal Activity of Brazilian Propolis Microparticles Against Yeasts Isolated from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 201953, 8 pages

Propolis, a resinous compound produced by Apis mellifera L. bees, is known to possess a variety of biological activities and is applied in the therapy of various infectious diseases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of propolis ethanol extract (PE) and propolis microparticles (PMs) obtained from a sample of Brazilian propolis against clinical yeast isolates of importance in the vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

PE was used to prepare the microparticles. Yeast isolates (n=89), obtained from vaginal exudates of patients with VVC, were exposed to the PE and the PMs. Moreover, the main antifungal drugs used in the treatment of VVC (Fluconazole, Voriconazole, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Miconazole and Amphotericin B) were also tested. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined according to the standard broth microdilution method. Some Candida albicans isolates showed resistance or dose-dependent susceptibility for the azolic drugs and Amphotericin B. Non-C. albicans isolates showed more resistance and dose-dependent susceptibility for the azolic drugs than C. albicans. However, all of them were sensitive or dose-dependent susceptible for Amphotericin B.

All yeasts were inhibited by PE and PMs, with small variation, independent of the species of yeast.

The overall results provided important information for the potential application of PMs in the therapy of VVC and the possible prevention of the occurrence of new symptomatic episodes.

…In conclusion, considering the antifungal activity showed by PMs and that the high ethanol concentration is a disadvantage of PE, this report clearly showed that PMs arises as a possible agent for the treatment and especially the prevention of the new symptomatic episode the VVC. Moreover PMs have the advantage of to be incorporated in some dosage forms, like vaginal ointments, and to be administered into the vaginal mucosa more easily and safely.

Review of Brazilian Propolis’ Composition, Medicinal Uses

Analytical Methods Applied to Diverse Types of Brazilian Propolis
Chemistry Central Journal, Published: 1 June 2011

Propolis is a bee product, composed mainly of plant resins and beeswax, therefore its chemical composition varies due to the geographic and plant origins of these resins, as well as the species of bee.

Brazil is an important supplier of propolis on the world market and, although green colored propolis from the southeast is the most known and studied, several other types of propolis from Apis mellifera and native stingless bees (also called cerumen) can be found.

Propolis is usually consumed as an extract, so the type of solvent and extractive procedures employed further affect its composition. Methods used for the extraction; analysis the percentage of resins, wax and insoluble material in crude propolis; determination of phenolic, flavonoid, amino acid and heavy metal contents are reviewed herein.

Different chromatographic methods applied to the separation, identification and quantification of Brazilian propolis components and their relative strengths are discussed; as well as direct insertion mass spectrometry fingerprinting.

Propolis has been used as a popular remedy for several centuries for a wide array of ailments. Its antimicrobial properties, present in propolis from different origins, have been extensively studied. But, more recently, anti-parasitic, anti-viral / immune stimulating, healing, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic activities of diverse types of Brazilian propolis have been evaluated.

The most common methods employed and overviews of their relative results are presented.

Brazilian Red Propolis Exhibits Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Activities

Brazilian Red Propolis: Unreported Substances, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Early View

BACKGROUND: Chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of a sample of red propolis from the state of Alagoas (northeast Brazil) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection–electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also obtained.

RESULTS: The propolis sample contained low content of narigenin-8-C-hexoside, this being the first report of a C-glycoside in propolis. The main constituent found was characterized as 3,4,2′,3′-tetrahydroxychalcone. Other important constituents were the chalcone isoliquiritigenin, the isoflavans (3S)-vestitol, (3S)-7-O-methylvestitol, the pterocarpan medicarpin, the phenylpropenes trans-anethol, methyl eugenol, elimicin, methoxyeugenol and cis-asarone, and the triterpenic alcohols lupeol and α- and β- amyrins. The methanol extract exhibited high antioxidant activities by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and β-carotene/linoleic acid assay methods, and antimicrobial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
CONCLUSION: Structures are suggested for new substances never before seen in any kind of propolis. This is the first report of 3,4,2′,3′-tetrahydroxychalcone and a flavone C-glycoside in a propolis sample.

Strawberry Tree Honey Shows Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant Profile of Strawberry Tree Honey and Its Marker Homogentisic Acid in Several Models of Oxidative Stress
Food Chemistry, Article in Press

The antioxidant activity of several honeys was evaluated considering the different contribution of entire samples.

The strawberry tree honey emerged as the richest in total phenols and the most active honey in the DPPH and FRAP tests, and could protect cholesterol against oxidative degradation (140 °C). Homogentisic acid (2,5-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, HGA), the main phenolic compound from strawberry tree honey, showed interesting antioxidant and antiradical activities, and protective effect against thermal-cholesterol degradation, comparable to those of well known antioxidants.

Moreover, the pre-treatment with HGA significantly preserved liposomes and LDL from Cu2+-induced oxidative damage at 37 °C for 2 h, inhibiting the reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol and the increase of their oxidative products. This phenol had no toxic effect in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells within the concentration range tested (5–1000 μM). HGA was able to pass through the Caco-2 monolayers, the apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) in the apical-to-basolateral and basolateral-to-apical direction were 3.48 ± 1.22 × 10-6 and 2.18 ± 0.34 × 10-6 cm/s, respectively, suggesting a passive diffusion pathway as the dominating process.

The results of the work qualify HGA as natural antioxidant, able to exert a significant in vitro protective effect and to contribute to the strawberry tree honey antioxidant activity.

Highlights

• Strawberry tree honey protected in DPPH/FRAP tests, and cholesterol from degradation.
• Homogentisic acid, main phenolic compound of strawberry tree honey.
• The phenol protected in DPPH/FRAP tests, and cholesterol/fatty acids from oxidation.
Homogentisic acid showed no toxicity and passive diffusion in Caco-2 cell monolayers.
• Contribution of homogentisic acid to antioxidant activity of strawberry tree honey.