Manuka Honey Component an Effective Antimicrobial Agent Against MSRA

Methylglyoxal: (Active Agent of Manuka Honey) in vitro Activity Against Bacterial BiofilmsInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, Article first published online: 25 MAY 2011

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) biofilms are associated with poor chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control following surgery. Manuka honey (MH) has been shown to be both an effective in vitro treatment agent for SA and PA biofilms and nontoxic to sinonasal respiratory mucosa. Methylglyoxal (MGO) has been reported to be the major antibacterial agent in MH. The effect of this agent against SA and PA biofilms has yet to be reported. Our objective was to determine the in vitro effect of MGO against biofilms of SA and PA, via in vitro testing of MGO against bacterial biofilms.

Methods

An established biofilm model was used to determine the effective concentration (EC) of MGO against 10 isolates of methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) and PA. The EC of MGO was also determined against planktonic (free-swimming) MRSA and PA.

Results

For MRSA, the EC against planktonic organisms was a concentration of 0.08 mg/mL to 0.3 mg/mL whereas against the biofilm MRSA isolates, the EC ranged from 0.5 mg/mL to 3.6 mg/mL. For PA, the EC against planktonic organisms was a concentration of 0.15 mg/mL to 1.2 mg/mL for planktonic organisms whereas against the biofilm PA isolates, the EC ranged from 1.8 mg/mL to 7.3 mg/mL.

Conclusion

MGO, a component of MH, is an effective antimicrobial agent against both planktonic and biofilm MRSA and PA organisms in vitro.

New Ghana University Center to Develop Stingless Bee Medicinal Hive Products

UCC Establishes International Stingless Bee Centre for Research and Training

Abrafo (C/R), May 25, GNA - The Department of Entomology and Wildlife of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), School of Biological Sciences, has established an International Stingless Bee Centre at Abrafo for Universities across the world to undertake research and training into the activities of stingless bees and conservation.

The Centre, the first of its kind in the West African Sub-Region, is expected to serve as an environmental education centre. The Centre currently has employed about 20 people in the Abrafo community, its catchment area, near the Kakum National Park.

At a brief ceremony on Tuesday, for its official opening, the Director of the Centre, Dr Peter Kwapong, said it would soon be developed into an industry to produce different medicinal hive products such as honey, propolis and pollen as well as artifacts, crafts and jewellery…

Oil Extract of Propolis as Effective at Inhibiting Tumor Growth as Alcohol Extract

In vivo Antitumoural Activity and Composition of an Oil Extract of Brazilian Propolis
Food Chemistry, Volume 126, Issue 3, 1 June 2011, Pages 1239-1245

The present study aimed to evaluate in vivo and in vitro the antitumoural activity of a propolis extract obtained with edible vegetable oil and its fractions and also to investigate its chemical composition by LC–MS and LC–MS/MS.

To evaluate the toxicological aspects related to the propolis extract treatment, hematological, biochemical, histopathological and morphological analyses of treated animals were performed. All propolis extracts showed an in vivo antitumour activity in the experimental model with a moderate toxicity effect at experimental exposure levels.

The oil extract was as effective as the ethanolic extract at inhibiting tumour growth. In vitro assays showed that the whole oil extract produced better inhibition of tumour cells than its fractions. LC–MS and LC–MS/MS identified four phenolic acids and three flavonoids.

The anticancer potential of the oil extract of propolis has been demonstrated and the edible vegetable oil was shown as an attractive alternative solvent to extract bioactive natural propolis components.

Research highlights

• Ethanolic and oil propolis extracts were evaluated in vivo in the Sarcoma 180 model.
• Toxicological aspects related to propolis extracts treatment were performed.
• The oil extract was as effective as the ethanolic extract at inhibiting tumour growth.
• Propolis reduced tumour growth with the same ratio as 5-FU but with less side effects.
• LC–MS/MS identified phenolic acids and flavonoids in oil propolis extract fractions.

Propolis May Help Treat Allergic Airway Disease

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Suppresses Eotaxin Secretion and Nuclear p-STAT6 in Human Lung Fibroblast Cells
J Microbiol Immunol Infect, 2011 May 19

BACKGROUND:

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. We have investigated the activity of CAPE in regulating cytokine-induced eotaxin production and its related signal protein, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), in human lung fibroblast.

METHODS:

The CCD-11Lu human lung fibroblast cell line was used as an in vitro model. Cells were pretreated with CAPE followed by stimulation with interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The levels of eotaxin in cultured supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amounts of STAT6 and phosphorylated STAT6 in cellular nuclear protein extracts were determined by Western blot analysis. STAT6 DNA binding activities were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS:

Pretreated CCD-11Lu cells with noncytotoxic doses (0.1-10μM) of CAPE inhibited the production of eotaxin under stimulation of interleukin-4 (10ng/mL) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (10ng/mL). CAPE pretreatment also decreased the amount of phosphorylated STAT6 and the STAT6 DNA binding complexes in nuclear extracts.

CONCLUSION:

CAPE inhibited the production of eotaxin protein in stimulated human lung fibroblast cells in a dose-dependent manner. This activity is, at least, through STAT6 inhibition. We suggest that CAPE is a promising agent in controlling eotaxin secretion and subsequent eosinophils influx and may therefore have a potential role to play in treating allergic airway disease.

Argentinian Andean Propolis Shows Antifungal Activity

Argentinean Andean Propolis Associated with the Medicinal Plant Larrea nitida Cav. (Zygophyllaceae). HPLC-MS and GC-MS Characterization and Antifungal Activity
Food Chem Toxicol, 2011 May 12

The chemical profile and botanical origin of Andean Argentinian propolis were studied by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS techniques as well as the antifungal activity according to CLSI protocols.

Dermatophytes and yeasts tested were strongly inhibited by propolis extracts (MICs between 31.25 and 125μg/mL). The main antifungal compounds were: 3'methyl-nordihydroguaiaretic acid (MNDGA) 1, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) 2 and a NDGA derivative 3, showing strong activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum and Microsporum gypseum (MICs between 15.6 and 31.25μg/mL). The lignans 1 and 2 showed activities against clinical isolates of Candidas spp., Cryptococcus spp., T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes (MICs and MFCs between 31.25 and 62.5μg/mL). The lignan and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profiles from propolis matched with those of exudates of Larrea nitida providing strong evidences on its botanical origin.

These results support that Argentinian Andean propolis are a valuable natural product with potential to improve human health. Six compounds (1-6) were isolated from propolis for the first time, while compounds 1 and 3-6 were reported for first time as constituents of L. nitida Cav.

Propolis Boosts Response to Vaccines

The Effects of Propolis on Antibody Production by Laying Hens
Poult Sci, 2011 Jun;90(6):1227-33

Propolis is a honeybee product showing several biological properties that enhance the immune response, depending on the concentration and intake period.

Because propolis possesses an immunomodulatory action on mammals, the objective of our study was to investigate the effects of propolis on the humoral immune response of laying hens by evaluating antibody production.

Laying hens (ISA Brown) were divided into 5 groups with 7 birds each. Group 1 was a nonimmunized control, whereas birds in group 2 were immunized intravenously with SRBC, and those in groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated intraperitoneally with propolis (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg, respectively) on 3 consecutive days and then inoculated intravenously with SRBC. Hematological and serological analyses were carried out on d 0, 3, and 38. Natural and specific antibody levels were determined by hemagglutination with rabbit red blood cells and SRBC, respectively.

Propolis-treated birds (50 mg/kg) showed a significant decline in heterophils and in the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. After SRBC immunization, significant increases in levels of IgG were observed in groups 4 and 5. Furthermore, higher levels of natural antibodies were observed in propolis-treated laying hens.

The administration of propolis to laying hens increased the production of IgG specific to SRBC and natural antibodies, and could be used to increase antigen-specific antibody responses to vaccines.

Bee Venom Therapy Popular in Thailand

Patients line up for treatment at bee venom clinic.

Malaysian Honey Boosts Sperm Count

Effect of Different Doses of Malaysian Honey on Reproductive Parameters in Adult Male Rats
Andrologia, 2011 May 19

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of Malaysian honey on male reproductive parameters in adult rats.

Thirty-two healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (eight rats per group). Group 1 (control group) was given 0.5 ml of distilled water. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were given 0.2, 1.2 and 2.4 gkg(-1) body weight of honey respectively. The rats were treated orally by gavage once daily for 4 weeks. Honey did not significantly alter body and male reproductive organs weights. The rats in Group 3 which received honey at 1.2 gkg(-1) had significantly higher epididymal sperm count than those in Groups 1, 2 and 4. No significant differences were found for the percentage of abnormal sperm, elongated spermatid count, reproductive hormonal levels as well as the histology of the testis among the groups.

In conclusion, Malaysian honey at a dose of 1.2gkg(-1) daily significantly increased epididymal sperm count without affecting spermatid count and reproductive hormones. These findings might suggest that oral administration of honey at this dose for 4weeks may enhance spermiogenesis in adult rats.

Honey Boost Healing of Traumatic Lower Limb Wounds

Immunohistochemical Evaluation of p63, E-Cadherin, Collagen I and III Expression in Lower Limb Wound Healing Under Honey
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2011;2011:239864

Honey is recognized traditionally for its medicinal properties and also appreciated as a topical healing agent for infected and noninfected wounds.

This study evaluates impact of honey-based occlusive dressing on nonhealing (nonresponding to conventional antibiotics) traumatic lower limb wounds (n = 34) through clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (e.g., expression of p63, E-cadherin, and Collagen I and III) evaluations to enrich the scientific validation.

Clinical findings noted the nonadherence of honey dressing with remarkable chemical debridement and healing progression within 11-15 days of postintervention. Histopathologically, in comparison to preintervention biopsies, the postintervention tissues of wound peripheries demonstrated gradual normalization of epithelial and connective tissue features with significant changes in p63(+) epithelial cell population, reappearance of membranous E-cadherin, and optimum deposition of collagen I and III.

Thus, the present study for the first time reports the impact of honey on vital protein expressions in epithelial and connective tissues during repair of nonhealing lower limb wounds…

Conclusion

The honey with its diverse chemical constituents (organic and inorganic) provide therapeutic support to nonhealing lower limb wounds with minimum trauma during redressing and debridement as well as in healing without hyper-granulation and less scarring. Further, therapeutic potential has been demonstrated at molecular levels through immunohistochemical depiction of prime molecular expressions in wound biopsies. The gradual increase in cell population and membranous expression of E-cadherin pointed out the transformation of nonhealing wound into healing one and achievement of collagen I and III ratio towards normalcy in posttherapeutic periods indicated proper deposition of collagens in the regenerated skin during healing.

New Zealand Consortium to Boost Medicinal Honey Production

There’s Money in Manuka Honey, and Trial Aims to Greatly Increase It
sticKNZ, 4/19/2011

There’s plenty of research on why manuka honey’s so useful from a medical and human health point of view.

Equally we understand bees pretty well.

The missing part of the puzzle, ironically, particularly as it is a plant that’s indigenous to New Zealand is how to best grow the native.

But a newly formed consortium, the Manuka Research Partnership (NZ) Ltd., along with well-known honey marketer Comvita Ltd., aims to change that.

It has pooled together $850,000, and has obtained matched funding through MAF’s Primary Growth Partnership for a planned seven year trial to increase the reliability of supply and proportion of medical grade Manuka honey out of New Zealand.

Based on what might initially seem aspirational numbers, the consortium reckons it can produce 16 times the current quantity of manuka honey (and with it the Unique Manuka Factor = active ingredient methylglyoxal) to crack $1 billion a year in sales…

Honey May Help Treat Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

The Effect of Honey on Mast-Cell Degranulation: A Possible Role in Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Medical News Today, 5/18/2011

Mast cells, known for their role in allergies and anaphylaxis, have also been shown to mediate inflammation in the bladders of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

Researchers from the United Kingdom explored the possibility that honey, known for its benefits in wound healing, cytokine interaction and anti-oxidant effects, could have an effect on mast-cell degranulation in patients with IC/PBS if used intravesically.

Authors measured spontaneous calcium ionophore A23187 and A23187-induced histamine release on cells from the LAD2 mast cell line, comparing the effects of a range of medicinal honeys to those of control preparations (including a clover nectar, sugar syrup and agents typically used to treat IC/PBS.

The honeys inhibited spontaneous and A23187-induced histamine release significantly better than the control preparations (ranging from 60 percent to 100 percent, compared to 40 percent inhibition with sugar syrup, 36 percent for clover nectar and a maximum inhibition of 24 percent with either drug at either dilution), suggesting that honey, delivered intravesically, may provide some level of success to patients suffering with IC/PBS.

Audio: Apitherapy, Rx for Health, Naturally from the Beehive

Turtle Shell Health, 3/30/2011

Host Joshua Margolis speaks with Frederique Keller of BeePharm Apitherapy. Science meets nature to create effective and sustainable health and beauty formulas naturally from the beehive. BeePharm products contain the highest quality organic and natural ingredients without chemical preservatives, phthalates or parabens. Frederique will inform our audience by explaining the practice and history of apitherapy, the medicinal use of raw honey, bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, bee venom and much more.

New Structures Found in Brazilian Red Propolis

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.

Propolis Extract Functions as Growth Promoter, Hepatoprotective Agent, Immunostimulant

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis on Growth Performance and Plasma Biochemical Parameters of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Fish Physiol Biochem, 2011 May 11

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on growth performance and plasma biochemical parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Graded levels of EEP [0 (control), 1, 2, and 4 g kg(-1) diet] were fed to trout juveniles (mean weight 7.73 ± 0.17 g) for 10 weeks.

Dietary EEP supplementation regardless of inclusion level significantly improved the specific growth rate of fish. Similarly, supplemental EEP generally improved the feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio, but no significant differences were observed between the 1 g kg(-1) EEP group and the control group. In addition, dietary EEP supplementation generally increased the plasma superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities, but decreased the plasma malondialdehyde level. The plasma triglycerides level was significantly lower in the 1 or 4 g kg(-1) EEP group as compared with the control group.

Dietary EEP supplementation generally decreased the plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, but increased the hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities.

These results indicate the potential to use the EEP as a growth promoter, hepatoprotective agent, and immunostimulant for rainbow trout.

Uruguayan Propolis May Have Cardiovascular Benefit

Antioxidant Activity of Uruguayan Propolis: In vitro and Cellular Assays
J Agric Food Chem, 2011 May 13

The antioxidant capacity of propolis from the southern region of Uruguay was evaluated using in vitro as well as cellular assays. Free radical scavenging capacity was assessed by ORAC, obtaining values significantly higher than other natural products (8000 µmol trolox equivalents/g propolis).

ORAC values correlated well with total polyphenol content (determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method) and UV absorption. Total polyphenol content (150 mg gallic acid equivalents/g propolis) and flavonoids (45 mg quercetin equivalents/g propolis) were similar to values reported for southern Brazilian (group 3) and Argentinean propolis.

Flavonoid composition determined by RP-HPLC indicates a strong poplar-tree origin. Samples high in polyphenols efficiently inhibit low density lipoprotein lipoperoxidation and tyrosine nitration.

In addition, we found that Uruguayan propolis were able to induce the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inhibit endothelial NADPH oxidase suggesting a potential cardiovascular benefit by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability in the endothelium.