Australian Propolis Shows Antimicrobial Activity

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of honeybee (Apis mellifera ligustica) propolis from subtropical eastern Australia

Naturwissenschaften. 2015 Dec;102(11-12):68

Propolis is a material manufactured by bees and contains beeswax, bee salivary secretions and plant resins. Propolis preparations have been used for millennia by humans in food, cosmetics and medicines due to its antibacterial effects. Within the hive, propolis plays an important role in bees' health, with much of its bioactivity largely dependent on the plant resins the bees select for its production. Few chemical studies are available on the chemistry of propolis produced by Australian honeybees (Apis mellifera, Apidae).

This study aimed to determine the chemical composition as well as in vitro antimicrobial effects of propolis harvested from honeybees in subtropical eastern Australia. Honeybee propolis was produced using plastic frames and multiple beehives in two subtropical sites in eastern Australia. Methanolic extracts of propolis were analysed by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry (ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-UV-high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HR-MS/MS)) and by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

The resulting chemical data were dereplicated for compound characterisation. The two crude extracts in abs. ethanol were tested in vitro by the agar diffusion and broth dilution methods, using a phenol standard solution as the positive control and abs. ethanol as the negative control. Chemical constituents were identified to be pentacyclic triterpenoids and C-prenylated flavonoids, including Abyssinoflavanone VII, Propolin C and Nymphaeol C.

The two propolis crude extracts showed bactericidal effects at the minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.37-2.04 mg mL(-1) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. However, the extracts were inactive against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antistaphylococcal potential of propolis was discussed, also in relation to honeybees' health, as it warrants further investigations on the social and individual immunities of Australian honeybees.

Brazilian Propolis May Help Treat Obesity

Brazilian propolis extract increases leptin expression in mouse adipocytes

Biomed Res. 2015;36(5):343-6

We investigated the anti-obesity effects of Brazilian green propolis ethanol extract using a mouse model of obesity. Repeated intraperitoneal injection of propolis (100 mg/kg twice a week) caused feeding suppression in C57BL/6 mice, whereas this treatment had negligible effects on C57BL/6 ob/ob mice. Since C57BL/6 ob/ob mice have a missense mutation in the Lep gene, leptin is likely to contribute to the propolis-induced feeding suppression.

We found that propolis treatment indeed clearly increased leptin mRNA production in the visceral adipose tissues. Moreover, propolis extract directly elevated leptin expression in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Artepillin C, an important organic compound found in Brazilian green propolis, failed to induce leptin mRNA in 3T3-L1 cells.

Compounds other than artepillin C in Brazilian propolis must thus cause leptin induction in adipocytes, possibly resulting in the suppression of feeding and obesity.

Malaysian Melaleuca Honey is Potential Antistaphylococcal Agent

ANTI-STAPHYLOCOCCAL ACTIVITY OF MELALEUCA HONEY

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2015 May;46(3):472-9

Honey is well-known for its antioxidant properties due to the presence of phytochemical compounds, which are also involved in antibacterial activities.

In this study, properties (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing-antioxidant power, reducing sugar content, and pH) of Malaysian Melaleuca honey were investigated for their antistaphylococcal activity, against both methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus strains using a hole-in-plate diffusion method.

The outcome revealed there is a significant positive correlation between the antistaphylococcal activity and increase in honey concentration [20%-80% (v/v) in distilled water], which also correlated with each of the above mentioned parameter in honey, except for pH value that shows negative correlation. Furthermore, there was no difference in susceptibility to Melaleuca honey between MSSA and MRSA strains.

Thus, in addition to being an antioxidant product, Melaleuca honey has a potential as a natural antistaphylococcal agent.

Brazilian Honey Protects Against Hypoxia

Brazilian Pampa Biome Honey Protects Against Mortality, Locomotor Deficits and Oxidative Stress Induced by Hypoxia/Reperfusion in Adult Drosophila melanogaster

Neurochem Res. 2015 Oct 30

We aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effects of the Brazilian Pampa biome honey in a Drosophila-based hypoxia model. Adult flies were reared in standard medium in the presence or absence of honey (at a final concentration of 10 % in medium). Then, control flies (4 % sucrose in medium) and honey-treated flies were submitted to hypoxia.

Subsequently, flies were analyzed for mortality, neurolocomotor behavior (negative geotaxis), mitochondrial/oxidative stress parameters and expression of hypoxia/stress related genes by RT-qPCR. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids in the studied honey. Caffeic acid was the major compound followed by p-coumaric acid and kaempferol. The presence of such compounds was correlated with a substantial antioxidant activity in vitro. Flies subjected to hypoxia presented marked mortality, locomotor deficits and changes in oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity parameters.

Honey treatment was able to completely block mortality and locomotor phenotypes. In addition, honey was able to reverse ROS production and hypoxia-induced changes in mitochondrial complex I and II activity. Hypoxia also induced an up-regulation in mRNA expression of Sima (HIF-1), NFκβ, NRF2, HOX, AKT-1, InR, dILP2, dILP5 and HSP27. Honey treatment was not able to modulate changes in the tested genes, indicating that its protective effects involve additional mechanisms other than transcriptional activity of hypoxia-driven adaptive responses in flies.

Our results demonstrated, for the first time, the beneficial effects of honey against the deleterious effects of hypoxia/reperfusion processes in a complex organism.

Bee Venom and Manuka Honey Facial Mask

Formulated with powerful ingredients, this facial mask helps to improve elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and combats free radicals, protecting skin from future harm.

Desiccation of Chronic Wounds Colonized with Biofilm Via Exposure Using Honey Improves Wound Healing

The use of desiccation to treat staphylococcus aureus biofilm infected wounds

Wound Repair Regen. 2015 Oct 31

Chronic wounds colonized with biofilm present a major burden to our healthcare system. While the current paradigm for wound healing is to maintain a moist environment, we sought to evaluate the effects of desiccation, and the ability of honey to desiccate wounds, on wound healing characteristics in Staphylococcus aureus biofilm wounds.

In vivo biofilm wound healing after exposure to open-air desiccation, honey, molasses, and saline was analyzed using a rabbit ear model of S. aureus biofilm wounds previously developed by our group. Wound morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy and granulation tissue deposition was measured using light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Viable bacterial counts in rabbit ear biofilm wounds and scabs were measured using a drop dilution method. In vitro S. aureus growth curves were established using tryptic soy broth (TSB) containing honey and glycerol. Gene expression analysis of rabbit ear wounds was performed using RT-qPCR. Rabbit ear S. aureus biofilm wounds exposed to open-air desiccation, honey, and molasses developed a dry scab, which displaced the majority of biofilm bacteria off of the wound bed.

Wounds treated with open-air desiccation, honey, and molasses expressed lower levels of the inflammatory markers TNFα and IL-1β at post-operative day 12 compared to wounds treated with saline, and had increased levels of granulation tissue formation. In vitro growth of S. aureus in TSB was inhibited by the presence of honey to a greater extent than by the presence of osmolality-matched glycerol.

Desiccation of chronic wounds colonized with biofilm via exposure to open air or honey leads to improved wound healing by decreasing bacterial burden and inflammation, and increasing granulation tissue formation.

The ability of honey to help heal chronic wounds is at least in part due to its ability to desiccate bacterial biofilm, but other factors clearly contribute.

Chinese, Brazilian Propolis shows Anti-Inflammatory Effect

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Korean Face Cream Uses Bee Venom to Prevent Skin Damage

Bee Venom

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.

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.

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.