Potential role of propolis in wound healing: Biological properties and therapeutic activities
Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Dec 26;98:469-483
Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees collect from the tree buds, sap flows, or other botanical sources. The chemical composition of propolis varies and depends on the geographical area, time of collection, seasonality, illumination, altitude, and food availability during propolis exploitation. The goal of this review is to discuss important concepts including mechanisms of action and therapeutic activities of propolis.
The PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for the literature published from January the 1st 2000 to October the 1st 2017. Sixteen animals and three clinical studies were included. A quantitative and qualitative review was performed on the clinical trials and the animal studies were comprehensively overviewed. In this study, the clinical trials have been combined and the results were provided as meta-analysis. Propolis is a non-toxic natural product; however some cases of allergy and contact dermatitis to this compound have been described mainly among beekeepers. An important factor in impaired wound healing is biofilm formation; propolis as an anti-microbial agent can reduce biofilm generation and result in accelerated healing processes.
Most of the in vivo studies on various wound models suggested the beneficial roles of propolis on experimental wound healing and this has also been approved in the clinical trial studies. However, there is a lack of information concerning, dose, side effects and clinical effectiveness of propolis on wounds. As the effectiveness of propolis between different products is variable, more characterizations should be done and future investigations comparing different propolis based products and characterization of their specific roles on different models of wounds are highly appreciated.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Honeybee-Inspired Needles Decrease Insertion Force
Novel Design of Honeybee-inspired Needles for Percutaneous Procedure
Bioinspir Biomim. 2017 Dec 20
The focus of this paper is to present new designs of innovative bioinspired needles to be used during percutaneous procedures.
Insect stingers have been known to easily penetrate soft tissues. Bioinspired needles mimicking the barbs in a honeybee stinger were developed for a smaller insertion force, which can provide a less invasive procedure. Decreasing the insertion force will decrease the tissue deformation, which is essential for a more accurate targeting. In this study, some design parameters, in particular, barb shape and geometry (i.e., front angle, back angle, and height) were defined and their effects on the insertion force were investigated. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was used to manufacture bioinspired needles.
A specially-designed insertion test setup using tissue mimicking Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gels was developed to measure the insertion and extraction forces. The barb design parameters were then experimentally modified through detailed experimental procedures to further reduce the insertion force. Different scales of the barbed needles were designed and used to explore the size-scale effect on the insertion force. To further investigate the efficacy of the proposed needle design in real surgeries, preliminary ex-vivo insertion tests into bovine liver tissue were performed.
Our results show that the insertion force of the needles in different scales decreased by 21-35% in PVC gel insertion tests and by 46% in bovine liver tissue insertion tests.
Bioinspir Biomim. 2017 Dec 20
The focus of this paper is to present new designs of innovative bioinspired needles to be used during percutaneous procedures.
Insect stingers have been known to easily penetrate soft tissues. Bioinspired needles mimicking the barbs in a honeybee stinger were developed for a smaller insertion force, which can provide a less invasive procedure. Decreasing the insertion force will decrease the tissue deformation, which is essential for a more accurate targeting. In this study, some design parameters, in particular, barb shape and geometry (i.e., front angle, back angle, and height) were defined and their effects on the insertion force were investigated. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was used to manufacture bioinspired needles.
A specially-designed insertion test setup using tissue mimicking Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gels was developed to measure the insertion and extraction forces. The barb design parameters were then experimentally modified through detailed experimental procedures to further reduce the insertion force. Different scales of the barbed needles were designed and used to explore the size-scale effect on the insertion force. To further investigate the efficacy of the proposed needle design in real surgeries, preliminary ex-vivo insertion tests into bovine liver tissue were performed.
Our results show that the insertion force of the needles in different scales decreased by 21-35% in PVC gel insertion tests and by 46% in bovine liver tissue insertion tests.
Friday, December 29, 2017
By-Products From Beeswax Recycling Process Represent Rich Source f Phytochemicals with Antioxidant Capacity and Anticancer Activity
Are by-products from beeswax recycling process a new promising source of bioactive compounds with biomedical properties?
Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Dec 25. pii: S0278-6915(17)30789-5
During the process of beeswax recycling, many industrial derivatives are obtained. These matrices may have an interesting healthy and commercial potential but to date they have not been properly studied.
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the proximal and phytochemical composition, the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects of two by-products from beeswax recycling process named MUD 1 and MUD 2 on liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results showed that MUD 1 presented the highest (P < .05) fiber, protein, carbohydrate, polyphenol and flavonoid concentration, as well as the highest (P < .05) total antioxidant capacity than the MUD 2 samples. MUD1 exerted also anticancer activity on HepG2 cells, by reducing cellular viability, increasing intracellular ROS levels and affecting mitochondrial functionality in a dose-dependent manner.
We showed for the first time that by-products from beeswax recycling process can represent a rich source of phytochemicals with high total antioxidant capacity and anticancer activity; however, further researches are necessary to evaluate their potentiality for human health by in vivo studies.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Dec 25. pii: S0278-6915(17)30789-5
During the process of beeswax recycling, many industrial derivatives are obtained. These matrices may have an interesting healthy and commercial potential but to date they have not been properly studied.
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the proximal and phytochemical composition, the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic effects of two by-products from beeswax recycling process named MUD 1 and MUD 2 on liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results showed that MUD 1 presented the highest (P < .05) fiber, protein, carbohydrate, polyphenol and flavonoid concentration, as well as the highest (P < .05) total antioxidant capacity than the MUD 2 samples. MUD1 exerted also anticancer activity on HepG2 cells, by reducing cellular viability, increasing intracellular ROS levels and affecting mitochondrial functionality in a dose-dependent manner.
We showed for the first time that by-products from beeswax recycling process can represent a rich source of phytochemicals with high total antioxidant capacity and anticancer activity; however, further researches are necessary to evaluate their potentiality for human health by in vivo studies.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Volatile Compounds in Brazilian, Argentinian and Venezuelan Propolis Analysed
Comparative Analysis of Volatile Compound Profiles of Propolis From Different Provenances
J Sci Food Agric. 2017 Dec 27
BACKGROUND:
Propolis is a complex mixture that honey bees produce from the exudates of various plants and presents many medicinal properties. Its chemical compositions varies according to the phytogeography characteristics of each region, among others. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in Venezuelan propolis and compare with reference samples such as Brazilian and Argentinian ones.
RESULTS:
A total of 90 VOCs were identified in a series of propolis samples using both Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Dynamic Headspace (DHS), both coupled to C-EI-MS. In the case of Venezuelan propolis, sesquiterpenes, esters, aromatic compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons were identified. The limonene was found only in Venezuelan samples being the first time it is identified in samples from this country. In the case of green propolis, β-caryophyllene and nerolidol were the major ones. As for the Argentinian samples, the prenyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate were detected only in these samples.
CONCLUSIONS:
Possible chemical markers of natural sources such as limonene were detected using DHS extraction. Several compounds have also been identified for the first time in Venezuelan propolis. Cluster analysis allowed to relate propolis VOCs profile with their provenance.
J Sci Food Agric. 2017 Dec 27
BACKGROUND:
Propolis is a complex mixture that honey bees produce from the exudates of various plants and presents many medicinal properties. Its chemical compositions varies according to the phytogeography characteristics of each region, among others. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in Venezuelan propolis and compare with reference samples such as Brazilian and Argentinian ones.
RESULTS:
A total of 90 VOCs were identified in a series of propolis samples using both Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Dynamic Headspace (DHS), both coupled to C-EI-MS. In the case of Venezuelan propolis, sesquiterpenes, esters, aromatic compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons were identified. The limonene was found only in Venezuelan samples being the first time it is identified in samples from this country. In the case of green propolis, β-caryophyllene and nerolidol were the major ones. As for the Argentinian samples, the prenyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and 2-phenylethyl acetate were detected only in these samples.
CONCLUSIONS:
Possible chemical markers of natural sources such as limonene were detected using DHS extraction. Several compounds have also been identified for the first time in Venezuelan propolis. Cluster analysis allowed to relate propolis VOCs profile with their provenance.
Propolis May Help Treat White-Nose Syndrome in Bats
Evidence for Anti-Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) Activity of Propolis
Antibiotics (Basel). 2017 Dec 21;7(1)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is a cutaneous infection that has devastated North American bat populations since 2007. At present, there is no effective method for controlling this disease.
Here, we evaluated the effect of propolis against Pd in vitro. Using Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium, approximately 1.7 × 10⁷ conidia spores of the Pd strain M3906-2/mL were spread on each plate and grown to form a consistent lawn. A Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay was employed using different concentrations of propolis (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%), in plates incubated at 8 °C and 15 °C. At 8 °C and 15 °C, as the concentration of propolis increased, there was an increasing zone of inhibition (ZOI), reaching the highest degree at 10% and 25% concentrations, respectively.
A germule suppression assay showed a similar effect on Pd conidia germination. A MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of propolis revealed multiple constituents with a potential anti-Pd activity, including cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and dihydrochalcones, which could be further tested for their individual effects. Our study suggests that propolis or its individual constituents might be suitable products against Pd.
Antibiotics (Basel). 2017 Dec 21;7(1)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is a cutaneous infection that has devastated North American bat populations since 2007. At present, there is no effective method for controlling this disease.
Here, we evaluated the effect of propolis against Pd in vitro. Using Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium, approximately 1.7 × 10⁷ conidia spores of the Pd strain M3906-2/mL were spread on each plate and grown to form a consistent lawn. A Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay was employed using different concentrations of propolis (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%), in plates incubated at 8 °C and 15 °C. At 8 °C and 15 °C, as the concentration of propolis increased, there was an increasing zone of inhibition (ZOI), reaching the highest degree at 10% and 25% concentrations, respectively.
A germule suppression assay showed a similar effect on Pd conidia germination. A MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of propolis revealed multiple constituents with a potential anti-Pd activity, including cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and dihydrochalcones, which could be further tested for their individual effects. Our study suggests that propolis or its individual constituents might be suitable products against Pd.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Propolis Better Than Aciclovir for Treating Cold Sores
Comparative Study with a Lip Balm Containing 0.5% Propolis Special Extract GH 2002 versus 5% Aciclovir Cream in Patients with Herpes Labialis in the Papular/Erythematous Stage: A Single-blind, Randomized, Two-arm Study.
Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2017 Oct 14;88:1-7
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
This controlled single-blind trial compared the efficacy of a lip balm with propolis special extract GH 2002 at a concentration of 0.5% in the treatment of episodes of herpes labialis with that of 5% aciclovir cream.
METHODS:
Patients in the erythematous/papular stage were randomized: 189 patients were treated with propolis cream, 190 patients were treated with aciclovir cream (intention-to-treat population). Application was 5 times daily. The primary parameter was the difference in median time to complete encrustation or epithelialization of lesions. Secondary parameters were the development of typical herpes symptoms (eg, pain, burning and itching, tension, and swelling), the global assessment of efficacy, and the safety of application.
RESULTS:
The predefined clinical situation was reached after a median of 4 days with propolis and after 5 days with aciclovir (P < 0.0001). Significant differences in favor of the study preparation were found with all secondary parameters and symptoms. No allergic reactions, local irritations, or other adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
A formulation of 0.5% propolis GH 2002 extract lip balm was found to be superior in the treatment of episodes of herpes labialis over 5% aciclovir cream in patients in the papular/erythematous phase upon inclusion.
Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2017 Oct 14;88:1-7
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
This controlled single-blind trial compared the efficacy of a lip balm with propolis special extract GH 2002 at a concentration of 0.5% in the treatment of episodes of herpes labialis with that of 5% aciclovir cream.
METHODS:
Patients in the erythematous/papular stage were randomized: 189 patients were treated with propolis cream, 190 patients were treated with aciclovir cream (intention-to-treat population). Application was 5 times daily. The primary parameter was the difference in median time to complete encrustation or epithelialization of lesions. Secondary parameters were the development of typical herpes symptoms (eg, pain, burning and itching, tension, and swelling), the global assessment of efficacy, and the safety of application.
RESULTS:
The predefined clinical situation was reached after a median of 4 days with propolis and after 5 days with aciclovir (P < 0.0001). Significant differences in favor of the study preparation were found with all secondary parameters and symptoms. No allergic reactions, local irritations, or other adverse events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS:
A formulation of 0.5% propolis GH 2002 extract lip balm was found to be superior in the treatment of episodes of herpes labialis over 5% aciclovir cream in patients in the papular/erythematous phase upon inclusion.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Portuguese Honeys Possess Excellent Anti-Biofilm Activity
Synergistic Antimicrobial Interaction between Honey and Phage against Escherichia coli Biofilms
Front Microbiol. 2017 Dec 8;8:2407
Chronic wounds afford a hostile environment of damaged tissues that allow bacterial proliferation and further wound colonization. Escherichia coli is among the most common colonizers of infected wounds and it is a prolific biofilm former.
Living in biofilm communities, cells are protected, become more difficult to control and eradicate, and less susceptible to antibiotic therapy. This work presents insights into the proceedings triggering E. coli biofilm control with phage, honey, and their combination, achieved through standard antimicrobial activity assays, zeta potential and flow cytometry studies and further visual insights sought by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Two Portuguese honeys (PF2 and U3) with different floral origin and an E. coli-specific phage (EC3a), possessing depolymerase activity, were tested against 24- and 48-h-old biofilms. Synergic and additive effects were perceived in some phage-honey experiments.
Combined therapy prompted similar phenomena in biofilm cells, visualized by electron microscopy, as the individual treatments. Honey caused minor membrane perturbations to complete collapse and consequent discharge of cytoplasmic content, and phage completely destroyed cells leaving only vesicle-like structures and debris.
Our experiments show that the addition of phage to low honey concentrations is advantageous, and that even fourfold diluted honey combined with phage, presents no loss of antibacterial activity toward E. coli. Portuguese honeys possess excellent antibiofilm activity and may be potential alternative therapeutic agents in biofilm-related wound infection. Furthermore, to our knowledge this is the first study that assessed the impacts of phage-honey combinations in bacterial cells.
The synergistic effect obtained was shown to be promising, since the antiviral effect of honey limits the emergence of phage resistant phenotypes.
Front Microbiol. 2017 Dec 8;8:2407
Chronic wounds afford a hostile environment of damaged tissues that allow bacterial proliferation and further wound colonization. Escherichia coli is among the most common colonizers of infected wounds and it is a prolific biofilm former.
Living in biofilm communities, cells are protected, become more difficult to control and eradicate, and less susceptible to antibiotic therapy. This work presents insights into the proceedings triggering E. coli biofilm control with phage, honey, and their combination, achieved through standard antimicrobial activity assays, zeta potential and flow cytometry studies and further visual insights sought by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Two Portuguese honeys (PF2 and U3) with different floral origin and an E. coli-specific phage (EC3a), possessing depolymerase activity, were tested against 24- and 48-h-old biofilms. Synergic and additive effects were perceived in some phage-honey experiments.
Combined therapy prompted similar phenomena in biofilm cells, visualized by electron microscopy, as the individual treatments. Honey caused minor membrane perturbations to complete collapse and consequent discharge of cytoplasmic content, and phage completely destroyed cells leaving only vesicle-like structures and debris.
Our experiments show that the addition of phage to low honey concentrations is advantageous, and that even fourfold diluted honey combined with phage, presents no loss of antibacterial activity toward E. coli. Portuguese honeys possess excellent antibiofilm activity and may be potential alternative therapeutic agents in biofilm-related wound infection. Furthermore, to our knowledge this is the first study that assessed the impacts of phage-honey combinations in bacterial cells.
The synergistic effect obtained was shown to be promising, since the antiviral effect of honey limits the emergence of phage resistant phenotypes.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Propolis may Help Treat a Sore Throat
The best folk remedy for sore throat
Mice Times
Propolis to dissolve. Propolis, like honey, has healing properties and it can be called one of the best natural antiseptics. If a sore throat, instead of drugstore candy dissolve a piece of propolis several times a day.
Mice Times
Propolis to dissolve. Propolis, like honey, has healing properties and it can be called one of the best natural antiseptics. If a sore throat, instead of drugstore candy dissolve a piece of propolis several times a day.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Propolis May Help Treat White-nose Syndrome (WNS) in Bats
Evidence for Anti-Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) Activity of Propolis
Antibiotics (Basel). 2017 Dec 21;7(1)
White-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), is a cutaneous infection that has devastated North American bat populations since 2007. At present, there is no effective method for controlling this disease.
Here, we evaluated the effect of propolis against Pd in vitro. Using Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium, approximately 1.7 × 10⁷ conidia spores of the Pd strain M3906-2/mL were spread on each plate and grown to form a consistent lawn. A Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion assay was employed using different concentrations of propolis (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%), in plates incubated at 8 °C and 15 °C. At 8 °C and 15 °C, as the concentration of propolis increased, there was an increasing zone of inhibition (ZOI), reaching the highest degree at 10% and 25% concentrations, respectively.
A germule suppression assay showed a similar effect on Pd conidia germination. A MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of propolis revealed multiple constituents with a potential anti-Pd activity, including cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, and dihydrochalcones, which could be further tested for their individual effects.
Our study suggests that propolis or its individual constituents might be suitable products against Pd.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Consumption of 'Mad Honey' for Medicinal Purposes Not Recommended
Effect on oxidative stress, hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters, and genotoxic damage of mad honey intake in rats
Hum Exp Toxicol. 2017 Jan 1:960327117745691
A total of 66 male Wistar rats were used and six groups (control: 10 animals and experimental: 12 animals) were formed. While a separate control group was established for each study period, mad honey application to the animals in the experimental group was carried out with a single dose (12.5 g kg-1 body weight (b.w.); acute stage), at a dose of 7.5 g kg-1 b.w. for 21 days (subacute stage), and at a dose of 5 g kg-1 b.w. for 60 days (chronic stage).
Tissue and blood oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters in the liver (cytochrome P450 2E1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-cytochrome b5 reductase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome c reductase (CYTC), GSH S-transferase (GST), and GSH), and micronucleus and comet test in some samples were examined.
Findings from the study showed that single and repeated doses given over the period increased MDA, NO, and HNE levels while decreasing/increasing tissue and blood antioxidant enzyme activities. From hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters, GST activity increased in the subacute and chronic stages and CYTC activity increased in the acute period, whereas GSH level decreased in the subacute stage. Changes in tail and head intensities were found in most of the comet results.
Mad honey caused oxidative stresses for each exposure period and made some significant changes on the comet test in certain periods for some samples obtained. In other words, according to the available research results obtained, careless consumption of mad honey for different medical purposes is not appropriate.
Hum Exp Toxicol. 2017 Jan 1:960327117745691
A total of 66 male Wistar rats were used and six groups (control: 10 animals and experimental: 12 animals) were formed. While a separate control group was established for each study period, mad honey application to the animals in the experimental group was carried out with a single dose (12.5 g kg-1 body weight (b.w.); acute stage), at a dose of 7.5 g kg-1 b.w. for 21 days (subacute stage), and at a dose of 5 g kg-1 b.w. for 60 days (chronic stage).
Tissue and blood oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters in the liver (cytochrome P450 2E1, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-cytochrome b5 reductase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-cytochrome c reductase (CYTC), GSH S-transferase (GST), and GSH), and micronucleus and comet test in some samples were examined.
Findings from the study showed that single and repeated doses given over the period increased MDA, NO, and HNE levels while decreasing/increasing tissue and blood antioxidant enzyme activities. From hepatic chemical metabolizing parameters, GST activity increased in the subacute and chronic stages and CYTC activity increased in the acute period, whereas GSH level decreased in the subacute stage. Changes in tail and head intensities were found in most of the comet results.
Mad honey caused oxidative stresses for each exposure period and made some significant changes on the comet test in certain periods for some samples obtained. In other words, according to the available research results obtained, careless consumption of mad honey for different medical purposes is not appropriate.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Biologically Active Components of Bee Venom
Isolation and Identification of Biologically Active Components from the Honey Bee Venom Apis Mellifera L. Caucasica
Medcrave
The venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera is an intricate mixture of chemical compositions, including proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other small molecules. Lately, there has
been growing interest in the use of melittin, due to its wide range of biological and potential therapeutic applications. Melittin, which is considered to be an antimicrobial, antitumor, and antiinflammatory peptide, is the main component (≥50% (w/w)) of honey bee venom and is widely used in oriental medicine and studied as an alternative for treating drug-resistant infections. In parallel to antimicrobial peptides for therapeutic use in humans, melittin can be used to fight economically important plant pathogens that limit crop production globally. Phospholipase
A2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase (HYA) are the two major enzymatic proteins present in the bee venom [6,7]. Both of these enzymes are classified as major allergens according to the International
Union of Immunological Societies, as they are capable of inducing
the IgE response in susceptible individuals.
The results of study confirm that a high purity and recovery yield of melittin can be obtained with a one-step purification method with strong cationexchange chromatography resins using
sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6...
Medcrave
The venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera is an intricate mixture of chemical compositions, including proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other small molecules. Lately, there has
been growing interest in the use of melittin, due to its wide range of biological and potential therapeutic applications. Melittin, which is considered to be an antimicrobial, antitumor, and antiinflammatory peptide, is the main component (≥50% (w/w)) of honey bee venom and is widely used in oriental medicine and studied as an alternative for treating drug-resistant infections. In parallel to antimicrobial peptides for therapeutic use in humans, melittin can be used to fight economically important plant pathogens that limit crop production globally. Phospholipase
A2 (PLA2) and hyaluronidase (HYA) are the two major enzymatic proteins present in the bee venom [6,7]. Both of these enzymes are classified as major allergens according to the International
Union of Immunological Societies, as they are capable of inducing
the IgE response in susceptible individuals.
The results of study confirm that a high purity and recovery yield of melittin can be obtained with a one-step purification method with strong cationexchange chromatography resins using
sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6...
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Propolis Component Helps Treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
Chrysin attenuates testosterone-induced benign prostate hyperplasia in rats
Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Dec 14;111:650-659
Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related health problem affecting almost 3 out of 4 men in their sixties. Chrysin is a dietary phytoestrogen found naturally in bee propolis and various plant extracts. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. The current study was conducted to explore the role chrysin plays in protection against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. On grounds of a preliminary experiment, a dose of chrysin (50 mg/kg) was chosen for further investigation. Testosterone significantly depleted glutathione, suppressed superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and elevated lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it markedly scaled down the level of cleaved caspase-3 enzyme, reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mRNA expression of p53 and p21; conversely, protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was enhanced. Chrysin alleviated testosterone-induced oxidative stress and restored cleaved caspase-3 level, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mRNA expression of p53 and p21 to almost control levels. Chrysin prevented the increase in binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit, mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). These data highlight the protective role of chrysin against experimentally-induced BPH. This is attributed - at least partly - to its antioxidant, antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties.
Food Chem Toxicol. 2017 Dec 14;111:650-659
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Propolis Helps Treat the Common Cold
Propolis nasal spray effectively improves recovery from infectious acute rhinitis and common cold symptoms in children: a pilot study
J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2017 Oct-Dec;31(4):943-950.
Currently, treatment for acute rhinitis (AR) is symptomatic but no clear agreement exists to control its development. Propolis extract may appear as a promising natural treatment for AR, but its beneficial effects have not yet been fully tested. Forty children suffering from AR and common cold symptoms aged between 2-12 years were enrolled in a prospective epidemiological multicentre study.
A 7-day treatment with propolis nasal spray (3 times/day) was applied and a comparison of symptomatology, subjective global improvement and quality of life (QoL) between baseline (day 1) and final (day 7) visits were performed. The main goal was to evaluate the changes in symptom intensity using the Jackson's scoring test. After 7 days of treatment there was a significant decrease of symptoms both in the total score (p less than 0.0001) and in regard to each AR symptom (p less than 0.01). On the whole, the sample reported no symptoms by day 7, and the resolution of symptoms occurred approximately at day 4. Furthermore, there was no need for supplementary treatment. Both the subjective global improvement impression and the QoL of patients appeared to significantly improve after treatment. No adverse events (AEs) were found globally.
It can be concluded that propolis nasal spray effectively improves recovery from infectious AR and common cold symptoms in children and is an optimal alternative in the treatment of this disease without need for any adjuvant treatment.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Propolis Component Protects Against Lung Injury
Discovery of caffeic acid phenethyl ester derivatives as novel myeloid differentiation protein 2 inhibitors for treatment of acute lung injury
Eur J Med Chem. 2018 Jan 1;143:361-375
Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) is an essential molecule which recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leading to initiation of inflammation through the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) from propolis of honeybee hives could interfere interactions between LPS and the TLR4/MD2 complex, and thereby has promising anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we designed and synthesized 48 CAPE derivatives and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) activated by LPS. The most active compound, 10s, was found to bind with MD2 with high affinity, which prevented formation of the LPS/MD2/TLR4 complex. The binding mode of 10s revealed that the major interactions with MD2 were established via two key hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, 10s showed remarkable protective effects against LPS-caused ALI (acute lung injury) in vivo. Taken together, this work provides new lead structures and candidates as MD2 inhibitors for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD2) is an essential molecule which recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS), leading to initiation of inflammation through the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) from propolis of honeybee hives could interfere interactions between LPS and the TLR4/MD2 complex, and thereby has promising anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we designed and synthesized 48 CAPE derivatives and evaluated their anti-inflammatory activities in mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) activated by LPS. The most active compound, 10s, was found to bind with MD2 with high affinity, which prevented formation of the LPS/MD2/TLR4 complex. The binding mode of 10s revealed that the major interactions with MD2 were established via two key hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, 10s showed remarkable protective effects against LPS-caused ALI (acute lung injury) in vivo. Taken together, this work provides new lead structures and candidates as MD2 inhibitors for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Chestnut Honey
Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Casteanea sativa Miller chestnut honey produced on Mount Etna (Sicily)
Nat Prod Res. 2017 Dec 13:1-8
The aim of this study was the evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Monofloral Etna Castanea sativa Miller honeys. Escherichia coli ATCC 25,922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29,211 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29,213 were investigated for their susceptibilities to two different honeys. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by ORAC, NO scavenger assays, FRAP and DPPH.
Antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties were compared with chestnut honeys from different geographical areas and with Manuka honey. UPLC-MS/MS was used for major components characterisation.
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