Saturday, July 31, 2010

Prince Charles’ Wife Uses Bee Venom, Honey to Fight wrinkles

Camilla Fights Wrinkles with 'Bee Venom'
PTI, 7/28/2010

Prince Charles' wife Camilla is said to be having a radical beauty treatment, using bee venom, from a therapist who gives "natural facelifts" to celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow.

According to the Sun, 63-year-old Camilla has been seeing skin expert Deborah Mitchell, who has made a "natural facelift" treatment using bee venom. The sessions are believed to be held at Clarence House in London…

The Botox alternative, using the bee venom, manuka honey and shea butter, is claimed to iron out wrinkles…

Friday, July 30, 2010

New Zealand Royal Jelly Industry Hurt by False Claims

Local Producer Stung By False Claims
Scoop, 7/30/2010

The false claims of several New Zealand retailers are threatening the credibility of the local honey and bee keeping industries, says local producer Happy Valley Honey.

The Commerce Commission has recently ruled against several New Zealand retailers for “passing off” internationally sourced Royal Jelly in capsule form, with lower standards and active ingredients, for fresh Royal Jelly produced in New Zealand.

As a result of these cheaper products being in the market, Mark Harvey, Happy Valley Honey General Manager, estimates lost revenues for his company of $120K per annum. This has led the South Auckland based producer to seek overseas markets for this premium product.

Royal Jelly is a natural product produced by Honey Bees and is heralded for its high potency of vitamins and proteins which can give a variety of health benefits – (refer to enclosed factsheet) .

New Zealand Royal Jelly is renowned as the most natural and concentrated in the world because it generally has higher levels of the active ingredient 10HDA.

“As New Zealand’s largest producer of fresh Royal Jelly, we have been frustrated for some years by the sale of Royal Jelly encapsulated products that have misled the public in terms of the product being fresh and sourced from New Zealand.” Mr Harvey said.

Mr Harvey has recently returned from Asia and the Middle East, where a Happy Valley Honey retail store has opened in Hong Kong. “We have found the interest for New Zealand Royal Jelly to be extremely high overseas. Our largest customer is a group of Pharmacies and Medical Centres based in the Middle East.” he said…

Propolis Recommended to Treat Infertility, Boost Sexual and Intellectual Functions

Bee Propolis is a ‘Bee-U-Tiful’ Supplement
By Jody Johnson, Carthage Press, 7/27/2010

CARTHAGE, Mo. — Propolis, often called “bee glue,” isn’t the same as beeswax, although I thought it was. Beeswax is secreted by bees, whereas propolis is collected by bees from trees. It’s a mixture of various resins made from plants, flowers, leaf buds and tree barks. Bees carry the propolis on their backs to strengthen and seal cracks in their hives.

Bee glue is a godsend. What bees have to do is collect the same substance that trees use to protect themselves from infection. Certain trees (poplar, willow, birch and horse chestnut) create a special antibiotic sap to guard against invaders. Bees gather these saps, take them back to their hives and coat the hives with it in much the same manner as we use to paint and caulk our home. As well, each time the bees brush up against this brownish substance, they become automatically immunized!

Sterilizing agent

When intruders (rodents such as mice, etc.) get into bee hives, the bees sting them to death, then coat them with propolis, which sterilizes the offender. This is done this way because the bees can’t physically remove the enemies from their home.

One of the many cool things about propolis is that it has been found to stimulate our immune system, as discovered by Professor S. Scheller of the Institute for Microbiology at the Medical Academy of Poland.

Scheller and his four-member research team learned that propolis releases substances that guard against cellular deterioration, and it stimulates antibody production, thereby resisting many diseases.

Additional conclusions derived through experimentation are that sexual and intellectual functions were enhanced, along with speedier tissue healing from injuries and burns while using bee propolis. This is believed to be a result of a substance within the propolis called arginine. Second-degree burns have been successfully treated with bee propolis, as it reduces inflammation and stimulates enzyme systems, cell metabolism, circulation and collagen formation. As well, the study concluded that propolis is non-toxic.

Treating infertility

F. M. Ali, an Egyptian doctor at Ain Shams University, showed that propolis appears to be effective in treating infertility caused by endometriosis. In this small, randomized trial, the doctor found the bee propolis a viable treatment.

The researcher studied 40 female patients for more than two years — they were given 500 mg of propolis twice daily or a placebo. This regimen continued for six months and the study outcome showed that 60 percent became pregnant compared to 20 percent of those taking the sugar pills.

This study was presented at the 59th annual meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 13, 2003.

Potential cancer drug

Caffeic acids in propolis might be effective against colon cancer as stated in Cancer Research.

The article described how the acids were able to prevent the formation of pre-cancerous tissues in rats after injections of acute cancer-causing agents. Another study done in 1990 showed propolis chemicals to act against ovarian cancer in hamsters and sarcoma-type tumors in mice…

Side effects

Possible candidates for allergic reactions to propolis include:

• Anyone who seems to be generally allergic to many things.
• Asthmatics.
• Anyone allergic to bee or wasp stings.
• Pregnant women.
• Anyone allergic to Balsam of Peru…

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Follow Apitherapy News on Twitter

Follow Apitherapy News on Twitter

Brazilian Red Bee Propolis Offers Natural Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy

SUNRISE, Fla., July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Dietary supplement leader GNC recently added EaseFemin™ Menopausal Support to their roster of natural menopausal solutions at select stores and online. Introduced earlier this year, EaseFemin™ is the first supplement including Brazilian Red Bee Propolis, a new source of isoflavones representing a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy* and relief for menopausal symptoms.

EaseFemin™ incorporates Isofactor™, a pure extract of flavonoids from Brazilian Red Bee Propolis obtained from a patent protected extraction process. Isofactor™ is a powerful antioxidant against free radicals and is the newest source of isoflavones; natural compounds that support hormonal balance…

FDA Approves New Honey Wound Dressing

Links Medical Products Announces Approval for Sale of New MANUKApli® Sterile Wound Dressing

Irvine, California (Vocus) July 27, 2010 - Links Medical Products Inc. (LMP), a leader in the manufacture and marketing of innovative, caring products for use in both acute and long-term care, announces FDA approval for the sale of MANUKApli Sterile Wound Dressing. MANUKApli is 100% medical-grade Manuka honey in an easy-to-use applicator tube.

MANUKApli is the pure, all-natural solution to manage and treat wounds and burns that are not producing excessive exudate. Extensive research demonstrates that medical-grade Manuka honey offers bacteriostatic1, anti-inflammatory1, and antioxidant2,3 properties to promote accelerated wound healing. Manuka honey also maintains a moist healing environment1,4 and helps clean and debride wounds1,4 while controlling malodors.1,5

MANUKApli is designed for ease of use. It can be applied either directly to the wound bed or to a primary dressing.

MANUKApli is ideal for a variety of partial- or full-thickness wounds with low to moderate levels of exudate, including burns, skin tears, and small abrasions.

“MANUKApli is unique among Manuka honey products because it is made from 100% medical-grade Manuka honey, so it is never a blend,” states Tom Buckley, CEO of Links Medical Products. “We harvest it from our hives dedicated to bees that pollinate only the Manuka bush (a species known as Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand.”

MANUKApli is part of LMP’s ManukaMed® brand of advanced wound care (AWC) dressings. Great care is taken to ensure that the products are of the highest standard in purity and bioactivity. The ManukaMed brand of medical-grade Manuka honey is finely filtered to remove all processing particles and sterilized by gamma irradiation to eliminate bacteria, microorganisms, and spores. Gamma irradiation also assures that the honey retains its biologic activity…

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Video: Bee Sting Therapy Used to Treat Lyme Disease, Allergies, Pain

Bosque Farms Man Uses Bee Sting Therapy
Apitherapy an Age-Old Healing Technique

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- One man in Bosque Farms takes a different approach with bees using an age-old healing technique. Apitherapy uses bee stings to treat patients.

Jeff Stonesifer grew up in New England and always played in the woods as a kid. He contracted Lyme disease as a kid from deer ticks and says these honey bees make him feel better than he ever has.

"I've had creaks and cracks in my neck for as long as I can remember since childhood and it has just gone away now," said Stonesifer.

Bee sting therapist Ken Hayes Ken Hayes has more than 20 people who visit him on a regular basis to get stung a few times for help with what ails them. It's called apitherapy...

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Propolis Tested as Treatment for Radiotherapy Complications

Experimental Use of Oral Propolis for Prevention of Radiation Oesophagitis in Patients Treated with Chest Radiotherapy
Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (3) pp. 100 - 101

Oesophagitis is a common occurrence in patients subjected to chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for lung cancer; exposure of a part of oesophagus to radiation can not be avoided despite careful planning of the treatment.

Acute radiation injury of the oesophageal mucosa occurs within 3-4 weeks of treatment and dosimetric factors are predictive of acute oesophageal toxicity; concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy improve survival but increase toxicity, which is mainly severe odynophagia, dysphagia and chest pain. Severe symptoms are frequently reported and difficult to relieve. A temporary or definitive discontinuation in therapeutic plan is mandatory for many patients.

Propolis is a bee product which has been used as a folk medicine and it has been reported to possess various biological activities, mainly anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. We tested a propolis mixture (Cadigroup Laboratory, Rome, Italy) to evaluate its tolerability as a medication useful to prevent and/or treat swallowing symptoms; our endpoint is to allow patients to carry out their scheduled RT without symptoms.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Edible Crayons Made with Bee Pollen

Edible Crayons Made From Health Foods Make Eating Bee Pollen Fun
By Lloyd Alter, Treehugger.com, 7/23/2010

What kid didn't try to eat their crayons? Designboom introduces us to Luxirare, an extraordinary website where the proprietor develops and presents a collection of rare and beautiful things, like these crazy crayons made of healthy ingredients.

Eating bee pollen and prunes was never so much fun…

Honey Heals Burns Better Than Traditional Treatment

Honey Compared with Silver Sulphadiazine in the Treatment of Superficial Partial-Thickness Burns
Int Wound J, 2010 Jul 23

Burn injury is associated with a high incidence of death and disability; yet, its management remains problematic and costly.

We conducted this clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of honey in the treatment of superficial and partial-thickness burns covering less than 40% of body surface area and compared its results with those of silver sulphadiazine (SSD).

In this randomised comparative clinical trial, carried out Burn Center of POF Hospital, Wah Cantt, Pakistan, from May 2007 to February 2008, 150 patients of all ages having similar types of superficial and partial-thickness burns at two sites on different parts of body were included. Each patient had one burn site treated with honey and one treated with topical SSD, randomly.

The rate of re-epithelialization and healing of superficial and partial-thickness burns was significantly faster in the sites treated with honey than in the sites treated with SSD (13.47 +/- 4.06 versus 15.62 +/- 4.40 days, respectively).

The site treated with honey healed completely in less than 21 days versus 24 days for the site treated with SSD. Six patients had positive culture for Pseudomonas aeroginsa in honey-treated site, whereas 27 patients had positive culture in SSD-treated site.

The results clearly showed greater efficacy of honey over SSD cream for treating superficial and partial-thickness burns.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Propolis Reduces Risk of Middle Ear Infections

Effectiveness of a Propolis and Zinc Solution in Preventing Acute Otitis Media in Children with a History of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol, 2010 Apr-Jun;23(2):567-75

Recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) is frequently encountered in infants and children and the lack of any definitive treatment has led parents and physicians to try complementary and alternative therapies.

We evaluated the efficacy of a propolis and zinc suspension in preventing AOM in 122 children aged 1-5 years with a documented history of rAOM, who were prospectively, blindly, randomized 1:1 to receive the suspension plus elimination of environmental risk factors or elimination of environmental risk factors only. AOM- and respiratory-related morbidity were assessed at study entry and every four weeks.

In the 3-month treatment period AOM was diagnosed in 31 (50.8%) children given the propolis and zinc suspension and in 43 (70.5%) controls. The mean number of episodes of AOM per child/month was 0.23 -/+ 0.26 in the propolis and zinc group and 0.34 -/+ 0.29 in controls.

The administration of a propolis and zinc suspension to children with a history of rAOM can significantly reduce the risk of new AOM episodes and AOM-related antibiotic courses, with no problem of safety or tolerability, and with a very good degree of parental satisfaction. No effect can be expected on respiratory infections other than AOM.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Workshop on Medicinal Beekeeping in Malaysia August 1-4

Dr. Stefan Stangaciu is currently a visiting lecturer at School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kelantan, Malaysia.

Currently, Dr Stangaciu provides an intensive course in Apitherapy for the lecturers and staff at USM. A National Workshop on Medicinal Beekeeping will be held in Johor Bahru organised by USM in collaboration with Agriculture Department of Malaysia, An-Nur Apiary Centre and other universities and government bodies, 1-4 August 2010.

Dr. Stangaciu and Dr. Mappatoba Sila from Indonesia will be the main speakers and demonstrators during the workshop.

Contact Prof. Siti Amrah Sulaiman, E-mail: sbsamrah@kb.usm.my

Brazilian Propolis from May, June and August Has Highest Antioxidant Activity

The Role of Seasonality on the Inhibitory Effect of Brazilian Green Propolis on The Oxidative Metabolism of Neutrophils
Fitoterapia, Article in Press

The reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by neutrophils are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, for which the intake of antioxidants could benefit patients either as a prophylactic or therapeutic treatment.

Propolis is among the known antioxidants, and its chemical composition may vary under the influence of seasonality, which may interfere in its biological properties.

This work evaluates the role of seasonality on the production of some important compounds of propolis samples produced monthly from November 2001 through October 2002 as well as the effect of these samples on the oxidative metabolism of stimulated neutrophils, by using both luminol and lucigenin to produce chemiluminescence (CLlum and CLluc, respectively).

The cytotoxicity of the most active extracts to neutrophils was also investigated. The inhibitory effect of the propolis samples varied significantly during the studied period for both assays (3.4 ± 1.1 to 16.0 ± 1.1 μg/mL for CLlum and 6.2 ± 2.0 to 30.0 ± 5.0 μg/mL for CLluc), which was also observed in the quantitative profile of the main analyzed compounds (aromadendrin-4′-methyl ether, artepillin C, and baccharin).

This effect started to become more prominent during the fall and, among all the studied extracts, the one obtained in May displayed the highest inhibitory effect on CL production (3.4 ± 1.1 μg/mL for CLlum and 6.2 ± 2.0 μg/mL for CLluc). The HPLC qualitative profiles of the extracts of propolis samples were quite similar, but there was a huge variation in terms of quantitative profile.

It seems that aromadendrin-4′-methyl ether and baccharin play an essential role in the antioxidant activity, while artepillin C is not very important for this effect. The extracts presenting the highest antioxidant activity were produced in May, June, and August, and they did not display cytotoxicity at 25 μg/mL; quercetin, used as control, was not toxic to neutrophils at 8.5 μg/mL.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Bee Sting Therapy for Pain Relief

Factoidz.com

The Sting of a Honeybee vs. Chronic Arthritic and Neural Body Aches

...An alternative medicine that is gaining support is the treatment of chronic joint, bone and neural pain is apitherapy. This alternative treatment is also known as honeybee-sting therapy.

Honeybee Sting Therapy as an Anti-Inflammatory

Apitherapy (honeybee sting therapy) includes the medicinal and dietary health uses of bee products including raw honey, pollen, bee propolis and pollen, as well as honeybee venom. The alternative health application of the sting of the honeybee can have profound anti-inflammatory properties for those whom have sought relief elsewhere and found none.

The honeybee sting is used as an alternative and possibly last-resort treatment for people with long-term and chronic joint, bone and muscular-skeletal aches that are unresponsive to conventional medicines.

Upon taking an allergy test to rule out the possibility of a potentially deadly or fatal anaphylaxic reaction to the honeybee venom, a course of live honeybee stings is given to the patient from a practitioner of apitherapy. A series of live honeybees is pressed against the skin of the patient whereby the sting is delivered, and the honeybee dies. There is the usual intense pain of the site of the sting which usually subsides within a few minutes and dulls to a minor pain.

Usually as few as four honeybees are applied in this manner every second day is a starter treatment. As the patient becomes desensitized and they can tolerate the bee stings more easily, as many dozens of such honeybee stings can be given every second day for up to several months in some treatment regimens. The severity and nature of the patient’s condition dictates the intensity and duration of honeybee-sting therapy...

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Video: Is Honey Good Medicine or Just a Sweet Treat?

The Healing Properties of Liquid Gold
NPR. 7/19/2010

So why are people so gaga for bees? Well, for starters, there's renewed interest in the age-old health claims about honey.

Two centuries ago the Roman historian Pliny the Elder declared honey to be the finest, most health-promoting liquid known to man.

These claims are still circulating today, with lots of folks attempting to use honey stave off allergies. (I investigate this and other health claims about honey in my Tiny Desk Kitchen show, watch the video above)…

Honey Kills Bacteria That Cause Chronic Sinusitis

Honey Kills Bacteria: Study

…Honey is mentioned in the Bible, it was used to preserve corpses by the ancient Egyptians, was considered sacred during the time of Buddha, and the prophet Muhammad espoused its potential healing properties.

But it's only been in recent times that science has been able to prove and explain the benefits that honey holds.

Now a new study from researchers at the University of Amsterdam shows honey to be effective in killing bacteria that cause chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis affects millions of people every year.

In chronic sinusitis, the mucous membranes in the sinus cavities become inflamed, causing headaches, stuffy nose, and difficulty breathing.

Though it can be caused by allergies, chronic sinusitis can also be caused by bacteria that colonize in the nose and sinuses…

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Royal Jelly Helps Prevent Liver Damage

Protective Potential of Royal Jelly Against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced-Toxicity and Changes in the Serum Sialic Acid Levels
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press

Royal Jelly (RJ) is used in the Turkish folk medicine for the treatment of number of disorders.

The present study describes the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the RJ against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver damage.

Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. CCl4 (0.8 ml/kg; s.c.) and RJ (50, 100, 200 mg/kg; orally) were given every other day, for 20 days. Malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione in whole blood and tissues; ceruloplasmin, sialic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol, β-carotene and liver enzymes levels in serum were measured. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the liver were examined.

RJ exerted the significant protective effect on liver damage as well as on oxidative stress induced by CCl4, resulting in reduced lipid peroxidation and improved endogenous antioxidant defence systems. It also reduced the elevated levels of liver enzymes. Histopathological study further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of RJ, when compared with the CCl4 treated control groups.

In conclusion, present study reveals biological evidence that supports the use of RJ in the treatment of chemical-induced hepatotoxicity.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

14 Ways Honey Can Heal

Yoga+ Magazine, 7/19/2010

According to ayurveda, honey is the nectar of life. Because it is created from the essence of a flower's sex organs, it has a natural affinity with reproductive tissue. It can also heal sore throats, colds, coughs, ulcers, burns, and wounds. And when ingested with a healing herb (like ashwagandha), honey travels to the deepest tissues, transporting the chemical properties and the subtle energies of medicine to the cellular level…

Ayurvedic texts are full of honey-based remedies for a wide range of ailments, such as:

For obesity, high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol, drink a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey and 5 to 10 drops of apple cider vinegar early in the morning daily. (Ayurvedic texts say honey scrapes fat and cholesterol from the body's tissues.)

• To relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, take 1 teaspoon of honey with 200 mg powdered guggulu daily.

• To heal oral ulcers, apply 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of turmeric to canker sores, mouth ulcers, or sores on the tongue. This mixture will generate saliva and draw out toxins; spit it out to speed the healing process. For internal ulcers, mix a cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey twice daily.

• To heal a wound, dress it daily with sterilized gauze brushed with honey; dispose at night.

• For the common cold, mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon with 1 teaspoon honey and eat two or three times a day.

• To clear your sinuses, take a mixture of 1 teaspoon each of fresh ginger juice and honey two or three times a day.

• For asthma, eat a mixture made of 1/2 teaspoon bay leaf powder, 1/4 teaspoon pippali, and 1 teaspoon of honey two or three times daily...

Propolis Has Positive Effect on Immunity

Effects of Diets Containing Different Concentrations of Propolis on Hematological and Immunological Variables in Laying Hens
Poult Sci, 2010 Aug;89(8):1703-8

To evaluate the effect of 4 different levels of propolis supplementation on the hematological and immunological parameters of laying hens, a trial was conducted with 60 White Leghorn layer hens.

The experiment was conducted by using a randomized design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates, and 3 hens in each replicate. Treatments included basal diet (control) and basal diet plus 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 g of propolis/kg of diet, respectively. At the end of the 12-wk treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine hematological and immunological values.

The results showed that the addition of propolis at 3 g/kg in the diet resulted in significant increases in the serum IgG and IgM levels and significant decreases in the peripheral blood T-lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control and other treatment groups.

In addition, the level of 3 g/kg of propolis supplementation significantly increased erythrocyte count (red blood cells) compared with the other treatments. On the other hand, hemoglobin and hematocrit values and total leucocyte (white blood cells) and differential leucocytes counts were not influenced by propolis supplementation.

These results indicate that the inclusion of propolis at the level of 3 g/kg of diet may have a positive effect on humoral immunity of laying hens.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Propolis Blocks Toxic Effects of Aluminum

Propolis Prevents Aluminum-Induced Genetic and Hepatic Damages in Rat Liver
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press

Aluminium is present in several manufactured foods and medicines and is also used in water purification. Therefore, the present experiment was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of propolis in modulating the aluminium chloride (AlCl3) induced genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in liver of rats.

Animals were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control; 34 mg AlCl3/kg bw; 50 mg propolis/kg bw; AlCl3 (34 mg/kg bw) plus propolis (50 mg/kg bw), respectively. Rats were orally administered their respective doses daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized and hepatocytes (HEP) were isolated for counting the number of micronucleated hepatocytes (MNHEPs). In addition, the levels of serum enzymes and histological alterations in liver were investigated. AlCl3 caused a significant increase in MNHEPs, alkaline phosphatase, transaminases (AST and ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, severe pathological damages such as: sinusoidal dilatation, congestion of central vein, lipid accumulation and lymphocyte infiltration were established in liver. On the contrary, treatment with propolis alone did not cause any adverse effect on above parameters.

Moreover, simultaneous treatments with propolis significantly modulated the toxic effects of AlCl3. It can be concluded that propolis has beneficial influences and could be able to antagonize AlCl3 toxicity.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Video: Honey Recommended for Allergies, Wounds, Ulcers

A Natural and Inexpensive Way to Fix Anything from a Sore Throat to a Cut on Your Finger
Dee Armstrong, WLTZ, 7/15/2010

He’s been recognized as a producer of some of the best honey in the country and besides tasting great, it also helps to fix a lot of ailments.

Jim Harris is the “Honeybee Man.” He harvests his honey and sells it raw and unfiltered. He says that creates some of the benefits that aren’t in the store bought honey.

•Consuming honey from this area might help prevent your season allergies.
•It’s a good hair and skin conditioner.
•Bacteria can’t survive in honey so it helps to disinfect and speed the healing of wounds and burns.
•Some research says it helps ulcers, diarrhea and build the blood.
•Harris says that once or twice a year he takes a pair of tweezers and puts the bees on his back and the sting relieves his back pain and also the bee venom helps ease his arthritis.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Propolis May Play Role in Bee Health

Toxicity of Mycotoxins to Honeybees and Its Amelioration by Propolis
Toxicité des mycotoxines pour les abeilles et atténuation de cette toxicité grâce à la propolis
Toxizität von Mycotoxinen für Honigbienen und ihre Melioration durch Propolis
Apidologie, 12 July 2010

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their resource-rich nests are hosts to a wide range of saprophytic fungi, including species that produce mycotoxins. The toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), products of Aspergillus species often found in honeybee hives, was evaluated and LC50 values for both toxins were calculated. Workers can tolerate a wide range of concentrations of both OTA and AB1. At low concentrations, AB1 (1 μg/g and 2.5 μg/g diet) and OTA (1 μg/g) did not have any apparent toxic effects on bees. Enhancement of the toxicity of AB1 by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a known inhibitor of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, indicates a role for P450s in AB1 detoxification in honeybees. Extracts of propolis, a complex mixture of plant-derived chemicals, including many flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, similarly ameliorated aflatoxin toxicity and delayed the onset of mortality. Collectively, these results suggest that tolerance of AB1 by honeybees may be due to P450-mediated metabolic detoxification. Propolis may serve a hitherto unrecognized role in honey bee health by enhancing the activity of P450 enzymes involved in mycotoxin detoxification.

Zusammenfassung

Honigbienen und ihre Ressourcen-reichen Nester, die bei hoher Temperatur und Luftfeuchtigkeit gehalten werden, sind eine geeignete Umgebung für das Wachstum einer großen Vielfalt von opportunistischen Mikroorganismen. Hierzu gehören mehrere Pilzarten, die toxische Substanzen produzieren (sogenannte Mycotoxine). Die Toxizität von Aflatoxin B1 und Ochratoxin A, Produkte von häufig in Bienenvölkern gefundenen Aspergillusarten, wurden in dieser Studie bestimmt und die Konzentrationen der jeweiligen Toxine wurden berechnet, bei denen im Mittel 50 % aller getesteten Bienen sterben. Arbeiterinnen können ein großes Konzentrationsspektrum beider Mycotoxine tolerieren. Bei geringen Konzentrationen waren weder Aflatoxin B1 noch Ochratoxin A giftig für die Bienen, aber höhere Konzentrationen waren nachweislich letal innerhalb von 48 h. Insgesamt wirkt Aflatoxin B1 stärker toxisch als Ochratoxin A. Die Bienen sind offensichtlich in der Lage, Aflatoxin B1 zum Teil mit ihrem Darmenzym, Cytochrom P450 –Monooxygenase, zu metabolisieren. Wir schliessen das aus dem Befund, dass die Toxizität dieses Mycotoxins durch die Anwesenheit von Piperonyl-butoxid, einem Inhibitor dieses Enzyms, erhöht ist. Extrakte von Propolis, einer Mischung von Pflanzenharzen, die von Bienen als allgemeiner Kitt im Nest eingesetzt werden, verringern die Toxizität von Aflatoxin B1 und verzögern den Sterbezeitpunkt von Bienen, die das Mycotoxin aufgenommen haben. Propolis könnte eine bislang unerkannte Rolle für die Bienengesundheit spielen, indem es die Aktivität solcher Enzyme steigert, die an der Mycotoxin-Entgiftung beteiligt sind.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Honey Better at Controlling Children's Cough Than OTC Products

The Comparison of the Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and Diphenhydramine on the Nightly Cough and Sleep Quality of Children and Their Parents
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, July 12, 2010

Objectives: Coughing is a prevalent symptom of upper respiratory infections (URIs) that cause disturbance in the sleep of children and their parents. There is as yet no reliable treatment to control URIs and their related cough; however, drugs such as dextromethorphan (DM) and diphenhydramine (DPH) are now mainly used in the world. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of honey, DM, and DPH on the nightly cough and sleep quality of children and their parents.

Design: This was a clinical trial study in which 139 children aged 24–60 months suffering from coughing due to URIs were selected and assigned randomly to 4 groups. The first group received honey (HG), the second one DM (DMG), the third DPH (DPHG), but the fourth group or control group (CG) was assigned to a supportive treatment.

Outcome measures: After approximately a 24-hour intervention, the 4 groups were reexamined and their cough frequency, cough severity, and sleep quality in children and their parents were recorded by using the questionnaire with Likert-type questions.

Results: The mean of cough frequency score HG is 4.09±0.72 and 1.93±0.65 before and after the intervention, respectively, while these figures for the CG are 4.11±0.78 and 3.11±0.57, respectively. After the intervention, the difference of the mean score of the variables in all groups became statistically significant. The mean score of all variables in HG has stood significantly higher than those in other groups. There is also a significant relationship between the DMG and CG groups, even though there is no statistically difference between DMG and DPHG groups.

Conclusions: The result of the study demonstrated that receiving a 2.5-mL dose of honey before sleep has a more alleviating effect on URIs-induced cough compared with DM and DPH doses.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Video: Manuka Honey Remedy Relieves Sore Throats

This video shows you how to cure painful sore throat using lemon and manuka honey. Relieve your sore throat in just half a minute!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Propolis Could Help Treat Spinal Cord Injuries


Ethanol Extract of Chinese Propolis Facilitates Functional Recovery of Locomotor Activity after Spinal Cord Injury
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 7/10/2010

An ethanol extract of Chinese propolis (EECP) was given intraperitoneally to rats suffering from
hemitransection of half of their spinal cord (left side) at the level of the 10th thoracic vertebra to examine the effects of the EECP on the functional recovery of locomotor activity and expression of mRNAs of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and neurotrophic factors in the injury site.

Daily administration of EECP after the spinal cord injury ameliorated the locomotor function, which effect was accompanied by a reduced lesion size. Furthermore, the EECP suppressed iNOS gene expression, thus reducing NO generation, and also increased the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 mRNAs in the lesion site, suggesting that the EECP reduced the inflammatory and apoptotic circumstances through attenuation of iNOS mRNA expression and facilitation of mRNA expression of neurotrophins in the injured spinal cord.

These results suggest that Chinese propolis may become a promising tool for wide use in the nervous system for reducing the secondary neuronal damage following primary physical injury.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Royal Jelly Boosts Heart Health, Lowers Cholesterol

Natural Health from A-Z
Margaret Durst, N.D., Mason County News, June 30, 2010

Royal Jelly is an old folk remedy that is often overlooked. It is also known as bee’s milk, and is a concentrated super food that is a powerful anti-aging tonic. Royal Jelly contains many essential nutrients for humans. These include B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, E and K, 12 important minerals, 18 amino acids, collagen, and lecithin.

Royal Jelly is the milky fluid made of digested pollen and honey nectar that is mixed with a chemical secreted from a gland in the nurser bee’s head. This fluid is fed to the Queen Bees and is believed to be responsible for her stamina and longevity. (Queen Bees live 4 to 5 years compared to worker bees that live about 40 days.)

Health benefits of Royal Jelly are many. It is used not only for longevity, but for cardiovascular health, healing of the digestive tract, building the immune system, preventing cancer, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, and restoring skin health.

Research has shown that Royal Jelly lowers total cholesterol levels by 14 % and lowers triglyceride levels by approximately 10%. Royal Jelly has also been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis and to reduce fibrinogen levels, thereby helping to prevent abnormal blood clotting and strokes.

In the digestive tract, Royal Jelly is used to promote healthy tissue, to heal ulcers, and to protect the liver.

For the immune system, Royal Jelly stimulates the production of antibodies and suppresses Gram-Positive types of bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. It also helps prevent many forms of cancer, specifically leukemia and sarcomas. Royal Jelly enhances the function of the lymph nodes and stimulates the production of lymphocytes.

Because Royal Jelly is a concentrated source of Pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5, it is used to nourish the adrenal glands, and therefore for energy. Royal Jelly strengthens the adrenal glands, helping to protect them from the stress of our busy lifestyles and our diets that include sugar, chocolate, caffeine and sodas which all deplete the adrenal glands…

U.S. Medicinal Honey Firm Submits Application for Approval of Wound Gel

Derma Sciences Submits 510(k) Application for MEDIHONEY Gel, Reaches Goal of 20-Person U.S. Field Sales Force
ney Firm Submits Application for Approval of Wound Gel

PRINCETON, N.J., Jul 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Derma Sciences, Inc., a medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on advanced wound care, announces the achievement of regulatory and commercial milestones.

Late last week the Company submitted a 510(k) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for MEDIHONEY(R) Gel Wound & Burn Dressing. This latest MEDIHONEY line extension is dispensed from a tube and is comprised of Active Manuka (Leptospermum) Honey blended with gelling agents. It is intended for use in hard-to-dress areas and wounds. The Company expects an initial response by the FDA within 90 days of the date of submission. MEDIHONEY Gel is patented in the EU and is the subject of a patent application in the U.S.

"We have been systematically building our portfolio of novel proprietary, higher-margin, advanced wound-care products, and look forward to introducing MEDIHONEY Gel into the U.S. market upon receipt of FDA clearance," said Edward J. Quilty, chairman and chief executive officer of Derma Sciences. "It is challenging to keep medical honey at the site of a wound for an extended period of time because when it comes into contact with body fluids or heat, it turns into a thin, runny liquid. Most of the patents covering our unique line of MEDIHONEY dressings are based on this challenge, helping to keep the honey within certain dressings and formulations so it can remain at the wound site for extended periods of time -- even in the presence of wound fluid. Our patented MEDIHONEY Gel achieves this goal and will provide clinicians with another alternative dressing type to help expand usage."

The Company also achieved its staffing goal of 20 direct sales representatives in the U.S. by the end of the second quarter, a doubling from 10 representatives at the close of 2009…

Monday, July 12, 2010

Bee Venom May Help Treat MS, Depression and Dementia

ScienceDaily (July 9, 2010) — Scientists researching a toxin extracted from the venom of the honey bee have used this to inform the design of new treatments to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as muscular dystrophy, depression and dementia.

Apamin, a natural peptide toxin found in bee venom, is known for its ability to block a type of ion channel that enables a high-speed and selective flow of potassium ions out of nerves. The blocking of these channels in brain causes nerves to become hyperexcitable, producing improved learning that has implications for the treatment of dementia and depression. In addition, injection of apamin improves the symptoms experienced by sufferers of myotonic muscular dystrophy (MD).

Until now, the exact mechanism by which apamin acts was poorly understood. In a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, two teams from the University of Bristol and the University of Liege in Belgium describe the results of their joint work on these KCa2 potassium ion channels, also called SK channels.

Using computer models and a genetic approach, the researchers were able to pinpoint exactly where apamin binds to block the channel. To block ion channels, most molecules act as a plug at their external mouth. Perhaps surprisingly, the researchers have discovered that apamin binds away from the channel pore, and causes the shape of the channel to change through an 'allosteric' mechanism, resulting in block

This discovery could accelerate research into the design of new SK channel blockers which could imitate the action of apamin, to target SK channels in neural and muscular conditions such as dementia, depression or MD…

Bee Venom Used to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis: Unusual Way Some People Find Pain Relief
Dan Morris, allyoucanreadbusiness.com, Jul 9th, 2010

Some people would look at you a little curiously if you told them you got stung up to 80 times a day to alleviate your arthritis.

But some people swear by it. Bee-Venom therapy (apitherapy) is a way of alleviating the pain and swelling of arthritis.

A lot of people state that it has turned their problems 100 percent in the other direction. The process is just like it sounds.

The bee is put directly next to the skin and the affected area and it stings the patient. There are two specific things about the bee venom that are important. One thing the venom can stop is called interleuken-1. Interleuken-1 is what the inflammation feeds off of…

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Propolis Boosts Immune Response

Epimedium Polysaccharide and Propolis Flavone Can Synergistically Stimulate Lymphocyte Proliferation in vitro and Enhance the Immune Responses to ND Vaccine in Chickens
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Volume 47, Issue 2, 1 August 2010, Pages 87-92

Four prescriptions, epimedium flavone plus propolis flavone (EF–PF), epimedium flavone plus propolis extracts (EF–PE), epimedium polysaccharide plus propolis flavone (EP–PF) and epimedium polysaccharide plus propolis extracts (EP–PE), were prepared and their immune-enhancing effects were compared.

In test in vitro, the effects of them on chicken peripheral lymphocyte proliferation were determined by MTT method. The results showed that EP–PF group presented the highest stimulating index at most concentrations. In immune test, 300 14-day-old chickens were randomly divided into six groups and vaccinated with ND vaccine except for blank control (BC) group, re-challenged at 28 days of age. At the same time of the first vaccination, the chickens in four experimental groups were injected, respectively, with four prescriptions. The changes of the lymphocyte proliferation and antibody titer were determined. On day 28 after the first vaccination, the chickens except for BC group were challenged with NDV, the immune protective effect was observed.

The results displayed that in EP–PF group, the antibody titers, lymphocyte proliferation and protective rate were the highest, the morbidity and mortality were the lowest. In dose test, 14-day-old chickens were randomly divided into five groups. The treatment and determinations were the same as the immune test except that the chickens in experimental groups were injected, respectively, with high, medium and low doses of EP–PF.

The results revealed that in medium dose group, the antibody titers, lymphocyte proliferation and protective rate were the highest, the morbidity and mortality were the lowest.

These results indicated that EP and PF possessed synergistically immune enhancement, EP–PF had the best efficacy, especially at medium dose, and would be expected to exploit into a new-type immunopotentiator.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Novel Compounds Isolated from Bee Pollen

Pollenopyrroside A and B, Novel Pyrrole Ketohexoside Derivatives from Bee-Collected Brassica campestris Pollen
Chem. Pharm. Bull, 58(7) 983—985 (2010)

Bee-collected pollen is a hive product that bees pack pollen grains from the flower into pollen pellets on their hind legs with the help of combs and hairs, to feed their larvae in the early stages of development.

The constituents of pollen are different according to the floral species or cultivars, while flavonols are commonly encountered in the pollen of flowering plants and perform an essential physiological function
in pollen germination and pollen tube growth.

Brassica campestris L., also called rape, belongs to Brassica genus (Crucifer) and is widely grown in south of China as an economic crop. Bee-collected Brassica campestris pollen is often used in China as a healthy food and an herbal medicine in strengthening the body’s resistance against disease. It has
already been found to possess a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, regulating serum lipids, and treatment of prostatitis.

Up to date, bee-collected Brassica campestris pollen are known as a rich source of protein, polysaccharide, fatty acid and flavonoids. In our study on the active components of bee-collected Brassica campestris pollen, two novel pyrrole ketohexoside derivatives, named pollenopyrroside A (1) and pollenopyrroside B (2), were isolated from it. Their structures were identified on basis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, MS, NMR and X-ray) and chemical evidence.

Compounds 1 and 2 are two novel pyrrole ketohexoside derivatives with five–six and six–six member dioxaspirocycle, respectively (Fig. 1). Their cytotoxicities were evaluated against A549, Bel7420, BGC-823, HCT-8, and A2780...

Friday, July 09, 2010

Propolis Films Show Antifungal Activity

Physical and Antifungal Properties of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose Based Films Containing Propolis as Affected by Moisture Content
Carbohydrate Polymers, Article in Press

Edible films based on hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and different concentrations of an ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) were obtained.

Film-forming dispersions (FFDs) were characterized in terms of pH, density, rheological properties, particle size distribution and ζ-potential. Dry films were evaluated in terms of their optical, mechanical and water barrier properties when equilibrated at different moisture conditions. Likewise, the antifungal activity of the films against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium italicum was studied.

The incorporation of EEP affected the pure film properties by improving the water vapour permeability and giving rise to more rigid, less flexible and deformable, more opaque and coloured films with lower gloss and transparency.

The composite films revealed a notable antifungal activity against the tested fungus, showing a greater inhibitory effect on Aspergillus niger.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Bee Pollen a Safe Chemoprotective/Chemopreventive Agent

Antiestrogenic and Antigenotoxic Activity of Bee Pollen from Cystus incanus and Salix alba as Evaluated by the Yeast Estrogen Screen and the Micronucleus Assay in Human Lymphocytes
Eur J Med Chem, 2010 Jun 9

The estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity and the genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity of bee pollen from Salix alba L. and Cystus incanus L. and its derivative extracts in yeast and human cells was investigated.

All samples showed a marked inhibitory effect on the activity of the natural estrogen 17 beta-estradiol (higher than 90% for extracts 2) and failed to cause estrogenic activity and chromosome damage.

At least one preparation from each species showed a marked antigenotoxic effect against the action of the anticancer drugs mytomicin C, bleomycin, and vincristine.

Bee pollens from C. incanus and S. alba were found to be neither genotoxic nor estrogenic as well as effective estrogen inhibitors, and able to reduce the chromosome damage induced by the three cancer drugs used, thus supporting their use as a safe food supplement and future chemoprotective/chemopreventive agents.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

3rd World Propolis Science Forum to be Held in Korea

The 3rd Word Propolis Science Forum will be held as a special session during the 10th Asian Apicultural Association conference (November 4-7, 2010, Busan, BEXCO).

Date: November 5th (Friday), 2010, 09:00 ~ 18:00
Place: Busan, BEXCO, Korea
Host: Word Propolis Science Forum
Sponsor: Korea Beekeeping Farmers Union, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Health Supplement Association

For more information, visit http://www.aaa2010.or.kr/

World Propolis Science Forum
Co-Chairman: Chung-won, Cho / Seung-wan, Lee
http://www.wpsf.kr/
e-mail: pacrim386@naver.com

Supporters Swear by Local Honey for Allergy Relief

Some Swear by Honey's Medicinal Qualities
By Melody Brumble, Shreveport Times, 7/1/2010

Natural foods supporters swear by local honey for allergy relief despite a lack of research-backed evidence.

"The bees get a little pollen from the local flowers on the hairs on their legs, and it gets in the honey," said R.D. Trichel, who's kept bees in the Shreveport area since the 1970s.

The theory goes that the pollen acts a little like a vaccination by triggering a mild immune system response. Repeated exposure to the allergy-causing substance by eating a little honey every day helps a person suffer less during allergy season.

The key is getting honey made by bees that feed from the same plants where you live. Honey available at chain stores could come from hundreds of miles away or even from another country.

"It needs to be honey from a 20-mile radius," said Don Sorrells, who owns Westdale Honey Farm with his wife, Fran Sorrells…

There's little research into honey as an allergy cure. Xavier University students conducted a limited trial among volunteers in New Orleans in 2003. They found that some participants reported improved allergy symptoms after getting local honey for six weeks…

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Bee Pollen Shows Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Bee Pollen Ethanol Extract from Cistus sp. of Spanish on Carrageenan-Induced Rat Hind Paw Edema
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 23 June 2010

Background

Bee pollen, a honeybee product, is the feed for honeybees prepared themselves by pollens collecting from plants and has been consumed as a perfect food in Europe, because it is nutritionally well balanced. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of bee pollen from Cistus sp. of Spanish origin by a method of carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, and to investigate the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action and also to elucidate components involved in bee pollen extracted with ethanol.

Methods

The bee pollen bulk, its water extract and its ethanol extract were administered orally to rats. One hour later, paw edema was produced by injecting of 1% solution of carrageenan, and paw volume was measured before and after carrageenan injection up to 5 h. The ethanol extract and water extract were measured COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities using COX inhibitor screening assay kit, and were compared for the inhibition of NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The constituents of bee pollen were purified from the ethanol extract subjected to silica gel or LH-20 column chromatography. Each column chromatography fractions were further purified by repeated ODS or silica gel column chromatography.

Results

The bee pollen bulk mildly suppressed the carrageenan-induced paw edema and the water extract showed almost no inhibitory activity, but the ethanol extract showed relatively strong inhibition of paw edema. The ethanol extract inhibited the NO production and COX-2 but not COX-1 activity, but the water extract did not affect the NO production or COX activities. Flavonoids were isolated and purified from the ethanol extract of bee pollen, and identified at least five flavonoids and their glycosides.

Conclusions

It is suggested that the ethanol extract of bee pollen show a potent anti-inflammatory activity and its effect acts via the inhibition of NO production, besides the inhibitory activity of COX-2. Some flavonoids included in bee pollen may partly participate in some of the anti-inflammatory action. The bee pollen would be beneficial not only as a dietary supplement but also as a functional food.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Propolis is a Natural Food Preservative

Propolis as a Natural Decontaminant and Antioxidant in Fresh Oriental Sausage
Vet Ital, 2010 Apr-Jun;46(2):167-72

The authors evaluate the effect of propolis on the shelf-life and different quality criteria of fresh oriental sausage. Experimentally processed fresh oriental sausage treated with 0.6% ethanolic extract of propolis and control samples were kept in a refrigerator at 5 degrees C and examined every 3 days until signs of spoilage were observed. Both groups were investigated for sensory, chemical and microbiological deteriorative criteria.

The results revealed that control samples decomposed after 12 days, while treated samples had longer shelf-life as they decomposed after 21 days.

In general, the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value (mg malondialdehyde/kg) and total volatile bases nitrogen (TVB-N) mg/100 g increased gradually in all samples examined, with a significantly lower level for treated samples than for controls. In addition, a gradual increase in the microbiological load of control samples throughout the storage time was observed, whereas proteolytic, lipolytic and total mould and yeast counts were 6.39 +/- 0.41, 6.0 +/- 0.57 and 6.6 +/- 0.53 log(10) cfu/g, respectively, at day 12 and were rejected. Such counts were slightly lower in treated samples up to day 15 of storage, followed by a gradual increase until the end of storage.

Propolis is recommended as a preservative in fresh oriental sausage processing.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Cuban Honeys Showed Correlation Between Radical Scavenging Activity and Phenolic Content

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Capacity of Several Monofloral Cuban Honeys and Their Correlation with Color, Polyphenol Content and Other Chemical Compounds
Food Chem Toxicol, 2010 Jun 14

Several monofloral Cuban honeys were analyzed to determine their total phenolic, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, amino acid, protein and carotenoid contents as well as their radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial capacities.

The total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid contents varied considerably, and the highest values were obtained for Linen vine (Govania polygama (Jack) Urb) honey, which is classified as an amber honey. The highest amino acid content was found in Morning glory (Ipomoea triloba L.) while Liven vine had the highest protein content. Similarly Linen vine honey had the highest antioxidant activity while the lowest was found in Christmas vine (Turbina corymbosa,(L.) Raf). Ascorbic acid was absent. Hydroxyl radical formation was studied by EPR and spin trapping, and it was found in all honeys tested.

The antimicrobial activity was screened using two Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. S. aureus was the most sensitive microorganism while P. aeruginosa presented higher minimum active dilution values. B. subtilis and E. coli were both moderately sensitive to honey antimicrobial activity.

A correlation between radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content was found. Correlation existed also between color vs phenolics content, vs flavonoid content or between phenolic vs flavonoid.

Saturday, July 03, 2010

Honey Used to Treat Severe Form of Acne

Use of Active Leptospermum Honey for a Pediatric Patient with Hydradenitis Suppurativa
Ostomy Wound Management, June 2010, Vol. 56, Issue 6

Hydradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating disorder, sometimes described as a severe form of acne, occurring deep in the skin around sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the axilla, inguinal canal area, and perineum where the apocrine sweat glands are located.

Prevalence in the US population is an estimated 1% to 2%, the condition affects more women than men, and onset usually occurs between puberty and 40 years of age. Although the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms are unknown, contributing factors include axillary adiposity, sweat, heat, stress, tight clothing, genes, and hormones; obesity, bacterial infection, and smoking are also considerations. Other disorders associated with HS include Crohn’s Disease, Dowling-Dego’s Disease, and anthropathy...

Treatment varies depending on presentation and severity and should include preventive, medical, surgical, and psychological strategies. Some improvement may be achieved through conservative management that includes antibiotic and/or hormone therapy, oral retinoids, and immunosuppressive therapy; severe cases involving chronic sinus tracts and fistula formation may require wide excision and closure with skin grafts…

Evidence is increasing for using active Leptospermum honey (ALH) as a primary dressing for managing exudate, necrotic tissue, infection, and inflammation in stalled wounds.

Leptospermum honey’s antibacterial effect has been documented in vivo and in vitro for many organisms found in chronic wounds, even those with antibiotic resistance. ALH can be used alone or with other treatment modalities to improve the healing cascade; it displays significant antibacterial effects. The combination of properties is an important tool for addressing chronic wounds that have failed to progress.

The following case study and clinical experience in the author’s children’s hospital supports these findings.

Case Report

A 17-year-old young man with a 3-year history of HS had recurring episodes of abscess formation in both axillary areas. The lesions were painful, disfiguring, and debilitating, leading to multiple treatment episodes that included medical and surgical care. A wide excision was performed, resulting in right and left axillary wounds measuring 12.0 cm x 7.8 cm x 4.5 cm (see Figure 1) and 14.0 cm x 9.0 cm x 4.5 cm, respectively.

Pathology reports confirmed HS with chronic inflammation and fistula tract formation. Multiple surgical debridements combined with application of NPWT dressings, skin grafts (two), and a variety of topical wound care dressings were used over the course of treatment. All therapies failed to heal the wounds. Odor, pain, and heavy exudate increased and granulation tissue lacked a beefy red color.

A plan of care was developed that included the application of ALH-impregnated colloid dressing (Medihoney® Honeycolloid, Derma Sciences, Inc. Princeton, NJ) for light to moderate exudate as the primary dressing and an absorbent silicone foam dressing as the secondary dressing (see Figure 2). The patient’s mother was instructed on wound care and she changed the dressings at home every other day. With each dressing change, pain, exudate, and odor decreased.
Granulation tissue appearance improved and turned beefy red and the wound continually decreased in size (see Figure 4) and eventually progressed to closure.

Although there is no cure for HS, dressings with ALH helped reduce wound pain, exudate, and malodor and promoted healing in this patient. As a result of this and other cases, ALH is the dressing of choice for pediatric patients in this practitioner’s clinical practice. The dressings demonstrated the ability to promote healing when other modalities were ineffective.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Honey, Ultrasound Promote Healing of Chronic Wounds

Combined Noncontact, Low-Frequency Ultrasound and Medical Honey for the Treatment of Chronic Wounds: A Case Series
J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs, 2010 Jun 20

BACKGROUND: Chronic and delayed healing wounds represent a significant burden to patients, health care professionals, and the health care system. Although many different treatments have been used, the management of these wounds continues to be a significant clinical problem.

CASES: We report a case series of patients with chronic and delayed healing wounds of various etiologies and anatomical locations, treated with sharp wound debridement, noncontact, low-frequency ultrasound, and topical application of medical honey. All patients were treated as out- or inpatients in our free-standing, community-based rehabilitation hospital. We used direct observation and photographs to evaluate wound dimensions, wound bed, and the periwound skin. All 4 patients experienced either wound closure or reduction in wound dimensions. In addition, cleansing of the wound bed and stimulation of wound healing were observed.

CONCLUSION: Combined, noncontact, low-frequency ultrasound and topical application of medical honey may reduce wound dimensions, hasten wound closure, promote cleansing of the wound bed, and stimulate wound healing.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Scientists Identify New Anti-Bacterial Honey Ingredient

How Honey Kills Bacteria
Times of India, 7/1/2010

Scientists have identified a secret ingredient in honey that kills bacteria.

They have found that bees make a protein that they add to the honey, called defensin-1, which could one day be used to treat burns and skin infections and to develop new drugs that could combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

"We have completely elucidated the molecular basis of the antibacterial activity of a single medical-grade honey, which contributes to the applicability of honey in medicine," said Sebastian A.J. Zaat, a researcher involved in the work from the Department of Medical Microbiology at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam.

"Honey or isolated honey-derived components might be of great value for prevention and treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria," he added.

To make the discovery, Zaat and colleagues investigated the antibacterial activity of medical-grade honey in test tubes against a panel of antibiotic-resistant, disease-causing bacteria.

They developed a method to selectively neutralize the known antibacterial factors in honey and determine their individual antibacterial contributions. Ultimately, researchers isolated the defensin-1 protein, which is part of the honeybee immune system and is added by bees to honey.

After analysis, the scientists concluded that the vast majority of honey's antibacterial properties come from that protein…

Honey Helps Wound Healing in Obstructive Jaundice

The Effect of Honey on the Intestinal Anastomotic Wound Healing in Rats with Obstructive Jaundice
Bratisl Lek Listy, 2010;111(5):265-70.

BACKGROUND: Jaundice has been associated with an increased incidence of postoperative hernias, decreased wound and anastomotic bursting pressure, and reduced tissue collagen synthesis. This study is aimed to examine the possible effects of honey supplementation on anastomotic wound healing in obstructive jaundice (OJ) model.

METHODS: Eighty wistar-albino rats were divided into four groups as control, OJ, O plus artificial honey and OJ plus honey. Rats were fed with standard rat chow (SRC) in group-I&II, SRC plus 10 mg/kg/day honey in group-4 and SRC plus artificial honey including the same caloric amount with honey in group-3. Colon anastomoses were performed in all groups. Also, common bile duct ligation was performed in group-1, group-2 and group-3. On the postoperative 3rd and 7th days, anastomotic healing was evaluated.

RESULTS: The hydroxyproline level was significantly lower in the jaundiced animals compared with the controls and those given honey or artificial honey. The anastomotic bursting pressure results showed a correlation with the hydroxyproline results, and the use of honey significantly increased the bursting pressure compared with that of the bile duct ligated group.

CONCLUSION: The oral administration of honey can be considered when attempts at conventional internal drainage fail in obstructive jaundice.