Saturday, July 18, 2015

Propolis Outperforms Herbal Extracts Against Candida Albicans

An interesting study comparing the antifungal properties of numerous herbal extracts, propolis and prescription drugs against Candida albicans. This study confirms propolis is the most effective in controlling Candida albicans, even though this isn't the first time these results have been achieved. This encouraging news should put propolis on top of the list of every patient dealing with this opportunistic fungi.

Comparative effect of propolis of honey bee and some herbal extracts on Candida Albicans

Objective
To determine the effect of propolis on Candida albicans and to compare it with the effects of some other herbal extracts and antibiotics on this pathogenic fungi.

Methods
The extracts of propolis, Thymus vulgaris, Caryophillium aromaticus, Echinophora platyloba, Allium cepa and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were prepared and the antifungi effects of the extracts were examined on Candida albicans ATCC10231 using disc-diffusion assay and micro-broth dilution. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as well as inhibition zone were evaluated and the anti fungi effects of herbal extracts were compared with amphotricin B and nystatin at the times of 24, 48 and 72 h. Data analysis was performed using test.

Results
Obtained results showed that propolis extract with MIC90 and MFC equal to 39 and 65 µg/mL, respectively, possess the highest antifungal activity when compared with other studied extracts. The extracts of Allium cepa and Thymus vulgaris, with MFC of 169 and 137 µg/mL, respectively, showed the lowest effects on the fungi. Also nystatin and amphotericin B yielded better effects on the tested fungi compared with the effects of all studied extracts on Candida albicans.

Conclusions
Propolis extract is effective in controlling Candida albicans. However, the issue requires further investigation on samples in animals and performing toxicological examinations.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Royal Jelly Effective Against Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumonia

Royal Jelly possesses many documented bioactive properties and this study found that both fresh and freeze-dried royal jelly is effective against antibiotic-resistant pneumonia. Add this to the fact that it's also a brain-booster, hormone-regulator and an anti-aging compound, not to mention that it boosts red blood cell counts, glucose tolerance and mental health!

The Lyophilization Process Maintains the Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Royal Jelly

The alternative use of natural products, like royal jelly (RJ), may be an important tool for the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. RJ presents a large number of bioactive substances, including antimicrobial compounds.

In this study, we carried out the chemical characterization of fresh and lyophilized RJ and investigated their antibacterial effects with the purpose of evaluating if the lyophilization process maintains the chemical and antibacterial properties of RJ. Furthermore, we evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the main fatty acid found in RJ, the 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA).

S. pneumoniae in spinal fluid (digitally colored).
Chromatographic profile of the RJ samples showed similar fingerprints and the presence of 10H2DA in both samples. Furthermore, fresh and lyophilized RJ were effective against all bacteria evaluated; that is, the lyophilization process maintains the antibacterial activity of RJ and the chemical field of 10H2DA. The fatty acid 10H2DA exhibited a good antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Therefore, it may be used as an alternative and complementary treatment for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Honey Bee Products Improve the Immune System

Yet another synergistic effect from consuming bee products. This is an important update to a previous study that identified lactic acid bacteria present in honey, bee pollen and bee bread. This human trial, even though small, reveals great promise for those needing immune system support, complementing the medical community's interest in the connection between the immune system and a healthy gut.

Lactobacillus kunkeei YB38 from honeybee products enhances IgA production in healthy adults
J Appl Microbiol. 2015 Jun 29. doi: 10.1111/jam.12889.


AIMS:
To identify lactic acid bacterial isolates that promote IgA production in honeybee products and honeybees (Apis mellifera).

METHODS AND RESULTS:
Pyrosequencing analysis of the microbiota of honeybee products and honeybees revealed the predominance of Lactobacillus kunkeei in honey, bee pollen, bee bread, and royal jelly. L. kunkeei was isolated from bee pollen, bee bread, and honey stomach, and its effect on IgA production was evaluated in vitro. Heat-killed YB38 and YB83 isolates from bee pollen promoted IgA production in mouse Peyer's Patch cells and had little mitogenic activity or effect on IL-2 production in mouse spleen cells in comparison with Listeria monocytogenes, which does exhibit mitogen activity. A pilot study in 11 healthy adults showed that 4-week intake of 1,000 mg/day heat-killed YB38 increased SIgA concentrations and secretion in saliva with no adverse effects.

CONCLUSION:
Heat-killed L. kunkeei YB38 from bee pollen increases IgA production and may safely improve immune responsiveness.


SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
This is the first report of microbiota analysis of royal jelly and the immune efficacy of L. kunkeei from honeybee products in humans.