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.

Muscle Mass Restored with Fresh Bee Pollen

Recognized for many years as a nutritional supplement for athletes, this new study reveals that fresh bee pollen improved metabolism and muscle mass in aged rats. An important revelation for an aging population where malnutrition often surfaces.

Bee Pollen Improves Muscle Protein and Energy Metabolism in Malnourished Old Rats through Interfering with the Mtor Signaling Pathway and Mitochondrial Activity

Nutrients. 2014 Dec 1;6(12):5500-16

Although the management of malnutrition is a priority in older people, this population shows a resistance to refeeding. Fresh bee pollen contains nutritional substances of interest for malnourished people. The aim was to evaluate the effect of fresh bee pollen supplementation on refeeding efficiency in old malnourished rats.

Male 22-month-old Wistar rats were undernourished by reducing food intake for 12 weeks. The animals were then renourished for three weeks with the same diet supplemented with 0%, 5% or 10% of fresh monofloral bee pollen. Due to changes in both lean mass and fat mass, body weight decreased during malnutrition and increased after refeeding with no between-group differences (p < 0.0001).

Rats refed with the fresh bee pollen-enriched diets showed a significant increase in muscle mass compared to restricted rats (p < 0.05). The malnutrition period reduced the muscle protein synthesis rate and mTOR/p70S6kinase/4eBP1 activation, and only the 10%-pollen diet was able to restore these parameters. Mitochondrial activity was depressed with food restriction and was only improved by refeeding with the fresh bee pollen-containing diets.

In conclusion, refeeding diets that contain fresh monofloral bee pollen improve muscle mass and metabolism in old, undernourished rats.

Mustard Bee Pollen Contains Rich Nutraceuticals, Antioxidants

Honey bees are documented to have the ability to choose ingredients that are fresh and nutritionally potent. This study confirms Indian Mustard bee pollen contains certain flavonoids, also found in propolis, that possess high levels of antioxidant activity. Along with 50% carbohydrates, 18% proteins and 10% fats (by weight), this bee pollen proves to be a healthy source of nutrition for honey bees and consumers alike.

Investigation of the nutraceutical potential of monofloral Indian mustard bee pollen

J Integr Med., 2014 July;12(4):379-89

OBJECTIVE:

This study was designed to investigate the nutraceutical potential of monofloral Indian mustard bee pollen (MIMBP).

METHODS:

The nutritional value of MIMBP was examined in terms of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and energy value. Its chemical composition in terms of total polyphenol and flavonoid content was determined. MIMBP was screened for free flavonoid aglycones by developing and validating a high-performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) method. MIMBP was analyzed for in vitro antioxidant effect in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity.

RESULTS:

MIMBP was found to be comprised of proteins ((182.2±5.9) g/kg), fats ((137.7±6.8) g/kg) and carbohydrates ((560.6±17.4) g/kg), which result in its high energy value ((17 616.7±78.6) kJ/kg). MIMBP was found to contain polyphenols ((18 286.1±374.0) mg gallic acid equivalent/kg) and flavonoids ((1 223.5±53.1) mg quercetin equivalent/kg). The HPLC-PDA analysis revealed the presence of kaempferol ((65.4±0.5) mg/kg) and quercetin ((51.4±0.4) mg/kg) in MIMBP, which can be used as markers for determining the quality of bee pollen. The MIMBP extract showed DPPH free radical-scavenging activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration of 54.79 μg/mL.

CONCLUSION:

The MIMBP was found to be a rich source of nutrients providing high caloric value, which makes it a candidate for a potential nutraceutical agent. The study also illustrated the high antioxidant content of MIMBP, especially in the principle polyphenols and flavonoids, which suggests its potential role in the prevention of free radical-implicated diseases. The DPPH-scavenging effect of MIMBP further confirmed its antioxidant potential. Additionally, we developed a simple, specific and accurate HPLC-PDA method for the identification and quantification of free flavonoid aglycones. This can be applied in future screenings of the quality of pollen collected by honeybees.

Click here to download the entire study.

Bee Products Reduce Toxic Damage from Agrichemicals

A common thread found in all bee products is antioxidant potency. This study found their effects reversed oxidatitve damage caused by agrichemical contamination in an aquacultural setting. The results are evident, not only with aquatic life but in this study they also included a common ground water contaminant, which is known for causing infant birth defects. Bee products are a natural protective addition for creatures with or without legs...

Bee Products Prevent Agrichemical-Induced Oxidative Damage in Fish

PLoS One, 2013 Oct 3

In southern South America and other parts of the world, aquaculture is an activity that complements agriculture. Small amounts of agrichemicals can reach aquaculture ponds, which results in numerous problems caused by oxidative stress in non-target organisms. Substances that can prevent or reverse agrichemical-induced oxidative damage may be used to combat these effects. This study includes four experiments.

In each experiment, 96 mixed-sex, 6-month-old Rhamdia quelen (118±15 g) were distributed into eight experimental groups: a control group that was not exposed to contaminated water, three groups that were exposed to various concentrations of bee products, three groups that were exposed to various concentrations of bee products plus tebuconazole (TEB; Folicur 200 CE™) and a group that was exposed to 0.88 mg L-1 of TEB alone (corresponding to 16.6% of the 96-h LC50).

We show that waterborne bee products, including royal jelly (RJ), honey (H), bee pollen (BP) and propolis (P), reversed the oxidative damage caused by exposure to TEB. These effects were likely caused by the high polyphenol contents of these bee-derived compounds. The most likely mechanism of action for the protective effects of bee products against tissue oxidation and the resultant damage is that the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) are increased.

Bee Products Protect Humans from Neurodegenerative Diseases

Consuming several bee products provides a synergistic effect, whereby the benefits of each are enhanced when taken ensemble. This has been established in previous studies and this new study reaffirms that Apitherapy protects and prevents even neurodegenerative illnesses...

Total monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibition by chestnut honey, pollen and propolis

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem, 2013 Oct 24

Abstract Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors are generally used in the treatment of depressive disorders and some neurodegenerative illnesses, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the MAO [MAO (E.C.1.4.3.4)] inhibiting effect of various apitherapeutic products, such as chestnut honey, pollen and propolis.

Extracts' MAO inhibition was measured using peroxidase-linked spectrophotometric assay in enzyme isolated from rat liver microsomes, and the values are expressed as the inhibition concentration (IC50) causing 50% inhibition of MAO. The antioxidant activity of the bee products was also determined in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power in aquatic extracts.

All samples exhibited substantial inhibition of MAO, propolis having the highest. Inhibition was related to samples' TPCs and antioxidant capacities.

These results show that bee products possess a sedative effect and may be effective in protecting humans against depression and similar diseases.

Rich Sources of Probiotics Found In Bee Products

Probiotics, great for a healthy digestive tract, have been found in bee pollen, bee bread and honey. Recent studies confirm that feeding honeybees sugar destroys their probiotics and thus weakens their immune system. Does anyone else see a pattern here? What's good for bee is good for me!! 

Honeybees and Beehives are Rich Sources for Fructophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria

Systematic and Applied Microbiology, Available online 8 July 2013

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) are a specific group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) characterized and described only recently. They prefer fructose as growth substrate and inhabit only fructose-rich niches. Honeybees are high-fructose-consuming insects and important pollinators in nature, but reported to be decreasing in the wild.

In the present study, we analyzed FLAB microbiota in honeybees, larvae, fresh honey and bee pollen. A total of 66 strains of LAB were isolated from samples using a selective isolation technique for FLAB. Surprisingly, all strains showed fructophilic characteristics. The 66 strains and ten FLAB strains isolated from flowers in a separate study were genotypically separated into six groups, four of which being identified as Lactobacillus kunkeei and two as Fructobacillus fructosus. One of the L. kunkeei isolates showed antibacterial activity against Melissococcus plutonius, a causative pathogen of European foulbrood, this protection being attributable to production of an antibacterial peptide or protein.

Culture-independent analysis suggested that bee products and larvae contained simple Lactobacillus-group microbiota, dominated by L. kunkeei, although adult bees carried a more complex microbiota.

The findings clearly demonstrate that honeybees and their products are rich sources of FLAB, and FLAB are potential candidates for future bee probiotics.

Bee Pollen Antimicrobial Effects on Gastrointestinal Flora

The benefits of bee pollen are common knowledge - it contains 13 vitamins, 14 minerals and 15 amino acids and studies have found horses consuming bee pollen improved performance. This new study proves it also has antimicrobial properties on the gastrointestinal flora, which is vital news in light of ever-increasing antibiotic resistant bacteria ... 

The Effects of Bee Pollen Extracts on the Broiler Chicken's Gastrointestinal Microflora

Res VetSci, 2013 Aug; Vol 95(1):34-7

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bee pollen ethanolic extracts on the in vivo gastrointestinal tract microflora colonization of broiler chickens.

A completely randomized experiment based on six treatments (different concentrations of bee pollen - 0, 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45gkg(-1) diet) was used during 7weeks. The highest count of faecal Enterococci was found in the experimental group with the addition of 15g of pollen (8.85±0.87log CFUg(-1)) per 1kg of feed mixture. The highest count of Lactobacilli was detected in the experimental group with 35g of pollen per 1kg of feed mixture and the highest number of the Enterobacteriaceae genera count was found in the control group (8.43±0.15log CFUg(-1)).

Moreover, the MALDI TOF MS Biotyper identified the following genera: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella oxytoca, as well as Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. crispatus, L. fermentum and L. salivarius from the Lactobacilli group and Enterococcus avium, E. casseliflavus, E. cecorum, E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. hirae and E. malodoratus from the Enterococci group. Additionally, the in vitro antimicrobial activities of pollen against five bacteria species isolated from gastrointestinal tracts of chickens were tested.

The best antimicrobial effect of the pollen extract was detected against K. oxytoca.

Bee Products Fight Disease, Useful in Medicine

Just in time for the cold season, another scientific review validating the health benefits of bee products. Besides protecting oneself from the changing seasons, it's clear that taking honey and propolis (and other bee products) has a synergistic effect to aid even more severe chronic conditions such as allergies and autoimmune diseases... 

Immunological Properties of Bee Products

Pot-Honey 2013, pp 513-523 

Abstract:

Honey, bee pollen, propolis and royal jelly are among the main products obtained from bees. They contain many compounds that may fight disease, making them useful in medicine. Bee products act upon both innate and adaptive immune response. At different levels, in the human innate response, these compounds suppress DNA synthesis, decrease proinflammatory cytokine synthesis (IL-2, IL-12 and IL-4), inactivate both the classical and alternative complement pathway, and decrease superoxide anion production in rabbit neutrophils. 

In adaptive immune response, propolis and honey induce the increase of antibody production by plasma cells, enhance the secretion of TGF-β after the activation of T regulatory cells, and inhibit Con A-stimulated cell proliferation in mice. The honey bee products act mainly through anti-inflammatory action which can ameliorate allergic and autoimmune diseases where inflammation plays an important role. 

Based on this knowledge, clinical studies to evaluate such products could be designed to obtain a new class of drugs, with application to allergies and autoimmune disease treatment.

Within this Chapter:

Introduction

Honey Bee Products and Innate Immune Response

Action Mechanisms of Bee Products in the Adaptive Immune Response

Future Perspectives to Use Honey Bee Products in Treatment of Immune Diseases

Conclusions

References

References

No Risk of Heavy Metals in Bee Pollen

Mark another victory for honeybees to collect only the "good stuff". Like humans going to the market for fresh produce, honey bees are selective about what they collect, whether it be pollen or nectar or tree resin. Similarly, even after the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, honey harvested in the area contained no radiation...

Study of the Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn Dynamics in Soil, Plants and Bee Pollen from the Region of Teresina (PI), Brazil

An AcadBras Cienc, 2012 Oct 4

The purpose of this study is to characterize native bee plants regarding their capacity to extract and accumulate trace elements from the soil and its consequences to the sanity of the produced pollen.

The trace elements Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn were analyzed in soil, plants and bee pollen from Teresina region (PI), Brazil, by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Considering the studied plant species, Cu and Pb metals presented in the highest levels in the roots of B. platypetala with 47.35 and 32.71 μg.mL-1 and H. suaveolens with 39.69 and 17.06 μg.mL-1, respectively, while in the aerial parts Mn and Zn metals presented the highest levels in S. verticillata with 199.18 and 85.73 μg.mL-1. In the pollen, the levels of Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn vary from 5.44 to 11.75 μg.mL-1; 34.31 to 85.75 μg.mL-1; 13.98 to 18.19 μg.mL-1 and 50.19 to 90.35 μg.mL-1, respectively.

These results indicate that in the apicultural pasture the translocation (from soil to pollen) of Mn and Zn was more effective than in case of Cu and Pb, therefore, the bee pollen can be used as food supplement without causing risks to human health.

Bee Pollen Holds Nutritional Value Even After One Year

This is encouraging news for beekeepers and consumers on how best to protect the nutrional value of the B complex vitamins in this complete food. It's not suprising to see that, as with honey, its best to keep your bee products away from sunlight...

Presence and Stability of B Complex Vitamins in Bee Pollen Using Different Storage Conditions

Food ChemToxicol, 2012 Sep 25

This study has the objective of evaluating the stability of B complex vitamins and its vitamers, for a period of one year of storage. The pollen samples were stored under room temperature (with and without light) and frozen. 

The vitamins were quantified by HPLC with fluorescence detection. All proposed vitamins were found in the samples and the dehydration process didn't interfere in vitamin content. The variations were (dry basis): 0.59-1.09 mg/100g (B(1)); 1.73-2.56 (B(2)); 6.43-15.34 (PP) and 0.33-0.68 (B(6)).

After one year of storage, it can be stated that vitamin B(1) concentration remained constant, while for the others, the concentration loss was dependent on time rather than on storage conditions. 

All samples were considered Vitamin B(2) sources. The influence of the storage time in the concentrations of vitamin B6 and PP was explained mathematically, through linear regression equations of multivariate analysis.

Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen Decrease Bone Loss from Osteoporosis

Since Royal Jelly is produced by honey bees when they eat pollen, it's not surprising to see both these products provide advantages. Bee Pollen is good food, containing all the amino acids necessary for humans, not to mention the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and trace elements not usually found in foods... 

Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen Decrease Bone Loss Due to Osteoporosis in an Oophorectomized Rat Model

EklemHastalik Cerrahisi, 2012 Aug 23

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether royal jelly and bee pollen reduce the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two female Sprague-Dawley mature rats at six-month-old, weighing 180-260 g were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham-operation group, only oophorectomy group, oophorectomy in combination with royal jelly group, and oophorectomy and bee pollen group. The rats were sacrified within 12 weeks following surgery. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis before sacrification. Following sacrification, uterine weights were measured and tissue samples were taken to determine bone calcium and phosphate level with imaging through scanning electron microscope.

Results:

The uterine weights of the rats were found higher in Sham-operation group than the other groups. The difference among the groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Total body BMD results were similar in all groups and there was not statistically significant difference (p=0.19). The lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD results were statistically significantly higher in the royal jelly and bee pollen groups, compared to only oophorectomy group (p=0.001). Bone tissue calcium and phosphate levels were higher in royal jelly and bee pollen groups.

Conclusion:

Royal jelly and bee pollen decrease the bone loss due to osteoporosis in oophorectomized rat model. These results may contribute to the clinical practice...

Royal Jelly also contains a male hormone testosterone. Because of this feature it may also be effective in men’s osteoporosis that could be induced by a decrease of androgen. Considering all these features, RJ and BP may be very beneficial in the treatment of osteoporosis. 

Bee Products Symposium in Portugal Sept 9-12

The latest global research on all the products from the beehive, even mead, will be presented in Portugal. These symposiums are important in validating the regional significance of honey, propolis and other products, just as it has been established in New Zealand...

II International Symposium on Bee Products
IPB 2012, June
click for program guide

Beekeeping has always been considered a prominent economic activity in the northeastern corner of Portugal, known as the “Trás-os-Montes” region. In November 11th of 1514, the royal charter granted to Bragança by King Manoel, already pointed out some economic privileges of honey bee products "wax, honey (...) above nine coins per batch and for those who buy it for personal use, above one coin, will be tax-free”. At the time, the wax was used mostly for manufacturing candles, which were used in religious ceremonials as a testimony of miracles and graces received. Some dioceses applied a tithe in wax and honey to local beekeepers.

In the early nineteenth century, honey bee products had a considerable commercial value. The wax, for example, was more valued than cereals, while honey was used in direct exchange for olive oil. It is common to find local villages and places that retain ancient names associated with the bees activity, as "Torre da colmeia” (Tower of the hive), “Colmeais” (Apiaries), "Abelheira" (Bee nest), among others...

The production of reddish honeydew honeys, with high conductivity and low levels of sugar, is another valuable resource of the “Trás-os-Montes” region, where the dense oak forests of the natural parks provide food to the honey bees when flowers are scarce. Quality label honey from “Trás-os-Montes” is one of the strengths of this economic activity and the ideal tool to compete in the global market with products from other regions of the world. The guarantee of this quality requires deep and continuous research in the characteristics and properties together with the innovation in equipment and methodologies suitable to perform the analytical control. Those are the key challenges of the IHC in the search for new knowledge, new approaches and overleap of old and new challenges in the science of bee products. The symposium will be a great opportunity to bring together bee product researchers and to promote the interchange of information, experience and new ideas.

Apitherapy Symposium, Workshop Boston Area, April 28-29

These workshops and symposiums are fantastic, intense sessions on the truly marvelous merits of honeybees, helping humans and animals with better health...

The American Apitherapy Society, Inc. & the York County Beekeepers Association Present “Honey Bees for Health,” An Apitherapy Symposium & Workshop

April 28-29, 2012

York Harbor Inn, York Harbor, ME

For more information:

http://www.apitherapy.org

http://mainebeekeepers.org/news/honey-bees-for-health-an-apitherapy-symposium-workshop/

All are welcome to this event in York Harbor in Southern Maine, just one hour north of Boston, MA. You will be able to learn from three experienced Apitherapists (two physicians and one acupuncturist), and interact with them and other people interested in Apitherapy. 

This ancient form of medicine with products of the beehive (honey, pollen, propolis, bee venom, and royal jelly) is used for health and healing throughout the world. The use of these products to maintain health is currently becoming well recognized in mainstream as well as scientific publications, and their power to heal when illness or accident occurs is also documented.

Conditions such as arthritis, MS, pain, and wounds are known to respond well to Apitherapy. Examples of material covered at this event are:  

 - adverse reactions, 

 - informed consent 

 - legal issues,

 - treatment of scars

 - Veterinary Apitherapy

 - Apitherapy for pain, arthritis, and accidents

The AAS is a nonprofit membership organization established for the purpose of educating about Apitherapy. This event is a prelude to the more comprehensive program of AAS’s course and conference (known as CMACC) to be given this year, October 5 - 7 in Portland, Oregon.

AAS and YCBA look forward to having you with us at the end of April. Enjoy early Spring in Maine at a beautiful historic inn, close to many of southern Maine’s coastal natural resources, as well as to fine shopping.

Denver Bee Hosts Apitherapy Seminar, March 27

A special meeting with experienced apitherapist, Dr. Frederique Keller, is certified to be an enlightening, inspiring and stimulating event...  

Apitherapy Evening
March 27, 7pm

Location:  Denver Beekeepers Association Meting

Denver Police Station District 1 Community Room

1311 West 46th Avenue

Denver, Colorado 

Dr. Frederique Keller, licensed acupuncturist and medical herbalist in a private practice that also incorporates classical homeopathy and bee venom therapy as well as utilizes honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee bread where applicable. She also works in a second office specializing in sports and spinal injuries. 

1st ApiMedical Tourism Conf & ApiExpo, Bangladesh 22-24 June

Apitherapy is recognized complementary and alternative medicine in numerous countries around the world and is continuing to integrate into other countries' health care choices...

First International Api-Medical Tourism Conference, Api-Expo in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Tourism Foundation announced its 'First International Api-Medical Tourism Conference and Api-Expo' 2012 to be held at Dhaka Bangladesh from 22-24 June, 2012.

The Conference and Expo is open to apitherapists, beekeepers, tour operators, scientists and clinicians on beehive products with the objective of opening the world of apitherapy to medical people, beekeepers, alternative health practitioners and tour operators. The goal is that ApiMedical Tourism will rise due to the increasing interest in apiculture and apitherapy.

Speakers will deliver the keynotes in the plenary sessions that will improve and refresh the global knowledge base. The conference platform is targeted to health specialists, researchers and ordinary practitioners with a therapeutic interest towards the uses of honey, apitoxin, royal jelly, bees wax, propolis and bee pollen.

For more information, contact: 

Mokhlesur Rahman

President,

Bangladesh Tourism Foundation and Coordinator

First International Api-Medical Tourism Conference and Api-Expo 2012

Conference Secretariat

Room 305, Academic Building, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tel: (+8802)9661920-70 (hunting), Ext- 7970

Mobile: +880155245657, 01714117801

e-mail: gtldhaka@yahoo.com

AAS Apitherapy Course & Conf - New Orleans, Nov 4-6 2011

an intensive, learning experience designed to increase your knowledge and use of Apitherapy...

The American Apitherapy Society proudly announces its 2011 Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana Nov 4-6 2011. For the first time ever we are offering 2 course levels, one for those new to apitherapy and the other for those who are already familiar with or are already practicing apitherapy.

Medical doctors, a spectrum of holistic health practitioners, veterinarians, researchers, backyard beekeepers, and members of the general public interested in self-reliant health care will convene from all over the United states and the world to learn about apitherapy.  Apitherapy, an ancient healing modality, refers to the therapeutic use of products from the beehive: honey, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, and bee venom therapy. 

Attendees will receive education on basic and more advanced levels on the products of the hive and their therapeutic properties including a hands on bee venom therapy workshop where participants can obtain practical experience with this healing practice.  Presentations are given by the CMACC faculty who are some of the most prominent and experienced Apitherapists in the country.  Examples of material covered in these presentations are allergic reactions, techniques of BVT, informed consent and legal issues, propolis and cancer, veterinary apitherapy, patient intake for apitherapy, and much more.  An exam is given to ascertain comprehension of the material in the course and certificates of completion will be issued.

The AAS is a nonprofit membership organization established for the purpose of education about apitherapy.  CMACC has been named in memory of Charles Mraz, an American pioneer in the use of bee venom to treat diseases.

Visit www.apitherapy.org where with a single click you can access all CMACC information, register and pay online.  Don’t miss out on the EARLY BEE DISCOUNT by making sure you register by Friday, September 23rd. Do join us for the Friday night dinner to network with others and experience the New Orleans cuisine. Don’t forget to mention AAS when booking your hotel room in order to receive a special rate valid until October 6th. Membership to AAS is included with  the course fee.

Contact:  American Apitherapy Society

631-470-9446   aasoffice@apitherapy.org 

2011 Charles Mraz Course and Conference (CMACC)

November 4-6, 2011

The Inn on Bourbon

541 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA  70130

1-800-535-7891 or 504-524-7611 

Drying May Reduce Nutritional Properties of Bee Pollen

Whenever possible, opt for fresh bee pollen, as it's definitely better in taste, flavor and nutritional content than dried pellets. It's like horses who prefer grass than hay...

Influence of the commercial processing and floral origin on bioactive and nutritional properties of honeybee-collected pollen

Diana Domínguez-Valhondo, Diego Bohoyo Gil, María Teresa Hernández, David González-Gómez; International Journal of Food Science & Technology; 22 AUG 2011

Summary:

Pollen is characterised for having a low fat content, a relatively high content of dietary fibre and an important amount of minerals and essential amino acids. With regard to bioactive compounds, honeybee-collected pollen exhibits an important source of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity. 

The purpose of this research was to study how the nutritional properties and the stability of the bioactive compounds found in honeybee-collected pollen were affected by the commercial processing and its floral origin. To achieve this goal, pollen pellets of different floral origin were harvested directly from hives and immediately stored at −80 °C. Pollen pellets were dried by placing them into hot-air chambers (traditional drying methodology) or by means of freeze-drying. We found a slight influence of floral origin on the nutritional properties of pollen pellets (multifloral pollen had higher contents of fat, carbohydrates, proteins and mineral elements than monofloral-type pollen), whereas the abundance of bioactive compounds was correlated with the origin factor as well as the methodology employed to dry the fresh pollen pellets, especially carotenoid pigments such as lutein (5.73 ± 1.80, 4.93 ± 1.16 and 0.81 ± 0.16 μg of lutein per g of pollen for fresh, lyophilised and hot-air-dried multifloral pollen).

Apitherapy Rx for Health, Products from the Beehive by Turtle Shell Health | Blog Talk Radio

Apitherapy Rx for Health Naturally from the Beehive 03/30 by Turtle Shell Health | Blog Talk Radio

a great explanation from friend and fellow Apitherapist, Frederique Keller, L.Ac., Herbalist and creator of BeePharm Apitherapy Rx for Health products... the medicinal use of raw honey, bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, bee venom and much more!

Honey, Bee Pollen Effective in Preventing Postoperative Intraabdominal Adhesions

though conducted on rats, the effects are thought to be a result of the products antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties...

The Effect of Oral Honey and Pollen on Postoperative Intraabdominal Adhesions
Turk J Gastroenterol, 2011 Feb;22(1):65-72

Background/aims: We evaluated the effect of oral usage of honey and pollen, either separately or together, on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions. 

Methods: Forty rats were randomly separated into 4 groups of 10 rats each. Abrasion was performed on the cecum, and a patch of peritoneum located opposite to the cecal abrasion was completely dissected. Group 1 rats received no treatment; Group 2 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey; Group 3 rats received 4 g/kg/day pollen; and Group 4 rats received 4 g/kg/day honey and pollen mixed in equal amounts, in addition to the standard feeding for postoperative 21 days. All the rats were sacrificed on the 21st day. 

Following the adhesion scoring, tissue specimens of the peritoneum and bowel were subjected to histopathological investigation. The tissue and blood specimens were also taken for biochemical analysis to investigate the antioxidant capacity. 

Results: Adhesion scores were significantly different between the control and other groups. No dense adhesion was observed in the treatment groups. Tissue malondialdehyde levels were significantly different between the control and honey and honey+pollen groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase levels were significantly different between the control and other groups. Catalase levels were different between the control and honey groups. Plasma antioxidant levels were different between the control and other groups. The pathological scores for fibrosis and inflammation were significantly different between the control and other groups. 

Conclusions: Honey and pollen were found to be effective in preventing postoperative intraabdominal adhesions, and these effects were thought to be a result of their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Defining Bee Products - Tulsa natural health | Examiner.com

a great recap on the healthy and natural products from the beehive!

Tulsa's Natural Food Market, Akins, provides great articles covering products and health issues.  This article defines all the products that have become available to us from bees: Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, Royal Jelly, and Honey.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is the male seed of a flower or plant which is collected by bees and transported back to the hive to nourish the colony and structure of honeycombs.  Bee pollen has proven to be an interesting substance to scientists because it is a very nutritious food, containing more enzymes and co-enzymes than any other food, along with 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and numerous vitamins.  Bee pollen has been used for several purposes, including reducing allergies.  Bee pollen contains quercetin, a bio-flavoniod that inhibits the release of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergy symptoms.  Bee pollen has also been used to improve the immune system and increase energy and endurance.

Bee Propolis

Bees create propolis by collecting sap from trees and mixing it with wax in their hives.  Propolis is a complex product that contains a variety of phytochemicals, many of which have been shown to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties.  These properties work in the body to increase resistance to disease by internally stimulating the immune system.  Propolis also contains several bio-flavonoids, which help strengthen the capillary blood vessel system.  Propolis is used to fight off infection both internally and externally.

Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a secretion made by worker bees that is fed to the queen bee.  This substance transforms a female bee into a queen bee and increases her life span and her fertility.  Royal jelly has a gelatinous consistency and contains numerous nutrients.  It is a rich source of protein and essential amino acids, B vitamins, minerals and trace minerals.  Along with the other bee products, royal jelly possesses antibacterial activity.  (Note: Asthmatics should use caution when taking royal jelly internally.)  In addition to internal use, royal jelly is also useful externally.  In creams, masks and lotions, royal jelly acts on a cellular level to increase circulation and deliver more oxygen to the skin.  Over time, wrinkles are reduced and the skin becomes soft and more youthful in appearance.  

Honey

Bees make honey with the use of nectar from flowers.  There are many varieties of honeys depending on the flower from which the nectar is gathered.  Honey is most commonly used as an alternative sweetener to refined white sugar.  While some argue that honey is no different than sugar, others believe differently.  In his book Honey, Garlic & Vinegar, Dr. Patrick Quillin states "...honey is a complex collection of enzymes, plant pigments, organic acids, esters, antibiotic agents, trace minerals like chromium and other unidentified nutrition factors."  As with the other bee products, research done on honey has revealed the antibiotic properties of honey, mainly when used externally on wounds and burns.  Honey is also used as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations for its hydrating and toning effect.  

Article provided by Akin's Natural Food Market

Bees provide us with numerous products that aid in improving our immune system.  Next time you need an antibiotic, consider bee propolis; or to reduce allergies, think of bee pollen on a daily basis.  Remember raw and fresh is best even when you are talking about bees.

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