Propolis’ Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics Examined

This has been reported anecdotally for over 20 years. It's good to get some precision.
"Previous works... revealed that propolis has synergistic effects with antibiotics, acting on the bacterial wall and ribosome..." 

Propolis’ Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics Examined

Antibacterial Effects of Brazilian and Bulgarian Propolis and Synergistic Effects with Antibiotics Acting on the Bacterial DNA and Folic Acid
Nat Prod Res, 2011 Jan 1:1-6

Propolis is a honeybee product that has been used since ancient times because of its therapeutic effects.

It can be used in the development of alternative therapies for the treatment of many diseases, and because propolis shows antibacterial action, this work was carried out in order to investigate a possible synergism between propolis and antibiotics acting on DNA (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) and on the metabolism (cotrimoxazole) against Salmonella Typhi.

Propolis samples collected in Brazil and Bulgaria were compared in these assays, and the synergism was investigated by using ½ and ¼ of the minimal inhibitory concentration for propolis and antibiotics, evaluating the number of viable cells according to the incubation time.

Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis showed antibacterial activity, but no synergistic effects with the three tested antibiotics were seen. Previous works by our laboratory have revealed that propolis has synergistic effects with antibiotics, acting on the bacterial wall and ribosome, but it does not seem to interact with antibiotics acting on DNA or folic acid, and only a bacteriostatic action was seen in these assay conditions.

Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows!

Don't be discouraged by the title, it's a positive review of all the bee products. Yet it's still bewildering to have such an abundant amount of positive, anecdotal evidence and numerous in vitro/in vivo studies validating their benefits.

Jury’s out on honey’s health benefits, but buzz grows | DailyComet.com

How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

It's to be noted that another effective method I've used and thousands of others for hundreds of years is bee venom therapy. Thank you Charles Mraz and the American Apitherapy Society for teaching me! 


How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

Livestrong, 2/3/2011

How to Use Propolis for Arthritis

Overview

Propolis is a type of resin that bees use to construct and strengthen their hive. This versatile substance has also been used for centuries as a treatment for inflammation, pain and compromised immunity. These effects are a result of the combination of resin and plants the bees use to make propolis. Propolis is generally regarded as safe to use and its anti-inflammatory effects can help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Speak with your doctor before using any remedy for pain and inflammation.

Step 1

Discuss your intentions of using propolis with your physician. Although it is considered relatively safe to use, propolis may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to bees or pollen. It's also unlikely that propolis will cause an interaction with any medications you are currently using, but you still should discuss using this supplement with your doctor.

Step 2

Apply a topical cream that contains propolis extract, available at your local health food store. Use the cream as directed by the manufacturer to help reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis. A 2007 article published in the "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins" explains that propolis is an inexpensive yet effective topical treatment for both acute and chronic inflammatory processes such as arthritis. Propolis is particularly useful for treating these conditions when they occur in the joints between bones, where arthritis often appears.

Step 3

Take a propolis supplement in capsule or extract form according to directions. Propolis supplements are available at your local health food store and can help reduce your arthritis inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, an exact dosage of propolis currently does not exist, however, for most uses the website Puritan recommends that you take 500mg once or twice a day. Take the supplement with a full glass of water and with food because it can cause slight nausea if taken on an empty stomach.

Step 4

Recognize that even if you don't have an allergy to bees or pollen, you may still experience some mild side effects when using propolis. In rare cases, propolis in topical form may cause skin irritation and itching. Additionally, using propolis cream can cause some people to develop psoriasis or eczema. If you have any of these conditions when using propolis, stop using the cream and speak with your doctor about alternative approaches.

References

• MedlinePlus: Propolis
• Drugs.com: Propolis
• Puritan: Propolis
• "Journal of Venom and Animal Toxins": Propolis: A Review of it's Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Actions

Honey Vs Sugar

Honey Vs Sugar

A debate well-defined and clear to understand. This website is filled with lots of good tips, facts, information and recipes on using honey. Well worth the visit... certainly evident for the bees! 

YouTube - Golden hive, straw version

YouTube - Golden hive, straw version

Here's an original touch to traditional hive designs...

C'est une version très original.

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.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Defining Bee Products - Tulsa natural health | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/natural-health-in-tulsa/defining-bee-products?cid=parsely#parsely#ixzz1BPCGaYeD

New Study Shows Honey, Propolis Flavonoids Protect Liver

Propolis contains numerous flavanoids and depending on its origin, their concentrations may vary. Chrysin is consistenly found European and North American Propolis and having its concentration certified is a real plus... 

Chrysin Abrogates Early Hepatocarcinogenesis and Induces Apoptosis in N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced Preneoplastic Nodules in Rats
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Article in Press, 2011, January 04


Flavonoids possess strong anti-oxidant and cancer chemopreventive activities.


Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) occurs naturally in many plants, honey, and propolis. In vitro, chrysin acts as a general anti-oxidant, causes cell cycle arrest and promotes cell death. However, the mechanism by which chrysin inhibits cancer cell growth and the subcellular pathways activated remains poorly understood.


Effect of dietary supplementation with chrysin on proliferation and apoptosis during diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced early hepatocarcinogenesis was investigated in male Wistar rats.


To induce hepatocarcinogenesis, rats were given DEN injections (i.p, 200 mg/kg) three times at 15 day interval. An oral dose of chrysin (250 mg/kg bodyweight) was given three times weekly for 3 weeks, commencing 1 week after the last dose of DEN. Changes in the mRNA expression of COX-2, NFkB p65, p53, Bcl-xL and β-arrestin-2 were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Changes in the protein levels were measured by western blotting.


Chrysin administration significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the number and size of nodules formed. Also, a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and γGT were noticed. Expression of COX-2 and NFkB p65 were significantly reduced whereas that of p53, Bax and caspase3 increased at the mRNA and protein levels. Likewise, a decrease in levels of β-arrestin and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-xL was also noted. These findings suggest that chrysin exerts global hepato-protective effect and its chemopreventive activity is associated with p53-mediated apoptosis during early hepatocarcinogenesis.