Propolis Boosts Wound Healing

The protective power of propolis instantly boosts wound healing capacities, boosts the immune system and delivers antioxidant, anti-viral, antibacterial properties due to its naturally-occurring bioflavonoid compounds. 

Propolis Anti-Inflammatory Action Boosts Wound Healing Effect of Propolis on Mast Cells in Wound Healing

Inflammopharmacology, 2011 Dec 17

Wound healing is divided into three phases: inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Mast cells participate in all these phases.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of propolis on the population of mast cells in oral surgical wounds in comparison to the results obtained with dexamethasone. This study was prospective, in vivo, randomized, semiexperimental, quantitative and comparative animal.

A circular surgical wound was made on the dorsum of the tongue of 90 hamsters divided into three experimental groups: topical application of 30% propolis alcoholic extract (Group 1); 0.1% dexamethasone in orabase cream (Group 2); and orabase cream alone (Group 3). Applications were performed every 12 h throughout the experiment. The postoperative times for killing of the animals were 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. 

The Student's t test for independent samples was employed in the statistical analysis.

In the inflammatory phase of healing, propolis caused a greater reduction in the number of mast cells on the edge and in the central region of the surgical wound in comparison to dexamethasone. Moreover, the number of mast cells on day 1 was lower in the central region of the wounds treated with the orabase cream alone in comparison to dexamethasone.

In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory action of propolis mediated by mast cells was more effective than dexamethasone in the inflammatory phase of healing.

Royal Jelly Anti-Tumor Effect Studied

Royal Jelly posseses very important components. One in particular, the amazing 10H2DA, is currently being studied to stop cancer cells from growing, modulate Estrogen and treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The natural wonders of the beehive, known as Apitherapy, have real therapeutic value.

Inhibition of Interferon-γ-Induced Nitric Oxide Production by 10-Hydroxy-Trans-2-Decenoic Acid Through Inhibition of Interferon Regulatory Factor-8 Induction

Cellular Immunology, 2011 Dec

10-Hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA) is a major lipid component of royal jelly, a honey bee secretion used to nourish the queen bee and young larvae.

In this study, we examined the effect of 10H2DA on interferon (IFN)-γ-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. IFN-γ-induced NO production and activation of the inducible NO synthase promoter were significantly inhibited by 10H2DA. IFN-γ-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 was not affected by 10H2DA. In contrast, IFN-γ-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation were inhibited by 10H2DA. IFN-γ-mediated induction of interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-8, but not IRF-1, was also inhibited by 10H2DA. IFN-γ-induced TNF-α production followed by activation of NF-κB is known to be essential for NO production.

Together, 10H2DA inhibited IFN-γ-induced NO production by inhibiting IRF-8 induction and TNF-α production. 10H2DA might modulate IFN-γ-mediated cellular responses by inhibiting the induction of IRF-8 and IRF-8-dependent genes.

Propolis Demonstrates Anti-Parasitic Capacity

Though Sandflies may not be a problem for some, one bite can induce Leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease, as stated in Wikipedia. Fortunately, researchers are exploring the anti-parasitic properties of Propolis, yet another of it's amazing qualities. Thanks to Apitherapy, these discoveries are essentiel for emerging nations lacking in medicinal or financial solutions.

The Effect of Propolis on CCL5 and IFN-γ Expression by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Leishmaniasis Patients

J Pharmacy Pharmacology, 2011 Nov 18

Objectives 

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is associated with a strong Th1 immune response to Leishmania, which modulates chemokines and their receptors expression, affecting their migratory capacity. There are no antileishmanial vaccines available and chemotherapy still relies on the potentially toxic pentavalent antimonials.

Propolis is a bee product with immunomodulatory and antiparasite activities, and researchers have been attracted to its potential for the development of new drugs.

This work investigated the effects of propolis on CCL5 and IFN-γ expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in order to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action of propolis in patients with leishmaniasis compared to healthy control subjects.

Methods 

PBMC were incubated in the absence or presence of propolis and the evaluation of a possible cytotoxicity of propolis was carried out using MTT assay. The expression level of CCL5 and IFN-γ was determined by real-time PCR.

Key Findings 

Our data indicated that propolis modulates the immune response of leishmaniasis patients in vitro, affecting CCL5 and IFN-γ expression by PBMC.

Conclusions

Data suggested that propolis drives an anti-inflammatory response depending on concentration. Although propolis is a potential source of new and selective drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, its usefulness in the therapeutics should be further investigated.

Propolis Exhibits Cytotoxic Effect on Cervical Tumor Cells

Propolis always thrives in protecting the mucuous linings of the body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, inflammation and even tumor cell growth...

Chemical composition of the ethanolic propolis extracts and its effect on HeLa cells.

Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2011, Jun 1

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is widely used in traditional medicine and is reported to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects (antibacterial, antihepatoxic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, etc.). Thus the aim of this study was to assess cytotoxic effect of various ethanol propolis extractions on the cervical tumor cell line (HeLa) and compare it with their phenolic acids and flavonoids composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Twenty samples of raw propolis were collected from 17 localities of Croatia (I-XVII), 2 of Bosnia and Hercegovina (XVIII, XIX) and 1 of Macedonia (XX). Reverse phase HPLC was used to determine the chemical composition of polyphenols. Biological experiments were carried out in vitro on cervix adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa).

RESULTS:

Phenolic acids (ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid) and flavonoids (tectochrysin, galangin, pinocembrin, pinocembrin-7-methylether, chrysin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin) have been determined using HPLC analysis in 20 ethanolic propolis extracts. All samples contain tectochrysin in ranges of 0.1988 mg/g (XVIII) to 1.2004 mg/g (III), while caffeic acid and quercetin have not been found. Flavonoid that is most abundant is galangin in ranges from 0.3706 mg/g (XVII) to 47.4879 mg/g (IX). The samples of propolis numbers I, VI and X applied in the investigated concentration range manifested significant reduction of cell growth. GI₅₀ value as indicator of cytotoxicity among propolis samples showed that propolis number VII is the most effective (GI₅₀=76 μg/ml) followed by propolis nos. XV, XVIII and I.

CONCLUSION:

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect of propolis on the HeLa cells is not correlating with the concentration of particular components but on establishing the possible synergistic antiproliferative activity of individual phenolic acid and flavonoids. Differences in the chemical composition lead to diversity in biological activity of propolis samples.

Mexican Honeys Prove Antioxidant, Antibacterial Action

It's reassuring to see Mexican researchers contributing to the body of science confirming the antibacterial and antioxidant properties in honey. Nutritionally speaking, I've often found Mexican Honey to be very flavorful, aromatic and with lots of tropical notes.  

Quality Parameters and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Some Mexican Honeys

J Food Science, 2011 Dec 2

A total of 14 Mexican honeys were screened for quality parameters including color, moisture, proline, and acidity. Antioxidant properties of complete honey and its methanolic extracts were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of complete honeys against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Listeria monocytogenes Scott A, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Sthapylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was determined.

Most of honeys analyzed showed values within quality parameters established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2001. Eucalyptus flower honey and orange blossom honey showed the highest phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity. Bell flower, orange blossom, and eucalyptus flower honeys inhibited the growth of the 4 evaluated microorganisms. The remaining honeys affected at least 1 of the estimated growth parameters (increased lag phase, decreased growth rate, and/or maximum population density). Microorganism sensitivity to the antimicrobial activity of honeys followed the order B. cereus; L. monocytogenes; Salmonella Typhimurium; S. aureus.

The monofloral honey samples from orange blossoms, and eucalyptus flowers demonstrated to be good sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. All the Mexican honey samples examined proved to be good sources of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents that might serve to maintain health and protect against several diseases. 

Practical Application: 

The results of the study showed that Mexican honeys display good quality parameters and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Mexican honey can be used as an additive in the food industry to increase the nutraceutical value of products.

Honey Recommended by Dr Weil

Though it's a good thing Dr. Weil recommends eating honey, it's about time! Apparently someone hasn't seen the latest research. There's no question it's better than refined sugar and artificial sweeteners simply due to its rich mineral content. Besides it's nutritional value, the therapeutic factors are even greater... 

Is Honey Healthier than Sugar?

Dr. Weil's Daily Tip, 2011, Dec

If you are trying to reduce your intake of refined sugar, honey is one alternative. Honey has some health benefits over sugar, as it:

• Is sweeter than refined sugar, so you can use less.

• Contains trace enzymes; minerals, including calcium, magnesium and potassium; amino acids; and vitamins, including a wide range of B vitamins such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin and pyridoxine.

Raw honey may even help promote wound healing - research indicates it can be an excellent first aid measure when applied topically to burns, even very severe ones. (Don't treat a serious wound with the honey you get at the supermarket or health food store - you need a medicinal honey and someone with expertise to treat you.) 

But honey also has its drawbacks. Its sticky consistency contributes to cavity formation, and can be worse for the teeth than refined sugar. Honey also should never be given to infants under one year of age, as it may contain bacterial spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the nervous system. While honey may not be much healthier than sugar, if you like it I recommend buying raw honey, which is tastier and has a better texture than heated and processed commercial honey.

Royal Jelly May Help Treat Menopausal Syndrome

Hormonal influences from Royal Jelly are consistently showing up in studies with women and men. And it's frequently found to provide regulatory action -- auto-pilot to the rescue with an apiphytotherapy blend. 

Effectiveness of a Herbal Formula in Women with Menopausal Syndrome

ForschKomplementmed (Research in Comp Med) 2011, Oct 

Background: 

Lady 4 is a combination of 4 natural components (evening primrose oil, damiana, ginseng, royal jelly) with a known history of traditional use for menopausal symptoms.

Objective:

To study efficacy and safety of Lady 4 in women suffering from menopausal syndrome.

Methods:

120 women with menopausal symptoms were randomised into an experimental group treated with 2 capsules of Lady 4 daily and a control group treated with placebo. The outcome was measured by the Menopause Rating Scale II (MRS-II).

Results:

There was a statistically significant improvement in the MRS-II score in both groups after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, but the improvement was significantly better in the Lady 4 group. 86.7% in the Lady 4 group and 56.7% in the placebo group rated the therapy success as 'much improved' or 'very much improved'.

Conclusion: 

Lady 4 may be beneficial in the treatment of menopausal syndrome and can be used as a safe natural promoter of health and well-being in women during the menopausal transition.