secondhalf

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Propolis Compounds May Boost Growth of Neural Stem Cells

Research Showing Increasing Neural Stem Cell Activity with Ppls Brings Hope for Alzheimer's Cure, Implications for Memory Enhancement
BiotechEast (Taiwan), 4/16/2007

Early-stage study in Taipei, Taiwan, on PPLs--a group of prenylflavanone compounds--extracted from bee propolis specific to the island, has shown the compounds provide a boosting effect on the growth of neural stem cells. This research has exciting implications for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's diseases, as well as in the study of memory enhancement.

A large number of neurons grew with the addition of one of the neurotrophic factors identified by NatureWise into the growth media.

Professor Lin Jen-kun of National Taiwan University Hospital, together with his students Dr. Wu Chia-li, and Dr. Chen Chia-nan, were the first to find that these PPls had cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. Further study by Chen, now head of research at Taipei-based NatureWise Biotech & Medicals Corp., additionally found the compounds to have a set of interesting neurotrophic effects, such as maintaining the survival of neural stem cells, promoting neuronal growth, lengthening of neurites, and inducing these stem cells to strongly differentiate into neurons.

NatureWise held a press event at the end of March in Taipei, Taiwan, to introduce an over-the-counter healthfood containing the propolis from which the PPLs were extracted along with other ingredients shown to have memory-boosting qualities, named 'IQBLESS.' While marketing the product in Taiwan, the company plans to continue researching the PPLs with the intent of eventually developing new drug forms for neurological disorders and memory enhancement…

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Labels: Propolis

Monday, April 16, 2007

NC Apitherapy Conference to Explore Healing with Honey Bee Hive Products

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina to host April 26–29 apitherapy training and conference of the American Apitherapy Society

(April 16, 2007) - Medical doctors, researchers, beekeepers and a spectrum of holistic practitioners will gather April 26-29, 2007, at the Radisson Hotel/Research Triangle Park in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina for the 12th annual Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference (CMACC) sponsored by the American Apitherapy Society (AAS).

The Thursday evening through Saturday morning course provides a basic understanding of the therapeutic use of products of the beehive -- including honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly and bee venom therapy using live honeybees. The Saturday and Sunday conference will look at more advanced techniques, protocols and international advances in the field of apitherapy.

Members of the media are invited, with prior arrangements, to attend course and conference sessions and AAS faculty are available for interviews.

One of the most ancient of all healing modalities, apitherapy is gaining increased attention worldwide as the efficacy of the hive products and treatments becomes better known. The AAS, www.apitherapy.org, is a nonprofit membership organization established for the purpose of advancing apitherapy. The CMACC has been named in memory of Charles Mraz, an American pioneer in the use of bee venom to treat diseases. The fee for the course and conference is $275, and includes a one-year AAS membership. To register, contact the AAS at 4835 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 100, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403; Phone: (818) 501-0446; FAX: (818) 995-9334; Email: info@apitherapy.org

Media Contact: Frederique Keller, Vice President, American Apitherapy Society
Phone: (631) 351-3521; E-Mail: Kellerf@optonline.net

Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course & Conference Schedule:

Thursday, April 26

6:00 PM - Registration
7:00 PM - Welcome Dinner
8:30 PM - Intro to CMACC (Dr. Andrew Kochan)

Friday, April 27: Apitherapy Course

7:00 AM - Continental Breakfast (for all)
8:00 AM - Welcome (Dr. Andrew Kochan)
8:20 AM - Honey (Dr. Vetaley Stashenko)
9:10 AM - Royal Jelly (Dr. Andrew Kochan)
10:00 AM - Break (snack for all)
10:30 AM - Pollen (Dr. Vetaley Stashenko)
11:15 AM - Bee Venom (Dr. Theo Cherbuliez)
12:00 PM - Propolis (Dr. Vetaley Stashenko)
1:00 PM - Lunch (on your own)
2:00 PM - Principles of Apitherapy (Jim Higgins)
2:45 PM - Informed Consent and Legal Issues (Dr. Theo Cherbuliez)
3:15 PM - Auto-immune Diseases (Dr. Andrew Kochan)
4:00 PM - Break (snack for all)
4:30 PM - Hands-on Bee Venom Therapy (Donald Downs & Jim Higgins)
4:30 PM - Ear Candling (Annie van Alten)
6:00 PM - Dinner (on your own)
7:30 PM - Board Meeting/Annual Meeting (open to all)
9:00 PM - Board meeting (closed session)
Evening Review for Examination

Saturday, April 28: Examination

7:00 AM - Continental Breakfast (for all)
8:00 AM - Examination (Faculty)
9:00 AM - Examination Correction (Faculty)
9:45 AM - Break (snack for all)

Saturday, April 28: Apitherapy Conference

10:15 AM - Apitherapy (Dr. Theo Cherbuliez)
11:15 AM - Lyme Disease (Reyah Carlson)
12:00 PM - Lunch (on your own)
1:00 PM - Recent Advances in Apitherapy (Dr. Theo Cherbuliez)
2:00 PM - Pain & Apitherapy (Dr. Andrew Kochan)
3:00 PM - Break (snack for all)
3:30 PM - Veterinary Apitherapy (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
4:15 PM - Micro-stinging Technique (Donald Downs)
5:00 PM - Homeopathy and Bees (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
5:45 PM - Preparation of Propolis Salves (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
6:00 PM - North Carolina Style Barbeque (for all)

Sunday, April 29: Apitherapy Conference

7:00 AM - Continental Breakfast (for all)
8:00 AM - Cleansing Detox (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
8:45 AM - Life Style and Weight Management (Dr. Theo Cherbuliez)
9:30 AM - Practical Apipuncture (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
10:15 AM - Break (snack for all)
10:45 AM - Advanced Bee Venom Therapy Case Studies (Frederique Keller, L.Ac.)
12:15 PM - Conclusion, Acknowledgments & Questions/Answers
1:00 PM - End of CMACC and Lunch (on your own)

Posted by Editor at 6:31 AM 0 comments

Labels: Apitherapy and Beekeeping, Bee Venom, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Friday, April 13, 2007

Brazilian Propolis Extracts Effective Against Leishmaniasis

Effects of Brazilian propolis on Leishmania Amazonensis
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, 2007 Mar;102(2):215-20

Leishmaniasis, an endemic parasitosis that leads to chronic cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral lesions, is part of those diseases, which still requires improved control tools. Propolis has shown activities against different bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this study we investigated the effect of four ethanolic extracts of typified propolis collected in different Brazilian states, on Leishmania amazonensis performing assays with promastigote forms, extracellular amastigotes, and on infected peritoneal macrophages…

Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that ethanolic extracts of Brazilian propolis reduce L. amazonensis infection in macrophages, and encourage further studies of this natural compound in animal models of leishmaniasis.

Posted by Editor at 2:57 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Case Study of Honey Treatment for Wounds

73-Year-Old Woman with a Pig Bite that Would Not Heal

Dr. Cristina Aosan (Romania)
E-Mail: draosan@gmail.com
Web: http://www.aosan.com/

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germany

Remedies Used in Treatment:

1. Honey Directly in the Crater of the Wound

* cleans the wound of infection and necrotic parts
* kills the microbes
* stimulates the growth of the conjunctive tissue, so it fills the crater of the wound

2. Propolis Tincture on Wet Surfaces

*stimulates the normal epitelisation on the surface of the wound (used after the crater was filled with conjunctive tissue)
* shortens the time of healing
* kills the microbes

3. Propolis Ointment on Dried Surfaces

4. Herbal Oil on All Parts of the Wound

* anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial
* anesthetic
* helps rebuild the damaged tissues

Before and After:

Beginning of Treatment - February 11, 2006

The wound, five days after the accident, treated at home with antiseptic solutions - infected wound, necrotic tissues.

Treatment with honey (in the crater) and propolis (on margins), made once a day. The wound begins to clean. On the margins the skin starts to regenerate.

End of Treatment - April 7, 2006

Posted by Editor at 12:02 AM 0 comments

Labels: Honey, Propolis

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Propolis Extract May Boost Anti-Tumor Activity of Cancer Drug

Enhanced Antitumor Activity of Irinotecan Combined with Propolis and its Polyphenolic Compounds on Ehrlich Ascites Tumor in Mice
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2007 Mar 12

The effects of the anticancer drug irinotecan combined with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), a water-soluble derivate of propolis (WSDP), quercetin and naringin on the growth of Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) and the life span of tumor-bearing Swiss albino mice were studied…

The results clearly demonstrate the synergistic action of irinotecan and EEP on survival time. These results suggest that clinical trials using a propolis preparation EEP combined with irinotecan may be beneficial in maximizing antitumor activity and minimizing post-chemotherapeutic reactions to the cytostatic drug.

Posted by Editor at 7:53 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Loss of Bees Threatens a Fatal Sting for Us All

By Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune (USA), 4/7/2007

But bees do more than just put food on our plates. Beeswax is used to make pharmaceuticals. Honey, which has wound-healing and antioxidant properties, and other bee products have been a staple in folk medicine for thousands of years. And bee products, including bee pollen and propolis, are among the best medicinal foods we can eat, according to Jonny Bowden's new book, "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth" (Fair Winds Press, $24.99).

Here's a closer look at bee products.

_Honey: The health benefits depend on how it's processed and the quality of the plants the bees visit. Raw honey typically retains more of the healthful phytochemicals, and Berenbaum has shown that dark honey has more illness-fighting antioxidants than light honey. Honey also can remove bacteria from infected wounds and even improve oral health.

_Bee pollen: Often called "nature's most perfect food" because it contains all eight essential amino acids, bee pollen comes from the male germ cell of flowering plants. Bee pollen boasts more amino acids and vitamins than beef, eggs or cheese and also contains almost all known minerals, trace elements and enzymes. It also has flavonoids that have significant antioxidant properties.

_Propolis: An antimicrobial used in products such as toothpaste, propolis is created after bees collect a resinous sap from trees. The clever bees glue it on the hive to block out viruses and bacteria, and research shows that humans also can benefit from its antibacterial and antifungal effects. Propolis can help with the common cold, gastrointestinal infections, upper-respiratory-tract infections, and it can enhance the immune system, according to the "Condensed Encyclopedia of Healing Foods" (Pocket Books, $7.99), which lists food prescriptions for common ailments.

Posted by Editor at 9:10 AM 0 comments

Labels: Bee-Collected Pollen, Honey, Propolis

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Propolis Used to Treat Colds in UK

Cold Cure is Bee's Knees
By Rachael Clegg, The York Press (UK), 4/4/2007

There's no cure for the common cold - or is there?

A honey farm in North Yorkshire may have a surprising answer to this age-old conundrum.

For the industrious bee has become a major player in the health industry - thanks partly to a Thirsk venture, which has helped put a substance called propolis on the sector's map.

Propolis is collected by bees from buds and trees, which is blended with wax flakes secreted from glands on their abdomens.

The natural antiseptic substance, which is pliable and sticky when warm, is then used by bees to line the interior cells of hives, creating an area protected from outside environments, in preparation for the queen's egg laying.

With humans it can be equally useful, acting as a remedy for eczema, sore throats, the treatment of burns - and also for the common cold.

Mike Spencer, manager of Bee Health honey farm in Thirsk, said: "We have thousands of customers who say they have been taking propolis for more than ten years, and haven't had a cold since."...

Posted by Editor at 8:04 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Monday, April 02, 2007

Propolis Extract Can Replace Chemical Agents in Medications

Development of Purified Propolis Extract Technology, Analysis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity

Dangoule Vansevičiūtė, JSC " Valentis" Vilnius, Lithuania
E-mail: povilonyte@valentis.lt

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germany

Propolis (bee glue) and its preparations are widely used in medical practice, due to their antimicrobial, anesthetic, immunity boosting effect, they act against fungus, suppress inflammation , promote synthesis of antibodies , facilitate healing of wounds and ulcers.

It was identified that propolis ethanol extract of as little as 0.08 percent concentrations prevents the growth of microorganisms. Preparations containing propolis not only have a wide antimicrobial effect, but, different than with intake of antibiotics, resistant microorganism forms do not develop while using the preparations containing propolis.

From the chemical point of view, propolis is a very complex compound. Propolis contains over 200 different chemical components. These are polyphenoles (chalcones, flavones, flavonones, flavonoles), aromatic acids, terpenoids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amino acids, sugars, vitamins, minerals, waxes, fatty acids, steroids etc. Antimicrobial effect of propolis extract is determined by flavonoids, caffeic, cinnamic, benzoic acids contained in the extract, and other chemical compounds, their amount and their synergistic interaction .

JSC "Valentis" began propolis research in 2005. The goal of work was to produce the purified soft propolis extract, to perform its chemical analysis, to research the antimicrobial effect and to use it as an antimicrobial conservation agent in medication manufacture.

We developed the manufacturing technology of purified propolis extract. Manufacture consisted of several stages. During the course of manufacture, the concentration, temperature, pressure of extractant (ethanol) was being changed.

We manufactured 5 batches of purified propolis extract. The purified propolis extract is a soft material of dark brown colour of specific odour, it easily and without residue dissolves in 96 percent V/V ethanol. Dry residue of extract is 80 ± 5 %. We did not find waxes in the purified propolis extract. Its oxidation rate did not exceed 10 sec.

Unpurified propolis extract contained 3 ± 0.6 % of waxes, oxidation rate did not exceed 22 sec. We identified the polyphenolic compounds (precipitate of yellow colour) qualitatively with the solution of lead acetate, flavonoids (precipitate of green colour) – with the solution of aluminum trichloride, flavonone pinostrobin was identified by a method of thin-layer chromatography (solvent system: chloroform – 96 percent V/V ethanol 90:10). We developed the spots in UV light at a 254 nm wavelength, and afterwards with diazotized sulfanilic acid.

Quantitatively we identified the phenolic compounds by a spectrophotometric method, by measuring the absorption amount of ethanol solution in the wavelength of 290 nm. We found that the extract should contain 45 ± 3 % (n = 5) of phenolic compounds. By making the coloured compound with Folin – Ciocalteu agent and by measuring the absorption rate in the wavelength of 760 nm, we identified the amount of polyphenolic compounds, recalculating them into gallic acid. We found that the extract must contain 0.7 ± 0.05 % (n = 5) of polyphenolic compounds recalculated into gallic acid. The specific component in propolis is flavonone pinostrobin. Its amount was identified by a spectrophotometric method, by measuring the absorption amount of ethanol solution in the wavelength of 289 nm. We found that the extract must contain 25 ± 1 % (n = 5) pinostrobin.

The amounts of active substances in the unpurified propolis extract differed very insignificantly. We analyzed the antimicrobial activity of purified propolis extract. We used 9 reference cultures of microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 33499), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 12459), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6623), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 8035) and Candida albicans (ATCC 60193).

We estimated the antimicrobial activity by the dilution method, using the Muller – Hinton broth and 0,9 % solution of sodium chloride. We made 5 dilutions up to 3200 times. We found that after diluting the extract by 400 times (concentration of purified propolis extract is 0.044 mg %), it completely suppresses the growth and proliferation of the above cultures. After diluting the extract by 800 times (concentration of purified propolis extract is 0.011 mg %), it suppresses the growth and proliferation of the above cultures, except Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis. After diluting the extract by 1600 times and more, its antimicrobial activity was not manifested anymore.

Due to its strong and wide antimicrobial effect, the propolis extract can be used as antimicrobial conservation agent in manufacture of different medications, replacing the substances of chemical nature.

Currently JSC "Valentis" is in the stage of research of the stability of different syrups, where the purified propolis extract is used as antimicrobial conservation agent. The research is in progress.

Posted by Editor at 6:47 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Propolis Stimulates Development of Blood Cells

Hematostimulative Action of Water - Soluble Derivative of Propolis (WSDP)

Oršolić N, Tadić Z, Benković V, Horvat Knežević A, Ličić D, Đikić D, Bašić I.Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germany

Summary: We have investigated the effect of a water - soluble derivative of propolis (WSDP) on hematopoiesis of CBA mice using exogenous spleen colony assay (CFUs assay). Given perorally (p.o.) 50 mg/kg to mice for 20 consecutive days WSDP increased the number of exogenous C.F.U.s as compared to control. WSDP given either for 20 or 40 days elevated the number of cells in hematopoietic tissue and increased the number of leucocytes in peripheral blood; prolonged treatment with WSDP also elevated histological appearance of myeloid and megakaryocytic types of C.F.U.s. These studies encourage further investigations on the mode of the radioprotective action of WSDP and its use not only in research concerning hematopoiesis, but also in studies related to its use in combined therapy with radiation and/or cytotoxic drugs.

Posted by Editor at 9:59 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Friday, March 30, 2007

Apitherapy May Help Patients with Chronic Hepatitis

Serum Transaminases Decrease in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients by Moroccan Euphorbia Resinifera Propolis

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germany

Pr. Faid Mohamed
Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine
PO Box 6202 Rabat-Institute, Morocco
E-mail: faidmohamed@yahoo.fr

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis C often causes significant morbidity in subjects via fatigue and impaired quality of life. In previous studies, propolis extracts and other bee products such as royal jelly have shown to have a protective effect on hepatocytes in vitro as well as in vivo. This effect has been attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of propolis. However, limited information is available on its efficacy in improving liver chemistries and symptoms.

Interferon therapy, which is the only known way to decrease the virus copy and transaminases in the serum, would not really ensure a safe state years after the treatment. Thus, the present investigation was carried out to determine the long-term effect of the oil extract of Moroccan propolis from Euphorbia resinefera (an endemic plant in Morocco) on hepatitis C virus elimination in patients treated during the acute phase of viral hepatitis C…

Activities of the serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) were analysed before, during and after 10 months of the beginning of the treatment. Propolis oil extract was administrated orally three times in dose of 70 mg/kg BW, mixed with one tablespoon of multifloral honey one hour before the meal.

Results showed a significant decrease in SGPT and SGOP, as well as a significant inhibition of fatigue symptoms in all patients including those who had been resistant to the conventional therapy. Besides some digestive troubles observed in five patients during the first days of POE intake, no adverse events were occurred, and the POE was safe and well tolerated in all subjects.

These studies suggest that POE along with other adjuvant methods which could enhance the efficiency of bee products, have an improving effect on hepatic dysfunction, and may also confirm the beneficial effect of apitherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis , but this promising effect on virus C clearance should be confirmed in a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled study involving more patients.

Posted by Editor at 7:24 AM 0 comments

Labels: Honey, Propolis

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Brazilian Red Propolis: Botanical Origin and Physiological Activities

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germa ny

Brazilian red propolis is found in the northeast of Brazil inside the mangrove swamps. The Africanized honeybee uses the red propolis to seal off holes and cracks and protects the swarm from pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Prof. Dr. Yong Kun Park, from UNICAMP University defined 12 different groups of Brazilian propolis. Red propolis was recently classified as group 13 with the botanical origin Dalbergia ecastophyllum (Leguminosae). The botanical origin was verified by observation and different chromatographic methods/histological exams.

Propolis of group 13 is rich in flavonoids and other phenolic compounds with highly interesting physiological properties. Prof. Park´s research group identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, daidzein, dalbergin, formononetin and biochanin A. Isoliquritigenin and liquiritigenin inhibited the growth of prostate cancer in vitro.

It also inhibited the enzyme xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors were suggested in the treatment of hepatitis and cerebral tumors, as these diseases are augmenting the levels of xanthine oxidase in the serum.

Isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin demonstrated also an anti-allergic activity, which was dose-dependant. Formononetin and biochanin A are isoflavonoids with estrogen and anti-fungal activity. They are metabolized to daidzein and genistein, respectively, which are well-known isoflavonoid aglycons found e.g. in soy and are largely used to treat women with problems related to menopause. They showed activity against prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Red propolis had shown analgesic effects in vivo, in concentrations of 25–40 mg dry extract/kg body mass. It has also shown high free radical scavenging and hepato-protective activity.

Dr. Andreas DAUGSCH, Prof. Dr. Yong Kun PARK
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP),
College of Food Engineering,
Department of Food Science,
Laboratory of Food Biochemistry,
Campinas-SP., CEP: 13081-970, Brazil.
E-mail: andreas@daugsch.com

Posted by Editor at 7:53 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Austrian Spa Uses 'Bee Air' to Treat Respiratory Problems

Presented at: 5th German Apitherapy Congress, March 23-25, 2007, Passau, Germany

An Austrian spa, called " Tiroler Bienen Welt," offers treatment with "Bienenluft" or "Bee Air." Visitors to the spa are given one-hour treatments twice a day for 12 days. They breath air containing volatile compounds released by nectar, honey, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis in the hive and exhale so that their breath does not impact the bees in any way. Spa owners claim success in treating ailments such as asthma. The treatment is only offered May through August.

The spa also offers other apitherapy-related products.

Free translation offered at: http://www.google.com/language_tools

Posted by Editor at 8:03 AM 0 comments

Labels: Bee-Collected Pollen, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Friday, March 23, 2007

Apitherapy News to Report from the 5th German Apitherapy Congress and Expo

Watch for reports about presentations offered at the 5th German Apitherapy Congress and Expo currently underway in Passau, Germany.

Posted by Editor at 2:45 PM 0 comments

Labels: Apitherapy and Beekeeping, Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Romanian Conference on Apiculture, Apitherapy – May 3-5, 2007

Apiculture – From Science to Agribusiness and Apitherapy
May 3-5, 2007, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

The 1st International Conference on Apiculture - From Science to Agribusiness and Apitherapy - is organized by University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Department of Apiculture and Sericulture

There will also be a summer program on beekeeping and apitherapy.

Posted by Editor at 2:37 PM 0 comments

Labels: Apitherapy and Beekeeping, Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Brazilian Green Propolis Displays Good Anti-Ulcer Activity

Effect of Brazilian Green Propolis on Experimental Gastric Ulcers in Rats
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007 Apr 4;110(3):567-71. Epub 2006 Oct 28

Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from plants. The propolis produced in Southeastern of Brazil is known as green propolis because of its color. Modern herbalists recommend its use because it displays antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-ulcer properties. The anti-ulcer activity of green propolis hydroalcoholic crude extract was evaluated by using models of acute gastric lesions induced by ethanol, indomethacin and stress in rats…

Animals pretreated with propolis hydroalcoholic crude extract (50, 250 and 500mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in lesion index, total affected area and percentage of lesion in comparison with control group (p<0.05 ) in the ethanol-induced ulcer model. Green propolis extract, at a higher dose (500mg/kg), displayed a significant protection by reducing (p<0.05) the evaluated parameters in the gastric ulceration induced by indomethacin…

These findings indicate that Brazilian green propolis displays good anti-ulcer activity, corroborating the folk use of propolis preparations, and contributing for its pharmacological validation.

Posted by Editor at 8:28 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Upcoming Apitherapy Events in the United States

Missouri Beekeeping Conference to Feature Apitherapy Workshop

Missouri Beekeepers to Host Conference
Jefferson City News Tribune (USA), 3/11/2007

The Missouri State Beekeepers Association is hosting a state conference on Friday and Saturday in Jefferson City.

The group will tour the Capitol and Governor's Mansion. Topics for the conference include: Beekeeping 101, Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings, and Using Beeswax in Lotions and Creams.

There will also be an apitherapy workshop which is open to the public at 1 p.m., Saturday at the Capitol Plaza. Apitherapy is the ancient cure that involves treating disorders with the help of bee venom. Featured speaker is Reyah Carlson, secretary of the American Apitheraphy Society.

New York: Bee Venom Therapy
Westchester.com, 3/13/2007

Wednesday, March 20, 10-11:30 a.m., The Main House, Bldg. A

Beekeeper Tom Cohn of Hilltop Hanover Farm Honey Inc. will present an educational program on the medicinal properties of the honey bee. The program will include a lecture and demonstration by Alan Lorenzo, a bee venom therapist, titled "The Healing Honey Bee: the Buzz on Bee Venom Therapy." Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. Call (914) 962-2368.

North Carolina: Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference
April 26-29, 2007
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (USA)

Posted by Editor at 7:19 AM 0 comments

Labels: Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Propolis Component Reduced Number of Newly-Formed Blood Vessels to Tumors

Suppression of Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis by Brazilian Propolis
Cancer Letters, 2007 Mar 5

Propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees from various plant sources, possesses various physiological activities such as antitumor effects. We have previously shown that propolis of Brazilian origin was composed mainly of artepillin C and that its constituents were quite different from those of propolis of European origin. In this report, we examined an antiangiogenic effects of Brazilian propolis and investigated whether artepillin C was responsible for such effects.

In an in vivo angiogenesis assay using ICR mice, we found that the ethanol extract of Brazilian propolis (EEBP) significantly reduced the number of newly formed vessels…

Judging from its antiangiogenic activity in vitro and in vivo, we concluded that artepillin C at least in part is responsible for the antiangiogenic activity of EEBP in vivo. Artepillin C may prove useful in the development of agents and foods with therapeutic or preventive activity against tumor angiogenesis.

Posted by Editor at 6:12 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Propolis has Amoebicidal, Cysticidal, Properties

In Vitro Amoebicidal Activity of Propolis on Acanthamoeba Castellanii
Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2007 Feb;23(1):40-5

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of an ethanolic extract of propolis on the growth and adherence of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts…

Results: After 1-72 h, incubation in concentrations between 2.0 and 6.0 mg/mL, its effect was amoebistatic; at concentrations of 8.0 mg/mL and higher, its effect was amoebicidal. After 48 h or longer incubation times at 15.62 mg/mL and at higher concentrations, the propolis extract was cysticidal…

Conclusions: These findings indicate that ethanolic extract of propolis has amoebicidal, as well as cysticidal, properties for Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts. Propolis alone, or in combination with other amoebicidal agents, may be used in clinical practice after further investigations.

Posted by Editor at 9:11 AM 0 comments

Labels: Propolis

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Puerto Rico Beekeeping Conference to Discuss Apitherapy

1er Congreso Antillano de Apicultura
Del 28 de junio al 1ro de julio de 2007
Pichis Convention Center Guayanilla, Puerto Rico

Temática principal: La diversificación de la producción apícola; La Apiterapia; Enfermedades de abejas y tratamientos; Determinación del origen floral de las mieles; Flora Melífera y Polinización.

Conferenciantes:

Dr. Moises Asis (EE.UU.)
Dr. Vetaley Stashenko (EE.UU)
Dr. Pedro Rodríguez (EE.UU./España/Puerto Rico)
Sra. Trinidad Terrazas (Mexico)
Ing. Cecilia Inés Sánchez (Argentina/Puerto Rico)
Ing. Daniel Pérez Moro (Puerto Rico)

Además de ser un Congreso también tendremos un EXPO.

Visite el website oficial del evento: http://www.mielesdepuertorico.com para información detallada.

Translate

Posted by Editor at 7:35 AM 1 comments

Labels: Bee Venom, Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

Friday, March 09, 2007

Newspaper Profiles Canadian Apitherapist

A Beehive of Activity
By Katrina Simmons, The Hamilton Spectator (Canada), 3/8/2007

Honey has been around since the beginning of time. The pharoahs of Egypt were buried with honey, says beekeeper and apitherapist Annie vanAlten of Dutchman's Gold honey and maple products, and this powerhouse of nutrition is even mentioned numerous times in the Bible…

In recent years, vanAlten has turned her attention to the health benefits of other products of the hive, and added Annie's Apitherapy to the Dutchman's Gold label. She started attending international workshops and congresses to learn and lecture about the therapeutic use of bee products (apitherapy).

"Royal jelly is B-complex and a pick-me-upper," she instructs. "Propolis is a natural antibiotic, and bee pollen boosts the immune system, is an energy booster and a multivitamin." Even honey itself is an anti-bacterial, she says, that can be used as a wound dressing.

All of these products, plus beeswax candles, wax gift boxes, soothing skin creams, soaps and salves crowd the shelves of the Dutchman's Gold shop in Carlisle, alongside the jars of honey. VanAlten does her best to educate everyone who walks through the door about the amazing and age-old world of bees.

Dutchman's Gold is at 300 Carlisle Road in Carlisle (905-689-6371/ www.dutchmansgold.com or www.anniesapitherapy.com). You can also find their honey in food stores throughout Ontario.

Posted by Editor at 6:49 AM 0 comments

Labels: Bee-Collected Pollen, Beeswax, Honey, Propolis, Royal Jelly

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