How Do Honeybees Protect Secretory Cells From Venom?

Proteomic Analysis of the Honey Bee Worker Venom Gland Focusing on the Mechanisms of Protection Against Tissue Damage
Toxicon, Article in Press

Abstract: Honey bee workers use venom for the defence of the colony and themselves when they are exposed to dangers and predators. It is produced by a long thin, convoluted, and bifurcated gland, and consists of several toxic proteins and peptides.

The present study was undertaken in order to identify the mechanisms that protect the venom gland secretory cells against these harmful components.

Samples of whole venom glands, including the interconnected reservoirs, were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the most abundant protein spots were subjected to mass spectrometric identification using MALDI TOF/TOF-MS and LC MS/MS…

Two endocuticular structural proteins were abundantly present in the 2D-gel and most probably represent a structural component of the epicuticular lining that protects the secretory cells from the toxins they produce.

Acute Consumption of Propolis Produced Mutagenic Effects

First In Vivo Evaluation of the Mutagenic Effect of Brazilian Green Propolis by Comet Assay and Micronucleus Test
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 46, Issue 7, July 2008, Pages 2580-2584

Abstract: Propolis is a hive product containing chiefly beeswax and plant-derived substances such as resin and volatile compounds. Propolis has been used in various parts of the world as an antiseptic and wound healer since ancient times, and interest in the product has recently increased.

Considering the lack of data concerning the in vivo mutagenicity of green propolis, the capacity of this natural product to cause damage to the DNA was evaluated, using the alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and micronucleus test, in the peripheral blood cells of mice. The doses tested by gavage were 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg.

Micronucleus and SCGE assays showed that green propolis caused an increase in the damage to DNA in the peripheral blood cells of mice. The polychromatic:normochromatic erythrocytes ratio was not statistically different from the negative control.

Considering the doses and the results obtained in this study, the acute consumption of green propolis produced some mutagenic effects on the blood cells of mice.

Propolis’ Anti-Inflammatory Effect Examined

Inhibitory Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on LPS-Induced Inflammation of Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells
Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 08 May 2008

Objectives: CAPE is a biologically active component of propolis, a resinous material obtained from bee hives, which originates from conifer bark. The effect of CAPE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reactions is not known.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CAPE on cultured human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). ..

Results: CAPE significantly inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of TNF- in a dose-dependent manner. IL-8 production by LPS was significantly suppressed by the CAPE pretreatment. Furthermore, LPS-induced IκB- degradation was suppressed by the CAPE pretreatment.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is due to its inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- expression and interleukin (IL)-8 production.

Chinese, European Honeybee Royal Jelly Proteins Differ

Proteomic Characterization of Royal Jelly Proteins in Chinese (Apis cerana cerana) and European (Apis mellifera) Honeybees
Biochemistry (Mosc). 2008 Jun;73(6):676-80

In this study, the proteins contained in royal jelly (RJ) derived from Chinese and European honeybees have been analyzed in detail and compared. Remarkable differences were found in the heterogeneity of major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), MRJP2 and MRJP3, in terms of molecular weight and isoelectric points between the two species of RJ. MRJP2 and MRJP3 produced by Chinese honeybee are less polymorphic than those produced by European honeybee. This study is a contribution to the description of the royal jelly proteome.

Plant Origin of Okinawan Propolis Identified

Plant Origin of Okinawan Propolis: Honeybee Behavior Observation and Phytochemical Analysis
Naturwissenschaften, Issue Volume 95, Number 8, August, 2008

…Poplar and Baccharis are well known as the source plants of European and Brazilian propolis, respectively. However, the propolis from Okinawa, Japan, contains some prenylflavonoids not seen in other regions such as Europe and Brazil, suggesting that the plant origin of Okinawan propolis is a particular plant that grows in Okinawa. To identify the plant origin of Okinawan propolis, we observed the behavior of honeybees as they collected material from plants and caulked it inside the hive.

Honeybees scraped resinous material from the surface of plant fruits of Macaranga tanarius and brought it back to their hive to use it as propolis. We collected samples of the plant and propolis, and compared their constituents by high-performance liquid chromatography with a photo-diode array detector. We also compared their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity.

The chemical constituents and biological activity of the ethanol extracts of the plant did not differ from those of propolis. This indicates directly that the plant origin of Okinawan propolis is M. tanarius.

Video: Bacteria-Fighting Honey

(NECN) - In this segment of Sci Tech today, the search is on for a solution to bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics. Researchers are looking to the honey bee for the answer.

Tim Kardatzke of the Museum of Science discusses what led researchers to suggest honey bees may be a solution, and what type of research has been done, and results they have had.

Brazilian Propolis Shows Anti-Influenza Virus Activity

Anti-Influenza Virus Activity of Propolis In Vitro and Its Efficacy Against Influenza Infection in Mice
Antiviral Chemistry & Chemotherapy, 2008; 19: 7-13

BACKGROUND: Propolis has been used worldwide as a dietary supplement to maintain and improve human health. We examined whether ethanol extracts of Brazilian propolis exhibit antiviral activity against influenza virus in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS: Among 13 ethanol extracts screened in a plaque reduction assay, four showed anti-influenza virus activity. The anti-influenza efficacy of the four extracts was further examined in a murine influenza virus infection model. The mice were infected intranasally with influenza virus, and the four extracts were orally administered at 10 mg/kg three times daily for seven successive days after infection.

RESULTS: In this infection model, only one extract, AF-08, was significantly effective at 10 mg/kg in reducing the body weight loss of infected mice. The doses of 2 and 10 mg/ kg were also effective in prolonging the survival times of infected mice significantly, but 0.4 mg/kg was not. The anti-influenza efficacy of AF-08 at 10 mg/kg was confirmed in a dose-dependent manner in mice. AF-08 at 10 mg/kg significantly reduced virus yields in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of lungs in infected mice as compared with the control. The reduction of virus yields by AF-08 at 10 mg/kg significantly corresponded to those induced by oseltamivir at 1 mg/kg twice daily from day 1 to day 4 after infection.

CONCLUSION: The Brazilian propolis AF-08 was indicated to possess anti-influenza virus activity and to ameliorate influenza symptoms in mice. AF-08 may be a possible candidate for an anti-influenza dietary supplement for humans.

Propolis Extract Used to Prevent Cardiotoxicity by Anti-Cancer Drug

Cardioprotective Effects and Mechanism of Action of Polyphenols Extracted from Propolis Against Doxorubicin Toxicity
Pak J Pharm Sci, Jul 2008;21(3):201-9

Propolis is one of the major hive products of bees and is rich in flavonoids, which are known for antioxidant activities. It is well known that the chemical properties of phenolic acids or flavonoids, in terms of the availability of the phenolic hydrogens as hydrogen donating radical scavengers, predict their antioxidant properties.

In this study, the flavonoids scavenging activity of propolis has been exploited to obtain protection against the peroxidative damage in rat heart mitochondria which was induced by the administration of an acute dose of doxorubicin (20mg kg-1, i.p)…

The data demonstrate that antioxidants from natural sources may be useful in the protection of cardiotoxicity in patients who receive doxorubicin and as reported for its claimed beneficial effect on human health by biomedical literature.

Local Wildflower Honey Recommended for Allergies

Fans Say a Teaspoon a Day Keeps Allergies, Other Ailments Away
By Robin Hindery, Daily Democrat (USA), 7/12/2008

When pollen counts are high, many Californians turn to over-the-counter allergy medications, which can leave them groggy, or shots, which can be unpleasant.

But as alternative medicine and natural health remedies have become increasingly mainstream, a sweeter alternative has emerged for allergy sufferers: Honey.

"It's been going on to some extent for years, but it never really caught on till this year," said Sacramento honey producer Frank Lienert Jr., of the use of his product to combat allergies. "My sales have skyrocketed in the last two months."

Lienert, who was born and raised in Woodland, sells his Lienert's Quality Honey varieties at area farmers' markets, as well as to local grocery stores, co-ops and alternative health

Many of those vendors have told Lienert they recommend honey to their own customers for allergy relief, he said.

One such proponent is David Villescaz, a chiropractor in Woodland, who said he has been purchasing honey from Lienert and selling it to his patients for more than 10 years. For allergy sufferers, Villescaz recommends Lienert's wildflower honey - derived from a variety of Sacramento Valley plants - and he said he has heard glowing reports of its effects.

"I have patients who tell me they use fewer antihistamines now that they've been using honey," he said, noting that the dry weather in California over the past two years has exacerbated people's allergies, and therefore increased the demand for fast-acting remedies.

What's more, he said, "if it works, and it's natural and organic, that's even better."

Villescaz and other honey fans believe the small amount of pollen found in locally grown raw honey acts in a similar manner to allergy shots: By desensitizing the body and increasing its tolerance to a particular allergen - a form of treatment known as "immunotherapy."…

Iranian Researcher Says Bee Venom Useful for Treating MS

IRNA, 7/12/2008

The latest research has shown that the bee venom is useful for treating the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease.

Announcing this, faculty member of Tarbiat Moallem University, Mohammad Nabiyouni, noted that bee venom can repair the damaged nervous system in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS or encephalomyelitis disseminata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS), leading to demyelination...

Video: Disappearing Honey Bees Sting Food Prices

July 12: Honeybees have been disappearing in droves since Octoboer of 2006. NBC's Anne Thompson explains why this is impacting food prices.

Bacteria Unlikely to Develop Resistance to Honey

Study Reports that Honey Holds Potential for Healing
Wisconsin Medical Society, 7/11/2008

Madison - There’s one more reason to like honey, besides the taste. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health call the gooey substance “a low-cost topical therapy with important potential for healing.” Their scientific article is published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal (Volume 107, No. 4), which is available here.

The article discusses the use of honey to treat foot ulcers in patients with diabetes, which has become increasingly popular because of “a growing awareness of the cost and burden of diabetic foot ulcers and the need for cost-effective therapies.”

The authors, who are conducting a trial regarding the use of honey for human patients, report there is evidence that honey promotes healing in animals. What may be especially surprising is that it appears to be therapeutic in a variety of ways: its acidity aids in improving circulation; it produces a small amount of hydrogen peroxide that kills bacteria without damaging tissue; and it contains flavanoides and acids that contribute to bacterial-fighting properties.

“Since honey’s antibacterial activity is multi-factorial, bacteria are unlikely to develop resistance to it,” the authors explain. They go on to say that when patients agree to try it as a therapy, antibiotics are often discontinued…

Honey - A Hidden Skin Healer

By Jane Hart, MD

Healthnotes Newswire (July 10, 2008)—When applied to the skin, honey may help prevent and treat skin diseases caused by bacteria, according to a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. As the number of antibiotic-resistant infections increases, alternative solutions are needed for infections…

The study’s authors commented that since very few new antibiotics are being developed, alternative solutions are needed. Honey, they said, could be helpful in treating wound infections and in preventing infection at skin sites where bacteria are likely to thrive, such as catheter sites in ill patients. Further research is needed to understand the potential role of medical-grade honey in preventing and treating skin infections.

Honey may kill or suppress bacteria growth because of its high sugar content, high acid content, natural production of hydrogen peroxide, or because of other actions related to flower or bee components. Though the authors warn that pulling a jar of honey off of the shelf to treat skin infections may not get the job done (Revamil is produced in a greenhouse under standardized conditions), evidence from other studies suggests that raw, unprocessed honey may be effective.

Honey has ‘Beneficial Effects’ on Weight, Blood Lipids of Diabetic Patients

Effects of Natural Honey Consumption in Diabetic Patients: An 8-Week Randomized Clinical Trial
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 08 May 2008

Objectives: We investigated the effect of natural honey on body weight and some blood biochemical indices of diabetic subjects.

Methods: Forty-eight diabetic type 2 patients were randomly assigned into two groups: the honey group received oral natural honey for 8 weeks, and the control group did not take honey. Before the onset of the study (week 0) and after 8 weeks, weight measurements were taken and fasting blood samples were drawn.

Results: After adjustment for the baseline values, there were no significant differences in the fasting blood sugars between the two groups. Body weight, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride decreased (P=0.000), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol increased significantly (P<0.01) in honey group. The levels of hemoglobin A1C increased significantly in this group (P<0.01).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that 8-week consumption of honey can provide beneficial effects on body weight and blood lipids of diabetic patients. However, since an increase in the hemoglobin A1C levels was observed, cautious consumption of this food by diabetic patients is recommended.

Propolis ‘Exhibited Better Effectiveness’ Than Traditional Liver Drug

Multiple Treatment of Propolis Extract Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Food and Chemical Toxicology, Article in Press

Abstract: Propolis, a resinous wax-like beehive product has been used as a traditional remedy for various diseases due to a variety of biological activities of this folk medicine. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to validate hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of propolis (50–400 mg/kg, p.o.) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 0.5 ml/kg, p.o.) induced acute liver injury in rats.

Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug was used as a positive control. Administration of CCl4 altered various diagnostically important biochemical variables. Multiple treatment of propolis significantly prevented the release of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, urea and uric acid in serum; improved the activity of hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes, i.e., aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase; significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and markedly enhanced glutathione in liver and kidney as well as brought altered carbohydrate contents (blood sugar and tissue glycogen), protein contents (serum, microsomal and tissue protein) and lipid contents (serum and tissue triglycerides, serum cholesterol, total and esterified cholesterol in tissue) towards control.

Propolis treatment also reversed CCl4 induced severe alterations in histoarchitecture of liver and kidney in a dose dependent manner. Hepatoprotective activity of propolis at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was statistically compared to silymarin and found that propolis exhibited better effectiveness than silymarin in certain parameters, concluded its hepatoprotective potential.