Manuka Honey Texas

What to do with ant bites?

2012-02-01T00:05:00.001-06:00

I was bit today by about 7-8 fire ant bites. I knew what was biting me the moment it started. The pain was sharp and began to throb within a few seconds, and it was increasing. I was able to put on a salve made up with a 50/50 ratio of Active Manuka Honey +15 and Organic African Shea Nut Butter. within 5 minutes the pain had lessen, and after 20 minutes there was no pain or raised dots that had started after the bites. What do you have in your cabinet, for your family, after an ant attack. Does it work? Manuka Shea 50/50 does.

2012-01-13T13:05:00.002-06:00

My supply of Dar Mel's Nature's Gold Active Manuka Honey +15 has run out. But I have been able to buy a bulk container of Active Manuka Honey that has been tested showing a strength of +24 (equal to 24% solution of phenol). It has arrived in Houston and based on the last shipment could be out of customs and the FDA testing by the end of the month (Jan 2012). I will keep you informed on the progress of the Manuka Honey along with the new name.

Medical-grade honey enriched with antimicrobial peptides has enhanced activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

2011-10-22T16:49:00.002-05:00

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Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2011 Feb;30(2):251-7. Epub 2010 Oct 7.

Medical-grade honey enriched with antimicrobial peptides has enhanced activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

Kwakman PH, de Boer L, Ruyter-Spira CP, Creemers-Molenaar T, Helsper JP, Vandenbroucke-Grauls CM, Zaat SA, te Velde AA.

Source

Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Honey has potent activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria, and is an interesting agent for topical antimicrobial application to wounds. As honey is diluted by wound exudate, rapid bactericidal activity up to high dilution is a prerequisite for its successful application. We investigated the kinetics of the killing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by RS honey, the source for the production of Revamil® medical-grade honey, and we aimed to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey by enrichment with its endogenous compounds or the addition of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). RS honey killed antibiotic-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, and Burkholderia cepacia within 2 h, but lacked such rapid activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. It was not feasible to enhance the rapid activity of RS honey by enrichment with endogenous compounds, but RS honey enriched with 75 μM of the synthetic peptide Bactericidal Peptide 2 (BP2) showed rapid bactericidal activity against all species tested, including MRSA and ESBL E. coli, at up to 10-20-fold dilution. RS honey enriched with BP2 rapidly killed all bacteria tested and had a broader spectrum of bactericidal activity than either BP2 or honey alone.

PMID:: 20927564; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC3022150

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The effects of Tualang honey on female reproductive organs, tibia bone and hormonal profile in ovariectomised rats--animal model for menopause.

2011-10-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

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BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Dec 31;10:82.

The effects of Tualang honey on female reproductive organs, tibia bone and hormonal profile in ovariectomised rats--animal model for menopause.

Zaid SS, Sulaiman SA, Sirajudeen KN, Othman NH.

Source

Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Honey is a highly nutritional natural product that has been widely used in folk medicine for a number of therapeutic purposes. We evaluated whether Malaysian Tualang honey (AgroMas, Malaysia) was effective in reducing menopausal syndrome in ovariectomised female rats; an animal model for menopause.

METHODS:

The rats were divided into two control groups and three test groups. The control groups were sham-operated (SH) and ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The SH and OVX control rats were fed on 0.5 ml of distill water. The rats in the test groups were fed with low dose 0.2 g/kg (THL), medium dose, 1.0 g/kg (THM) and high dose 2.0 g/kg (THH) of Tualang honey in 0.5 ml of distill water. The administration was given by oral gavage once daily for 2 weeks. The reproductive organs (uterus and vagina), tibia bone and aorta were taken for histopathological examination while serum for hormonal assays.

RESULTS:

Administration of Tualang honey for 2 weeks to ovariectomised rats significantly increased the weight of the uterus and the thickness of vaginal epithelium, restored the morphology of the tibia bones and reduced the body weight compared to rats in the ovariectomised group. The levels of estradiol and progesterone, in honey treated groups were markedly lower than that in the OVX group. At low doses (0.2 g/kg; THL group) of Tualang honey there was an increased in serum free testosterone levels compared to OVX group (P < 0.01). Progesterone concentrations was significantly decreased in the OVX group as compared to SHAM group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Tualang honey was shown to have beneficial effects on menopausal (ovariectomised) rats by preventing uterine atrophy, increased bone density and suppression of increased body weight. Honey could be an alternative to HRT.

PMID:: 21194469; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
PMCID: PMC3022897

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The in vitro effect of manuka honeys on growth and adherence of oral bacteria.

2011-10-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

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Anaerobe. 2011 Feb;17(1):19-22. Epub 2010 Dec 31.

The in vitro effect of manuka honeys on growth and adherence of oral bacteria.

Badet C, Quero F.

Source

Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, 16 cours de la Marne, 33082 Bordeaux Cedex, France. cecile.badet@odonto.u-bordeaux2.fr

Abstract

Honey has been used since ancient times and more recently, for the healing of wounds and against infectious diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of two manuka honeys showing different potencies of their antibacterial activity, on potentially pathogenic oral bacteria. The antimicrobial activity was examined by determining the MIC and MBC using the macro dilution broth technique. The effect on the adherence was tested on growing cells of Streptococcus mutans on a glass surface and on a multi-species biofilm grown on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs. As expected, the antibacterial activity of manuka 1 (with higher potency of antibacterial activity) was the most important. The two tested honeys weakly inhibited the adherence of S.mutans cells to a glass surface at sub-MIC concentration. Manuka 1 showed a total inhibition of multi-species biofilm at the concentration of 200 μg/ml manuka 2 inhibited biofilm formation weakly at the concentration of 200 μg/ml but firmly at the concentration of 500 μg/ml. Our findings suggest that manuka honeys might be able to reduce oral pathogens within dental plaque. These two honeys appear to be able to control dental biofilm deposit.

PMID:: 21195787; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Honey dressing for burns

2011-10-22T16:37:00.002-05:00

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Indian J Plast Surg. 2010 Jul-Dec; 43(2): 231–232.

doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.73478

PMCID: PMC3010797

Honey dressing for burns

M. Subrahmanyam

Department of Surgery, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India

Address for correspondence: Dr. M. Subrahmanyam, Q Block, Venkatesh Srishtee, Golden Park, Bypass Road, Madhav Nagar Road, Sangli, Maharashtra – 416 416, India. E-mail: subrahmanyam_mutya@yahoo.com

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Sir,

With reference to the article on honey treatment for burns by Baghel et al.[] and comments by Wiwanitket,[] the following points may be noted. Jull et al.[] in their intervention review had stated “recently trials have evaluated the effects of using honey to help wound healing in both acute wounds (for example, burns, lacerations) and chronic wounds (for example, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers). Although honey may improve healing times in mild to moderate superficial and partial thickness burns compared with some conventional dressings, it was found that honey dressings used alongside compression therapy do not significantly increase leg ulcer healing at 12 weeks. There is insufficient evidence to guide clinical practice for other wound types.” Thus, the interpretation of Wiwanitket[] about the review conclusions does not reflect what the authors stated. In partial thickness and superficial burns, the review repeatedly mentioned that honey may help the wound healing, though with caution, since all the studies were conducted at the same centre and need replication. Studies like the present one are a step in that direction.

Honey may contain botulinum, and hence it is necessary to sterilize honey by gamma irradiation, but majority of the clinical studies used raw honey and no adverse effects have been reported so far.[4]

REFERENCES

1. Baghel PS, Sukla S, Mathur RK, Rand RA. A comparative study to evaluate the effect of honey dressing and silver sulfadiazine dressing on wound healing in burn patients. Indian J Plast Surg.2009;42:176–81. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2. Wiwanitkit V. Honey vs. silver sulfadiazine. Indian J Plast Surg. 2010;43:119. [PMC free article][PubMed]

3. Jull AB, Rodgers A, Walker N. Honey as a topical treatment for wound care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;4:CD005083. [PubMed]

4. Subrahmanyam M. Topical application of honey in burns wound treatment: An overview. Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2007;20:137–9.

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Honey in otorhinolaryngology: when, why and how?

2011-10-22T16:33:00.002-05:00

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Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2011 Jun;128(3):133-7. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Honey in otorhinolaryngology: when, why and how?

Werner A, Laccourreye O.

Source

Université Paris-Descartes, Service d'Oto-Rhinolaryngologie et de Chirurgie Cervicofaciale, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 20-40, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.

Abstract

In this review of the literature devoted to the use of honey, the authors analyse the composition, indications, benefits and adverse effects of this product in otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Published data indicate that honey applied topically to skin and mucosal wounds and/or burns and administered orally as antitussive medication (after the first year of life) is highly effective with no adverse effects. The physiological action of honey is the result of various mechanisms (osmotic, detersion, bactericidal action). Various medicinal honeys are available worldwide, but only one has Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of wounds. After the first year of life, the use of food honey appears to be as effective as medicinal honey, while decreasing the overall cost of treatment.

PMID:: 21310682; [PubMed - in process]

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Honey induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.

2011-10-22T16:28:00.002-05:00

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Pharmacogn Mag. 2011 Jan;7(25):46-52.

Honey induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.

Samarghandian S, Afshari JT, Davoodi S.

Source

Department of Physiology, Mashhad University Medical Sciences, Mashhad,, Iran.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The fact that antioxidants have several preventative effects against different diseases, such as coronary diseases, inflammatory disorders, neurologic degeneration, aging, and cancer, has led to the search for food rich in antioxidants. Honey has been used as a traditional food and medical source since ancient times. However, recently many scientists have been concentrating on the antioxidant property of honey. By use of human renal cancer cell lines (ACHN), we investigated the antiproliferative activity, apoptosis, and the antitumor activity of honey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum treated with different concentrations of honey for 3 consecutive days. Cell viability was quantitated by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) by flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

Honey decreased the cell viability in the malignant cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC (50) values against the ACHN cell lines were determined as 1.7 ± 0.04% and 2.1 ± 0.03% μg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Honey induced apoptosis of the ACHN cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by flow cytometry histogram of treated cells.

CONCLUSION:

It might be concluded that honey may cause cell death in the ACHN cells, in which apoptosis plays an important role. Most of the drugs used in the cancer treatment are apoptotic inducers, hence apoptotic nature of honey is considered vital. Therefore, it prompted us to investigate honey as a potential candidate for renal cancer treatment.

PMID:: 21472079; [PubMed]
PMCID: PMC3065157

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2011-10-22T16:26:00.001-05:00

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ScientificWorldJournal. 2011 Apr 5;11:766-87.

Honey for wound healing, ulcers, and burns; data supporting its use in clinical practice.

Al-Waili N, Salom K, Al-Ghamdi AA.

Source

Al-Waili's Foundation for Sciences, Chronic Wound Management and Hyperbaric Medicine, Life Support Technology Group, New York, USA. noori1966@yahoo.com

Abstract

The widespread existence of unhealed wounds, ulcers, and burns has a great impact on public health and economy. Many interventions, including new medications and technologies, are being used to help achieve significant wound healing and to eliminate infections. Therefore, to find an intervention that has both therapeutic effect on the healing process and the ability to kill microbes is of great value. Honey is a natural product that has been recently introduced in modern medical practice.Honey's antibacterial properties and its effects on wound healing have been thoroughly investigated. Laboratory studies and clinical trials have shown that honey is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. This paper reviews data that support the effectiveness of natural honey in wound healing and its ability to sterilize infected wounds. Studies on the therapeutic effects of honey collected in different geographical areas on skin wounds, skin and gastric ulcers, and burns are reviewed and mechanisms of action are discussed. (Ulcers and burns are included as an example of challenging wounds.) The data show that the wound healing properties of honey include stimulation of tissue growth, enhanced epithelialization, and minimized scar formation. These effects are ascribed to honey's acidity, hydrogen peroxide content, osmotic effect, nutritional and antioxidant contents, stimulation of immunity, and to unidentified compounds. Prostaglandins and nitric oxide play a major role in inflammation, microbial killing, and the healing process. Honey was found to lower prostaglandin levels and elevate nitric oxide end products. These properties might help to explain some biological and therapeutic properties ofhoney, particularly as an antibacterial agent or wound healer. The data presented here demonstrate that honeys from different geographical areas have considerable therapeutic effects on chronic wounds, ulcers, and burns. The results encourage the use of honey in clinical practice as a natural and safe wound healer.

PMID:: 21479349; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Review

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2011-10-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

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Turk J Gastroenterol. 2011 Feb;22(1):65-72.

The effect of oral honey and pollen on postoperative intraabdominal adhesions.

Celeplı S, Kismet K, Kaptanoğlu B, Erel S, Ozer S, Celeplı P, Kaygusuz G, Devrım E, Gencay O, Sorkun K, Durak I, Akkuş MA.

Source

Department of, General Surgery, Ministry of Health, Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Ankara.

Abstract

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 andhoney+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.

PMID:: 21480114; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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The use of topical honey in the treatment of corneal abrasions and endotoxin-induced keratitis in an animal model.

2011-10-22T16:04:00.001-05:00

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Curr Eye Res. 2011 Sep;36(9):787-96. Epub 2011 Aug 3.

The use of topical honey in the treatment of corneal abrasions and endotoxin-induced keratitis in an animal model.

Uwaydat S, Jha P, Tytarenko R, Brown H, Wiggins M, Bora PS, Bora NS.

Source

Department of Ophthalmology, Jones Eye Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. uwaydatsamih@uams.edu

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To investigate the effect of topically applied honey on intact corneas, surgically induced corneal abrasions and endotoxin induced keratitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The effect of honey on the cornea was investigated by application of honey on intact corneas, wounded corneas and endotoxin-induced keratitis in Lewis rats. The corneas were wounded by creating an epithelial defect using a surgical blade, and the keratitis was induced by topically applying Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin to scarified corneas. After treatment rats were sacrificed and cornea harvested in each case. Corneas were processed for paraffin embedding for histological and immuno-fluorescence staining. Corneas were also harvested and processed for total ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolation for reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis for various growth factors and inflammatory chemokines/cytokines).

RESULTS:

Histological analysis revealed that no inflammation or morphological changes occurred after honey treatment in naive intact corneas. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were also not altered after honey treatment. Topical application of honey to injured corneas resulted in faster epithelial healing and decreased expression of VEGF, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin 12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in injured corneas. Our results also established that honey treatment reduced the inflammation in endotoxin-induced keratitis by reducing the levels of angiogenic factors (VEGF and TGF-β), inflammatory cytokines (IL-12) and chemokines (CC chemokine receptor 5(CCR-5)).

CONCLUSION:

Short term use of honey on intact corneas can be safe. Honey has anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be explored in several corneal inflammatory and infectious conditions.

PMID:: 21812661; [PubMed - in process]

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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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Labome Researcher Resource - ExactAntigen/Labome

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Honey and microbial infections: a review supporting the use of honey for microbial control.

2011-10-22T16:02:00.005-05:00

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J Med Food. 2011 Oct;14(10):1079-96. Epub 2011 Aug 22.

Honey and microbial infections: a review supporting the use of honey for microbial control.

Al-Waili NS, Salom K, Butler G, Al Ghamdi AA.

Source

1 Al-Waili's Charitable Foundation for Sciences and Trading, New York, New York, USA .

Abstract

Abstract Honey has been used as a medicine throughout the ages and has recently been reintroduced to modern medical practice. Much of the research to date has addressed honey's antibacterial properties and its effects on wound healing. Laboratory studies and clinical trials have shown that honey is an effective broad-spectrum antibacterial agent. Honey antimicrobial action explains the external and internal uses of honey. Honey has been used to treat adult and neonatal postoperative infection, burns, necrotizing fasciitis, infected and nonhealing wounds and ulcers, boils, pilonidal sinus, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. These effects are ascribed to honey's antibacterial action, which is due to acidity, hydrogen peroxide content, osmotic effect, nutritional and antioxidants content, stimulation of immunity, and to unidentified compounds. When ingested, honey also promotes healing and shows antibacterial action by decreasing prostaglandin levels, elevating nitric oxide levels, and exerting prebiotic effects. These factors play a major role in controlling inflammation and promoting microbial control and healing processes. This article reviews data supporting the effectiveness of naturalhoney in eradicating human pathogens and discusses the mechanism of actions.

PMID:: 21859350; [PubMed - in process]

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Therapeutic Options for Acute Cough Due to Upper Respiratory Infections in Children.

2011-10-22T15:58:00.002-05:00

Lung. 2011 Sep 4. [Epub ahead of print]

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Therapeutic Options for Acute Cough Due to Upper Respiratory Infections in Children.

Paul IM.

Source

Departments of Pediatrics and Public Health Sciences, HS83, Penn State College of Medicine, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA, ipaul@psu.edu.

Abstract

Cough due to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) is one of the most frequent complaints encountered by pediatric health-care providers, and one of the most disruptive symptoms for children and families. Despite the frequency of URIs, there is limited evidence to support the few therapeutic agents currently available in the United States (US) to treat acute cough due to URI. Published, well-designed, contemporary research supporting the efficacy of narcotics (codeine, hydrocodone) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved over-the-counter (OTC) oral antitussives and expectorants (dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, chlophedianol, and guaifenesin) is absent for URI-associated pediatric cough. Alternatively, honeyand topically applied vapor rubs may be effective antitussives.

PMID:: 21892785; [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

2011-10-22T15:56:00.001-05:00

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J Antimicrob Chemother. 2011 Nov;66(11):2536-42. Epub 2011 Sep 7.

Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Jenkins R, Burton N, Cooper R.

Source

University of Wales Institute Cardiff, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK.

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of manuka honey, artificial honey and an antibacterial component (methylglyoxal) on cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods Viability of epidemic MRSA-15 NCTC 13142 incubated with manuka honey, artificial honey and methylglyoxal was determined, and structural effects monitored by electron microscopy. Activity of murein hydrolase (a peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme implicated in cell separation, encoded by atl) was estimated by cell wall hydrolysis and zymography; expression of atl was quantified by real-time PCR. Results Growth of MRSA was inhibited by 5%, 10% and 20% (w/v) manuka honey and 10% (w/v) artificial honeycontaining methylglyoxal, but not 10% (w/v) artificial honey. Statistically significantly increased numbers of cells containing septa and increased cell diameter (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) were found in MRSA exposed to 5%, 10% or 20% (w/v) manuka honey, but not 10% (w/v) artificial honey with and without methylglyoxal. Intracellular activity of murein hydrolase was elevated in MRSA grown in 10% (w/v) artificial honey and at undetectable levels in MRSA treated with 10% (w/v) manuka honey. Increased atl expression was found in MRSA treated with 10% (w/v) manuka honey and 10% artificial honey containing methylglyoxal. Conclusions Enlarged cells containing septa were observed in MRSA exposed to inhibitory concentrations of manuka honey, suggesting that cell division was interrupted. These changes were not caused by either the sugars or methylglyoxal in honey and indicate the presence of additional antibacterial components in manuka honey.

PMID:: 21903658; [PubMed - in process]

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Honey and renal cell carcinoma

2011-10-22T15:50:00.002-05:00

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Pharmacogn Mag. 2011 Jul-Sep; 7(27): 265–266.

doi: 10.4103/0973-1296.84245

PMCID: PMC3173904

Honey and renal cell carcinoma

Viroj Wiwanitkit

Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok, Thailand

Address for correspondence: Prof. Viroj Wiwanitkit, Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok - 101 60, Thailand. E-mail: wviroj@yahoo.com

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Sir,

I read a recent article on honey-induced apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma with great interest.[] Samarghandian et al., concluded that “it prompted us to investigate honey as a potential candidate for renal cancer treatment”.[] I have some discussions on this works. Indeed, honey has been widely studied and mentioned for its usefulness. It is considered as a good natural product that has high antioxidant property. The origin of honey is the flower of. Basically, the insect is the main vector, the bees, carry the nectar and sweet deposits from plants and further modify and collect themin the honeycomb. Within honey, several useful components can be identified, including fructose, glucose, amino acids, vitamins, water, minerals, enzymes, as well as phenolics (which is an important antioxidant). Based on its high antioxidant property, it might have several advantages in prevention against several diseases including intoxication, malignant disease, heart disease, inflammatory disorders, and other degenerative diseases.[2] Honey has been widely used in medicine for many centuries. Honey is used in many traditional medical regimens, both Indian and Chinese.

Indeed, there are many useful active ingredients in honey as already mentioned and those ingredients are believed to be the main chemicals that counteract many pathological conditions. Based on the enrichment in phenolic compounds, honey might be useful in cancer management. The antiproliferative effect of honey is well mentioned in the literature.[] Several phenolic compounds in honey such as caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenyl esters, Chrysin, Galangin, Quercetin , Kaempferol, Acacetin, Pinocembrin, Pinobanksin, and Apigenin are widely studied for their application in cancer therapy. For example, Chrysin is reported to have a good antitumorogenic property and effectively suppressed melanoma cells.[] Conclusively, honey is a natural product additive for cancer treatment based on its good cellular growth suppression property. On the other hand, the angiogenesis activity of honey is also mentioned.[5] As Samarghandian et al., noted, there are also many reports indicating the enhancement of cell growth effects by honey.[6,] Honey is a classical local regimen for promotion of wound healing. Hence, there is no doubt that honey can stimulate the rapid growth of cell.

It needs further studies to verify the exact effect of honey on carcinogenesis. Of interest, Samarghandian et al., mentioned that “The proliferative effect of honey on tumor cells was suggested to be a nutritional effect rather than a carcinogenic effect and the antitumor effect was reported to result from many activities, such as the inhibition of DNA synthesis with no signs of cytotoxicity and downregulation of MMP-2 and MMp-9.”[] The question remains as to how we can ensure this proposed concept. What are the factors determining nutritional or carcinogenic effects? Indeed, it could be either promoting of cell growth or suppressing of cell growth by honey, could be possible and expected at the same time. Hence, it is required to know the exact honey induced biological process that can result in desired antitumorogenic property, instead of angiogenesis property, in cancer treatment.

Focusing on the present work, the result might imply the antitumorogenic property. However, this work is not an in vivo but an in vitro study. The study on cell line cannot warrant the same result in the human body where there are many confounding physiological factors. In addition, although honey is confirmed safe and does not induce hyperglycemia it does not mean that there will be no undesirable effect. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of honey should be studied well. In a recent report, it was proved that honey can induce CYP3A4 enzyme activity.[] Hence, there is no doubt that honey might have drug interaction in cancerous patients who take several drugs. As a good example, vinblastine which is presently an alternative anticancer drug for renal cell carcinoma also induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity,[] hence, there is no doubt that there can be drug interaction that might lead to failure of treatment. Also, another simple question to be asked in case honey has actual advantages is how to deliver honey to the cancer cell bypassing human metabolism in the digestion and absorption process.

Finally, it should be kept in mind that honey is not a single chemical. In natural acquired honey, the problem of impurity should be mentioned. Many heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and zinc are reported contaminate naturally acquired honey.[,] Those heavy metals have no advantage in cancer treatment but they might be the chemicals that deteriorate the cancer.

References

1. Samarghandian S, Afshari JT, Davoodi S. Honey induces apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.Pharmacogn Mag. 2011;7:46–52. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

2. Al-Mamary M, Al-Meeri A, Al-Habori M. Antioxidant activities and total phenolics of different types of honey. Nutr Res. 2002;22:1041–7.

3. Jaganathan SK, Mandal M. Antiproliferative effects of honey and of its polyphenols: A review. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2009;2009:830616. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

4. Pichichero E, Cicconi R, Mattei M, Muzi MG, Canini A. Acacia honey and chrysin reduce proliferation of melanoma cells through alterations in cell cycle progression. Int J Oncol. 2010;37:973–81.[PubMed]

5. Rossiter K, Cooper AJ, Voegeli D, Lwaleed BA. Honey promotes angiogeneic activity in the rat aortic ring assay. J Wound Care. 2010;19(440):442–6.

6. Abuharfeil N, Al-Oran R, Abo-Shehada M. The effect of bee honey on the proliferative activity of human B-and T-Lymphocytes and the activity of phagocytes. Food Agric Immunol. 1999;11:169–77.

7. Tonks A, Cooper RA, Price AJ, Molan PC, Jones KP. Stimulation of TNF-alpha release in monocytes by honey. Cytokine. 2001;14:240–2. [PubMed]

8. Tushar T, Vinod T, Rajan S, Shashindran C, Adithan C. Effect of honey on CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 enzyme activity in healthy human volunteers. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2007;100:269–72. [PubMed]

9. Smith NF, Mani S, Schuetz EG, Yasuda K, Sissung TM, Bates SE, et al. Induction of CYP3A4 by vinblastine: Role of the nuclear receptor NR1I2. Ann Pharmacother. 2010;44:1709–17.[PMC free article] [PubMed]

10. Ioannidou MD, Zachariadis GA, Anthemidis AN, Stratis JA. Direct determination of toxic trace metals in honey and sugars using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.Talanta. 2005;65:92–7. [PubMed]

11. Stankovska E, Stafilov T, Sajn R. Monitoring of trace elements in honey from the Republic of Macedonia by atomic absorption spectrometry. Environ Monit Assess. 2008;142:117–26. [PubMed]

Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities.

2011-10-22T15:44:00.000-05:00

Innate Immun. 2011 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print]

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Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities.

Leong AG, Herst PM, Harper JL.

Source

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests a potential role for honeys in mediating clinical inflammation and tissue damage. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of a selection of previously untested indigenous New Zealand (NZ) honeys. We found that several, but not all, New Zealand rewarewa, manuka and kanuka honey samples exhibited potent, dose-dependent reduction of human neutrophil superoxide production in vitro. This inhibitory activity did not correlate with levels of known phenolic-based free radical scavengers. Furthermore, the active honeys did not scavenge superoxide generated in a cell-free xanthine/xanthine oxidase assay. In C57BL/6 J mice, topical application of manuka and rewarewa honey samples with the highest in vitro activity suppressed arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema, and rewarewa honey suppressed both oedema and leukocyte (monocyte and neutrophil) infiltration. Together, these findings demonstrate that some indigenous NZ honeys exhibit clinically relevant anti-inflammatory activity. Further investigation is warranted to identify the active component(s) and mechanisms responsible for these activities and to determine potential applications for anti-inflammatory honeys in the topical treatment of clinical inflammation.

PMID:: 21978989; [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Use of honey in conservative treatment of senile cataracts

2011-10-22T14:53:00.001-05:00

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Vestn Oftalmol. 1990 Nov-Dec;106(6):59-62.

[Use of honey in conservative treatment of senile cataracts].

[Article in Russian]

Golychev VN.

Abstract

Instillations of 25, 33, or 50 percent aqueous solutions of flower honey in combs were administered to patients with developing senile cortical cataracts. 1-2 three-month courses of honey instillations into the conjunctival sac were carried out annually. The rest time the patients were administered three-month courses of vitamin drops or vicein. A total of 108 patients (202 eyes) were followed up for 2 to 15 years (7 years on an average). Visual acuity of at least 0.1 was preserved in 95.5 percent of eyes, in 55.9 percent of these it did not get worse over the course of follow-up, whereas it was preserved in but 35.3 percent of the controls.

PMID:: 2075663; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances

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Vitamins

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Medical

Cataract - MedlinePlus Health Information

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Manual for Beekeepers

2011-10-16T21:00:00.001-05:00

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Manual for Beekeepers MGAP - Inc. 2009

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APITHERAPY-BEE PRODUCTS .- A Practical Manual for Beekeepers MGAP - Inc. 2009

By Amelia Cristina Tor Pisano in Group Beekeeping Gaun National University ·

BEE PRODUCTS

Dr. WALTER FIERRO The interest in bee products, has increased in recent years due to the development of preventive medicine, thereby contributing to one's appreciation Ethnopharmacology and natural products. A number of organizations of beekeepers in the world as IBRA APIMONDIA and advocate the investigation of the properties of bee products, with the purpose of promoting its use and development of beekeeping. Apitherapy is known as "medical discipline uses the products of the hive for the treatment and prevention of diseases. " Honey, pollen and royal jelly are nutritional supplements that have valuable therapeutic properties. Honey provides carbohydrates, trace elements and small amounts of flavonoids. Besides energizing natural sweetener enhances the flavor of food that incorporates in its design, savory (meat sausage), sweet (drinks, ice creams, desserts) or acidic drinks (yogurt, citrus). Honey helps digestion of proteins and lipids in food. Regulates bowel movement and promotes the absorption of calcium. The Egyptians, 3,000 years BC, observed that honey "gastric pains relieved." In the 90's it was determined that this was due to its antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter pylori. In New Zealand, Waicato University, Dr. Peter Molan, researched and tested the antimicrobial activity of honey leading manuka (Leptospermum scoparium). These findings have led to differentiate and position in the international market. In 2000 the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, the equivalent of U.S. FDA approved the use of honey as medicine. An Australian company, began promoting the use of dressings impregnated with honey to treat wounds. The product is available worldwide via the Internet. In recent years, the National Honey Borrad http://www.nhb.org U.S., has collaborated with studies carried out at the University of Illinois, where the researcher revealed Engeshet Nicki honey as a natural source of phenolic compounds, which confer antioxidant capacity. Chromatography determined that most honeys have similar phenolic profile but differ quantitatively. As is known the color of honey varies according to its botanical origin, the dark bring more of these chemicals. Through the evaluation technique known as ORAC, Engeshet established that the range is from 3.1 to 16.3 micromol Trolox equivalent / g honey, determining that the darker-colored honeys exhibit the highest ORAC value. As an example, the tomato is 1.89 TE / g, spinach 12.6, while the orange 7.5. Currently investigating the effect of honey on the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Functional foods: honey a highlight. Since ancient times it was possible to determine the relationship between the quality of food and a good health. Medical science has clearly established the link between diet and health. In recent years it has become important to develop functional foods and fortified. Examples of these foods are cereals with vitamins and honey, yogurt with honey, milk with iron, calcium and vitamins. In this sense, they have appeared on the market of Brazilian honey, Spanish, Argentina and China, which they have been "boosted" with the addition of herbs, dried fruits, and even with the addition of the products themselves hive as propolis, royal jelly and pollen. Cuba recently developed products aromieles function called antibiotics, cough and soothing anti-inflammatory, among others and used primarily for propoaromieles scar treatment for infected wounds, sores and ulcers of the lower limbs. Polen vegetable food, rich in protein of 84% high biological value and excellent digestibility. It provides the necessary fiber to regulate intestinal transit, contributing to the reduction of colonic diseases. Rich in micro nutrients: vitamins, trace elements and flavonoids. The pollen has at least 2 times more B vitamins than beef and more carotene than carrots. It is a significant amount of Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn and selenium, cofactor of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that is part of the first cellular metabolism antioxidant barrier, their contribution helps improve antioxidant protection, which also contribute to the Mg and flavonoids. Dr. R. Chandra Johns Hopkins University, investigated that supplementation with moderate amounts of dietary micronutrients elderly improved immunity and decreased the risk of infection. Demonstrated the direct relationship that existed between the plasma level of Fe, Zn, vitamin B6 and beta carotene with a superior immune response. This magnificent work allows us to offer 30 gr. pollen daily for the elderly person, which would provide enough micronutrients. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that led to pollen to be considered the "elixir of life", in practice for older people who eat them improve their quality of life. A group of researchers in France said that supplementation of low doses of Zn. and selenium in elderly significantly increases the humoral response after vaccination and could have considerable public health importance in reducing mortality due to respiratory infections. Adequate zinc intake is critical for health, its deficiency affects the immune system, reducing the number of B and T lymphocytes (CD4 cells in particular) increased apoptosis and reduced functional capacity. The role of macrophages is also affected. And power production of various cytokines, the central messengers of the immune system are perturbed by Zn deficiency. Many of these changes occur even in the early stages of the deficiency. The recommended daily intake is 10 mg of Zn, in countries developed and industrialized few reach this level. Pollen provides 9 mg of zinc per 100 gr., Has phytosterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids that positively affect cholesterol metabolism helping to reduce the rate of LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. On the other hand phytosterols are substrates for the synthesis of steroid hormones. From the above, one can understand the many applications of pollen as a nutritional supplement in elderly people, HIV carriers, dyslipidemic patients, athletes or simply used as a rich natural nutritional supplement for people whose diet is not balanced. The pollen improves those patients with prostate adenoma, asthenia, anemia and arthritis. The use of pollen in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) improves urologic symptoms including nocturia. In Japan a group of researchers found that after 12 weeks improved symptoms of patients suffering from urological BPH. As a dietary supplement is advisable to dissolve a teaspoon or two of pollen in a glass of cold liquid for 30 minutes, consumption must be in the morning and / or afternoon fasting. bee venom or bee venom (Latin apis bee venom toxikón and Greek) is a valuable antirheumatic, known since ancient times in recent years has emerged with great promise . Its use as a medicine dates back hundreds of years and is based on the observation that people exposed to bee stings, rheumatic pain relief. "Any substance is both poison and medicine, depending on the dose taken." (Paracelsus). Contributed to its resurgence the development of electronic devices that allow the harvest without sacrificing the bees, after being processed retains its properties. One of the major causes of medical consultation is pain, this natural product has enormous potential in this case. It is estimated that annual sales of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) worldwide over U.S. $ 20 billion. One of the most common uses for bee venom and the best known is its ability antirheumatic, used in various ways: a) subcutaneous injections of sterile, b) massage creams; c) sublingual tablets, d) iontophoresis and others. Pharmacology: The main components of bee venom are polypeptides, melittin, apamin and MCD (12), in vitro and in vivo explain the actions that were observed empirically for decades. The bee venom acts on macrophages reducing the production of interleukins 1 and 2, chemical mediators involved in the process of inflammation. At the University of Essex, it was determined that the bee venom inhibits the reduction of superoxide anion by PMN (white cells), one of the most aggressive free radicals increases in inflammatory processes. In recent years it has been suggested that some components would reduce the production of the substance "P" and topical application may explain the beneficial action observed in certain conditions such as fibromyalgia and tendonitis. Our experience. One of the highlights is that the bee venom is devoid of side effects of synthetic drugs, does not affect the gastric mucosa, or clotting, osteoporosis does not produce or other adverse effects exhibited by corticosteroids. We use bee venom in patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid polyarthritis and lupus, where the results were superior to those achieved with conventional treatments. Commonly, patients attending the consultation of a apitherapeutist for years have been treated with: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, methotrexate, gold salts, hydroxychloroquine and other drugs. By using apitherapy, most of them are able to reduce or remove the said medication. Depending on the case also recommend pollen and / or propolis. objectify also frankly favorable results in patients with fibromyalgia. In patients with physician-assisted disc herniation and sciatica, diagnosed by MRI or CT, refractory to NSAIDs, a few hours after injection apitoxin S / C decreases pain and after a few days is achieved functional improvement. We have also obtained very good results in patients who, after having undergone surgery for their disc pathology, remained symptomatic. Most patients who consult suffering from spinal pain, with or without arthritis associated with pain treatment is reduced, first night. Functional recovery is expressed by the improved mobility of the limbs and restore balance in the bed. In the market we find the bee venom in the form of creams, tablets and injectables, the latter form is the best results achieved with subcutaneous administration, metameres at the affected joint. The treatment was applied weekly for 2 to 6 consecutive months, depending on the patient's condition. Usually associated pollen and propolis osteoarthritic patients in those with arthritis. Propolis At present the main uses of propolis have been linked to antimicrobial ability, healing and anti-inflammatory. But the properties that you reserve a space for unexpected significance are the antioxidant, immunostimulant and cytotoxic. In recent years there has been revived interest in propolis, due to the meaning they have reached the antioxidants in preventive medicine. The powerful antioxidant propolis allows the gain space in the prevention of diseases of high incidence in modern society such as atherosclerosis, particularly myocardial infarction, the leading cause of death. Major epidemiological studies in Europe and Japan show that populations with higher consumption of flavonoids, major components of propolis, have lower mortality from coronary heart disease. Overview of Propolis by international reference centers sofistificados analytical methods, unveiled the complex composition of propolis, describing more than 100 components that act in synergy. The most important are polyphenols, including flavonoids are highlighted. antimicrobial properties. The complex composition of propolis gives antimicrobial ability. It also highlights the antifungal and antiviral. Antibacterial: It was one of the first observed properties of propolis. bacteriologic studies in vivo and in vitro confirmed its bacteriostatic and bactericidal action (17,18). Are identified as primarily responsible for this property pinocembrin and galangin flavonoids and derivatives of benzoic acid, ferulic and caffeic. A study at the University of Oxford, says that the cinnamic acid and some flavonoids off the energy of the cytoplasmic membrane, inhibiting bacterial motility, making it more vulnerable to attack by the immune system and enhancing the ATB. It was found that propolis disorganized the cytoplasm, cytoplasmic membrane and cell wall causing partial bacteriolysis and inhibiting protein synthesis. Its antimicrobial action is complex and can not make a simple analogy with other forms of action of the classic ATB. Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus Aureus) is a major human pathogen that colonizes and infects hospitalized patients with defenses diminished, but it is also responsible for "community-acquired infections" that affect healthy people, immunologically competent. Treatment of infections caused by this germ is becoming more difficult after the emergence of multiresistant strains, mainly nosocomial (21). The greatest antibacterial effect of propolis is observed against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus as methicillin strains even Resistant (MRSA) (22). It also shows susceptibility beta hemolytic Streptococcus etiopathogenic often responsible for tonsillitis pultácea, impetigo and erysipelas and other infections. Hegazi and Hady National Research Center in Giza, Egypt, assessed the antimicrobial activity of propolis 4 types of home (23). For the evaluation of propolis samples faced with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. There was variation in the antimicrobial activity according to the origin of the sample tested, Staphylococcus being the most sensitive in all cases. The composition of the samples was investigated by GC / MS, the authors determine significant differences between them that explain the different expression of their property, in this case the antimicrobial. Experience in MSP patients attend the clinic for injuries of different nature, after washing them with saline and debridement, propolis is used locally in dressing, powder or lotion according to the nature of the wound. Previously requested bacteriological and indicates an antibiotic (ATB) system. For 10 years, have consulted more than 1,700 patients, which can assert that the cases treated with rapid progression and fewer sequelae compared to patients treated only with conventional methods and ATB. The type of lesions were: burns, multiple trauma, impetigo, and wounds. In the case of a staphylococcal or streptococcal impetigo, propolis significantly reduced healing period of 30 to 40% bought only using ATB. In recent years we have had the opportunity to apply the technique of healing in patients with postoperative wound dehiscence (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, gastrectomy, peritonitis, repairing hernias) infected with MRSA even in those who had failed conventional treatment regimens different (Cephalosporins 3rd generation, Vancomycin and others). Consider that this occurs more frequently in patients with immune deficiency and metabolic disorders such as diabetes, malnutrition and alcoholism, but also with cardiovascular deficits, liver and kidney. Healing is achieved wounds with gauze stuffed cotton 2% propolis. In the early days you get a wound clean and then install the granulation, which has a unique feature, not a keloid and creating a huge scar in less time. The latter is attributed to the ability of propolis to stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize collagen. A new strain that came with the new century and the battle propolis. Since early 2002, in Uruguay, increasingly has been documented to occur MRSA infections associated with community source (MRSA-com). These infections occur in children and adults, mostly as skin infections and soft tissue, mainly: abscesses, boils, hidroadenitis, pyomyositis, cellulitis and post-surgical infections. From the clinical point of view is manifest from mild that are resolved only with usual measures the incision, drainage and wound coverage, up tables require hospitalization. Of great importance is that septic cases have also occurred with evolution peracute fatal especially in adolescents and young adults. From the microbiological point of view com-MRSA is genetically different from the classical SA multiresistant hospital settings, is a new clone, genetically different from those described internationally so far. It also has faster cell replication and a high capacity to spread. Methicillin resistance has increased dramatically worldwide and is usually associated with resistance to other ATB as macrolides, lincosamides, quinolones, aminoglycosides, and TMP-SMZ. Patients treated with propolis topically and via ATB system, have better outcomes than those treated with other local antiseptics and the same ATB. We observed a better outcome to scarring, less recurrence, fewer complications and better local solution from the aesthetic point of view. Moreover, the analgesic effect of propolis, it becomes a well tolerated and accepted therapy for patients. In 2004 a group of researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Croatia evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP). They determined that the EEP has good activity against Gram + species and all species tested so many were resistant. At the clinic not only influences the antibacterial capacity, also influences the anti-inflammatory, which is manifested within 72 hours. In addition, propolis is able to stimulate healing itself, there is histological evidence in this regard and in the clinic is blatant, especially anfractuous wounds and burns. When we speak of propolis antibacterial capacity, in vitro work are important, but in the clinic, things are more complex, affecting other variables to consider. Antibacterial concentrations well below those achieved satisfactory results, while high concentrations can cause local intolerance is not an allergy but chemical irritation. This is a side effect that can occur with any topical product used in high concentrations. In the positive results observed in clinical influence the ability inmuoestimulante topical and systemic. Antiviral A group of researchers in France, confirmed the action against the herpes virulicida type 1 and 2, but also to poliovirus. Established that reduced viral DNA synthesis and that those responsible are flavonoids, which act in synergy with an ester of caffeic acid and ferulic acid. A multicenter, randomized, blind study compared the efficacy of propolis, acyclovir and placebo in 92 patients with recurrent genital herpes type 2. The authors concluded that propolis is more effective than acyclovir and placebo in the healing of herpes lesions and reducing symptoms. Other viruses such as HIV has also drawn attention. A group of researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, published in 1997 a work which determined the ability of propolis to suppress replication of HIV-1 and its immunostimulatory effect. Immunomodulator Several studies have shown that propolis stimulates specific immunity and the specific, both cellular immunity (T lymphocytes) and humoral (B lymphocytes). It has been shown that propolis stimulates macrophage activity almost doubled and the number of lymphocytes increase the immune response. Deserves a chapter of the analysis of efficacy for the treatment of Bronchopulmonary acute and chronic bacterial or viral. In the first, associated with antibiotic to enhance its action. In the case of viral capacity and stimulating antiviral immunity. When installed the first symptoms of influenza, the use of propolis orally (solution, syrup, honey with propolis or otherwise) does shorten the days of convalescence and even stop the progression of symptoms. Antioxidant In light of the oxidative stress theory in recent years has created a current in the world, promoting the need to consume natural antioxidants to prevent diseases such as atherosclerosis. The evidence that flavonoids may contribute significantly to cardiovascular health has grown to a degree that can no longer be ignored. Propolis has potent antioxidant capacity, which allows you to acquire unsuspected prospects for development. Propolis is a precious natural resource, very effective for the prevention of diseases at low cost, of great impact such as diseases associated with the biology of Free Radicals, immunological and infectious. Its use would benefit public health in the countries of the region and directly to thousands of small honey producers. This is essential to achieve complementarity between the productive sector, academia and business. Havsteen Kiel University in Germany says: "an increase in the use of flavonoids from propolis, for medical purposes, should indirectly support the production and so society as a whole facilitate the expansion of beekeeping. "

APITERAPIA- PRODUCTOS DE LA COLMENA.- Manual Práctico para Apicultores MGAP - SAU 2009

2011-10-15T13:09:00.002-05:00

http://www.facebook.com/groups/138346902851593/doc/286934821326133/APITERAPIA- PRODUCTOS DE LA COLMENA.- Manual Práctico para Apicultores MGAP - SAU 2009

By Amelia Cristina Tor Pisano in Grupo Apicola de la Universidad Nacional GAUN ·

PRODUCTOS DE LA COLMENA
Dr. WALTER FIERRO

El interés por los productos de la colmena, se incrementó en los últimos años en función del desarrollo de la medicina preventiva, contribuyendo a ello la Etnofarmacología y la propia revalorización de los productos naturales. Son numerosas las organizaciones de apicultores en el mundo que como APIMONDIA e IBRA preconizan la investigación de las propiedades de los productos de la colmena, con el propósito de promover su consumo y el desarrollo de la apicultura.
Se conoce como Apiterapia "la disciplina médica que emplea los productos de la
colmena para el tratamiento y la prevención de enfermedades".
Miel, polen y jalea real son valiosos complementos nutricionales que poseen propiedades terapéuticas.

Miel
La miel aporta glúcidos, oligoelementos y pequeñas cantidades de flavonoides. Además de edulcorante natural y energizante realza el sabor de los alimentos que integra en su elaboración, salados (carnes, embutidos), dulces (bebidas, helados, postres) o bebidas ácidas (yogur, cítricos). La miel favorece la digestión de proteínas y lípidos de los alimentos. Regulariza el tránsito intestinal y favorece la absorción del Calcio.
Los egipcios, 3.000 años A.C., observaron que la miel "aliviaba los dolores gástricos". En la década del 90 se determino que ello se debía a su capacidad antimicrobiana frente al Helicobacter Pylori. En Nueva Zelanda, en la Universidad de Waicato, el Dr. Peter Molan, investigó y comprobó la capacidad antimicrobiana destacada de la miel de manuka (leptospermum scoparium). Estos hallazgos han permitido diferenciarla y posicionarla en el mercado internacional. En el 2.000 la Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, la equivalente de la FDA en EE.UU., aprobó el empleo de la miel como medicina. Una compañía australiana, comenzó a promover el empleo de apósitos impregnados con miel para el tratamiento de heridas. El producto se encuentra disponible a nivel mundial a través de Internet. En los últimos años la National Honey Borrad http://www.nhb.org de EE.UU., ha colaborado con estudios llevados a cabo en la Universidad de Illinois, donde la investigadora Nicki Engeshet puso de manifiesto la miel como fuente natural de compuestos fenólicos, que confieren capacidad antioxidante. Mediante cromatografía determinó que la mayoría de las mieles tienen similar perfil de compuestos fenólicos aunque varían cuantitativamente. Como es conocido el color de las mieles varía de acuerdo a su origen botánico, las oscuras aportan mayor cantidad de estas sustancias químicas. Mediante la técnica de evaluación conocida como ORAC, Engeshet estableció que el rango oscila entre 3,1 a 16,3 µmol Trolox equivalent/g miel, determinando que las mieles de color más oscuras exhiben el mayor valor ORAC. A modo de ejemplo el tomate tiene 1.89 TE/g, la espinaca 12.6, mientras tanto la naranja 7.5. Actualmente se investiga el efecto de la miel sobre la oxidación de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) en sangre.

Alimentos funcionales: miel uno destacado.
Desde tiempos remotos se pudo determinar la relación existente entre la calidad de la alimentación y un buen estado de salud. La ciencia médica ha establecido claramente el vínculo entre dieta y salud. En los últimos años ha cobrado importancia el desarrollado de alimentos funcionales y fortificados. Ejemplos de estos alimentos son los cereales con vitaminas y miel; yogur con miel; lácteos con Hierro, Ca y vitaminas. En este sentido, han aparecido en el mercado mieles de origen Brasileño, Español, Argentino y Chino, a las que se las ha “potenciado” con el agregado de hierbas medicinales, frutas secas, e incluso con la incorporación de los propios productos de la colmena como propóleos, jalea real y polen. Recientemente Cuba desarrollo productos denominados aromieles con función: antibiótica, calmante de la tos y antinflamatoria, entre otras y los propoaromieles empleados fundamentalmente para el tratamiento de cicatrices en heridas infectadas, escaras y úlceras de miembros inferiores.

Polen
Alimento de origen vegetal, rico en proteínas de alto valor biológico 84 % y excelente digestibilidad. Aporta la fibra necesaria para regularizar el transito intestinal, contribuye a la reducción de patologías colónicas.
Rico en micro nutriente: vitaminas, oligoelementos y flavonoides. El polen posee al menos 2 veces más vitaminas del complejo B que la carne vacuna y mucho más caroteno que la zanahoria. Es un importante aporte de Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn y Selenio, cofactor de la Glutatión peroxidasa, enzima que integra la primer barrera antioxidante del metabolismo celular, su aporte contribuye a mejorar la protección antioxidante, a la cual también coadyuvan el Mg y los flavonoides.
El Dr. R. Chandra de la Universidad Johns Hopkins, investigo que al suplementar con moderadas cantidades de micro nutrientes la dieta de ancianos mejoraba la inmunidad y decrecía el riesgo de infecciones. Demostró la relación directa que había entre el nivel plasmático de Fe, Zn, vitamina B6 y beta caroteno con una superior respuesta inmune. Ese magnífico trabajo nos permite proponer 30 gr. diarios de polen para una persona de la tercera edad, que aportaría la cantidad suficiente de micronutrientes. Tal vez esta sea una de las razones que ha llevado al polen a ser considerado como el "elixir de la vida", en la práctica las personas de la tercera edad que lo consumen mejoran su calidad de vida.
Un grupo de investigadores en Francia afirma que el suplemento de bajas dosis de Zn. y selenio en ancianos incrementa significativamente la respuesta humoral después de la vacunación y podría tener considerable importancia en salud pública para reducir la mortalidad por infecciones respiratorias. Un adecuado consumo de zinc es crítico para la salud, su deficiencia afecta el sistema inmune, reduciendo el número de linfocitos B y T (linfocitos CD4 en particular) incrementa la apoptosis y reduce su capacidad funcional. La función de los macrófagos también está afectada. La producción y potencia de diversas citokinas, los mensajeros centrales del sistema inmune, son perturbados por la deficiencia de Zn.
Muchos de estos cambios ocurren incluso en los estadios tempranos de la deficiencia.
El consumo diario recomendado es de 10 mg de Zn, en países desarrollados e industrializados pocos alcanzan este consumo. El polen aporta 9 mg de Zn cada 100 gr., posee fitoesteroles y ácidos grasos polinsaturados que inciden positivamente en el metabolismo del colesterol contribuyendo a reducir la tasa del colesterol LDL y elevar el colesterol HDL. Por otra parte los fitoesteroles son sustratos para la síntesis de hormonas esteroideas. De lo dicho, se puede comprender las innumerables aplicaciones del polen como complemento nutricional en personas de la tercera edad, portadores del VIH, pacientes dislipémicos, deportistas o simplemente empleado como rico complemento nutricional natural para personas cuya alimentación no es balanceada.
El polen mejora aquellos pacientes que padecen de adenoma de próstata, astenia, anemia y artrosis. El empleo de polen en pacientes con hipertrofia prostática benigna (HPB) mejora los síntomas urológicos, incluyendo la nicturia. En Japón un grupo de investigadores estableció que al cabo de 12 semanas mejoraban los síntomas urológicos de pacientes que padecían HPB.
Como complemento nutricional es aconsejable dejar disolver una o dos cucharaditas de polen en un vaso de líquido frío, durante 30 minutos, el consumo debe ser por la mañana y/o por la tarde en ayunas.

Veneno de abejas o Apitoxina (del latín apis abeja y del griego toxikón veneno) es un valioso antirreumático, conocido desde tiempos remotos, que en los últimos años ha resurgido con muy buenas perspectivas. Su utilización como medicamento se remonta a cientos de años y se basa en la observación de que las personas expuestas a las picaduras de abejas, aliviaban sus dolores reumáticos. "Toda sustancia es al mismo tiempo veneno y medicamento, dependiendo de la dosis que se toma." (Paracelso). Contribuyó con su resurgimiento el desarrollo de dispositivos electrónicos que permiten la cosecha sin sacrificar las abejas, luego de ser procesado conserva sus propiedades.
Una de las causas de mayor consulta médica es el dolor, este producto natural tiene un enorme potencial en este caso. Se estima que las ventas anuales de antinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES) a nivel mundial supera los US$ 20 billones. Uno de los usos más comunes para el veneno de abejas y el más conocido es su capacidad antirreumática, utilizándose en diversas formas: a) inyecciones subcutáneas de solución estéril; b) cremas para masaje; c) comprimidos sublinguales; d) iontoforesis y otras.

Farmacología:
Los principales componentes de la Apitoxina son polipéptidos, Melitina, Apamina y MCD (12), que in vitro e in vivo explican las acciones que se observaron empíricamente durante décadas. La Apitoxina actúa sobre los macrófagos reduciendo la producción de interleukinas 1 y 2, mediadores químicos involucrados en el proceso de la inflamación. En la Universidad de Essex, se determinó que la apitoxina, inhibe la reducción del anión superóxido por los PMN (glóbulos blancos), uno de los Radicales Libres más agresivos que se incrementa en los procesos inflamatorios. En los últimos años se ha planteado que algunos de sus componentes reducirían la producción de la sustancia "P" y su aplicación tópica explicaría la acción benéfica observada en algunas afecciones como la fibromialgia y las tendinitis.

Nuestra experiencia.

Uno de los aspectos destacables es que la Apitoxina está desprovista de los efectos secundarios de los fármacos de síntesis, no afecta la mucosa gástrica, ni la coagulación, tampoco produce osteoporosis, ni los demás efectos perjudiciales que exhiben los corticoides. Empleamos la Apitoxina en pacientes con enfermedades autoinmunes como la Poliartritis Reumatoidea y Lupus, donde los resultados fueron superiores a los logrados con los tratamientos convencionales. Comúnmente los pacientes que concurren a la consulta de un Apiterapéuta durante años han sido tratados con: AINES, corticoides, metotrexato, sales de oro, hidroxicloroquina y otros fármacos. Al emplear la Apiterapia, en la mayoría de ellos se logra reducir o retirar la mencionada medicación. Dependiendo del caso recomendamos además polen y/o propóleos.
También se objetivan resultados francamente favorables en pacientes con Fibromialgia. En la Clínica asistimos pacientes con lumbociática y hernia de disco, diagnosticada por RM o TAC, refractarios a los AINES, pocas horas después de inyectarles Apitoxina S/C disminuye el dolor y luego de unos días se logra la mejoría funcional. Asimismo, hemos obtenido muy buenos resultados en pacientes que luego de haber sido intervenidos quirúrgicamente por su patología discal, persistían sintomáticos. La mayoría de los pacientes que consultan padecen de dolor de columna, con o sin artrosis asociada, con el tratamiento se reduce el dolor, primero el nocturno. La recuperación funcional se expresa por una mejor movilidad de los miembros y recuperación del equilibrio en la cama.
En el mercado podemos encontrar la Apitoxina en forma de cremas, comprimidos e inyectables, esta última forma es la que logra mejores resultados con la aplicación subcutánea, a nivel de la metámera de la articulación afectada. El tratamiento se aplica semanalmente, durante 2 a 6 meses consecutivos, depende de la afección del paciente. Generalmente se asocia polen en pacientes artrósicos y propóleos en aquellos con artritis.

El Propóleos

Hasta el presente los principales usos que se han dado al propóleos se vinculan a la
capacidad antimicrobiana, cicatrizante y antinflamatoria. Pero las propiedades que le reservan un espacio de trascendencia insospechada son la antioxidante, inmunoestimulante y la citotóxica. En los últimos años se ha reactivado el interés por el propóleos, debido al significado que han alcanzado los antioxidantes en la medicina preventiva. La potente capacidad antioxidante le permitirá al propóleos ganar espacios en la prevención de enfermedades de gran incidencia en la sociedad moderna como es la aterosclerosis, en particular el infarto de miocardio, principal causa de mortalidad. Importantes estudios epidemiológicos realizados en Europa y Japón muestran que las poblaciones con mayor consumo de flavonoides, principales componentes del propóleos, tienen menor mortandad por enfermedad coronaria.
Generalidades del Propóleos
Centros de referencia internacional mediante sofistificados métodos analíticos,
develaron la compleja composición del propóleos, describiéndose más de 100 componentes que actúan en sinergismo. Los más importantes son polifenoles, entre los que se destacan los flavonoides.
Propiedades Antimicrobianas.
La compleja composición del propóleos le confiere capacidad antimicrobiana. Se destacan también la antimicótica y antiviral.
Antibacteriana: Fue una de las primeras propiedades observadas en el propóleos.
Estudios bacteriológicos in vivo e in vitro confirman su acción bacteriostática y bactericida (17,18). Se señalan como principales responsables de esta propiedad los flavonoides galangina y pinocembrina y derivados de los ácidos benzoico, ferúlico y cafeico. Un estudio realizado en la Universidad de Oxford, expresa que el ácido cinámico y algunos flavonoides desactivan la energía de la membrana citoplasmática, inhibiendo la motilidad bacteriana, haciéndola más vulnerable al ataque del sistema inmunológico y potenciando los ATB. Se determinó que el propóleos desorganiza el citoplasma, la membrana citoplasmática y la pared celular causando bacteriolisis parcial e inhibiendo la síntesis proteica. Su acción antimicrobiana es compleja y no se puede realizar una simple analogía con otra forma de acción de los ATB clásicos.

Estafilococo Dorado.
El estafilococo dorado (Staphilococcus Aureus) es un patógeno importante en seres humanos, que coloniza e infecta a pacientes hospitalizados con defensas disminuidas, pero también es responsable de "infecciones comunitarias" que afectan personas sanas, inmunologicamente competentes. El tratamiento de las infecciones provocadas por este germen es cada vez más difícil a partir de la aparición de cepas multirresistentes, principalmente nosocomiales (21).
El efecto antibacteriano mayor del propóleos se observa frente a gérmenes Gram positivos como el Estafilococo Dorado e incluso cepas Meticilino Resistente (SAMR) (22). También muestra susceptibilidad el Estreptococo beta hemolítico muchas veces responsable etiopatogénico de la amigdalitis pultácea, impétigo y de la erisipela entre otras infecciones.
Hegazi y Hady del Centro Nacional de Investigación en Giza-Egipto, evaluaron la
capacidad antimicrobiana de 4 tipos de propóleos de su país (23). Para la evaluación se enfrentaron las muestras de propóleos ante Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Hubo variación de la actividad antimicrobiana de acuerdo al origen de la muestra evaluada, siendo el Staphylococcus el más sensible en todos los casos. La composición de las muestras fue investigada por GC/MS, determinando los autores diferencias significativas entre las mismas que explican la diferente expresión de su propiedad, en este caso la antimicrobiana.
Experiencia en el MSP
Los pacientes concurren al consultorio por heridas de diferente naturaleza, luego de lavar las mismas con Suero Fisiológico y desbridarlas, se emplea localmente propóleos en apósito, polvo o loción de acuerdo a la naturaleza de la herida. Previamente, se solicita estudio bacteriológico e indica un antibiótico (ATB) sistémico. Durante 10 años han consultado más de 1.700 pacientes, lo cual permite afirmar que los casos tratados tienen una evolución rápida y con menores secuelas en comparación a los pacientes tratados solo con métodos convencionales y ATB. El tipo de lesiones tratadas fueron: quemaduras, politraumatismos, impétigo, y heridas. En el caso de impétigo a estafilocócico o estreptocócico, el propóleos redujo sensiblemente el período de cicatrización en un 30 a 40 % comprado con el uso solo de ATB. En los últimos años hemos tenido la oportunidad de aplicar la técnica de curación en pacientes con dehiscencias de heridas postoperatorias (apendicectomía, colecistectomía, gastrectomía, peritonitis, reparación de eventraciones) infectadas, incluso con SAMR, en quienes había fracasado diversos esquemas terapéuticos convencionales (Cefalosporinas de 3ª generación, Vancomicina y otros). Se debe considerar que esto ocurre con mayor frecuencia en pacientes con déficit inmunitario y trastornos metabólicos como diabetes, desnutrición y alcoholismo, pero también con déficit cardiovascular, hepático y renal. Se logra la cicatrización mechando las heridas con gasas de algodón con propóleos al 2 %. En los primeros días se obtiene una herida limpia y luego se instala la granulación, que tiene una característica singular, no forma queloide y genera una excelente cicatriz en menor tiempo. Esto último es atribuido a la capacidad del propóleos de estimular los fibroblastos para que sinteticen colágeno.

Una nueva cepa que llegó con el nuevo siglo y el propóleos la combate.

Desde comienzos del año 2002, en Uruguay, en forma creciente se ha documentado la aparición de infecciones asociadas con SAMR de origen comunitario (SAMR-com). Estas infecciones ocurren en niños y adultos, en su mayoría como infecciones de piel y partes blandas, fundamentalmente: abscesos, forúnculos, hidroadenitis, piomiosítis, celulitis e infecciones post-quirúrgicas. Desde el punto de vista clínico se manifiestan desde cuadros leves que se resuelven solo con medidas usuales como la incisión, drenaje y cobertura de la herida, hasta cuadros que requieren internación. De gran importancia es que también han ocurrido casos sépticos fatales con evolución sobreaguda especialmente en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Desde el punto de vista microbiológico SAMR-com es genéticamente diferente del clásico SA
Multiresistente del ámbito hospitalario, es una nueva clona, diferente genéticamente a las descritas internacionalmente hasta el momento. Posee también mayor rapidez de duplicación celular y una alta capacidad de diseminación. La resistencia a la meticilina se ha incrementado en forma alarmante en todo el mundo y suele asociarse a resistencia también a otros ATB como macrólidos, lincosamidas, quinolonas, aminoglucósidos y TMP-SMZ.
Los pacientes tratados en forma tópica con el propóleos y ATB por vía sistémica, tienen mejor evolución que los que se tratan con otros antisépticos locales y el mismo ATB. Observamos una mejor evolución a la cicatrización, menor recidiva, menos complicaciones locales y mejor solución desde el punto de vista estético. Por otra parte el efecto analgésico del propóleos, lo torna una terapia bien tolerada y aceptada por los pacientes. En el 2004 un grupo de investigadores del la Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica de la Universidad de Zagreb, Croatia evaluaron la actividad antimicrobiana del extracto etanólico de propóleos (EEP). Determinaron que el EEP tiene buena actividad frente a especies Gram + y todas la especies múltiples resistentes testadas también lo fueron. En la clínica no solo influye la capacidad antibacteriana, también influye la antinflamatoria, que se manifiesta antes de 72 horas. Además el propóleos es capaz de estimular la cicatrización propiamente dicha, existiendo evidencia histológica al respecto y en la clínica es ostensible, en particular en heridas anfractuosas y quemaduras. Cuando hablamos de capacidad antibacteriana del propóleos, los trabajos in vitro son importantes, pero en la clínica las cosas son más complejas, incidiendo otras variables que es necesario considerar. Concentraciones inferiores a las antibacterianas también logran resultados satisfactorios, mientras que concentraciones elevadas pueden ocasionar intolerancia local, que no es alergia sino una irritación química. Este es un efecto secundario que puede ocurrir con cualquier producto tópico empleado en altas concentraciones. En los resultados positivos observados en la clínica influye la capacidad inmuoestimulante tópica y sistémica.

Antiviral
Un grupo de investigadores en Francia, confirmaron la acción virulicida frente al herpes tipo 1 y 2, pero también ante poliovirus. Establecieron que reduce la síntesis del ADN viral y que los responsables son flavonoides, que actúan en sinergismo con un éster del ácido cafeico y el ácido ferúlico. Un estudio multicéntrico, randomizado, ciego, comparó la eficacia de propóleos con acyclovir y placebo en 92 pacientes con herpes genital recurrente tipo 2. Los autores concluyeron que el propóleos es más efectivo que acyclovir y placebo en la curación de lesiones herpéticas y reduciendo los síntomas.
Otro virus como el VIH también ha llamado la atención. Un grupo de investigadores del Albert Einstein College of Medicine de Nueva York, publicaron en 1997 un trabajo donde determinaron la capacidad del propóleos de suprimir la replicación del VIH-1 y su efecto inmunoestimulante.
Inmunomodulador
Diversos trabajos demuestran que el propóleos estimula la inmunidad inespecífica y la específica, tanto inmunidad celular (linfocitos T) como la humoral (linfocitos B). Se ha comprobado que el propóleos estimula la actividad de los macrófagos a casi el doble y aumenta el número de linfocitos incrementándose la respuesta inmune. Un capítulo aparte merece el análisis de la eficacia para el tratamiento de las bronconeumopatías agudas y crónicas, de origen bacteriano o viral. En las primeras, asociado a los antibióticos potenciando su acción. En el caso de las virales por su capacidad antiviral y estimulante de la inmunidad. Cuando se instalan los primeros síntomas de la gripe, el empleo de propóleos por vía oral (Solución, Jarabe, Miel con propóleos u otras formas) logra acortar los días de convalecencia e inclusive detener la evolución del cuadro clínico.

Antioxidante
A la luz de la teoría del estrés oxidativo, en los últimos años se ha creado en el mundo una corriente, promoviendo la necesidad de consumir antioxidantes naturales para prevenir enfermedades tales como la aterosclerosis. La evidencia de que los flavonoides pueden aportar una importante contribución a la salud cardiovascular ha crecido a un grado que no puede continuar siendo ignorado. El Propóleos posee una potente capacidad Antioxidante, que le permite adquirir insospechables perspectivas de desarrollo.
El propóleos es un valioso recurso natural, muy eficaz para la prevención de enfermedades a bajo costo, de enorme repercusión como lo son las enfermedades vinculadas con la biología de los Radicales Libres, inmunológicas y las infecciosas. Su empleo beneficiaría la Salud Pública de los países de la región y directamente a miles de pequeños productores apícolas. Para ello es imprescindible lograr una complementación entre el sector productivo, académico y empresarial.
Havsteen de la Universidad de Kiel en Alemania afirma: “un incremento en el uso de flavonoides procedentes del propóleos, para fines médicos, debería indirectamente apoyar la producción y por lo tanto la sociedad en su conjunto facilitaría la expansión de la apicultura.”

Medical-grade honey enriched with antimicrobial peptides has enhanced activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens

2011-10-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

www.MaanukaHoneyTX.com/store
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022150/?tool=pmcentrez

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2011 February; 30(2): 251–257.

Published online 2010 October 7. doi: 10.1007/s10096-010-1077-x

PMCID: PMC3022150

Medical-grade honey enriched with antimicrobial peptides has enhanced activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens

P. H. S. Kwakman,¹ L. de Boer,¹ C. P. Ruyter-Spira,² T. Creemers-Molenaar,³ J. P. F. G. Helsper,² C. M. J. E. Vandenbroucke-Grauls,^1,⁴ S. A. J. Zaat,¹ and A. A. te Velde⁵

¹Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

²Plant Research International, Wageningen, The Netherlands

³Bfactory Health Products, Rhenen, The Netherlands

⁴Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

⁵Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

S. A. J. Zaat, Phone: +31-20-5664863, Fax: +31-20-6979271, Email: s.a.zaat@amc.uva.nl.

Corresponding author.

Received May 10, 2010; Accepted September 22, 2010.

Abstract

Honey has potent activity against both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria, and is an interesting agent for topical antimicrobial application to wounds. As honey is diluted by wound exudate, rapid bactericidal activity up to high dilution is a prerequisite for its successful application. We investigated the kinetics of the killing of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by RS honey, the source for the production of Revamil® medical-grade honey, and we aimed to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey by enrichment with its endogenous compounds or the addition of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). RS honey killed antibiotic-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, and Burkholderia cepacia within 2 h, but lacked such rapid activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. It was not feasible to enhance the rapid activity of RS honey by enrichment with endogenous compounds, but RS honey enriched with 75 μM of the synthetic peptide Bactericidal Peptide 2 (BP2) showed rapid bactericidal activity against all species tested, including MRSA and ESBL E. coli, at up to 10–20-fold dilution. RS honey enriched with BP2 rapidly killed all bacteria tested and had a broader spectrum of bactericidal activity than either BP2 or honey alone.

Introduction

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a very serious threat to public health. For all antibiotic classes, including the major last-resort drugs, resistance is increasing worldwide [1, ]. Even more alarming, very few new antibiotics are being developed [1, ], so alternative antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed.

The potent in vitro activity of honey against antibiotic-resistant bacteria [] and its successful application in the treatment of chronic wound infections not responding to antibiotic therapy [] resulted in a revival of the interest in honey as an antibacterial agent [–]. Important prerequisites for the application of honey as an antimicrobial agent are reproducible and rapid bactericidal activity [] and knowledge of its mechanism of action.

Honeys collected from the natural environment, including Manuka honey, which is used for the production of most currently available medical-grade honeys, show large variation in antibacterial activity [10, ]. Manuka honey can contain very high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is regarded to be the major antibacterial compound in this honey [, ]. The honey used as a source for Revamil® medical-grade honey (RS honey) is produced under standardized conditions in greenhouses, and is sterilized by gamma irradiation to kill potentially present bacterial spores. Gamma irradiation is known not to affect honey bactericidal activity []. Revamil® has broad-spectrum, batch-to-batch reproducible bactericidal activity in vitro. It has been shown that it can strongly diminish microbial colonization of the human skin []. We have recently identified all major bactericidal factors in RS honey, i.e., its high sugar concentration, H₂O₂, low pH, MGO, and the cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) bee defensin-1 [].

AMPs are known for their potent, rapid, broad-spectrum microbicidal activity. Their supposed mechanism of action is the direct targeting of microbial membranes [], although AMPs may also have intracellular targets [, ]. A cationic domain of these peptides specifically interacts with the negatively charged outer surfaces of microorganisms and a hydrophobic domain is required for membrane perturbation or penetration, causing either membrane disruption or translocation into the cell [, ]. Some bacteria have evolved mechanisms to reduce their outer surface negative charge to reduce susceptibility to AMPs []. Since this involves complex biosynthetic pathways, the risk for rapid resistance development against AMPs is considered to be low [].

In the current study, we show that RS honey has potent bactericidal activity, but this requires prolonged exposure of the target organisms. RS honey lacks rapid bactericidal activity against several important antibiotic-resistant wound pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We were not able to augment the bactericidal activity of RS honey by enrichment with endogenous honey bactericidal compounds, but addition of the synthetic AMP Bactericidal Peptide 2 (BP2) did result in broad-spectrum rapid bactericidal activity.

Materials and methods

Honey

Unprocessed Revamil source (RS) honey was kindly provided by Bfactory Health Products (Rhenen, The Netherlands).

Peptides

BP2 (GKWKLFKKAFKKFLKILAC) and LL-37 were synthesized at Pepscan Systems (Lelystad, The Netherlands) using solid-phase Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) chemistry with a free amine at the N-terminus and a free amide at the C-terminus. Peptides were high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-purified and the purity (>95%) and mass were confirmed by ion-spray mass spectrometry. The lack of disulfide formation between free cysteines of BP2 was confirmed by quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry (Q-TOF/MS) analysis.

Microorganisms

Bactericidal activity was assessed against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli ESBL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ESBL, and against the Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416 type strain. The oxacillin susceptibility of S. aureus and S. epidermidis and the vancomycin susceptibility of E. faecium were determined by Etest (AB Biodisk) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ESBLs were identified as described by Al Naiemi et al. [].

Determination of H₂O₂ concentration in honey

Hydrogen peroxide concentrations in honey were determined quantitatively using a modification of a method described by White and Subers [24]. Undiluted and ten-fold-diluted samples of honey (40 μl) were mixed in wells of microtiter plates with 135 μl reagent, consisting of 50 μg/ml o-dianisidine (Sigma) and 20 μg/ml horseradish peroxidase type IV (Sigma) in 10 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.5. o-Dianisidine was freshly prepared as a 1 mg/ml stock in demineralized water and peroxidase was diluted from a 10 mg/ml stock in 10 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.5 stored at −20°C. After 5 min of incubation at room temperature, reactions were stopped by the addition of 120 μl 6 M H₂SO₄ and absorption at 540 nm was measured. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations were calculated using a calibration curve of two-fold serial dilutions of H₂O₂ ranging from 2,200 to 2.1 μM.

Liquid bactericidal assay

Bactericidal activity was quantitatively assessed in low protein binding polypropylene microtiter plates (Costar Corning). Bacteria from logarithmic phase cultures in trypticase soy broth (TSB; BD Difco) were washed twice with incubation buffer containing 10 mM phosphate buffer pH 7.0 supplemented with 1% (v/v) TSB and were suspended at a concentration of 5×10⁶ CFU/ml, based on optical density. A 50% (v/v) stock solution of honey was freshly prepared in incubation buffer. For enrichment with AMPs, an aliquot of 1.2 mM LL-37 or BP2 stock solutions was added to 50% honey solutions to obtain 37.5 μM of peptide, thus, corresponding to the enrichment of undiluted honey with 75 μM of the respective peptides. Eighty microliters of diluted honey was mixed with 20 μl of a bacterial inoculum containing 5×10⁶ CFU/ml, and the plates were incubated at 37°C on a rotary shaker at 150 rpm. At indicated time points, duplicate 10-μl aliquots of undiluted and ten-fold serially diluted suspensions were plated on blood agar. The dilutions were prepared in incubation buffer containing 0.025% sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS; Sigma), which neutralizes cationic bactericidal components []. Bacterial survival was quantified after overnight growth at 37°C. The detection level of this assay is 100 CFU/ml.

To determine the LC99.9 values of LL-37 and BP2, 25-μl aliquots of two-fold serially diluted peptide in incubation buffer were prepared in polypropylene microtiter plates (Costar Corning) and to each of the wells, 25 μl of a bacterial suspension containing 2×10⁶ CFU/ml was added. After 2 h of incubation on a rotary shaker at 150 rpm at 37°C, triplicate 10-μl aliquots were plated on blood agar plates. The plates were inspected for growth after 24 h. LC99.9 was defined as the lowest concentration of peptide which killed >99.9% of the inoculum of 10⁶ CFU/ml after 2 h.

Partial purification of bee defensin-1

We previously demonstrated that bee defensin-1 is the only bactericidal factor in the >5-kDa fraction of RS honey []. To prepare a >5-kDa fraction, 15 ml of 20% (v/v) honey was centrifuged in a 5-kDa molecular weight cut-off Amicon Ultra-15 tube (Millipore) at 4,000g for 45 min at room temperature. The >5-kDa retentate was subsequently washed three times in the filter tube with 15 ml of demineralized water and concentrated to 0.3 ml.

Results

Kinetics of the bactericidal activity of RS honey

We determined the kinetics of the bactericidal activity of different dilutions of RS honey against various antibiotic-resistant pathogens. RS honey at a concentration of 40% (v/v) reduced the survival of MRSE, VREF, ESBL-producing P. aeruginosa, and Burkholderia cepacia to undetectable levels within 2 h, while similar activity against MRSA and ESBL E. coli required 6 h of incubation (Fig. 1). RS honey at a concentration of 20% killed B. cepacia within 4 h of incubation, while activity against all other bacteria required 24 h of incubation (Fig. 1). RS honey diluted to 10% killed MRSA and MRSE after 24 h, but lacked activity against all other bacteria tested (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1

Kinetics of the killing of various antibiotic-resistant bacteria by RS honey. Bacteria were incubated in honey diluted to 40% (squares), 20% (triangles), and 10% (diamonds). At the indicated time points, survival was determined quantitatively

Even in undiluted RS honey, the survival of MRSA was not affected within 2 h (Fig. 2) of incubation and the numbers of CFU of E. coli ESBL were only reduced by 2.3-log. After 24 h incubation in undiluted honey, the survival of E. coli was reduced to undetectable levels, but the numbers of CFU of MRSA were only reduced by 1-log (Fig. 2). In summary, RS honey did not rapidly kill MRSA and E. coli ESBL, and rapid activity against all other species tested was abolished upon dilution of the honey to ≤20%.

Fig. 2

Bactericidal activity of undiluted honey against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (white bars) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (gray bars). Inocula of approximately 10⁵ CFU in 4 μl (more ...)

H₂O₂ concentration required for the rapid killing of MRSA

Since MRSA and E. coli ESBL were not rapidly killed by RS honey, we assessed whether the endogenous concentrations of bactericidal compounds in RS honey might be too low for rapid activity. The dilution of RS honey to 30% was optimal for H₂O₂ accumulation, resulting in maximal concentrations of 22.5±1.3 μg/ml and 148.4±27.8 μg/ml H₂O₂ after 2 and 24 h, respectively (Fig. 3a). In incubations not containing honey but only H₂O₂, 3,200 μg/ml H₂O₂ was required to kill MRSA within 2 h (Fig. 3b). This is 142 times the concentration of H₂O₂ that maximally accumulated in RS honey after a similar 2-h incubation period, indicating that the H₂O₂ concentration in honey is far too low for rapid activity against MRSA. In view of possible toxicity (see the Discussion section), it is not feasible to increase the concentration of H₂O₂ in honey to the level required for rapid killing. For similar reasons, we did not assess the enrichment of RS honey with MGO.

Fig. 3a, b

Concentration of H₂O₂ required for activity against MRSA. a Production of H₂O₂ in diluted RS honey. The accumulation of H₂O₂ in indicated concentrations of RS honey was assessed at 2 h (squares) or 24 h (triangles) after dilution. b Bactericidal activity (more ...)

Bee defensin-1 concentration required for the rapid killing of MRSA

Next, we assessed the contribution of bee defensin-1 to the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey. At the concentration present in undiluted RS honey, bee defensin-1 effectively killed Bacillus subtilis, a highly bee defensin-1-susceptible organism [], within 2 h (Fig. 4a). However, this peptide had no substantial activity against MRSA, E. coli ESBL, or VREF (Fig. 4a). Even at an eight-fold higher concentration, bee defensin-1 reduced the numbers of CFU of MRSA after 2 h by only 1-log (Fig. 4b), indicating that it also was not feasible to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey by increasing the concentration of bee defensin-1.

Fig. 4a, b

The bactericidal activity of bee defensin-1 was assessed using the >5-kDa fraction of RS honey in which bee defensin-1 is the only antibacterial factor present []. a Bactericidal activity of bee defensin-1 against various bacteria was assessed (more ...)

Enhanced rapid bactericidal activity of LL-37-enriched honey

We subsequently assessed the potential of LL-37, a broad-spectrum human AMP expressed in neutrophils and various epithelial cells [, ], to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of honey. RS honey was enriched with ten-fold excess (75 μM) of the concentration of LL-37 required to reduce the survival of MRSA to undetectable levels (Fig. 5a). The lethal concentration of LL-37 for 99.9% of the inocula (LC99.9) of MRSA and E. coli in 2-h incubations were 7.5 and 1.9 μM, respectively (Fig. 5a). The enrichment of RS honey with LL-37 substantially improved the activity against E. coli ESBL and VREF, but not against other bacteria tested (Fig. 5b). LL-37-enriched honey retained bactericidal activity against E. coli ESBL and VREF up to 20-fold dilution, which was a major improvement compared to non-enriched honey (Fig. 5b). The LC99.9 of LL-37 in honey, however, was four-fold higher than in incubation buffer (Fig. 5b), indicating that honey inhibited LL-37. Inhibition was even more clear from the tests with MRSA, MRSE, and P. aeruginosa. Enrichment with LL-37 did not substantially improve the activity of honey, while LL-37 alone effectively killed these bacteria (Fig. 5b).

Fig. 5a, b

Efficacy of LL-37 to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey. a Survival of MRSA (squares) and E. coli ESBL (triangles) after 2 h of incubation in indicated concentrations of LL-37 in incubation buffer. b Bactericidal activity of LL-37-enriched (more ...)

Enhanced bactericidal activity of BP2-enriched honey

The synthetic AMP BP2 has potent activity in physiological salt concentrations and in plasma, and is effective in vivo in a mouse model of biomaterial-associated infection []. The LC99.9 concentrations of BP2 for MRSA and E. coli in 2-h incubations were 1.9 and 3.8 μM, respectively (Fig. 6a). RS honey enriched with ten-fold excess (75 μM) of the concentration of BP2 required to reduce the survival of MRSA to undetectable levels (Fig. 6a) retained bactericidal activity against all bacteria tested up to 20-fold dilution, except for P. aeruginosa (Fig. 6b), which was killed by up to a ten-fold dilution of this enriched RS honey (Fig. 6b). Non-enriched RS honey lacked rapid bactericidal activity for all bacteria tested when diluted more than 2.5-fold.

Fig. 6a, b

Efficacy of bactericidal peptide 2 (BP2) to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey. a Survival of MRSA (squares) and E. coli ESBL (triangles) after 2 h of incubation in indicated concentrations of BP2 in incubation buffer. b Bactericidal (more ...)

The activity of BP2 against E. coli ESBL and VREF was not inhibited in honey (Fig. 6b). The killing of MRSA, MRSE, and P. aeruginosa ESBL required 2–4-fold higher concentrations of BP2 in honey than in buffer (Fig. 6b). This indicates a slight reduction of BP2 activity in honey, but markedly less than the observed inhibition of LL-37 in honey. We conclude that enrichment with 75 μM BP2 markedly enhanced the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey.

Discussion

The potent activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria makes honey an interesting agent to treat topical infections not responding to antibiotics. Ideally, honey used for such applications should have rapid and broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. In addition, honey should remain active upon dilution, since honey will be rapidly diluted at the wound interface due to its hygroscopic characteristics and the presence of wound exudate.

RS honey has reproducible, broad-spectrum bactericidal activity in vitro and effectively reduces the microbial colonization of human skin []. Our present results, however, show that the activity of this honey against the major wound-infecting pathogens MRSA and E. coli ESBL is not rapid. Honey does have rapid activity against P. aeruginosa, E. faecium, and S. epidermidis, but this activity is lost when RS honey becomes diluted. Of note, B. cepacia, an otherwise notoriously antibiotic-resistant pathogen, proved to be the most honey-susceptible organism. Enhancement of the activity of RS honey with its endogenous microbicidal compounds appeared not to be feasible, but addition of the cationic AMP BP2 did increase the activity to the desired levels.

We recently identified all bactericidal factors in RS honey using an approach of successive neutralization of individual factors combined with activity-guided isolation of factors responsible for residual bactericidal activity []. Thus, we determined that the high sugar concentration, H₂O₂ production, MGO, the low pH, and bee defensin-1 were responsible for the bactericidal activity of RS honey. In order to enhance the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey, we first assessed the potential of H₂O₂ and of bee defensin-1. Upon the dilution of honey, H₂O₂ is produced by the glucose oxidase enzyme from the bees [24, ]. The production of H₂O₂ was highest in RS honey diluted to 30%, in which 22.5 and 148 μg/ml accumulated after 2 and 24 h, respectively. In a study with 90 different honeys, 12±19 μg/ml hydrogen peroxide (range 0–72 μg/ml) accumulated in honey diluted to 20% (w/v) after 4 h [24], indicating that RS honey produces relatively high levels of H₂O₂.

MRSA is highly susceptible to H₂O₂-mediated killing by RS honey upon incubation for 24 h []. The killing of MRSA within 2 h by H₂O₂ in the absence of honey required a concentration as high as 3,200 μg/ml H₂O₂ (corresponding to a 0.32% (w/v) solution). Wound cleansing with a 3% (w/v) solution of H₂O₂ has been a clinical practice, but at this concentration, H₂O₂ is toxic to human cells and skin tissue, and tissue exposure can result in delayed wound healing [–] . Although the concentration of H₂O₂ required to kill MRSA was about ten-fold lower than the concentration used for wound cleansing, we did not consider increasing the levels of H₂O₂ as a possibility to improve the rapid bactericidal activity of RS honey.

Bee defensin-1 (also referred to as royalisin []) is a 51-residue AMP identified in honey bee hemolymph, royal jelly, and in honey [, , ]. Because of its complicated folding with three intramolecular cysteine bonds, the synthetic production of bee defensin-1 is not possible and recombinant production would be highly challenging. Bee defensin-1 effectively kills B. subtilis but lacks activity against all other bacteria tested at a concentration equivalent to that in undiluted honey. Even at an eight-fold higher concentration, bee defensin-1 only slightly reduced the survival of MRSA. The narrow spectrum of its bactericidal activity renders bee defensin-1 unsuited for enhancement of the bactericidal activity of honey.

MGO is present in RS honey at a relatively low concentration (0.25 mM) compared to the concentrations reported for Manuka honey (up to 16.1 mM) []. MGO is a reactive metabolite that can exert toxic effects by the direct inhibition of enzymes, by genomic modifications resulting in carcinogenesis, and by protein modifications resulting in the formation of advanced glycation end products []. The latter are believed to be the main determinants for pathological effects related to diabetes [, ]. Because of the concerns regarding the potential toxicity of MGO, we did not pursue to augment the activity of RS honey with this compound.

Other honey bactericidal factors are the high sugar concentration and low pH. Honey is a super-saturated sugar solution, so it is not possible to further increase its sugar concentration. RS honey has a pH of 3.2, which is at the lower end of the pH range found for honeys (3.2–4.5) []. Even such a low pH only contributed to the activity against B. subtilis after 24 h of incubation, and not to the activity against other bacterial species []. Therefore, the sugar concentration and low pH were not suited as factors for the enhancement of the bactericidal activity of honey.

In contrast to bee defensin-1, most AMPs have broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. The human α-helical AMP LL-37 is one of the best characterized AMPs [–]. Despite its potent activity in incubation buffer, LL-37 was strongly inhibited in the presence of honey. BP2 is a synthetic AMP with very rapid broad-spectrum microbicidal activity, which is retained in plasma and in physiological salt solution []. BP2 also effectively kills S. epidermidis in vivo, in a murine model of biomaterial-associated infection [], indicating its potential for clinical application. The activity of BP2 against E. coli ESBL and VREF was not inhibited in honey, and activity against MRSA, MRSE, and P. aeruginosa ESBL required only slightly higher (2–4-fold) concentrations in honey than in buffer. Thus, BP2 was certainly suited for the enrichment of honey.

B. cepacia is notorious for its intrinsic resistance against antibiotics [, ] and AMPs [], and is, indeed, not susceptible to LL-37 [] or to BP2 []. Our results demonstrate, however, that B. cepacia is relatively susceptible to honey compared to other tested bacteria, which is in accordance with the findings of Cooper et al. []. Not surprisingly, the addition of BP2 to RS honey did not enhance the bactericidal activity against B. cepacia (not shown).

In summary, we were able to enhance the bactericidal activity of honey by enrichment with the AMP BP2. BP2-enriched RS honey had rapid bactericidal activity up to a high dilution against all bacteria tested and had a broader spectrum of bactericidal activity than either agent alone. This offers prospects for the development of clinically applicable honey-based antimicrobials with rapid and broad-range microbicidal activity.

Acknowledgments

Funding This work was supported by a SENTER grant (TSGE2055) from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Conflict of interest None to declare.

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited.

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Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities.

2011-10-11T13:30:00.001-05:00

Innate Immun. 2011 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1447054

www.ManukaHoneyTX.com/store

Indigenous New Zealand honeys exhibit multiple anti-inflammatory activities.

Leong AG, Herst PM, Harper JL.

Source

Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.

Abstract

PMID:: 21978989; [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Manuka honey is the bees knees

2011-10-11T12:57:00.001-05:00

Manuka honey is the bees knees

The anti-bacterial properties of Manuka honey are so potent that it can heal wounds, treat stomach ulcers – and even fight MRSA.

By Rosanna Macpherson

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

Manuka honey is a sticky golden indulgence that doesn't just taste delicious on your toast, it can also boost your health. Originally produced in New Zealand, Britain's first Mauka maker, Tregothnan, based in Cornwall, is now offering pots of its honey for £55 a jar. Manufactured in special beehives costing £5000 each, the Manuka commands a high price because it possesses proven medicinal qualities – as well as being a treat for those with a sweet tooth.

What exactly is manuka honey?
Manuka is a mono-floral honey, so-called because the bees that make that it only gather pollen from the Manuka bush (Leptospermum Scoparium). The plant is indigenous to New Zealand but Britain and the USA are both beginning to grow it as well. Not all Manuka honey has healing properties – the type to keep in the medicine cupboard is that which has an "active" quality, meaning that its enzymes create chemical reactions within the honey. This quality is detected through laboratory testing in order to gain the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating which adorns jars of medical-grade honey.
Professor Peter Molan of the Honey Research Unit of the University of Waikato, New Zealand, says "Manuka has a very broad spectrum of action. It works on bacteria, fungi and protozoa. We haven't found anything it doesn't work on among infectious organisms."
Why is it so potent?
One of the most radical uses of Manuka is as a preventative for MRSA in open wounds. The sugars present in the honey create the effect of osmosis; whereby sugars in the honey attract all the water particles in the wound, depriving infectious bacteria of their vital source for growth. This reduces the likeliness of the infection spreading. Hydrogen Peroxide has also been found within the honey and acts as a anti-bacterial substance. The bees release an enzyme which in water converts sugar and oxygen to glucoronic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Manuka honey has a pH of 3.2 – 4.5 which is low enough to reduce the development of many pathogens. Manuka was licensed for use by the NHS to fight MRSA in cancer patients in 2004 after trials in Manchester's Christie Hospital.
How does it aid healing?
The anti-bacterial qualities in Manuka also help to promote faster healing in deep wounds. The active enzymes in the honey cause dead skin cells to lift off the wound leaving a clean area for regeneration. The honey is said to stimulate the growth of new blood capillaries, replace connective tissues and produce the collagen fibres that give strength to healing wounds. Compared with routine treatments that had a 50 per cent success rate, the European Journal of Medical Research found Manuka boasted an 85 per cent figure when used to treat contaminated caesarean and hysterectomy wounds.
Is it easy to stomach?
Manuka honey has had positive results when used to treat stomach ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria, also a cause of stomach cancer. The active form of Manuka honey eliminates h. pylori and is a safe, cost-effective treatment that can be taken without the need for a prescription. Professor Molan suggests taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey with a small amount of bread three times a day to relieve digestive issues such as acid reflux, indigestion and gastritis. Manuka's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce the pain of these stomach complaints.
What else can it be used for?
Manuka is increasingly being used in burn treatments. It helps stop secondary infections and decreases the likelihood of the patient needing skin grafts because the skin regenerates quickly with less scarring when the honey is used. Some forms of Eczema have also seen improvements with Manuka-based products. Due to the osmotic effect the honey creates, it can draw moisture into the affected area alleviating inflammation and soreness associated with eczema. Manuka can help to reduce acne and skin blemishes. It can be applied in the form of a face mask or mixed with moisturiser to help nourish the skin. The honey helps to kill bacteria that build up around hair follicles and larger pores that lead to acne.
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2011-10-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

Honey can reverse antibiotic resistance

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13 April 2011

Manuka honey could be an efficient way to clear chronically infected wounds and could even help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics, according to research presented at the Society for General Microbiology’s Spring Conference in Harrogate.

Professor Rose Cooper from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff is looking at how manuka honey interacts with three types of bacteria that commonly infest wounds: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Group A Streptococci and Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Her group has found that honey can interfere with the growth of these bacteria in a variety of ways and suggests that honey is an attractive option for the treatment of drug-resistant wound infections.

Honey has long been acknowledged for its antimicrobial properties. Traditional remedies containing honey were used in the topical treatment of wounds by diverse ancient civilisations. Manuka honey is derived from nectar collected by honey bees foraging on the manuka tree in New Zealand and is included in modern licensed wound-care products around the world. However, the antimicrobial properties of honey have not been fully exploited by modern medicine as its mechanisms of action are not yet known.

Professor Cooper’s group is helping to solve this problem by investigating at a molecular level the ways in which manuka honey inhibits wound-infecting bacteria. “Our findings with streptococci and pseudomonads suggest that manuka honey can hamper the attachment of bacteria to tissues which is an essential step in the initiation of acute infections. Inhibiting attachment also blocks the formation of biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and allow them to cause persistent infections,” explained Professor Cooper. “Other work in our lab has shown that honey can make MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics such as oxacillin - effectively reversing antibiotic resistance. This indicates that existing antibiotics may be more effective against drug-resistant infections if used in combination with manuka honey.”

This research may increase the clinical use of manuka honey as doctors are faced with the threat of diminishingly effective antimicrobial options. “We need innovative and effective ways of controlling wound infections that are unlikely to contribute to increased antimicrobial resistance. We have already demonstrated that manuka honey is not likely to select for honey-resistant bacteria,” said Professor Cooper. At present, most antimicrobial interventions for patients are with systemic antibiotics. “The use of a topical agent to eradicate bacteria from wounds is potentially cheaper and may well improve antibiotic therapy in the future. This will help reduce the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from colonised wounds to susceptible patients.”