Friday, October 28, 2011

La Santé Grâce aux Abeilles

Intéressant pour tous ceux qui veulent mieux comprendre les vertus des produits des abeilles...


Journée Auterivaine d'Apitherapie : La santé grâce aux abeilles
Samedi, 5 Novembre 2011 
Salle du Belvédère 
Auterive près de Toulouse 


- 9h45 Les différents produits de la ruche et leurs thérapies dédiées : par James Poulain, consultant en apiculture et en apithérapie

- 11h00 La médecine traditionnelle chinoise : Une référence utile et pertinente pour la théorie et la pratique de l’Apithérapie" par Claudette Raynal, spécialiste en médecine traditionnelle chinoise et en apithérapie

- 14h00 Propolis et cancer : Une approche thérapeutique innovante" par Dr Lilian Ceballos, chercheur au CNRS, membre du conseil scientifique d'eau future et spécialiste en apithérapie

- 15h00 Massage au miel : Une technique de détoxication par Catherine Millet

- Démonstrations : massage au miel, masque du visage, Apithérapique  (piqûres d’abeilles)

Renseignement et réservation au 06 16 91 18 05 - rucherdusoleil@aol.com

Friday, October 21, 2011

Propolis Extracts May Allow Inexpensive Cancer Treatment

a very concise peer-reviewed article, confirming ONCE AGAIN, that propolis has very real potential to save lives. In the meantime, take your propolis regularly!!!

Cytotoxic Constituents of Propolis Inducing Anticancer Effects: A Review
J Pharm Pharmacol, 2011 Nov;63(11):1378-86

Objectives:
Propolis is a honeybee product used extensively in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer effects. Propolis exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities because it is a complex mixture of natural substances. In this review, the antitumour effects of propolis extracts and its constituents (e.g. flavonoids, terpenes and caffeic acid phenethyl ester) are discussed.

Key findings:
The effect of propolis on experimental carcinogenesis is discussed, as well as its possible mechanisms of action against tumours, involving apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and interference on metabolic pathways. Propolis seems to be efficient against different tumour cells both in vitro and in vivo, which suggests its potential in the development of new anticancer drugs.

Summary:
Propolis extracts may be important economically and would allow a relatively inexpensive cancer treatment. Preclinical investigations are needed to further elucidate the benefits of propolis and its anti-tumour properties.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Propolis, a Natural Remedy Against Cancer?

Protect yourself and get your propolis by any means possible... 

Propolis, a Natural Remedy Against Cancer?

Article written in French by:
• Nicolas Hubin, licenced in chemical sciences;
•  Professeur Roch Domerego, Vice-President of the Apitherapy Commission of Apimondia, Co-author of l’Apithérapie” aux éditions Amyris,;
•  Liéna Hernandez Orizondo, Doctor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Member of the Apitherapy Commission of Apimondia.
(Translation by Th. Cherbuliez, MD)

  
In the last three decades, our understanding of cancers has undergone a fundamental change by the discovery of the genes responsible for the development of these conditions. Nowadays research focuses seriously on the transducers of these genes and more specifically of the PAK1. The PAK 1 is understood to be responsible for the activation of molecules fostering cellular division, the invasion of the body by the tumor, the survival of cancer cells and the development of blood vessels within the tumor.

Current research addresses the development of PAK1 blocking medications.

The medications would decrease the initiation of mitosis of cancer cells, as well as the development of metastases, the angiogenesis, and the cell anti-apoptosis. One can well understand the increasing interest in this type of medication.

PAK1 and cancer

A large number of systematic studies led to the conclusion that the Ser/Thrkinases PAK1 is an essential transducer for more than 70% of the cancers, like cancers of the respiratory tract, of the prostate and of the neurofibromatoses.

These types of tumors depend strongly on the presence of this kinase for their growth, and they are therefore called PAK1-dependant tumors. PAK1 is a Rac/CDC42-dependant kinase that activates numerous effectors by phosphorylation, such as the kinase RAF, the LIM-kinase and the BAD. The PAK1 is therefore involved in all kind of processes in the generation of tumors, including cellular division, the anti-apoptosis, and angiogenesis. [cf fig. 1]

More specifically, the phosphorylation of the BAD (Bcl-xl/Bcl-2-Associated Death Promoter), a pro-apoptotic protein, prevents cellular apoptosis. Activation of the LIM kinase leads to the polymerization of actin, which stimulate cellular migration, and therefore the formation of metastases. Kinase RAF, when phosphorylized, leads through the MEK and ERK metabolic pathways to the passage from the cellular phase GO to phase G1, thereby setting mitosis in motion. Finally, PAK1 activates too the production of VEGF, essential to tumor angiogenesis. [1]

The synthesis of PAK1-blocking substances will take years. This is the reason why research turns more and more towards natural products already available on the market, which will demonstrate this anti PAK1 capacity, with the hope to make this new therapeutic approach available as quickly as possible to patients suffering from cancers and from neurofibromatosis.

Of these natural products, one of the most promising seems to be the green propolis of Brazil, rich in Artepillin C, a PAK1- blocking agent.

Propolis, a PAK1- blocking agent

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by exudation from plants and collected by bees, who use it in the hive.

It includes some 300 components, mainly resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oils (10%), pollen (5%), together with a whole series of other organic components (5%). [2] Amongst these organic components one can identify phenolic components, esters, flavonoids, terpenes, beta-steroids, aldheids and aromatic alcohols. [3]

In traditional medicine, propolis is known for having a large spectrum of biological and therapeutic properties with anti-hepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. [4] And now, one of its most promising medical properties, internationally actively studied, is its anti-cancerous effect. Like any natural substance, its composition is directly dependent on different factors, such as its botanical origin and the environmental conditions of its development. Green propolis of Brazil (GPB) is the only one having in its composition 6 to 8% Artepillin C (ARC).

Scientific literature mentions several rigorously conducted studies of the anti-cancerous property of the active principle of GPB, together with its mechanism of biochemical action. In 2005 a team of Japanese researcher demonstrated the anti-proliferative effect of ARC on human colon cancerous cells. This effect is demonstrated by its ability to stimulate the emergence of Cip1/p21 , which interferes with the passage from phase GO to phase G1 of the cell cycle, in this way blocking mitosis. According to this study, ARC is capable of blocking the chain reaction initiated by PAK1 and responsible for the loss of the P21′s regulating capacity. [5]

The following year this same team published the account of a study based on the oral treatment of mice. Here they picture the properties of ARC and of propolis, both well absorbed by the organism. These compounds trigger an anti-oxidant response by the organism through the production of detoxifying enzymes (glutation S-transferase, NADPH – quinone reductase) which neutralize the damage caused by the free oxidant radicals, an action that is reinforced by the abundance of flavonoids in propolis.

For many authors, oxidative damages may cause mutation leading to neoplasic transformation. This receives confirmation by the activity of ARC, which inhibits the resurgence of pre-neoplasic lesions in the colon of the mice. [6]

In addition, another study carried out in 2007 showed accompanying evidence of an anti-angiogenic effect. As a matter of fact the researchers observed a significant decrease in the emergence of new blood vessels within the tumor in mice treated orally with propolis. [7]

Finally, a study published at the beginning of 2009 demonstrates clearly that ARC and BGP are selectively blocking the PAK1 signal, which interferes with phosphorylation of Raf-1, and this limits the mitoses of cancer cells. The authors demonstrate in vitro and in vivo the important therapeutic effect of ARC and GPB on the growth of neurofibromatosis tumors. [8]

All this research demonstrates clearly that Artepillin C present in Brazilian green propolis has anti-cancerous effect by decreasing the frequency of pre-cancerous lesions, by inhibition of mitoses of cancerous cells and of angiogenesis within the tumor.

Conclusion

As their research progresses, scientific researchers seem to discover an ever larger power to Artepillin C. It could be that, taken at an early stage, this molecule might be the remedy for cancer: More than 70% of cancers are PAK1 dependant and Artepillin C appears to be a very efficacious blocking agent of PAK1.

Green propolis of Brazil, very rich in Artepillin C, is therefore expected to be a natural remedy against cancer. As it is PAK1 blocking and easily absorbed by the organism, it seems active when taken orally and might even present an inhibitory effect vis a vis certain cancers, if taken daily.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

[1] H. Maruta, T. Ohta, Signal therapy: propolis and Pepper extracts as cancer therapeutics, In Complementary and Alternative Therapies and the Aging Population, Watson R. Academic Press (2008) : pp 523-539.

[2] A.M. Gómez-Caravaca, M. Gómez-romero, D. Arráez-Román, A. Segura-Carretero, A. Fernández-Gutiérrez, Advances in the analysis of phenolic compounds in products derived from bees, J. Pharmac. Bio. Anal. 41 (2006) : pp 1220-1234.

[3] H. Aga, T. Shibuya, T. Sugimoto, M. Kurimoto, S.H. Nakajima, Isolation and identification of antimicrobial compounds in Brazilian propolis, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 58 (1994) : pp 945-946.

[4] A. H. Banskota, Y. Tezuka, S. Kadota, Recent Progress in Pharmacological Research of Propolis, Phytotherapy Res. 15 (2001) : pp 561-571.

[5] K. Shimizu, S. K. Das, T. Hashimoto, Y. Sowa, T. Yoshida, T. Sakai, Y. Matsuura, K. Kanazawa, Artepillin C in Brazilian Propolis Induces G0/G1 Arrest via Stimulation of Cip1/p21 Expression in Human Colon Cancer Cells, Mol. Carcinogenesis 44 (2005) : pp 293-299.

[6] K. Shimizu, S. K. Das, M. Baba, Y. Matsuura, K. Kanazawa, Dietary artepillin C suppresses the formation of aberrant crypt foci induced by azoxymethane in mouse colon, Cancer Letters 240 (2006) : pp 135-142.

[7] M. R. Ahn, K. Kunimasa, T. Ohta, S. Kumazawa, M. Kamihira, K. Kaji, Y. Uto, H. Hori, H, Nagasawa, T. Nakayama, Suppression of tumor-induced angiogenesis byBrazilian propolis: Major component artepillin C inhibits in vitro tube formation and endothelial cell proliferation, Cancer Letters 252 (2007) : pp 235-243.

[8] S. M. Messerli, M. R. Ahn, K. Kunimasa, M. Yanagihara, T. Tatefuji, K. Hashimoto, V. Mautner, Y. Uto, H. Hori, S. Kumazawa, K. Kaji, T. Ohta, H. Maruta, Artepillin C(ARC) in Brazilian Green Propolis Selectively Blocks Oncogenic PAK1 Signaling and Suppresses the Growth of NF Tumors in Mice, Phytotherapy Res. 23 (2009) : pp 423-427.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Honey May Help Prevent Post-Operative Eye Inflammation

Honey has often been reported to eliminate cataracts simply by placing drops of liquid honey in the eye... 



Honey Prophylaxis Reduces the Risk of Endophthalmitis During Perioperative Period of Eye Surgery
Phytotherapy Research, Early View

Endophthalmitis following eye surgery remains a rare but serious complication. Topical fluoroquinolones have been used as prophylactic agents against endophthalmitis. However, the emerging resistance of ocular pathogens to fluoroquinolones may preclude their routine use.

Honey, a natural antimicrobial product with wound healing properties, is a promising candidate for the prophylaxis of endophthalmitis.

The goal of this study was to determine whether 25% (w/v) honey solution is effective in eradicating bacterial ocular pathogens in the perioperative period in patients scheduled for cataract surgery or vitrectomy, and to compare its efficacy to 0.3% ofloxacin.

In this pilot study, 101 patients were randomized to honey (n = 49) or ofloxacin (n = 52) treatment. In both groups, eye drops were administered five times a day for 7 days before and 5 days after surgery. Before administration of the antibacterial agents, 18 and 25 isolates were detected in the ofloxacin and honey group, respectively.

After 7 days of administration, four isolates (coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) were detected in each therapeutic group. No significant difference in antibacterial effect was found between groups. These results indicate that honey may act as a prophylactic agent of endophthalmitis; however, further studies are needed to characterize its ocular penetration properties.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Royal Jelly Beneficial for Hypertension, Cholesterol, Bone Loss & Male Infertility

Royal Jelly continues its climb upwards as a respected product for treating important human conditions...


Clinical Advisor, 4-Oct 2011
 …Royal jelly contains a complex mixture of proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. The B vitamins are found in the largest quantity, followed closely by an assortment of 20 different amino acids, calcium, zinc, iron and manganese.

A detailed breakdown of the constituents of royal jelly reveals lipids (3%-7%), carbohydrates (10%-12%), proteins (12%-15%), water (60%-70%) and traces of minerals and vitamins. Of particular medical interest is the presence of gamma globulin, one of a group of specific proteins studied for their immune-modulating potential and pro-estrogenic compounds...

Science
Due to its rich content of antioxidants, proteins and other nutrients, royal jelly is reportedly good for whatever ails you. It is specifically recommended for treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and inflammation, and is being studied for a possible anti-tumor effect as well as a treatment for male infertility.

In a small trial, patients were assigned to the royal jelly intervention or placebo. Treatment-group participants were given 6 g daily of royal jelly formulation for four weeks. At the end of the trial, the treatment group's total cholesterol level was reduced 6%, and LDL was reduced more than 9%.

Egyptian researchers investigated the effect of royal jelly on conception rates among couples with known male asthenozoospermia... At the end of three monitored cycles, the successful conception rate of the treatment group was 8.1% compared with only 2.6% of the IUI couples. The researchers are still studying the mechanism of action in this usage beyond the nutrition-dense composition of royal jelly.

The growth and development of bone cells is another area of focus for royal jelly research. Scientists monitored tibial bone density in ovariectomized rats for seven weeks until clinical measurements indicated significant loss of bone density. At this point, the treatment group was given a royal jelly supplement and the active control group was given a 17 beta-estradiol treatment.

At the end of treatment, the active control group had 100% reversal of tibial bone loss, and the royal jelly group showed 85% bone recovery. Enhanced gastric absorption of calcium was found in this and other studies and could account for a synergistic effect on bone maintenance.
..

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Red Propolis Extract Kills More Leukemia Cancer Cells

the unrelenting power of propolis, proving once again its anti-carcinogenic properties...

Comparison of Effects of the Ethanolic Extracts of Brazilian Propolis on Human Leukemic Cells As Assessed with the MTT Assay

Propolis is a resinous product collected by honey bees. It was also reported that propolis has a wide variety of biological actions, including antimicrobial activity and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and suppressive effects of dioxin toxicity activities.

The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro cytotoxic activities of green propolis (G12) and red propolis (G13) in human leukemia cells. These cells were incubated with different concentrations of propolis and 48 hours after the IC50 was calculated for each cell.

The results showed that the red propolis has cytotoxic effect in vitro higher than green propolis. Red propolis was showed to be cytostatic in K562 cells and caused the same amount of apoptosis as its control Gleevec.

In conclusion, these results showed that red propolis is more cytotoxic than the green propolis in a variety of human cell lines of leukemia. Red propolis may contain drugs capable of inhibiting cancer cell growth. Therefore, further isolation of respective chemical ingredients from the red propolis (G13) for identification of the activities is necessary.