Propolis has interesting antioxidant and anti-glycation properties to prevent age-related illnesses and complications of diabetes.

The propolis could enter natural anti-aging products. A French study reveals that experimentally the propolis allows reducing the level of potentially toxic compounds called advanced glycation endproducts or AGE.

Propolis is a resin that coats the buds of some trees. The bees take the propolis on the buds of the trees by collecting it on their hind legs and bringing it back to the hive.

The AGE, which are brought by certain foods or made by the body in diabetes, plays a role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. They are the cause of the complications of diabetes such as retinopathy and nephropathy. The AGE also increases oxidative stress, which is another form of aggression against cells and organs.

In this French study, several propolis extracts showed very good anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The analyses revealed the most active compound is a substance called pinobanksin-3-acetate.

A Croatian study of 2012 found propolis decreases renal damage in a model of diabetic nephropathy among mice.

The propolis could therefore be interesting in the prevention of certain chronic diseases and in diabetics. Other substances having shown an effect against AGE include alpha-lipoic acid, carnosine, vitamin B6, aminoguanidine, folates. Vitamin E could help control some of the harmful cellular consequences of AGE.

Reference

Boisard S, Le Ray AM, Gatto J, Aumond MC, Blanchard P, Derbré S, Flurin C, Richomme P. Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Anti-AGEs Activities of a French Poplar Type Propolis. J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Feb 12;62(6):1344-51.

Bee propolis to fight against aging?
Nutrition and Innovation

The products of hive contain unsuspected health virtues. Royal jelly can be an interesting ally to relieve menopausal disorders.

What is royal jelly?

Royal jelly is a milky substance secreted by the feeding bee’s glands. It’s used to feed the larvae of bees at the beginning of their development. It’s an interesting food choice in the hive since the queen bee feeds itself exclusively throughout her life. This is what would explain in part the queen bee lives much longer than her congeners.

Royal jelly composition

The royal jelly is for more than half composed of water. It also contains:

• 15% carbohydrates, predominantly fructose and glucose
• 13% to 18% protein
• 3% to 6% lipids (including stearic and palmitic acids)
• 1.5% minerals (calcium, silica, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron)
• Vitamins, including group B
• Amino acids
• Acetylcholine

What can royal jelly do for you?

Relieving menopause-related disorders

The royal jelly contains substances interacting with estrogen receptors. This estrogenic effect highlighted by in vitro studies (1-2) prompted researchers to question whether royal jelly could have an interest in the treatment of menopause-related disorders.

In a study published in 2004, Bulgarian researchers tested the effects of a preparation containing royal jelly, pollen and vitamin C (Melbrosia) with 55 menopausal women and observed an improvement in menopause symptoms (3). This same preparation had already been tested in a study published in 1994 and menopausal women reported an improvement in fatigue and headaches related to menopause (4).

Improve your blood lipids

Japanese researchers tested the effects of royal jelly on lipid metabolism. As part of this small study, 15 volunteers were divided into two groups, half of which took six grams of royal jelly per day for 4 weeks. The researchers observed a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol among volunteers who received royal jelly (5). A 2009 study concluded royal jelly increased the level of “good” HDL-cholesterol but only among the older ones (6).

Boost your immunity

Royal jelly could help you boost your immune system. Numerous studies conducted in vitro shown royal jelly has an immunostimulant (7-8) and immunomodulatory (9) activity. In practice, Danish researchers tested the effect of royal jelly on children suffering from allergic rhinitis (10). 18 children with hay fever received either royal jelly or placebo for a period of 6 months prior to the pollen-exposure season. However, the researchers could not prove the efficiency of the royal jelly and the children who had received it did not show any significant reduction in their allergic symptoms.

Reduce fatigue among athletes

Royal jelly may be useful for athletes to reduce fatigue following physical exercise. For the time being, only a small study on mice has brought evidence (11). Japanese researchers have made up different groups of mice receiving royal jelly or not. They then subjected them to a swimming test before measuring fatigue indicators. They then found that mice’s which had received royal jelly were more enduring than their congeners. In addition, they showed a lower accumulation of lactate and ammonia and improved retention of muscle glycogen after exertion.

How to take royal jelly?

The royal jelly occurs either in fresh form or in freeze-dried form. The fresh form should be kept in the refrigerator and you can take 300 mg to 750 mg per day on a 4 to 6 week cure. In freeze-dried form you can take 100 mg to 250 mg of royal jelly per day.

 References

1. Estrogenic activities of Fatty acids and a sterol isolated from royal jelly. Suzuki KM, Isohama Y, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2008 Sep;5(3):295-302.

2. Georgiev DB, Metka M, et al. Effects of an herbal medication containing bee products on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk markers: results of a pilot open-uncontrolled trial.MedGenMed. 2004 Dec 16;6(4):46.

3. Szanto E, Gruber D, et al. [Placebo-controlled study of melbrosia in treatment of climacteric symptoms. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1994;144(7):130-3.

4. Guo H, Saiga A, et al. Royal jelly supplementation improves lipoprotein metabolism in humans. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2007 Aug;53(4):345-8.

5. Münstedt K, Henschel M, et al. Royal jelly increases high density lipoprotein levels but in older patients only. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Apr;15(4):329-30.

6. Majtan J, Kovacova E, et al. The immunostimulatory effect of the recombinant apalbumin 1-major honeybee royal jelly protein-on TNFalpha release. Int Immunopharmacol. 2006 Feb;6(2):269-78.

7. Simuth J, Bilikova K, et al. Immunochemical approach to detection of adulteration in honey: physiologically active royal jelly protein stimulating TNF-alpha release is a regular component of honey. J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 21;52(8):2154-8

8. Mishima S, Suzuki KM, et al. Royal jelly has estrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Oct 3;101(1-3):215-20.

9. Gasic S, Vucevic D, et al. Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activities of royal jelly components in vitro. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2007;29(3-4):521-36.

10. Andersen AH, Mortensen S, et al. Double-blind randomized trial of the effect of Bidro on hay fever in children Ugeskr Laeger. 2005 Sep 19;167(38):3591-4. Danish. 7.

11. Kamakura M, Mitani N, Fukuda T, Fukushima M. Antifatigue effect of fresh royal jelly in mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2001 Dec;47(6):394-401.

The virtues of royal jelly
Nutrition and Innovation

In an experimental study, the hairs grow back more rapidly after application of propolis.
Many virtues are attributed to propolis: it has antiviral and anti-fungal activity, which can prevent and treat respiratory infections, treat genital herpes, improve oral hygiene, oppose free radicals and advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) responsible for accelerating aging and it would even be effective for boosting hair growth! This is suggested by a new Japanese study among mice and published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Propolis is a resin which is used to cover all the interior surfaces of the hive in order to ensure its watertightness and solidity. The propolis is secreted by the buds of certain trees. The bees collect the propolis by collecting it on their hind legs and bringing it back to the hive. The propolis contains more than 300 active identified molecules. By extraction, the beekeeper can obtain pure propolis composed of 100% of active molecules of pharmacological interest such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, essential oils and some other potent organic compounds (fatty acids, sugars …).

Propolis is effective against bacteria, viruses. The flavonoids it contains allow it to be effective against the flu virus. Propolis is often used to treat wounds and to accelerate the healing of canker sores and genital herpes. Taken in the form of a mouthwash, it can also help soothe after oral surgery. Propolis is also used in the treatments of dermatological ailments, such as burns and acne for example. It’s also active against candidiasis.

A previous study showed that propolis could promote the multiplication of cells contributing to hair growth. In this new study, the researchers wanted to know if the propolis could promote the appearance of new hair strands. They used mice which they shaved or depilateded on their backs. The researchers then applied propolis on the skin of some mice.

The results show the hairs of the mice that received propolis were repelled faster than those of the mice which did not receive propolis. The number of cells involved in hair growth increased after the application of propolis. Therefore, propolis stimulates hair growth by inducing the proliferation of keratinocyte.

The researchers tested the propolis on mice for which a hair which grew back was possible, unlike a “bald” mouse. However, scientists point out that hair loss is often the result of inflammation. However, since propolis has anti-inflammatory properties, researchers expect it can also help to treat baldness.

This is a study which could give hope to all men and women who lose their hair even if additional studies are needed to confirm the hypothesis of the researchers.

Reference

Miyata S, Oda Y, Matsuo C, Kumura H, Kobayashi K. Stimulatory Effect of Brazilian propolis on Hair Growth through Proliferation of Keratinocytes in Mice. I Agric Food Chem. 2014 Dec 10; 62 (49): 11854-61. DOI: 10.1021/jf503184s. Epub 2014 Nov 26.

Bee propolis, a new remedy for hair loss?
Nutrition and Innovation

The products of the hive contain unsuspected health virtues. Pollen can be an interesting ally to relieve benign prostatic hypertrophy.

What is bee pollen?

Pollen is the male microgametophytes produced by the stamens of flowers. It consists of many microscopic elements, the pollen grains, which each measure 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm. When the bees come to loot the nectar of the flowers, they catch on their paws the pollen of flowers they carry in small balls called pollen pellets. These balls are then mixed by the bee with yeasts and lactic ferments from the nectar of the plants. Fresh frozen pollen contains lactic ferments and live yeasts but not the dried pollen.

Pollen composition

Depending on the floral origin, pollen composition may vary. It includes:

• 30% to 55% carbohydrates (mainly glucose and fructose);

• 25% to 30% protein (the content varies depending on the climatic conditions, the soil characteristics in which the plants grow and the season);

• Amino acids: arginine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine;

• 1% to 20% lipids, including part of essential fatty acids;

• 18% water;

• 18% cellulose;

• 5% minerals: calcium, chlorine, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sulfur, selenium;

• Group B vitamins in large quantities;

• Vitamins A, C, D, E in lower quantity;

• 5 to 8 lactic ferments;

• 3 yeasts;

• Immunostimulatory substances;

• Enzymes, coenzymes, sterols, bacteriostatic and growth substances, pigments, aromas and volatile oils.

The different pollens

The composition of the different pollens varies according to the flower on which the bees have taken them. In apitherapy, the following pollens are mainly used:

• The cistus pollen containing carotenoids and protects the intestinal mucosa;

• Willow pollen (harvested in the spring) containing substances which protect the retina from the eye and help prevent and delay the evolution of AMD (age-related macular degeneration) and is also addressed to men with prostate problems;

• The heather pollen which ensures the protection of the circulatory sphere and is therefore interesting for varicose veins, hemorrhoids but also the brain;

• Chestnut pollen, the most antioxidant, which is particularly suitable for women after 40 years in the menopause period (contains phytoestrogens and inhibits calcium loss);

• Poppy pollen, rich in protein and vitamin C, which ideally accompanies vegetarian diets.

The antioxidant power of pollen

An evaluation was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of different pollens thanks to the ORAC test. The results show the various pollens have a much higher antioxidant capacity than fruits and vegetables. As a comparison, 15 or 20 grams of fresh pollen is equivalent to 900 grams of vegetables.

What pollen can do for you?

Protecting the intestines

Fresh pollen would be effective in protecting the intestines from inflammatory diseases. The National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA) in Toulouse has compared the effects of fresh pollen and dried pollen on intestines inflammation of Crohn’s disease-type1. Rats received either fresh frozen cistus pollen, or dried cistus pollen stored in the refrigerator, or placebo. Among rats supplemented with fresh pollen, researchers found 30% less lesions compared to rats which received placebo.

Reduce benign prostatic hypertrophy

Men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) may benefit from pollen virtues. A summary of the clinical trials conducted with a rye flower pollen extract was published in 2001. Two studies were analyzed in all of 444 participants who were suffering from BPH. They concluded pollen reduces nocturia (more important urine emission at night than in the daytime, contrary to normal rhythm) but has no positive effect on other symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Four clinical trials have been conducted since then, in Russia2-3 and in China4-5. According to one of these studies, the optimal dosage of rye pollen to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy and slowing the progression is 750 mg per day in the long term.

Relieve prostatitis

A study published in 2006 in the journal Urology suggests that pollen could also help men with prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate6. Researchers followed 60 patients aged 20 to 55 years with non-bacterial prostatitis who received either pollen or placebo. After 6 months of follow-up, the men who had received pollen showed an improvement in the symptoms of prostatitis.

Protect your eyes

Willow pollen may be effective in preventing macular degeneration from the age-related retina (AMD), a disease affecting the elderly and the central vision. This disabling disease is characterized by the formation of dead cell clusters called druze hindering vision by still living cells. Volunteers with AMD have taken willow pollen which would have resulted in the disappearance of druze among some patients after 1 to 2 years. These benefits would be due to the xanthophylls pigments contained in large quantities in willow pollen.

How to take pollen?

Lactic ferments and yeasts contained in fresh pollen are not preserved in the dried pollen. It is therefore better to consume frozen pollen which contains all the virtues of fresh pollen. The ideal is to follow a pollen cure for 6 weeks at the rate of 1 teaspoon each morning at breakfast.

References

1. F. Lamine, V. Théodorou, P. Percie du Sert. Effect of dry versus fresh cistus bee-pollen in experimental colitis in rats. 2001. Inra, Toulouse.

2. Shaplygin LV, Sivakov AA. Use of cernilton in the therapy of prostatic adenoma and chronic prostatitis. Urologiia. 2007 May-Jun;(3):35-7, 39. Russian.

3. Aslamazov EG, Akhvlediani ND, et al.Cernilton in the treatment of prostatic adenoma and chronic prostatitis. Urologiia. 2007 Jan-Feb;(1):52, 54-6. Russian.

4. Xu J, Qian WQ, Song JD. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue A comparative study on different doses of cernilton for preventing the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia.. 2008 Jun;14(6):533-7. Chinese.

5. Li NC, Wu SL, et al. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. Comparison of different drugs on the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. 2007 Jul 15;45(14):947-50. Chinese.

6. Elist J. Effects of pollen extract preparation Prostat/Poltit on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Urology. 2006 Jan;67(1):60-3.

Bee pollen virtues
Nutrition and Innovation

The antibacterial properties of honey could help to combat the increasing resistance to antibiotics. But you have to choose this honey.

Honey, a food-medicine? According to a paper presented at the 247th National meeting of the American Chemical Society, honey would be effective in combating bacterial infections, avoiding resistance.

Honey is a sweetening product that can represent an alternative to white sugar, because due to the presence of fructose it raises less blood glucose than glucose or sucrose. Due to its richness in antioxidants, it does not have the disadvantages of pure fructose on the synthesis of lipids by the liver, the production of VLDL (very low density lipoproteins), the elevation of triglycerides and the risks of overweight and insulin resistance That characterize diets rich in fructose.

In this paper, Susan Meschwitz of Salve Regina University (Newport, Rhode Island) describes the properties of honey that make it a useful food to fight infections. With her research team, she conducted tests to evaluate the antioxidant properties of honey: “We have separated and identified the various antioxidant polyphenol compounds.” Researchers also tested the antibacterial properties of honey against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, among others.

The advantage of honey, unlike antibiotics, is that it acts on several fronts at the same time, making it more difficult to emerge resistances: the unique properties of honey are based on its ability to fight infection at levels Multiple. This is the difference between modern antibiotics that only target bacterial growth, which leads to the onset of resistance. On the other hand, honey has a whole battery of weapons to remove bacteria: hydrogen peroxide, acidity, osmotic effect, high sugar concentration and polyphenols. For example, the osmotic effect due to the high concentration of sugar leads the bacterium to drain its water: this excessive dehydration is fatal to it.

Honey could also act by disrupting the bacterial “quorum sensing”, a system of communication between bacteria that allows them to assess their population density. By breaking the “quorum sensing”, bacterial virulence is weakened because this communication system controls the release of toxins implicated in pathologies. The researchers found that honey also avoids the formation of biofilm, which is a assemblage of microbial communities.

The efficacy of honey is also due to the fact that it is rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, phenolic acids, coffeeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, flavonoids. The phenolic compounds present in honey are linked to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
Many studies have confirmed the antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of honey. Honey can be applied to the skin in case of infections. But these new works and others suggest that honey can be given with antibiotics when there is a risk that the infection will be resistant. Honey should not be given to babies.

Analyses conducted in the United States found that only producer honeys, honeys purchased from markets and honeys sold in agricultural co-operatives and in dietetic stores have the characteristics of honey in terms of pollen content . The supermarket honeys, ultrafiltered, did not meet these characteristics and should be avoided.

Reference

American Chemical Society. Honey is a new approach to fighting antibiotic resistance: How sweet it is! Press release. March 16, 2014.

Honey against antibiotic resistance
Nutrition and Innovation