Propolis, Modulator for Immune & Inflammatory Responses

Propolis is truly a remarkable therapeutic agent, proven here to be an effective cellular regulator, independently and with its complementary co-phyto ingredients...

The Effects of Propolis and Its Isolated Compounds on Cytokine Production by Murine Macrophages

PhytotherapyResearch, 25 January 2012

Since propolis and phenolic compounds, such as cinnamic and coumaric acids, have several biological properties, their immunomodulatory effect on cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10) was investigated.

Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice were incubated with propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids in different concentrations and the concentrations that inhibited cytokine production were tested before or after macrophage challenge with LPS, to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action. Propolis and the acids stimulated IL-1β production, while IL-6 production was significantly inhibited after incubation with propolis (5, 50 and 100 µg/well), coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well).

In LPS-challenge protocols, inhibitory concentrations of cinnamic and coumaric acids after LPS incubation prevented efficiently its effects on IL-6 production, whereas propolis inhibited LPS effects both before and after its addition. Propolis, coumaric and cinnamic acids (50 and 100 µg/well) inhibited IL-10 production as well. Both acids showed a similar inhibitory activity on IL-10 production when added after LPS challenge, while propolis counteracted LPS action when added before and after LPS incubation.

Propolis modulated the immune/inflammatory response, depending on the concentration. Its efficiency may occur due to the synergistic effect of its compounds, and cinnamic and coumaric acids may be involved in the action of propolis on cytokine production.

Is Propolis Safe, Alternative Medicine?

When you look at the extremely low incidence rate of negative reactions, it begs the question, why isn't it more prevelant?  The source of Propolis is important when wanting to take advantage of specific bioflavonoid activity. But generally speaking, the consistent properties of propolis as an immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic agent are inherently safe.

Is Propolis Safe as an Alternative Medicine?

J PharmBio Allied Sciences, 2011 Nov

Abstract:

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honeybees as defense against intruders. It has relevant therapeutic properties that have been used since ancient times. Nowadays, propolis is of increasing importance as a therapeutic, alone or included in many medicines and homeopathic products or in cosmetics. 

Propolis is produced worldwide and honeybees use the flora surrounding their beehives for its production. Therefore its chemical composition may change according to the flora. The phenolic and volatile fractions of propolis have been revised in the present study, as well as some of the biological properties attributed to this natural product. An alert is given about the need to standardize this product, with quality control. This has already been initiated by some authors, mainly in the propolis from the poplar-type. Only this product can constitute a good complementary and alternative medicine under internationally acceptable quality control…

Conclusions: 

Propolis is a heterogeneous product constituted by several groups of compounds. Moreover, the chemical composition depends strongly on the phytogeographic characteristics of the collection site, as honey bees can only use the plant species existing in their habitats. Their chemical variability can give rise to diverse types of biological activities or diverse structures may present similar properties. Therefore, to make a standardization and quality control of this product is very difficult, particularly if we take into account the quantification of the active substances. Popova et al. [67] have proposed to specify multiple standards for different propolis types according to their plant source and corresponding chemical profile. Popova et al. [141] has already made a standardization for the poplar-type propolis from Europe, Asia, and Americas. More recently, Popova et al. [67] have validated a spectrophotometric method for the quantification of prenylated flavanones in the 'Pacific' propolis from Taiwan. In addition, it is necessary to connect a particular chemical propolis type to a specific type of biological activity for formulating recommendations for the practitioners. Only by following this scheme will it be possible for people to choose and make more efficient use of the beneficial properties of propolis, in respect to complementary and alternative medicine. [142]

In spite of propolis being commonly used in cosmetic and medicinal preparations owing to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anesthesic properties, it is not completely innocuous because 1.2 to 6.6 patients who were patch-tested for dermatitis were sensitive to propolis. The main allergens were 3-methyl-2-butenyl caffeate and phenylethyl caffeate, that is, components present in the poplar-type propolis. [143] Clinical allergy in humans is presented as contact dermatitis or oral mucositis, beekeepers being the most affected. Nevertheless there has been a recent rise in this incidence among biocosmetic users, on account of the increasing popularity of natural products such as propolis. [144] According to these authors, patients with an allergy to propolis may be at risk of cross-sensitization with balsam of Peru, a common allergen found in flavoring agents, perfumed products, certain spices, and products that contain the peel of citrus fruit.

Therefore, propolis is a complex natural product with a great diversity of chemical structures and subsequent biological activities, nevertheless, it is not completely innocuous and care must been taken, mainly when such a product has a great diversity of origins. An absence of quality control may be pernicious to human health.

Propolis, Abundant Source of Beneficial Effects for Human Health

A molecular review on the rich spectrum of beneficial properties found in Propolis... 

Beneficial Effects of Propolis on Human Health and Neurological Diseases

Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Ed), 2012 Jan 4

Propolis is a natural product, collected by honeybees Apis mellifera, from various plant sources. Propolis is extensively used in foods and beverages because it improves human health. It contains more than 300 natural compounds such as polyphenols, phenolic aldehydes, sequiterpene-quinones, coumarins, amino acids, steroids and inorganic compounds.

Propolis exhibits a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, anticancer, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective actions. The chemical composition and beneficial properties of propolis vary greatly depending on the phytogeographical areas, seasonal collection time, and botanical source. Polyphenols found in fruits and vegetables are beginning to receive increased attention due to their vital role in protecting neural cells from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation associated with normal aging and chronic age-related diseases.

Propolis is one of the most abundant sources of polyphenols (mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids). This overview is an attempt to discuss the molecular mechanism underlying the potential beneficial effects of propolis on human health and neurological diseases...

Propolis Boosts Wound Healing

The protective power of propolis instantly boosts wound healing capacities, boosts the immune system and delivers antioxidant, anti-viral, antibacterial properties due to its naturally-occurring bioflavonoid compounds. 

Propolis Anti-Inflammatory Action Boosts Wound Healing Effect of Propolis on Mast Cells in Wound Healing

Inflammopharmacology, 2011 Dec 17

Wound healing is divided into three phases: inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling. Mast cells participate in all these phases.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of propolis on the population of mast cells in oral surgical wounds in comparison to the results obtained with dexamethasone. This study was prospective, in vivo, randomized, semiexperimental, quantitative and comparative animal.

A circular surgical wound was made on the dorsum of the tongue of 90 hamsters divided into three experimental groups: topical application of 30% propolis alcoholic extract (Group 1); 0.1% dexamethasone in orabase cream (Group 2); and orabase cream alone (Group 3). Applications were performed every 12 h throughout the experiment. The postoperative times for killing of the animals were 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. 

The Student's t test for independent samples was employed in the statistical analysis.

In the inflammatory phase of healing, propolis caused a greater reduction in the number of mast cells on the edge and in the central region of the surgical wound in comparison to dexamethasone. Moreover, the number of mast cells on day 1 was lower in the central region of the wounds treated with the orabase cream alone in comparison to dexamethasone.

In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory action of propolis mediated by mast cells was more effective than dexamethasone in the inflammatory phase of healing.

Propolis Demonstrates Anti-Parasitic Capacity

Though Sandflies may not be a problem for some, one bite can induce Leishmaniasis, a potentially fatal disease, as stated in Wikipedia. Fortunately, researchers are exploring the anti-parasitic properties of Propolis, yet another of it's amazing qualities. Thanks to Apitherapy, these discoveries are essentiel for emerging nations lacking in medicinal or financial solutions.

The Effect of Propolis on CCL5 and IFN-γ Expression by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Leishmaniasis Patients

J Pharmacy Pharmacology, 2011 Nov 18

Objectives 

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is associated with a strong Th1 immune response to Leishmania, which modulates chemokines and their receptors expression, affecting their migratory capacity. There are no antileishmanial vaccines available and chemotherapy still relies on the potentially toxic pentavalent antimonials.

Propolis is a bee product with immunomodulatory and antiparasite activities, and researchers have been attracted to its potential for the development of new drugs.

This work investigated the effects of propolis on CCL5 and IFN-γ expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in order to evaluate a possible immunomodulatory action of propolis in patients with leishmaniasis compared to healthy control subjects.

Methods 

PBMC were incubated in the absence or presence of propolis and the evaluation of a possible cytotoxicity of propolis was carried out using MTT assay. The expression level of CCL5 and IFN-γ was determined by real-time PCR.

Key Findings 

Our data indicated that propolis modulates the immune response of leishmaniasis patients in vitro, affecting CCL5 and IFN-γ expression by PBMC.

Conclusions

Data suggested that propolis drives an anti-inflammatory response depending on concentration. Although propolis is a potential source of new and selective drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, its usefulness in the therapeutics should be further investigated.

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.

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

 …Royaljelly contains a complex mixture of proteins, vitamins, minerals andcarbohydrates. The B vitamins are found in the largest quantity, followedclosely by an assortment of 20 different amino acids, calcium, zinc, iron andmanganese.

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

Science


Due to itsrich content of antioxidants, proteins and other nutrients, royal jelly isreportedly good for whatever ails you. It is specifically recommended fortreatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and inflammation, and is beingstudied for a possible anti-tumor effect as well as a treatment for maleinfertility.

In a smalltrial, patients were assigned to the royal jelly intervention or placebo. Treatment-groupparticipants were given 6 g daily of royal jelly formulation for four weeks. Atthe end of the trial, the treatment group's total cholesterol level was reduced6%, and LDL was reduced more than 9%.

Egyptianresearchers investigated the effect of royal jelly on conception rates amongcouples with known male asthenozoospermia... At the end of three monitoredcycles, the successful conception rate of the treatment group was 8.1% comparedwith only 2.6% of the IUI couples. The researchers are still studying themechanism of action in this usage beyond the nutrition-dense composition ofroyal jelly. 


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

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


Royal Jelly Protects Kidneys, Liver from Anti-Cancer Treatments

New research from Turkish researchers confirm the protective properties of Royal Jelly against damage caused by anti-cancer therapies. Could this be new ground towards complementary alternative therapies? 

Royal Jelly Modulates Oxidative Stress and Apoptosisin Liver and Kidneys of Rats Treated with Cisplatin

Oxidative Medicine and Cell Longevity, Volume 2011(2011)

Abstract:

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most active cytotoxicagents in the treatment of cancer and has adverse side effects such asnephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. The present study was designed to determinethe effects of royal jelly (RJ) against oxidative stress caused by CDDP injuryof the kidneys and liver, by measuring tissue biochemical and antioxidantparameters and investigating apoptosis immunohistochemically.

Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into fourgroups, group C: control group received 0.9% saline; group CDDP: injected i.p.with cisplatin (CDDP, 7 mg kg(-1) body weight i.p., single dose); group RJ:treated for 15 consecutive days by gavage with RJ (300 mg/kg/day); group RJ +CDDP: treated by gavage with RJ 15 days following a single injection of CDDP.Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, glutathione S-transferase(GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)activities were determined in liver and kidney homogenates, and the liver andkidney were also histologically examined.

RJ elicited a significant protective effect towardsliver and kidney by decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA), elevatingthe level of GSH, and increasing the activities of GST, GSH-Px, and SOD. In theimmunohistochemical examinations were observed significantly enhanced apoptoticcell numbers and degenerative changes by cisplatin, but these histologicalchanges were lower in the liver and kidney tissues of RJ + CDDP group. Besides,treatment with RJ lead to an increase in antiapoptotic activity hepatocytes andtubular epithelium.

In conclusion, RJ may be used in combination withcisplatin in chemotherapy to improve cisplatin-induced oxidative stressparameters and apoptotic activity...

excerpt:

Recently, royal jelly (RJ) has received particularattention because of studies that have reported that it is a highly efficientantioxidant and has free radical scavenging capacity [4, 15]. Royal jelly is asecretion produced by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of workerhoneybees (Apis mellifera). It contains many important compounds withbiological activity such as free amino acids, proteins, sugars, fatty acids,minerals, and vitamins [16]. So far, RJ has been demonstrated to possessseveral physiological activities in experimental animals, includingvasodilative and hypotensive activities [17], the induction of decrease inserum cholesterol levels [18], antimicrobial [19], antiallergic [20],anti-inflammatory [21], immunomodulatory [22, 23], and antioxidant properties[16]. In addition, Kanbur et al. [24] revealed the protective effect of RJagainst paracetamol-induced liver damage in mice.

Mexican Propolis Exhibits Strong Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Effect

Congratulations Mexico! With more than 38 components identified in Propolis, you've discovered 2 more...

Two New Cytotoxic Phenylallylflavanones from Mexican Propolis

Institute of Natural Medicine, Univ. of Toyama, Japan, College of Medical Science, China Three Gorges Univ., China; Chem Pharm Bulletin, June 30, 2011

Summary:

Two new phenylallylflavanones, (2R,3R)-6-[1-(4 -hydroxy-3 -methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-yl]pinobanksin (1) and (2R,3R)-6-[1-(4 -hydroxy-3 -methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-yl]pinobanksin 3-acetate (2) were isolated from a methanolic extract of Mexican propolis. Their structures were elucidated with spectroscopic analysis. Both compounds (1, 2) exhibited preferential cytotoxic activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells in a nutrient-deprived medium with the concentration at which 50% cells died preferentially in NDM (PC50) values of 17.9 M and 9.1 M, respectively.

Propolis is the resinous substance collected by bees from various plants, and used for hive construction and repairs as well as for defense purposes. 1) Humans have used propolis as a natural remedy for thousands of years because of its numerous health benefits. 1) Propolis has been reported to have anticancer, 2,3) antiviral, 4) antifungal, 4,5) antibacterial, 4,6) antioxidant, 7) immunomodulatory, 8) and anti-inflammatory activity. 9) Today, propolis is widely used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries as a health supplement. 10) As acontinuation of our previous research on propolis from different geographic locations, 11—19) we previously reported two new flavonoids, 8-[1-(4[1]-hydroxy-3[1]-methoxyphenyl)prop- 2-en-1-yl]galangin (3) and 8-[1-(4[1]-hydroxy-3[1]-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-yl]chrysin (4), possessing a unique structural feature with a phenylallyl moiety attached to their flavone skeleton, from a methanol (MeOH) extract of Mexican propolis. 19) Interestingly, they showed strong preferential cytotoxic activity against PANC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) in a nutrient-deprived medium (NDM). Further work on the extract resulted in the isolation of two new phenylallylflavanones (1, 2), shown in Chart 1...

Propolis May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

consuming propolis aids the immune system, enhances the function of other antibiotics and increases internal healing...

Suppression of interleukin 17 production by Brazilian propolis in mice with collagen-induced arthritis

Mayuri Tanaka, Yoshihiro Okamoto, Takashi Fukui and Toshiyuki Masuzawa; Inflammo Pharmacology; 23 Aug 2011 

Abstract :

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from leaf buds and cracks in the bark of various plants. Propolis has been reported to have immunomodulatory activity. We hypothesized that propolis would be able to reduce the disease severity of rheumatoid arthritis. 

We evaluated the effect of Brazilian propolis ethanolic extract on the pathogenesis of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Mice fed propolis exhibited significant lower clinical arthritis scores than those fed the control diet. To investigate the mechanism of the effect of propolis on CIA mice, we examined interleukin-17 (IL-17) production in CIA mice fed propolis using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay and flow cytometric analysis. The numbers of IL-17-producing cells in the CIA mice fed propolis were significantly decreased. To determine direct influence of propolis on cytokine production, splenocytes were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of propolis extract in vitro. Concentration-dependent declines in IL-17 expression were observed by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. We further found that propolis significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells from murine splenocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. 

Taken together, our results may provide a new light on the potential mechanism of the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis.

Propolis Boosts Response to Vaccines in Hens

Propolis comes to the rescue, once again, to potentially reduce the overabundant use of antibiotics in our food chain...

The Effects of Propolis on Antibody Production by Laying Hens
Poult Sci, 2011 Jun;90(6):1227-33

Propolis is a honeybee product showing several biological properties that enhance the immune response, depending on the concentration and intake period. Because propolis possesses an immunomodulatory action on mammals, the objective of our study was to investigate the effects of propolis on the humoral immune response of laying hens by evaluating antibody production. Laying hens (ISA Brown) were divided into 5 groups with 7 birds each. Group 1 was a nonimmunized control, whereas birds in group 2 were immunized intravenously with SRBC, and those in groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated intraperitoneally with propolis (2, 10, and 50 mg/kg, respectively) on 3 consecutive days and then inoculated intravenously with SRBC. Hematological and serological analyses were carried out on d 0, 3, and 38. Natural and specific antibody levels were determined by hemagglutination with rabbit red blood cells and SRBC, respectively. Propolis-treated birds (50 mg/kg) showed a significant decline in heterophils and in the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. After SRBC immunization, significant increases in levels of IgG were observed in groups 4 and 5. Furthermore, higher levels of natural antibodies were observed in propolis-treated laying hens. The administration of propolis to laying hens increased the production of IgG specific to SRBC and natural antibodies, and could be used to increase antigen-specific antibody responses to vaccines