Propolis Makes Good Root Canals, Better!

What more could you ask for in a single ingredient? Propolis has antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Naturally, this study found propolis to be alternative root canal medication. Of course, using a good propolis toothpaste everyday could avoid letting things get to this point...

Histopathological Analysis of Corticosteroid-Antibiotic Preparation and Propolis Paste Formulation as Intracanal Medication after Pulpectomy: An in vivo Study

J Appl Oral Sci, 2012 February

Intracanal medication in pulpectomy therapy is used between appointments with the objective of reducing pain and inflammatory processes in pulp and periapical tissues. Propolis has been known as a natural antibiotic and has been subject of medical and dental research due to its therapeutic properties such as antibiotic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim was to carry out an in vivo evaluation of the periapical tissue response to propolis paste when used as an intracanal medication in the teeth of dogs after pulpectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

72 dog's incisors were selected for the experiment. After biomechanical preparation the root canal was filled with a corticosteroid-antibiotic preparation, experimental propolis paste, non-medicament (negative control) or non-pulpectomy at all (positive control). The medications were left inside the root canal for 7, 14 or 28 days. At the end of the experimental period histological sections were prepared and all laboratories processes for Harris hematoxylin and eosin staining was proceeded followed by the analysis using an optical microscope. Sections were classified according to a score representing the inflammatory events observed: the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, polymorphonuclear eosinophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells, macrophages and/or giant cells, fibrous condensation and abscesses.

RESULTS:

There were statistically significant differences between the tissue reactions caused by the two substances being tested, after different experimental periods, with the periapical tissue that was in contact with propolis paste exhibiting fewer inflammatory reactions in comparison to corticosteroid-antibiotic preparation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The low tissue responses from propolis paste suggest that this material could be considered as an option for root canal medication after pulpectomy... Furthermore, the propolis paste was more effective at controlling the inflammatory response over the 28-day experimental period.

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 Takes the Sting out of Mouth Ulcers

Propolis heals wounds, especially in the mucous linings of the body, which is a very complementary addition to any treatment protocol.  In fact, products are trending towards phyto-apitherapy formulas for even greater appeal...

Bees Take the Sting out of Mouth Ulcers

ScienceDaily (Nov. 17, 2010) 

The healing properties of propolis -- a mixture of resin and wax made by honey bees to seal and sterilize their hives -- have been known for many years. But its use in medicine and food supplements has been limited because the sticky substance is not water soluble and has a strong, off-putting smell.

Now researchers at the University of Bradford's Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science have developed a way of purifying propolis that retains its medicinal properties, but makes it dissolve in water and eliminates its pungent smell. The technique has already led to the development of a new mouth ulcer gel and opens the door to a huge range of other pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications for the substance.

"Propolis is a complex chemical mix and a very useful natural product," explains Centre Director, Professor Anant Paradkar, who led the research. "Propolis has been shown to be anti-microbial, anti-fungal, a strong anti-oxidant, non-allergenic and can boost the immune system. It also promotes wound healing and has anaesthetic properties.

"There is a substantial market for propolis-based products -- particularly in China, the USA and South Asia. The main stumbling block in developing products has been the solubility and odor issues, which our formulation overcomes."

Professor Paradkar's team has been developing the new technique to purify propolis in collaboration with natural medicine manufacturer, Nature's Laboratory. The researchers have helped the company develop a new propolis-based mouth ulcer gel, which has better anaesthetic, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties than gels already on the market and is safe for use in children.

"A problem for mouth gels is that adhesion to the skin membrane inside the mouth is difficult -- because of the nature of the surface, the gel can simply slide off," says Professor Paradkar. "As propolis retains some of its stickiness even in a water soluble formulation, when it is applied to specific areas in the mouth, it adheres more effectively."

The Centre has gained funding for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Nature's Laboratory, to further develop the purification system for use at a larger scale and support the creation of new propolis-based products. The aim is, through the KTP, that the company will be able to set up a purification process to increase its own manufacturing capacity.

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.

Royal Jelly Powder Acts as a Brain Food

It's not called royal for nothing... Royal Jelly is good for the brain and the body...

(NaturalNews, Sunday, July 24, 2011 by: Alex Malinsky aka RawGuru)

An interesting product, to say the least, royal jelly is the food that turns regular bee larvae into queen bees - it's the substance that elevates the physical capabilities of certain bees to allow them to become leaders of their own hives. Secreted by the nurse bees that look after the larvae in a hive, royal jelly causes some of the baby bees to grow faster and stronger than the rest. Claims have been made that when consumed by humans royal jelly can act as a "brain food," providing the boost the brain needs to grow faster and more efficient.

This claim is made because royal jelly contains a rare fatty acid, 10-HDA, that is said to enhance the cognitive capabilities of individuals. Due to a high concentration of phospholipids, people that consume royal jelly are able to improve their motor function, short-term memory, learning abilities, and overall awareness. Studies have shown that royal jelly has even been able to improve the conditions of individuals that suffer from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The availability of a natural therapy for such illnesses is certainly important, as the market's current medications are laden with harsh chemicals that often provide serious side effects.

Despite the fact that royal jelly is recognized as a brain food, it remains that this natural remedy has much more to offer than increased brain function. As a substance that contains many B vitamins (especially Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid), trace minerals, and antibacterial proteins, royal jelly provides a natural boost of overall well-being. Some of its many other health benefits are:

* Efficient regeneration of tissue, especially that involving DNA.

* Increase in the strength of white blood cells, which boosts the immune system.

* Reduction of oxygen supplied to tumors, allowing the body to fight several types of cancer.

* Regulations of blood sugar, which can improve the health of individuals with diabetes.

* DHEA, a hormone that has anti-aging and adrenal-regulating properties.

* Restoration of the function of both the adrenal and kidney systems.

* Faster hair growth that also improves shine and color, due to para-aminobenzoic acid.

* Younger looking skin, a result of collagen and zinc.

* Rest and renewal after being overworked or excessively tired.

* Relief from asthenia, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, arthritis, gout, skin problems, and even broken bones.

* Lower cholesterol.

* Increased anti-inflammatory and antibiotic capabilities.

The use of royal jelly powder has been deemed safe for the majority of individuals; however, people that suffer from allergies or are allergic to royal jelly may suffer from an allergic reaction that could be fatal. Therefore, knowing all allergies before taking the supplement is crucial to achieving success when incorporating royal jelly into a diet.

Individuals who choose to add royal jelly powder can expect to experience an overall boost in their health. These many benefits will provide a well-rounded increase in well-being, allowing users to feel more alert and more comfortable. Though it is advertised as a "brain food," and does contain substances that can boost the activity of the brain and nervous system, royal jelly also provides many other highly valuable health benefits that make it an important supplement in the lives of people who are seeking natural remedies.

Royal Jelly Benefits Humans as well as Bees

Fresh royal jelly has the best results, but I can attest that the freeze-dried capsules are also effective and practical... 

April 29, 2011 by: Shona Botes

(NaturalNews) Many people are aware of the health benefits of honey, but few are aware of the benefits that Royal Jelly has to offer. This is the substance that is produced by worker bees to feed the young bee larvae and the Queen bee in the hive. This substance offers many benefits to people, such as lowering cholesterol levels, wound healing properties and even anti-cancer properties.

Royal Jelly has anti-inflammatory properties. This applies when it is applied topically or ingested internally, making it an excellent supplement for those suffering from arthritis. It has been shown to stimulate the growth of brain stem cells, thereby making it an effective tool in preventing both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Research done in both Japan and Croatia show that Royal Jelly may have significant anti-cancer properties. In one study, mice were injected with cancer cells. When they were then injected with Royal Jelly, it drastically reduced the spread of the cancer cells.

It is believed that Royal Jelly is able to improve the quality of a woman`s eggs, thereby aiding fertility issues and promoting overall health of the reproductive organs. Many women report that Royal Jelly is able to help reduce the effects and symptoms of PMS because of the fact that it is able to balance and regulate hormone levels in the body.

This nutrient is also able to assist those suffering from insomnia and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism. It is able to boost sexual libido and even help regenerate bone growth. It is able to boost the immune system, making it effective in fighting against infections.

Over the years, Royal Jelly has been given to premature infants to help them gain weight. Studies have shown that it is also useful for ulcers, digestive disorders such as constipation, circulatory problems and cardiovascular ailments. It also has remarkable anti-aging properties because it helps to improve collagen production in the skin. In summary, Royal Jelly is able to assist with regulating all of the functions of the human body.

People who are allergic to bees or honey products should exercise caution when using this product, as serious allergic reactions may occur.

[Editor`s Note: NaturalNews is strongly against the use of all forms of animal testing. We fully support implementation of humane medical experimentation that promotes the health and wellbeing of all living creatures.]

Sources:
http://www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/bene...
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthi...
http://apitherapy.blogspot.com/2008...
About the author: Shona Botes is a budding blogger, as well as a fabulous frugalist. Her spare time is spent engaged in blogging, cycling, photography, as well as green living and natural healing and remedies.

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

Propolis Extract Functions as Growth Promoter, Immunostimulant & Hepatoprotective agent

impressive results from propolis continue to reinforce its potent value for animals, as well as humans... 

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis on Growth Performance and Plasma Biochemical Parameters of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Fish Physiol Biochemistry, 2011 May 11

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) on growth performance and plasma biochemical parameters of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Graded levels of EEP [0 (control), 1, 2, and 4 g kg(-1) diet] were fed to trout juveniles (mean weight 7.73 ± 0.17 g) for 10 weeks.

Dietary EEP supplementation regardless of inclusion level significantly improved the specific growth rate of fish. Similarly, supplemental EEP generally improved the feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio, but no significant differences were observed between the 1 g kg(-1) EEP group and the control group. In addition, dietary EEP supplementation generally increased the plasma superoxide dismutase, lysozyme, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities, but decreased the plasma malondialdehyde level. The plasma triglycerides level was significantly lower in the 1 or 4 g kg(-1) EEP group as compared with the control group.

Dietary EEP supplementation generally decreased the plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, but increased the hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities.

These results indicate the potential to use the EEP as a growth promoter, hepatoprotective agent, and immunostimulant for rainbow trout.