Monthly Archives: March 2020

Effect of Propolis, Royal Jelly and Raw Honey on Lung Inflammation

A study conducted at Mansoura University in 2014, investigated the modulatory effect of honey, royal jelly, and propolis extract on peripheral blood leukocytes and lung inflammation in a mouse conalbumin-induced asthma model. The trials included a control group that was not sensitized or treated, and a second group sensitized and challenged with conalbumin. About 24 h after the first challenge with antigen, the mice in group III received 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethasone intraperitoneally per day for 18 consecutive days and kept as positive controls.

Effects of Carob and Propolis

Propolis is a powerful natural antioxidant product collected from leaves, tree buds, saps, or other botanical sources of the surrounding flora by the bees. Carob, a plant mostly grown in the Mediterranean region, is very rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. Besides, carob is an antioxidant food due to the natural presence of phenolic substances.

Support of Royal Jelly to Collagen Synthesis

Research carried out by Kyung Hee University in 2011 evaluated the efficiency of royal jelly on UV-induced photoaging of the skin. This study was based on many reviews addressed the unique component of royal jelly, 10-DHA (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid), which can stimulate the synthesis of collagen. The results of the study showed increased levels of procollagen type I and transforming growth factor (TGF-b1) of UV-irradiated human-skin fibroblasts treated with royal jelly and 10-HDA. Hence, the scientists suggested that royal jelly may shield the skin from UVB-induced photoaging by enhancing collagen production.

Propolis in Scientific Databases

Propolis is a natural product collected by honey bees from various plants such as poplar, palm, pine, conifer secretions, gums, resins, mucilage, and leaf buds. It has been used extensively in complementary medicine for many years by mankind. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) utilize that waxy resin to protect their hives by sealing cracks and disinfecting. Propolis derives from Greek in which 'pro' implies "before" and 'polis' means "city" or "community," indicating the role of propolis in defending the hive.

Effect of Propolis on Bacteria Causing Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

The effect of propolis on bacteria causing upper tract respiratory infection in Benin University in 2010. In the study, a total of 250 throat swabs were obtained from patients (age between 15 - 30 years) who were diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection. Propolis infused discs were applied to the surface of inoculated plates to assure complete contact of disc with agar. Following incubation period, the number of bacteria colonies was reduced. The researchers concluded that propolis showed antimicrobial activity against H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, S. pneumoniae, M. catarrhalis, and S. pyogenes.

The Effect of Raw Honey on Cough Symptoms

In 2007, a study conducted at Calgary University evaluated the effect of raw honey on nighttime cough and sleep difficulty associated with childhood upper respiratory tract infections. The survey study included one hundred five children aged 2 to 18 years with upper respiratory tract infections, nighttime symptoms, and illness duration of 7 days or less. The scientists grouped the children according to their ages (ages 2-5, 6-11, and 12-18 years)...