Accuracy Enhancement of the Folin-Ciocalteu Method for Propolis

This study presents an optimization of the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method for the determination of total phenol content. Multivariate optimization using factorial planning 22 with a central point and central composite planning was constructed to evaluate the influence of variables in the process and maximize radiation absorption with minimal radiation scattering caused by solid formation. X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction spectrometry were used to evaluate the chemical composition of solids formed and nephelometric and spectrophotometric studies were also used to evaluate whether the type, origin, dilution and dry extract contents of commercial propolis extracts would significantly influence the increase in radiation scattering and absorption. The optimized methodology added several advantages, such as reduction of reagents, time analysis, and higher accuracy.

Propolis调控巨噬细胞极化的分子机制探讨

目的:种植体周围慢性炎症降低种植体周围骨的支持能力,最终导致种植体松动脱落。近年,巨噬细胞(M)极化类型的诱导日益受到重视。M1分泌TNF-α等促炎因子,加速植体周支持骨组织的降解。本研究探讨巴西蜂胶天然成分Propolis对牙龈卟啉单胞菌脂多糖(P.gingivalis-LPS)激活M1极化的调控及分子机制。方法:1.免疫荧光法分析人慢性炎症牙龈组织中M及炎症因子的分布,ELISA法检测P.gingivalis-LPS激活RAW 276.4 M的炎症因子产生。2.检测Propolis及其单一成分Factor A对P.gingivalis-LPS激活M极化及NF-kB活化的调控。结果:1.人慢性炎症牙龈组织中M表达IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6。2.P.gingivalis-LPS(1ug/ml)诱导RAW 276.4 M分泌IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6。3.Prop-olis及Factor A显著抑制P.gingivalis-LPS诱导M分泌的TNF-α等促炎因子及NF-kB的活化。讨论:调控种植体周围M的极化是预防种植体松动脱落的关键。本实验从细胞水平确认了P.gingivalis激活M1极化的类型。并证实了巴西蜂胶天然成分Propolis及Factor A通过抑制P.gingivalis激活的NF-kB负调控M1极化。结论:巴西蜂胶天然成分调控种植体周细胞环境,可有效地预防种植体的松动及脱落。

Synergistic Antioxidant Activity in Brazilian Propolis Extract Blends: An in Vitro Study

A simplex-lattice mixture design with response surface methodology was used to evaluate in vitro synergistic antioxidant activity of red, green, and brown Brazilian propolis extract blends. The in vitro antioxidant capacity of propolis extract blends was measured using the fluorine method of oxygen radical absorption capacity assay (ORAC assay). A synergistic antioxidant interaction was identified between green and brown propolis extracts, and the predictive model accused a binary mixture composed of 59% green and 41% brown propolis extracts with increased antioxidant activity of about 54%. Our findings suggest a possible reduction in the dosages of these natural antioxidants in their various potential applications, including health and food, thereby proving to be a highly promising alternative for the rational use and valorization of propolis.

Phytochemical studies and anti-ulcerative colitis effect of Moringa oleifera seeds and Egyptian propolis methanol extracts in a rat model

Objective: To analyze the phytochemical constituents, and to explore potential protective effect of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera(M. oleifera) seeds and Egyptian propolis, each alone or concurrently administered on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Eight groups of 5 rats each were used: normal control group with distilled water, model group, two groups with M. oleifera seeds(100 and 200 mg/kg), two groups with propolis(50 and 100 mg/kg), one group with concurrent administration of both, and one group with prednisolone(reference drug). Macro-and microscopic picture, ulcer index and lesion scores, oxidative markers, inflammatory mediators, in vitro activity of the inflammatory enzymes and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals scavenging activity were evaluated. The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were explored by GC-MS analysis. Results: Both treatments modulated the macro-and microscopic picture, decreased the ulcerative index, lesion score, oxidative markers and inflammatory mediators, and inhibited the COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Propolis appeared to be powerful free radicals scavenger. A powerful synergistic effect of both treatments in modulating the course of the disease was reported. GCMS analysis of methanol extract of M. oleifera seeds and propolis revealed the presence of 50 and 34 compounds, respectively. Conclusions: M. oleifera seeds and propolis methanol extracts have modulated the course of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Moreover, both treatments induce a good synergistic effect against the disease. Isolation of the active constituents is recommended.

Analysis of chemical composition and bioactive property evaluation of Indian propolis

Objective:To analyze the chemical composition and to evaluate the bioactive potential of hydroalocoholic extract of propolis.Methods:Ethanol extract of propolis was analyzed by GCMS,HPTLC and HPLC methods and in vitro antioxidant,anticholinesterase and cytotoxicity assay were performed.Remits:GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids,alcohols, and quercetin.Quercetin was identified and quantified by HPTLC and HPLC methods.Dose dependent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis was calculated as 16.20 and 34.33 μg/mL respectively.Inhibition of lipid peroxidation was significant and the IC_(50) value was calculated as 55.56 μg/mL.Anticholinesterase activity was less observed.The cytotoxic activity against both breast(MCF-7) and lung cancer(A543) cell lines were significant and the IC_(50)value was calculated as 10 and 13 μg/mL respectively.Conclusions: These findings showed that bioactive compounds present in propolis will alleviate many diseases and can be used for better human health.

Antimutagenicity of Propolis Against Some 0Mutagens in vivo and in vitro

Objective To evaluate the antimutagenicity of propolis in vivo and in vitro. Methods Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 were used as a test model in vitro against a direct mutagen DMC and an indirect mutagen 2AF with or without S9 mix, and MN formation of mice bone marrow cell and CAs induction of mice testicle cell were applied as a test model in vivo against two mutagens CP and MMC. Results The present study clearly demonstrated that propolis could inhibit mutagenicity of both DMC and 2AF directly in a dose-dependent manner, and significant antimutagenic effects (P<0.05) were obtained in TA98 strain at 2000 and 3000 mg/plate. It also could inhibit mutagenicity of both DMC and 2AF to TA98 strain in a dose-dependent manner, with significant antimutagenic effects (P<0.05) appeared at 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg/plate. The results of antimutagenicity test in vivo revealed that propolis could inhibit MN formation significantly (P<0.05) at the doses of 45.0 and 135.0 mg/kg b. w., and decrease the frequency of chromosome aberrants and chromosome aberrant cells significantly (P<0.05) only at the dose of 135.0 mg/kg b. w. Conclusion The propolis is a good inhibitor for mutagencity of DMC and 2AF in vitro, as well as for CP and MMC in vivo.

Analysis of antioxidant prenylflavonoids in different parts of Macaranga tanarius,the plant origin of Okinawan propolis

Objective:To analyze the antioxidant prenylilavonoids in different parts of Macaranga tanarius(M.tanarius)(Euphorbiaceae)including the leaf,petiole,stem,leaflet,flower and fruit(only in female plant),and to evaluate their antioxidant properties.Methods:Methanol extracts of each part of M.tanarius were prepared and five prenylilavonoids in them were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC.The fruits from female plant were further separated into seed,pericarp,and glandular trichome.After the quantitative analyses of prenylflavonoids in each part of M.tanarius,antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picryI-hydrazyl(DPPH)radical scavenging assay.Results:The leaf of M.tanarius contained two prenylflavonoids as main components in both male and female plants.Both flowers(male and female)contained five kinds of prenylflavonoids.In the petiole,stem and leaflet of both male and female plants,the prenylflavonoids were not delected or their amounts were very low.Five kinds of prenylflavonoids were detected in the seed,pericarp and glandular trichome of female M.tanarius.In particular,the glandular trichome had the highest level of total prenylflavonoids(235 mg/g of fresh plant).DPPH radical scavenging activity of all parts was more than 30%.Conclusions:We found that different parts of M.tanarius contained antioxidant prenylflavonoids.In particular,not only the glandular trichome but also the leaf contained prenylflavonoids,which indicated that M.tanarius may be developed as a functional plant,because the leaves of this plant can be easily collected.

Chemical analysis and antioxidant content of various propolis samples collected from different regions and their impact on antimicrobial activities

Objective: To assess the antioxidant content, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of various propolis samples. Methods: Seven propolis samples were collected from different locations in Morocco, which are characterized by different plant predominant vegetations. The resin, wax and balsam of hydroalcoholic extract of propolis content were identified, and the antioxidant content was analyzed with the use of HPLC and colorimetric methods. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS.^+ and ferric reducing power assays. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against bacterial species, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration. Results: The propolis samples showed significant variations in the chemical composition and in the antioxidant or antimicrobial activities even when the samples were collected from the same location. Propolis with high resin and low wax content had high level of antioxidant compounds, and strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Gram-positive bacteria, especially, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus were more sensitive to all propolis samples than Gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. Conclusions: The chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of various propolis samples are different and rely on the geographic and plant origin of propolis collection. Propolis samples with low wax and high resin content might be more suitable to be used in future preclinical or clinical investigations.

Ultrastructural view of colon anastomosis under propolis effect by transmission electron microscopy

AIM： To evaluate the effect of propolis administration on the healing of colon anastomosis with light and transmission electron microscopes. METHODS： Forty-eight Wistar-AIbino female rats were divided into two groups and had colon resection and anastomosis. In group Ⅰ, rats were fed with standard rat chow pre- and postoperatively. The rats in group Ⅱ were fed with standard rat chow and began receiving oral supplementation of propolis 100 mg/kg per day beginning 7 d before the operation and continued until they were sacrificed. Rats were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 14 d after operation, and anastomotic bursting pressures measured. After the resection of anastomotic segments, histopathological examination was performed with light and transmission electron microscopes by two blinded histologists and photographed. RESULTS： The colonic bursting pressures of the propolis group were statistically significantly better than the control group. UItrastructural histopathological analysis of the colon anastomosis revealed that propotis accelerated the phases of the healing process and stimulated mature granulation tissue formation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. CONCLUSION： Bursting pressure measurements and ultra structural histopathological evaluation showed that administration of propolis accelerated the healing of colon anastomosis following surgical excision.

Red propolis:Chemical composition and pharmacological activity

Propolis has been used worldwide for years in folk medicine and currently marketed by the pharmaceutical industry. In Brazil, propolis was classified into 13 groups based on their organoleptics and physicochemical characteristics. The 13th type named red propolis has been an important source of investigation since late 90s. Their property comes from the countless compounds, including terpenes, pterocarpans, prenylated benzophenones and especially the flavonoids. This last compound class has been indicated as the responsible for its potent pharmacological actions, highlighting the antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, healing and antiproliferative activities. The red propolis can also be found in other countries, especially Cuba, which has similar features as the Brazilian. Therefore, with the compilation of 80 papers, this review aims to provide a key reference for researchers interested in natural products and discovery of new active compounds, such as from propolis.

Chemical and microbiological characterization of tinctures and microcapsules loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract

The aim of this study was to characterize tinctures and microcapsules loaded with an ethanol extract of red propolis through chemical, physicochemical and microbiological assays in order to establish quality control tools for nutraceutical preparations of red propolis. The markers(isoflavonoids, chalcones, pterocarpans,flavones, phenolic acids, terpenes and guttiferones) present in the tinctures A and B were identified and confirmed using LC/ESI/FTMS/Orbitrap. Four compositions(A, B, C and D) were prepared to contain B tincture of the red propolis with some pharmaceutical excipients and submitted to two drying processes, i. e.spray-drying and freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules loaded with the red propolis extract. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis were submitted to the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity tests.The antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) were tested using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25293 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 strains. The tinctures and microcapsules presented high flavonoid quantities from 20.50 to 40.79 mg/100 mg of the microcapsules. The antioxidant activity and IC50 were determined for the tinctures A and B(IC50: 6.95 μg/m L and 7.48 μg/m L), the spray-dried microcapsules(IC50: 8.89–15.63 μg/m L) and the freeze-dried microcapsules(IC50: 11.83–23.36 μg/m L). The tinctures and microcapsules were proved to be bioactive against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with inhibition halos superior to 10 mm at concentration of 200 μg/m L and MIC values of 135.87–271.74 μg/m L using gram-positive strain and 271.74–543.48 μg/m L using gram-negative strain. The tinctures and microcapsules of the red propolis have a potential application for nutraceutical products.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cypermethrin on Female Reproductive Function by Using Rabbit Model and of the Protective Role of Chinese Propolis

The prophylactic effects of Chinese propolis against cypermethrin toxicity were evaluated by performing ovary and uterus histopathology, as well as by characterizing ovarian function, embryos, and litters. Cypermethrin induced atypia in the ovary and uterus, and decreased the ovulation sites and the number of embryos. Cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress during pregnancy, decreased the parturition rate as well as the number and weight of offspring and increased the incidence of morphological malformations in the offspring. Administration of propolis to cypermethrin-treated animals mitigated cypermethrin-induced reproductive toxicity.

Antioxidant and diuretic activity of co-administration of Capparis spinosa honey and propolis in comparison to furosemide

Objective: To study the antioxidant properties of Capparis spinosa(C.spinosa) honey and propolis and the effect of combined honey and propolis administration on urine volume and electrolytes in rats.Methods: C.spinosa honey [1 000 mg/kg body weight(b.wt)], propolis(100 mg/kg b.wt), honey/propolis mixture(C.spinosa honey 1 000 mg/kg b.wt/propolis extract 100 mg/kg b.wt), distilled water(1 mL/kg b.wt) and furosemide(10 mg/kg b.wt) were orally administered to fi ve groups of rats for 21 d.Urine volume, blood and urine sodium,potassium and chloride were measured.The antioxidant activity of propolis and honey was assessed and their total phenols and flavonoids were determined.Results: Propolis and C.spinosa honey contain polyphenols including flavonoids and propolis demonstrated higher antioxidant activities than honey.Honey significantly increased urine volume and urine electrolyte excretion.Propolis had no significant effect on urine volume, but co-administration of propolis and honey caused significant diuresis.No major changes were observed in plasma electrolytes with the use of honey, propolis or their combination.Conclusions: Honey and propolis have antioxidant activity and contain polyphenols including flavonoids that are more pronounced in propolis.Honey has a significant diuretic activity alone or in combination with propolis.This is the first study comparing the diuretic effect of co-administration of propolis and C.spinosa honey with furosemide.

Antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of Algerian propolis ethanolic extract:In vitro and in vivo study

Objective: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of the Algerian propolis ethanolic extract(EEP) against Echinococcus granulosus(E. granulosus) infection. Methods: In vitro scolicidal activity of EEP was investigated on the protoscolices of hydatid cyst. This in vitro study was conducted by using an in vivo assay. BALB/c mice were inoculated with E. granulosus and treated with propolis for three months. Hydatid cysts development was assessed. Nitric oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) production and inducible NO synthase, NF-κB, and TNF-α spleen expression were estimated by Griess method and immunofluorescence respectively.Results: Our study revealed that EEP has a high scolicidal activity against E. granulosus. Oral administration of EEP decreased TNF-α, NF-κB and inducible NO synthase expression in the spleen tissues in the CE+EEP group, in comparison with the CE group. Concomitantly, EEP treatment caused an important systemic decrease in NO and TNF-α levels. These findings are associated with the reduction of CE development. Conclusions: This is the first report demonstrating with interest the antihydatic and immunomodulatory effects of the Algerian EEP, suggesting its therapeutic potential for the hydatid disease treatment.

Propolis modulates cellular biochemistry, antioxidants, cytokine profile, histological and ultra-morphological status against antituberculosis drugs induced hepatic injury

To evaluate hepatic injury induced by antituberculosis drugs(ATDs) when administered orally for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks and the therapeutic potential of propolis(bee hive product) against ATDs induced hepatic injury. Methods: The ATDs were administered for 8 weeks as well as propolis extract at three different doses(100, 200, 400 mg/kg) conjointly for 8 weeks in rats. Silymarin(50 mg/kg) was given as positive control. Animals were euthanized after 8 weeks; blood and liver samples were collected to perform various biochemicals, serological and histopathological and ultramorphological studies. Results: Significant increase(P < 0.05) in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride and cholesterol along with reduction in glucose and albumin level were noted after ATDs induced hepatic injury. Significant increase(P < 0.05) in lipid peroxidation, triglyceride, cholesterol and CYP2E1 activity; decline in reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase activity were observed after ATDs intoxication. Due to presence of a wide range of flavonoids and polyphenols in propolis extract, its administration reduced hepatic injury and maintained biochemical indices towards control. Histopathological and electron microscopic observations indicated hepatoprotective potential of propolis at cellular level whereas, TNF-α, IL-6 and IGF-1 confirmed therapeutic potential of propolis at molecular level. Conclusions: It can be concluded that propolis possess hepatoprotective potential against ATDs induced hepatic injury that may prove itself as a clinically useful natural product in management of drug induced liver injury.

Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols in patients with type III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome:An Italian prospective multicenter study

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment regimen based on rectal administration of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols in patients with type IIIa and type IIIb chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CP/CPPS).Methods:Patients with type IIIa and type IIIb CP/CPPS received one rectal suppository a day for 15 days per month for 3 consecutive months.Participants were evaluated with National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index(NIH-CPSI),the International Prostate Symptom Scores(IPSS),International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF),four-glass test,uroflowmetry,and prostate-specific antigen assessments at baseline and at Week 4,and Week 12.Primary endpoints were improvement in pain domain of NIH-CPSI and improvement of NIH-CPSI total score.Secondary outcomes included improvement of micturition and quality of life(QoL)domains of NIH-CPSI questionnaire.Results:A total of 61 males were enrolled.No adverse events were reported.Significant improvements from baseline to Day 30 were reported for NIH-CPSI total score(mean difference:-9.2;p<0.01),NIH-CPSI pain domain(mean difference:-5.5;p<0.01),NIH-CPSI micturition domain,NIH-CPSI QoL domain,and IPSS total score(mean difference:-5.6;p<0.01).No significant changes from baseline in terms of IIEF score or maximum flow rate were observed.At final follow-up(Day 90),further significant improvements in terms of NIH-CPSI total score(mean difference:-12.2;p<0.01),NIH-CPSI pain domain(mean difference:-6.6;p<0.01),NIH-CPSI micturition domain,NIH-CPSI QoL domain,and IPSS total score were reported.Conclusion:Rectal administration of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols is well tolerated and delivers a significant symptomatic improvement in most patients with type IIIa and type IIIb CP/CPPS.

Fecal metabolomics reveals the positive effect of ethanol extract of propolis on T2DM mice

A large number of studies have shown that propolis has positive effects in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).However,there are have only been a few reports that are based on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS)analysis of the fecal metabolomics of ethanol extract of propolis(EEP)in the treatment of T2DM.The present investigation was designed to screen potential biomarkers of T2DM by the metabonomic method and to explain the possible anti-diabetes mechanism of EEP according to the changes in the biomarkers.The results showed that EEP improved the body weight(BW)of T2DM mice,lowered blood sugar levels,and significantly restored blood biochemical indicators related to T2DM,such as fasting insulin(FINS),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),aspartate transaminase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT).Liver pathology showed that EEP reversed liver damage caused by T2DM.Metabolomics data identified 27 potential biomarkers in fecal samples.EEP effectively regulated the dysfunction in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipids,sphingolipids,riboflavins,and sterol lipids caused by T2DM.In summary,our research results revealed positive effects of EEP in the treatment of T2DM and provided potential candidate markers for further research and in the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Effects of Shuanghuanglian Propolis Oral Liquid on Growth Performance,Slaughter Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers

[Objective] The paper was to investigate the effects of adding Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water on growth performance,slaughter performance and meat quality of broilers. [Method]Ninety one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups（ group Ⅰ,group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ） ： group Ⅰ was the control group,and groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were added 0. 5 and 1. 0 mL / L Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water,respectively.[Result] Compared with broilers in group I,the average daily feed intakes of broilers in group Ⅱ and group Ⅲ were increased by 0. 86%（ P 〉 0. 05） and 1. 10%（ P 〉 0. 05）,respectively; the average daily gains were increased by 2. 33%（ P 〈 0. 05） and 4. 43%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively; the feed gain ratios were decreased by 1. 05%（ P 〉0. 05） and 2. 63%（ P 〈0. 05）,respectively; the slaughter rates were increased by 0. 94%（ P 〉0. 05） and 1. 70%（ P 〈0. 05）,respectively; the eviscerated rates were increased by 0. 52%（ P 〉 0. 05） and 1. 15%（ P 〉 0. 05）,respectively; the semi-eviscerated rates were increased by 1. 51%（ P 〈 0. 05） and 2.23%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively; the breast muscle rates were increased by 3. 77%（ P 〈 0. 05） and 5. 51%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively; the leg muscle rates were increased by 1. 96%（ P 〉 0. 05） and 4. 09%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively; the lightness（ L＊） were decreased by 0. 96%（ P 〉 0. 05） and 1. 47%（ P 〉 0. 05）,respectively; the redness（ a＊） were increased by 1. 24%（ P 〈 0. 05） and 1. 86%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively; the yellowness（ b＊） were decreased by 0. 44%（ P 〉0. 05） and 1. 03%（ P 〈0. 05）,respectively; the drip losses were decreased by 1. 22%（ P 〈0. 05） and 1. 56%（ P 〈0. 05）,respectively; the cooking losses were decreased by 1. 76%（ P 〉 0. 05） and 2. 89%（ P 〈 0. 05）,respectively. [Conclusion]Adding 0. 5 and 1. 0 mL / L Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water could improve growth performance,slaughter performance,meat quality of broilers,and the dose of 1. 0 mL / L is recommended in clinical application.

Efficacy and tolerability of propolis special extract gh 2002 as a lip balm against herpes labialis: a randomized, double-blind three-arm dose finding study

A dose-finding study was performed with respect to the clinical applicability and tolerability of three different concentrations of propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%). The trial was designed as a double-blind, randomized dermatological study in 150 outpatients with Herpes labialis. The primary parameter was the duration in days until painless incrustation in 50% or 90% of the patients (observable in 121 patients). Secondary parameters were local pain (assessed on a visual analogue scale), itching, burning and tension/ swelling on a verbal rating scale, and tolerability. Visits were performed on days 2/3, 5/6 and 8/9. Best efficacy results with shortest healing time (3.4 and 5.4 days in the 50th and 90th percentile, respectively;p = 0.008 vs. 1% and 0.09 vs. 0.1%) and good tolerability were observed with the 0.5% concentration. All three concentrations achieved highly significant therapeutic results in comparison with baseline values (p < 0.0005) for all secondary parameters as early as day 2/3. Analgesia was the most prominent effect for the patients. Conclusion: The 0.5 % concentration of propolis special extract GH 2002 in a lip balm was found to have the best risk-benefit ratio for the treatment of Herpes labialis.

Water Soluble Propolis and Royal Jelly Enhance the Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys and Promote the Growth of Human Macrophage Cell Line

Due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotic, an increase in antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria is evolving. Attention should be focused on natural alternatives to antibiotics, like propolis, royal jelly （R J） and honeys. They all have strong antibacterial properties due to the active substances they contain. This study investigated the effect of combination of water soluble propolis （WSP） Greitl20 or fresh royal jelly （F-RJ） （MiZigoj） and Forest honeys as antibacterial against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus （MRSA）, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans. These substances are also cell growth promoters for human macrophage （TLT） cell line. WSP Greitl20, F-RJ （M） and different Forest honeys were prepared in saline as 10% solutions. The antimicrobial activity was expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration （MIC） in mg/mL. The growth promotion activity was measured at optical density （OD） 595 nm. The combination ofWSP Greitl20 with different Forest honeys is better than F-RJ （M） in same combination with different Forest honeys. The best antibacterial/antifungal activity was found with the combination of 10% WSP Greit 120 in the Forest honey （1：10） from Italy or Spain. When measuring the growth promoting activity of TLT cell line, the best activity was detected at the combination of 10% WSP Greitl20 in the Forest honey from Italy （GI3 = 0.796 ± 0.014 and GI5 = 1.133± 0.022）. Antimicrobial and growth promoting activities are correlated and WSP-dependent.