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Bava R, Castagna F, Lupia C, Poerio G, Liguori G, Lombardi R, Naturale MD, Bulotta RM, Biondi V, Passantino A, Britti D, Statti G, Palma E. Hive Products: Composition, Pharmacological Properties, and Therapeutic Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:646. [PMID: 38794216 PMCID: PMC11124102 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Beekeeping provides products with nutraceutical and pharmaceutical characteristics. These products are characterized by abundance of bioactive compounds. For different reasons, honey, royal jelly, propolis, venom, and pollen are beneficial to humans and animals and could be used as therapeutics. The pharmacological action of these products is related to many of their constituents. The main bioactive components of honey include oligosaccharides, methylglyoxal, royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), and phenolics compounds. Royal jelly contains jelleins, royalisin peptides, MRJPs, and derivatives of hydroxy-decenoic acid, particularly 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuromodulatory, metabolic syndrome-preventing, and anti-aging properties. Propolis has a plethora of activities that are referable to compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Peptides found in bee venom include phospholipase A2, apamin, and melittin. In addition to being vitamin-rich, bee pollen also includes unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and phenolics compounds that express antiatherosclerotic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the constituents of hive products are particular and different. All of these constituents have been investigated for their properties in numerous research studies. This review aims to provide a thorough screening of the bioactive chemicals found in honeybee products and their beneficial biological effects. The manuscript may provide impetus to the branch of unconventional medicine that goes by the name of apitherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bava
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Fabio Castagna
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmine Lupia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Mediterranean Ethnobotanical Conservatory, Sersale (CZ), 88054 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giusi Poerio
- ATS Val Padana, Via dei Toscani, 46100 Mantova, Italy;
| | | | - Renato Lombardi
- IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), 71013 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Maria Diana Naturale
- Ministry of Health, Directorate General for Health Programming, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Maria Bulotta
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Vito Biondi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Annamaria Passantino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (V.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Domenico Britti
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Giancarlo Statti
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, 87036 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Ernesto Palma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (R.B.); (C.L.); (R.M.B.); (D.B.); (E.P.)
- Center for Pharmacological Research, Food Safety, High Tech and Health (IRC-FSH), University of Catanzaro Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Niculescu AG, Georgescu M, Marinas IC, Ustundag CB, Bertesteanu G, Pinteală M, Maier SS, Al-Matarneh CM, Angheloiu M, Chifiriuc MC. Therapeutic Management of Malignant Wounds: An Update. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:97-126. [PMID: 38224423 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Malignant fungating wounds (MFW) are severe skin conditions generating tremendous distress in oncological patients with advanced cancer stages because of pain, malodor, exudation, pruritus, inflammation, edema, and bleeding. The classical therapeutic approaches such as surgery, opioids, antimicrobials, and application of different wound dressings are failing in handling pain, odor, and infection control, thus urgently requiring the development of alternative strategies. The aim of this review was to provide an update on the current therapeutic strategies and the perspectives on developing novel alternatives for better malignant wound management. The last decade screened literature evidenced an increasing interest in developing natural treatment alternatives based on beehive, plant extracts, pure vegetal compounds, and bacteriocins. Promising therapeutics can also be envisaged by involving nanotechnology due to either intrinsic biological activities or drug delivery properties of nanomaterials. Despite recent progress in the field of malignant wound care, the literature is still mainly based on in vitro and in vivo studies on small animal models, while the case reports and clinical trials (less than 10 and only one providing public results) remain scarce. Some innovative treatment approaches are used in clinical practice without prior extensive testing in fungating wound patients. Extensive research is urgently needed to fill this knowledge gap and translate the identified promising therapeutic approaches to more advanced testing stages toward creating multidimensional wound care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 011061, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Georgescu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, Dr. Carol Davila Central Military, Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Cristina Marinas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Cem Bulent Ustundag
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gloria Bertesteanu
- ENT Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila and Coltea Clinical Hospital, 020022, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Pinteală
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
| | - Stelian Sergiu Maier
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Maria Al-Matarneh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Iasi, Romania
| | - Marian Angheloiu
- Research and Development Department of SC Sanimed International Impex SRL, 6 Bucharest-Giurgiu Street, Giurgiu, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Street, Bucharest, Romania
- The Romanian Academy, 25, Calea Victoriei, District 1, Bucharest, Romania
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Rodríguez-Pólit C, Gonzalez-Pastor R, Heredia-Moya J, Carrera-Pacheco SE, Castillo-Solis F, Vallejo-Imbaquingo R, Barba-Ostria C, Guamán LP. Chemical Properties and Biological Activity of Bee Pollen. Molecules 2023; 28:7768. [PMID: 38067498 PMCID: PMC10708394 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pollen, a remarkably versatile natural compound collected by bees for its abundant source of proteins and nutrients, represents a rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds with noteworthy chemical and therapeutic potential. Its extensive biological effects have been known and exploited since ancient times. Today, there is an increased interest in finding natural compounds against oxidative stress, a factor that contributes to various diseases. Recent research has unraveled a multitude of biological activities associated with bee pollen, ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties to potential antiviral and anticancer applications. Comprehending the extensive repertoire of biological properties across various pollen sources remains challenging. By investigating a spectrum of pollen types and their chemical composition, this review produces an updated analysis of the bioactive constituents and the therapeutic prospects they offer. This review emphasizes the necessity for further exploration and standardization of diverse pollen sources and bioactive compounds that could contribute to the development of innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
- Centro de Referencia Nacional de Genómica, Secuenciación y Bioinformática, Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”, Quito 170403, Ecuador;
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Rebeca Gonzalez-Pastor
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Jorge Heredia-Moya
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Fabián Castillo-Solis
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Roberto Vallejo-Imbaquingo
- Departamento de Estudios Organizacionales y Desarrollo Humano DESODEH, Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito 170525, Ecuador;
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador;
- Instituto de Microbiología, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guamán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador; (R.G.-P.); (J.H.-M.); (S.E.C.-P.); (F.C.-S.)
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Moskwa J, Naliwajko SK, Dobiecka D, Socha K. Bee Products and Colorectal Cancer—Active Components and Mechanism of Action. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071614. [PMID: 37049455 PMCID: PMC10097172 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Lifestyle and eating patterns may have a significant impact on the prevention of this type of cancer. Bioactive food ingredients influence the gut microbiome and can have a protective effect. Bee products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom) or pharmacologically active fractions obtained from them are widely used in many fields of medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. Some evidence suggests that bee products may have anti-cancer potential. The main bioactive components with anti-colon cancer potential from propolis and bee honey are polyphenols such as pinocembrin, galangin, luteolin, CAPE, Artepilin C, chrysin, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. This review is focused on the new data on epidemiology, risk factors for colon cancer, and current reports on the potential role of bee products in the chemoprevention of this type of cancer.
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Differential Apoptotic Effects of Bee Product Mixtures on Normal and Cancer Hepatic Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030615. [PMID: 36978864 PMCID: PMC10045410 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most effective anticancer drugs normally generate considerable cytotoxicity in normal cells; therefore, the preferential activation of apoptosis in cancer cells and the reduction of toxicity in normal cells is a great challenge in cancer research. Natural products with selective anticancer properties used as complementary medicine can help to achieve this goal. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of the addition of bee products [propolis (PR) or royal jelly (RJ) or propolis and royal jelly (PR+RJ), 2–10%] to thyme (TH) and chestnut honeys (CH) on the differential anticancer properties, mainly the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects, in normal and cancer hepatic cells. The cytotoxic effects of samples were analyzed using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay (0–250 mg/mL) and the effects on apoptosis were analyzed using cell cycle analysis, TdT-dUTP terminal nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, DR5 (Death Receptor 5) and BAX (BCL-2-Associated X) activation, and caspases 8, 9, and 3 activities. Both honey samples alone and honey mixtures had no or very little apoptotic effect on normal cells. Antioxidant honey mixtures enhanced the apoptotic capacity of the corresponding honey alone via both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Of all the samples, chestnut honey enriched with 10% royal jelly and 10% propolis (sample 14, CH+10RJ+10PR) showed the highest apoptotic effect on tumor liver cells. The enrichment of monofloral honey with bee products could be used together with conventional anticancer treatments as a dietary supplement without side effects. On the other hand, it could be included in the diet as a natural sweetener with high added value.
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Hübner J, Keinki C, Münstedt K. [Alternative medicine in uro-oncology]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 62:34-40. [PMID: 36454273 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-022-01990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional therapy. Some patients use it in parallel with conventional medicine. OBJECTIVE Narrative compilation of the evidence on alternative medicine in the (uro)oncological context. MATERIALS AND METHODS A selective literature search in MEDLINE via PubMed was performed. RESULTS The data on 3‑bromopyruvate, Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), insulin-potentiated therapy, base therapy, hyperthermia, Artemisia annua, amygdalin (vitamin B17), Amanita therapy, homeopathy, apitherapy, dendritic cells, galavit, Germanic new medicine, and spiritual healing show either no or little clinical evidence of efficacy or clearly exhibit a negative benefit-risk profile. CONCLUSIONS Alternative medicine is pseudo-medicine that may have a positive effect on mental well-being in the short term, but is mostly associated with disadvantages for the patient in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutta Hübner
- Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland.
| | - Christian Keinki
- Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Karsten Münstedt
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Ortenauklinikum Offenburg, Offenburg, Deutschland
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Development of a magnetic MoS 2 system camouflaged by lipid for chemo/phototherapy of cancer. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 213:112389. [PMID: 35158219 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Untargeted release of traditional chemotherapeutic drugs can damage normal tissues in the body and cause serious side effects for patients. Therefore, the research of targeted drug delivery system based on nanomaterials has become a hot topic in the field of cancer therapy. Magnetic molybdenum disulfide (mMoS2) was modified by liposomes with a cell membrane-like structure to prepare nanocarrier complex (mMoS2-Lipid) with high biocompatibility and stability. Then, combined photo-chemotherapeutic therapy was realized both in vitro and in vivo by its ultra-high photothermal conversion efficiency and excellent drug loading profile of mMoS2-Lipid. The characterization showed that the lamellar magnetic molybdenum disulfide modified by liposomes was not easy to aggregate in physiological solution, and had a lower non-specific protein adsorption rate, which was beneficial for biomedical application. In vitro cell experiments exhibited a successful cellular uptake profile of MCF-7 cells with no significant cytotoxicity, while a concentration dependent cytotoxicity for both chemotherapy alone and photo-chemotherapy combined therapy. Compared with the unmodified mMoS2, mMoS2-Lipid injected into mice through tail vein can accumulate more in the tumor site, and in vivo anti-tumor studies have shown that the synergistic treatment of the mMoS2-Lipid has an obvious inhibitory effect on the tumor with less toxic and side effects on mice. In conclusion, mMoS2-Lipid treatment system provides a safe, rapid and effective choice for the treatment of breast cancer in the future.
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Molecular Insights into the Antistress Potentials of Brazilian Green Propolis Extract and Its Constituent Artepillin C. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010080. [PMID: 35011307 PMCID: PMC8746355 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Propolis, also known as bee-glue, is a resinous substance produced by honeybees from materials collected from plants they visit. It contains mixtures of wax and bee enzymes and is used by bees as a building material in their hives and by humans for different purposes in traditional healthcare practices. Although the composition of propolis has been shown to depend on its geographic location, climatic zone, and local flora; two largely studied types of propolis: (i) New Zealand and (ii) Brazilian green propolis have been shown to possess Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) and Artepillin C (ARC) as the main bioactive constituents, respectively. We have earlier reported that CAPE and ARC possess anticancer activities, mediated by abrogation of mortalin-p53 complex and reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor function. Like CAPE, Artepillin C (ARC) and the supercritical extract of green propolis (GPSE) showed potent anticancer activity. In this study, we recruited low doses of GPSE and ARC (that did not affect either cancer cell proliferation or migration) to investigate their antistress potential using in vitro cell based assays. We report that both GPSE and ARC have the capability to disaggregate metal- and heat-induced aggregated proteins. Metal-induced aggregation of GFP was reduced by fourfold in GPSE- as well as ARC-treated cells. Similarly, whereas heat-induced misfolding of luciferase protein showed 80% loss of activity, the cells treated with either GPSE or ARC showed 60–80% recovery. Furthermore, we demonstrate their pro-hypoxia (marked by the upregulation of HIF-1α) and neuro-differentiation (marked by differentiation morphology and upregulation of expression of GFAP, β-tubulin III, and MAP2). Both GPSE and ARC also offered significant protection against oxidative stress and, hence, may be useful in the treatment of old age-related brain pathologies.
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Sponghini AP, Rondonotti D, Platini F, Cena T, Ferrante D, Stratica F, Gatti A, Magnani C, Gennari A. A Simon's two-stage design trial evaluating the potential role of a kind of honey in preventing chemotherapy-hematopoietic toxicities. J Tradit Complement Med 2021; 11:466-469. [PMID: 34522641 PMCID: PMC8427476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Hematopoietic toxicities are a serious consequence of myelosuppressive CT that may result in dose reductions, delays or even discontinuation of CT, which, in turn, may compromise patient outcomes. Concerns about tolerability and costs of CSFs are still ongoing, therefore the potential use of supportive therapeutics agents are still of interest. Experimental procedure We performed a monocentric, phase II study using Simon's two-stage design. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of the potential clinical benefit of a special kind of honey (Life-Mel Honey) administered prophylactically to reduce the incidence of hematopoietic toxicities following chemotherapy. We have enrolled patients undergoing adjuvant or first-line chemotherapy. Results and conclusion From November 2013 to May 2014 (First stage) and from November 2014 to April 2016 (Second stage), 39 patients were enrolled at our Institution. The majority of patients was male (24/39, 61.5%), medium age was 60.4 years (range 34–77 years). The median follow up was 74.5 days (SD +/- 28.5). Overall, the majority of patients could underwent their chemoterapy with a regular schedule (25/39, 64.1%), while 9/39 patients (23.1%) need to delay chemotherapy due to hematological adverse events of various grade. Ten/39 patients (25.6%) had a grade 1 neutrophils count decreased, 56.4% a grade 1 platelets count decrease and 64.1% a grade 1 hemoglobin decrease. Therefore, Life-Mel Honey showed an interesting profile to reduce hematological toxicities. The proportion of responses is sufficiently high to recommend this honey to go to a next step in the clinical trial phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pietro Sponghini
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
- Corresponding author. Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità”, Novara, Italy.
| | - David Rondonotti
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Platini
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Cena
- Department of Translational Medicine, Unit of Medical Statistics, University of Eastern Piedmont and Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piemonte, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniela Ferrante
- Department of Translational Medicine, Unit of Medical Statistics, University of Eastern Piedmont and Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piemonte, Novara, Italy
| | - Florian Stratica
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Alice Gatti
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Corrado Magnani
- Department of Translational Medicine, Unit of Medical Statistics, University of Eastern Piedmont and Cancer Epidemiology, CPO Piemonte, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gennari
- Division of Oncology, University Hospital “Maggiore Della Carità”, 28100, Novara, Italy
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Nainu F, Masyita A, Bahar MA, Raihan M, Prova SR, Mitra S, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Pharmaceutical Prospects of Bee Products: Special Focus on Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070822. [PMID: 34356743 PMCID: PMC8300842 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee products have long been used in traditional healing practices to treat many types of disorders, including cancer and microbial-related diseases. Indeed, several chemical compounds found in bee products have been demonstrated to display anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. With the improvement of research tools and in view of recent advances related to bee products, this review aims to provide broad yet detailed insight into the pharmaceutical prospects of bee products such as honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee bread, beeswax, and bee venom, in the domain of cancer and infectious disease management. Available literature confirms the efficacy of these bee products in the alleviation of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral proliferation, and mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms. With such potentials, bioactive components isolated from the bee products can be used as an alternative approach in the long-run effort to improve humans’ health at a personal and community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Ayu Masyita
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muh. Akbar Bahar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muhammad Raihan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Shajuthi Rahman Prova
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
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Münstedt K, Männle H, Riepen T. Survey of reasons why women utilize honey therapeutically, and reasons for not utilizing honey. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05231. [PMID: 33102854 PMCID: PMC7569232 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There are various situations when honey can be reasonably used in cases of disease, for example radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. We investigated the underlying reasons why women eat honey and why some would refuse to use honey even if it was reasonable to do so. In order to answer these questions, we asked 201 women to answer various questions related to the consumption of honey. We found that the preferred routes of administration change when honey is used as a remedy. Most importantly, we identified “organic beekeeping” and a second factor related to the perception of honey regarding price, handling and health by principal component analysis as relevant regarding the refusal of the use of honey even when scientifically reasonable. If honey is to become an acceptable treatment option, it seems important to address all aspects of ethical beekeeping in the production of medicinal bee products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Münstedt
- Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg-Kehl, Ebertplatz 12, 77654 Offenburg, Germany
| | - Heidrun Männle
- Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg-Kehl, Ebertplatz 12, 77654 Offenburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Riepen
- Practice for Gynecology, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 2, 35781 Weilburg, Germany
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