OURNAL Volume 19, Number 4 OURNAL October-December 2012 J OF THE AMERICAN JA PITHERAPY SOCIETY

Apitherapy embraced by the next generation!

CMACC in Portland welcomes attendees of all ages, professional backgrounds

etirees, baby boomers, construction manager, and young and middle-aged financial, administrative, R people: all were well educational, religious, and represented at this year’s cultural professionals. Charles Mraz Apitherapy The 54 participants Course and Conference, held represented 12 states, with a October 5-7 in Portland, majority from Oregon, Oregon. And in a pure Washington, and California. coincidence, also represented One person each came from were members of the next Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, generation of apitherapists. and Saudi Arabia. Twelve Two 11-year-old girls from the participants had attended one Portland area, who did not or more prior CMACCs. know each other before the Eleven-year-old Nadiya AAS president Frederique Keller and board member event, came with a parent to Scratchley, who participated Jim Higgins demonstrating bee venom therapy CMACC. with her mother, Tanya, has As broad as the ages of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. participants was the range of Despite consultations with professions. In addition to local doctors and hospitals, beekeepers, attendees included Nadiya was unable to find members of the health care relief. It was only while doing field—nurses, apitherapists, research about honeybees that massage therapists, a Tanya met AAS board member naturopath, and a practitioner Kate McWiggins, who has of Oriental medicine. Also begun stinging Nadiya. The attending were farmers, a results are promising. retired biologist, an engineer, a Continued on page 4 small business owner, a

AAS board member Chris Kleronomos with a ALSO IN THIS ISSUE patient, Jennifer, from his Portland clinic

Research roundup 5 Notes from the field 6-9 Testimonials 10 AAS news briefs 11

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society From the Editor

The American Apitherapy Society, Inc. Contact: 15 Heights Road, Northport, NY 11768 [email protected] Phone: (631) 470-9446 Email: [email protected] his year environmentalists Website: www.apitherapy.org T across the country have been observing the 50th anniversary of the publication of EDITOR Patsy McCook Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. MEDICAL ADVISORS Andrew Kochan, M.D., Theo Cherbuliez, M.D. Her book explained how

PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Journal of the American Apitherapy pesticides—notably DDT—were accumulating in the Society is published quarterly by the American Apitherapy Society food chain and as a result were damaging the natural (AAS). Readers are encouraged to submit articles and personal environment and threatening several bird species. accounts related to apitherapy; the AAS reserves the right to select, In a recent parallel to Silent Spring, concerns have edit, and condense these for publication. The AAS owns the rights been mounting about the effects on honeybees of to articles and original scientific research first published here. certain pesticides that are used in the United States but ADVERTISING Rate sheets and insertion orders may be obtained banned in France, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia. from the AAS office. Rates are available to nonprofit and for-profit Neonicotinoids (insecticides containing nicotine- groups. related chemicals), a relatively new but now popular AMERICAN APITHERAPY SOCIETY, INC. The AAS is a tax-exempt, agricultural insecticide, are believed to attack nonprofit membership corporation that educates the public and the individual bees’ brains, where they create neurological health care community about the traditional and the scientifically disorders and change the bees’ food preferences. valid uses of apitherapy for maintaining and enhancing well-being in According to a growing consensus, there is not illness and injury. The AAS: one single cause but a combination of explanations for  Assembles information on apitherapy and collects data on the administration of and reactions to hive products disappearing colonies. The unifying factor seems to be  Advises the medical and scientific communities and the general modern agricultural practices, a “perfect storm” of public, both national and international, about apitherapy through environmental factors. Among them are monocultural this Journal, a website, and courses, conferences, and workshops (one-crop) planting, which denudes the ground of  Maintains a network of people involved with apitherapy as competing and alternative sources of pollen for honey apitherapists, beekeepers, and patients bees; genetically engineered crops; and thousands of  Establishes guidelines for the professional conduct of miles of bee travel. These practices, along with the apitherapists  Trains apitherapists. presence of mites, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens,

The efficacy of honeybee products for medical conditions has are linked to declining bee populations. not been adequately evaluated in the United States, and bee venom Even so, pesticides are seen as a huge problem, therapy has been approved in the U.S. only for the desensitization of especially since certain classes accumulate in the soil persons allergic to bee stings. Thus, the AAS makes no claims about and saturate the environment. Bees have been called the safety or efficacy of honeybee products, nor does it endorse any “an indicator species,” signaling the well-being (or lack form of apitherapy. thereof) of the broader environment. The AAS does not certify individual practitioners or therapists. A recent report from Oregon—site of our most Articles appearing in this Journal and on the AAS website, as well as private or public representations, are the personal opinion of recent CMACC—reveals that the Willamette Valley the author and do not necessarily represent that of the AAS. suffers fewer honeybee losses than the rest of the nation. This fertile region, which extends from AAS OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS Portland to Eugene, has a diversity of pollen resources President Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac. Secretary Kate McWiggins and good nutrition that helps honeybees. Particularly Vice President Theo Cherbuliez, M.D. Treasurer Susan Cherbuliez helpful are certain plants normally considered weeds, Craig Byer, Jim Higgins, Kristine Jacobson including Himalayan blackberries, fireweed, and vetch. Chris Kleronomos, DAOM, F.N.P., Andrew Kochan, M.D. From these findings can be drawn some common- Glenn Perry, Vetaley Stashenko, N.D. sense conclusions: HONORARY BOARD MEMBER Pat Wagner  Buying organic produce supports the food systems

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Sam Kearing, Esq., Fountain Odom, Esq. that take care of bees and the environment.  Using natural pest remedies is preferable to relying DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Priscilla Coe on pesticides. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marilyn Graham  City gardens are a good idea. According to one

theory, bees survive well in urban areas because of Copyright © 2012 American Apitherapy Society. All rights reserved. the diversity of flowers and plants they can visit. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. With my good wishes, Patsy McCook

2 Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012

From the President add the rosemary CO2 extract as a preservative, because the formula is quite stable and does not spoil or mold. Contact: [email protected] All that being said, as my gift to the CMACC Portland, Oregon, participants, here is the exact formula Dear AAS members, used that day. I’m sure all AAS members and past CMACC attendees will enjoy it, too. And please nother new year is upon us experiment! with much to accomplish in A Propolis salve/chap stick spreading the word about apitherapy. Please keep an eye on 8 oz. organic extra virgin olive oil 3 oz. pure beeswax our website to see where members 1 TBSP propolis extract, lowest alcohol content or of the AAS community will be speaking in 2013. Please alcohol free come visit if we are in your state, or near it! 1TBSP raw honey This year’s CMACC was a magnificent success; it 1/4 tsp lavender EO seems as though these events keep getting better and 1/4 tsp tea tree EO better. This is entirely due to the participants who bring 1/4 tsp thyme EO or eucalyptus EO with them their own unique backgrounds and special Heat olive oil and beeswax in a double boiler or energy to share with others. This year, in addition to our microwave until melted. Let cool so temperature is a own teaching staff, we welcomed three new speakers, who low as possible without wax re-solidifying; add propolis, were very well received. Many thanks to Frank Yurasek honey, and essential oils last. Beat with a wand stick L.Ac, Michael Gurevich MD, and Eric Yarnell ND for blender until all ingredients are incorporated evenly (about 1 minute); quickly pour into 0.15-oz chap stick your participation. container tray (50 chap sticks) or into 1/2-oz or 1-oz I also want to extend my appreciation to the entire pots. AAS board (vice president Theo Cherbuliez, treasurer Actions: antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal Susan Cherbuliez, secretary Kate McWiggins, past president Andrew Kochan, Craig Byer, Jim Higgins, Indications: chapped/cracked lips, cold sores, wind Kristine Jacobson, Chris Kleronomos, Glenn Perry, and burn, cuts, scrapes, scratches, bug bites, chafing, Vetaley Stashenko) and, last but not least, executive burning, vaginal irritation, hemorrhoids, toe fungus, eczema, psoriasis director Marilyn Keller-Graham. You all came together to teach and work at putting this CMACC together, and Resources: you were phenomenal! Every year you travel at your own  The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium expense and time away from work and family in order to of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties, by provide the best possible apitherapy education and Jean Valnet, M.D. and Robert B. Tisserand experience. Thank you for your enduring dedication.  The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy, As we’re inspired to keep alive the excitement of the by Valerie Ann Worwood conference and preserve the momentum, we’re seeking  Aliksir Producteur Huiles Essentielles Biologiques, ways to do so through Facebook and regular Constant www.aliksir.com Contact newsletters. We welcome ideas about how we can all keep in touch with each other. At the close of the year I ask members to consider A popular session at CMACC 2012 was the giving the AAS a tax-deductible donation. Your support propolis chap stick demonstration. Since then I’ve enables us to continue our work, invite interesting and received numerous inquiries regarding the exact knowledgeable apitherapy speakers to CMACC from the proportions that were used in the recipe that day. Over United States and abroad, sponsor a special apitherapy the years I vary the formula, depending on which student, improve the AAS website, publish this Journal, essential oils are available and what the medicinal and print promotional materials. We appreciate objective is. During the demo I try to emphasize that the donations of all amounts; they are used 100% towards proportions and selection of essential oils are fluid and these goals. It’s easy: Simply go to www.apitherapy.org encourage participants to develop their own recipes. My and click the DONATE button on the right-hand side formula is not written in stone. So if you want a firmer and enter an amount. Many thanks. chap stick, add more beeswax. On the other hand, if you Please also visit us on Facebook—and become a prefer a softer consistency for use in a small pot, add less. “friend” and “like” our page. Don’t forget also to “share,” There was also some confusion about the as we become part of a global apitherapy family! suppository formula discussed in my presentation I wish each of you a joyous holiday season and a “Apitherapy and Essential Oils.” It is basically the same as magical winter! the salve formula, with the addition of 1 oz. cocoa butter plus 70 drops TOTAL essential oils, which can include Peace, bees, and great health, melaleuca cajuputi, cupressus sempervirens (cypress), cistus (rockrose), and ranunculus ficaria. I rarely need to Frederique Keller L.Ac.

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012 3

CMACC in Portland

Continued from page 1

The other girl, Abigail Rausch, had received two hives from her father, Nathan, for her 11th birthday, and she’s now a proud beekeeper. She found Glenn Perry’s talk on veterinary apitherapy to be particularly relevant—her family has a small farm with goats, which were among the animals discussed in his presentation. Abigail passed the CMACC exam and submitted an evaluation of the event. This CMACC also featured three new speakers: Eric Yarnell (on propolis), Michael Gurevich (on Apitoxin), and Frank Yurasek (on self-care and acupuncture). A highlight was a discussion by Andrew Kochan and Theo Cherbuliez concerning apitoxin vs. bee venom (see sidebar below). While bantering with each other, the two physicians offered contrasting experiences and points AAS board members (from left) Kristine Jacobson, of view. In addition, Frederique Keller and Kate Frederique Keller, Andrew Kochan, and Chris Kleronomos McWiggins gave an entertaining demonstration on how to produce lip balm and provided all the attendees with a sample of the product (see Frederique’s recipe in her  “I am always thrilled to see the marriage of holistic President’s letter, on page 3 of this issue). And once and Western medicine. I am also very appreciative of again, CMACC featured a successful silent auction. the patients who came and shared their healing.”

Among the comments we received from  “I have not been very involved with the bees but participants were these: totally believe in the products. This conference has  “I was most impressed with the work done in a opened my mind to how amazing and valuable hospital setting and with the demonstration…. I really apitherapy is…. There was a great selection of commend work that can be used as quality research to presenters. The knowledge I gained here will be used bring recognition and support to this healing and shared daily.” modality.”

Apitoxin vs. bee venom

ndrew Kochan and Theo Cherbuliez’s PowerPoint a BVT administrator can look at the effect of an A presentation at CMACC drew comparisons and individual sting, not all administrators of apitoxin look contrasts between bee venom stinging and injectable at the effects of one injection.

bee venom, known as apitoxin. Andrew and Theo also The principal differences between the two are spoke informally about their disparate experiences and these: points of view regarding the two forms of bee venom. Apitoxin Apitoxin is measured by weight and by different Easy to keep and transport dilutions. In order to obtain a smaller amount of the Dilutions possible active product, it is therefore necessary to dilute more. Acceptable to patient Bee venom is measured by the three different Can be injected in hard tissue techniques of delivery: full sting, mini-sting, and micro- With procaine, is not allergenic sting (on average, yielding 150 micrograms, 50-150 micrograms, and 1-10 micrograms, respectively, Bee venom depending on the administrator’s skill). Bee venom is A specialized undertaking measured according to the time the venom is left in Variable dosages possible place and is an approximation of the amount delivered. Acceptability to patient requires a trusting relationship What is actually measured, therefore, is the clinical Can be injected in hard tissue to a degree effect rather than the number of micrograms. Although Injectable at any depth, though limited to stinger’s size

4 Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012

RESEARCH ROUNDUP

HONEY Shows only weak evidence in preventing oral mucositis among Effective in treating nocturnal cough cancer patients and improving sleep quality reatment for cancer, including bone marrow transplant, can cause severe, painful ulcers in the he World Health Organization has recommended T mouth. This condition, known as oral mucositis, often honey as a cough remedy. However, to date the T produces difficulties in eating, drinking, and effectiveness of this treatment has been demonstrated swallowing. It also may be associated with infections. in just two studies—one tested buckwheat honey only, Although honey has been considered a possible and the other study was not blinded. Now, researchers strategy against oral mucositis, a literature review finds in Israel have conducted a randomized controlled trail limited evidence for this claim. to study the effects of honey to treat upper respiratory The authors searched PubMed, Medline, and tract infection–associated cough. The results are other databases for randomized controlled trials that promising. investigated the protective effects of honey in head and The goal was to compare the effects of a single neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. For nocturnal dose of three honey products (eucalyptus three studies investigated, the overall relative risk of honey, citrus honey, or labiatae honey) with placebo developing mucositis was almost 80% lower in patients (silan date extract was selected because its structure, who were given honey. However, in the opinion of the brown color, and taste are similar to those of honey). reviewers, the weaknesses of the individual studies Participants were drawn from general pediatric highlight the need for more rigorous studies. community clinics: 300 children ages 1 to 5 with upper respiratory infections, nocturnal cough, and illness lasting a week. Parents of the children were surveyed Source: Song JJ, Twumasi-Ankrah P, Salcido R. (2012) on two consecutive days—first on the day of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Use of presentation, when no medication had been given— Honey to Protect from the Effects of Radiation- and the following day, when the medication was given Induced Oral Mucositis. Adv Skin Wound Care. Jan; 25 before bedtime. Eligible children received a single dose (1); 23-28. PubMed PMID: 22218067. of 10 g of eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, labiatae honey, or placebo administered 30 minutes before bedtime. The principal outcome measures were cough frequency, cough severity, the bothersome nature of Valuable for treating digital dermatitis the cough, and the quality of sleep for the children and in cows their parents. In all three honey products and the placebo ows affected by digital dermatitis, a hoof disease, group, a significant improvement was observed from C often become severely lame and subsequently the night before treatment to the night of treatment. reduce their milk yield. As an alternative treatment on No significant differences were found among the three a dairy farm, a group of researchers used cornflower types of honey. However, each of them had a better honey, which contains a relatively high hydrogen response than the silan date extract group. As an peroxide content (0.5-0.9 mM/h) and associated inexpensive, popular and safe demulcent (except for antibacterial activity. The cows’ hooves treated with the infants, because of the risk of botulism), honey has honey showed significantly faster healing than the antioxidant properties—derived from vitamin C, control group without any treatment. monophenolics, flavonoids, and polyphenolics—and increases cytokine release, which may explain its Source: Oelschlaegel S et al (2012) Floral Markers of antimicrobial effects. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) Honey and Its Peroxide Antibacterial Activity for an Alternative Treatment of Source: Cohen HA et al (2012) Effect of Honey on Digital Dermatitis. J. Agric. Food Chem Online 10 Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality: A Double-Blind, November /jf303699t. Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Pediatrics 130;465; originally published online August 6; DOI: 10.1542/peds.2011-3075.

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012 5

NOTES

Treating ophthalmic disorders Using bee products to treat alcoholism with bee venom therapy o test the idea that certain bee products, e studied five patients with three different eye T particularly pollen, could heal alcoholism, we W disorders: (1) uveitis (inflammation of the assembled groups of alcoholics in Iran and Dubai. One middle layer of the eye, which can produce severe, group was given a mixture of n-chromosome royal jelly permanent vision loss), (2) blurred vision due to an (a combination of worker jelly and royal jelly produced autoimmune-based disease like multiple sclerosis, and from grafted half-chromosome larvae), a combination of (3) sudden, unexplained blurred vision. All the patients different sources of bee pollen, and honey. Two other had been previously treated with routine medications. groups received pollen honey: one group was given Before administering bee venom therapy, we conducted pollen from higher elevations from mountainous titration of Immunoglobulin G (an antibody isotype regions, and the other was given pollen from farms, that helps control infection of body tissues), morning orchards, and forests closer to sea level. serum cortisol (a steroid hormone released in response The group that consumed the higher-elevation to stress), and functional tests for kidneys. pollen displayed greater improvements toward recovery A patient with multiple sclerosis removed her when compared with the pollen from lower elevations. eyeglasses, and she found that the blurred vision and However, the group that consumed the mixture the tingling and numbness in her lower limbs, especially containing n-chromosome royal jelly improved the in her feet, was reduced. A second patient with MS most, over a short time. They also reported having regained her vision. A third patient with MS became greater energy and mental clarity. free of symptoms. A patient with uveitis showed We plan to use bee venom in combination with elimination of pain in the cornea of the left eye, along other bee products to see if this will further improve the with a reduction in blurred vision. A man with sudden recovery rate.

blurred vision found that his vision became clear. Dr. Jafar Jalalifar et al. Our protocol also included taking a water massage Caspian Apiaries every day, drinking at least three quarts of water a day, New Westminster, BC, Canada and exercising regularly. We further observed that [email protected] patients’ nutrition played a vital role in their recovery.

B. Kaviani, Pharm.D. et al Treating hair loss with royal jelly South of Ghiasi Hospital Tehran, Iran and bee pollen [email protected] n some men and women, hair damage and loss may I be a result of protein deficiency. However, few Bee venom therapy for natural shampoos contain absorbable protein. We have found that by adding pollen and royal jelly to shampoo tendon tenosynovitis and cream bases, protein is absorbed into the hair at a e saw 15 men and 23 women, ages 35-66 faster rate than with other natural sources. These W (average age, 49) with flexor tendon products restore hair strength and health and also help tenosynovitis, a type of inflammation. The average heal damaged skin. duration of the disorder was six years, and it had been When we used only bee pollen in liquid form for treated on average between one and four times. hair, we found that about 5% of the users had an Following the administration of been venom therapy, allergy. When using bee pollen and royal jelly in we found that it had an effect on all the patients. A shampoo, with 5-10% active ingredients, reports of total of 6 patients found some relief from their allergic reactions decreased, to less than 1%. We also symptoms, while 32 were fully healed. found that using n-chromosome royal jelly in shampoo is equally effective. Lin-Bing Chen and Xiao-qing Miao Apitherapy Institution of Fujian Agricultural and Hossein Yeganehrad et al Forestry University, Fujian Apitherapy Hospital Caspian Apiaries Fuzhou, China New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada [email protected] [email protected]

6 Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012

FROM THE FIELD

Bee products a component of Apitherapy developments in China liver detoxification or the past 30 years, the Apicultural Science hereas classical, allopathic treatment with F Association of China has overseen the W chemical drugs is typically inefficient in healing development of a national system comprising chronic liver diseases, research shows that products of apitherapy teaching, research, production, and clinical the hive can improve and even heal most liver diseases services. and their complications. At present there are around 300,000 We studied patients who were administered a practitioners in China. Research institutes on detoxification diet and then received individually apitherapy and health care application have been chosen medicinal bee plants and bee products established, and apitherapy has been incorporated in (including bee venom, which promotes regeneration of the curricula at technological academies and for liver cells). We found that a “liver friendly” diet, a bachelors, masters, and doctoral students. healthy lifestyle, and certain bee plants and bee Apitherapy research has advanced from the products may detoxify the liver and the rest of the observation of the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and body. This regimen also helps restore the normal bee products to cellular and molecular level functions of the liver. pharmacodynamics. Specialized hospitals and clinics have been Stefan Stangaciu, M.D. Dambovita, Romania certified by government health administration [email protected] departments. A major challenge is to increase the number (now only 10%) of apitherapy practitioners who are certified. Different heating levels associated with variations In honey quality Professor Miao Xiaoqing Dean, College of Bee Science Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University aw or untreated honey contains active enzymes [email protected] R and volatile chemical substances that can be changed by heat and processing. In a recent study we investigated the effect of heating and treating in two Using n-chromosome royal jelly different conditions—normal (55 C) and vacuum (40 with propolis to prevent amputation C)—on honey, with the goal of discerning changes to its quality. n hospitals in Iran, maggot therapy has been used After collecting honey samples from several I to prevent infection after amputation. Although the parts of Iran we studied the destructive effect of heat therapy is usually effective, there are problems, under the two conditions. Glucose, fructose, and including the complicated process for producing proline (a free amino acid constituting 50-85% of total maggots. honey amino acids) were measured and compared. We As a possible alternative, we combined n- found that samples processed at 55 showed decreased chromosome royal jelly—a blend of worker (drone) and levels of proline and free acids. This was significantly royal (queen) jelly—with propolis and applied it to the different from raw honey heated at 40 However, the infected area. Our hypothesis was that this mixture glucose, fructose, and pH levels showed no major might be effective because royal jelly has antibacterial variations. On the other hand, the level of properties, while propolis absorbs moisture in an hydroxylmethylfurfural (an organic compound used as infected area and can prevent an infection from a solvent) in the honeys processed at 55 was higher developing further. than in those processed at 40 and that of the two raw In our study, the need for amputation was honeys; still, this difference was not significant. We eliminated in 14 patients. We therefore recommend conclude that heating honey under vacuum conditions further investigation of this product.

heating produces less damage to its biological Hossein Yeganehrad et al substances. Caspian Apiaries New Westminster, BC, Canada Sayed Mazaher Sayedi Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center [email protected] Isfahan Province, Iran [email protected]

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012 7

NOTES

Apitherapy: a role in healing varieties of propolis against H. pylori. This property has

stomach cancer? been attributed to certain flavonoids. Propolis is also effective in combination with the antibiotic an Cristobal, the capital of Tachira, Venezuela, was clarithromycin, showing a synergistic or additive in S the site of a seminar on gastrointestinal pathology inhibiting H. pylori. in May 2012. Organizers were the National Propolis is also thought to play a role as a Experimental University of Tachira, the preventive genome, which inhibits the expression of Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, and the cancer-causing genes, known as oncogenes. environmental foundation El Duende. The three Although methodologically sound microbiological organizations have collaborated in pursuit of new lines investigations have examined the effect of propolis on of research linking apitherapy and gastric (stomach) H. pylori in vitro and in vivo, pharmacological and cancer. clinical studies are necessary as well. Research is under Stomach cancer, whose early diagnosis has been way to identify substances capable of halting made increasingly possible through developments in angiogenesis—the growth of new blood vessels from diagnostic radiology and endoscopy, is a serious public preexisting ones, a step in the transition of tumors health problem worldwide. It is the most common from dormancy to malignancy—as a strategy to combat cancer in Japan and the second leading cause of cancer the development of cancer without affecting normal deaths there. tissues. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori plays an Some components of propolis possess potent anti- important role in the development of stomach cancer. angiogenic and strong antioxidant activity, while others H. pylori is considered a necessary but insufficient cause have significant anti-angiogenic activity but low of the disease. However, if it is present in a person who antioxidant activity. Numerous published studies have drinks alcohol to excess or smokes, vulnerability is suggested that components of propolis may exert its greatly increased. Current treatments to eradicate H. anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production pylori include the use of one or more drugs, which are of free radicals and by suppressing kappaB factor, expensive, of limited effectiveness, and associated with which has been linked to a variety of inflammatory side effects. diseases. Propolis’s ability to cause cell death The incidence of stomach cancer, and resulting (apoptosis) has been demonstrated against malignant mortality, are especially high in Tachira state. cells and other abnormal ones as well. According to a recent census, stomach cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in one Honey. Hieroglyphics produced by the ancient particular village, Potrero de las Casas. Given the role Egyptians reveal that honey was used to soothe that honeybee culture plays in that community, it is stomach pains. And research in New Zealand during worth considering whether certain products of the the 1990s found that Manuka honey has antibacterial hive—including two that have been shown in in vivo properties, particularly against H. pylori. More recently, and in vitro studies to act against H. pylori—might be an H. pylori was identified as a causative factor in gastritis, peptic ulcer, and stomach cancer. effective, inexpensive way to prevent stomach cancer.

Propolis. The chemical composition of propolis is In Venezuela, it is difficult to administer H. pylori essentially 50-55% resin, with phenolic compounds eradication in poor rural areas. However, bee products (13.7 and 21.3%) producing intense biological activity. like propolis and honey—which have been employed Propolis exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, around the world for their healing properties—are anesthetic, and immunostimulant properties. Organic accessible and are a basic element of local residents’ compounds known as phenolic flavonoids are natural diet. Because they are protective against infection by H. pigments present in plants that protect the body from pylori, it seems logical to recommend that propolis and damage by oxidizing agents. The human body cannot honey be consumed during childhood as an important produce these protective chemicals, so they must be element in the therapeutic arsenal.

obtained through food or supplements. Walter Fierro, M.D. One study has reported that cinnamic acid and Departments of Gastroenterology and Pharmacology flavonoids inhibit the motility of bacteria, making School of Medicine University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay them more vulnerable to attack by the immune system [email protected] and enhancing the action of antibiotics. Several studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of various

8 Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012

FROM THE FIELD

Using bee venom to treat shingles

e have investigated the therapeutic effect of a W bee venom preparation, Shen Fengjing, on herpes zoster at different stages. After treatment for one day, the study sample—middle-aged and elderly people—showed a total effective cure rate of more than 93%. A pathology analysis suggested that the therapeutic mechanism could have resulted from the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Shen Fengjing and the role of melittin, which might prevent herpes virus from adsorbing and damaging cell tissue. It is also possible that Shen Fengjing could activate blood circulation to dissipate blood equilibrium and to remove the collective metabolites and toxins so that the nerve root pain and edema were also eliminated.

Xiao-qing Miao et al Apitherapy Institution of Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University Fujian Apitherapy Hospital Fuzhou, China [email protected]

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012 9

TESTIMONIALS

Apitherapy for sinusitis and that I was finally cured of sinusitis. I had suffered from sinusitis since 1968, when I was didn’t doubt that my I six years old. I inherited this condition from my symptoms had stopped mother; both my brothers had the same problem. Every as a result of taking bee year the four of us would go to our oto-rhino- products, but I said laryngologist for a routine visit and to change the nothing about that to medication if necessary. the doctor, because I At the end of 1998, during one of these routine knew he would never visits, the doctor asked me how I felt. I asked myself the accept that. (He same question, because I could not remember the last thought he had cured me.) time that I’d had symptoms (sneezing and a runny Since then I’ve never had sinusitis symptoms or nose). Earlier that year I had begun studying apitherapy even a cold. People who come to me with the same and had started taking certain bee products—honey, problem have also seen their sinusitis disappear. propolis, and royal jelly—to better understand what I In my opinion, the most important product is was studying. As he always did, the doctor asked propolis. Some of my patients were unable to take permission (and that of my brothers and my mother) to other bee products, but they found relief with propolis. X-ray our faces to see how the problem had changed. Meanwhile, my mother and my brothers were also On seeing the results, the doctors recommended more healed. However, this was only after they understood medication—only for my brothers and my mother. In that it was apitherapy, and not a medication, that was my case, he conducted the same X-ray but in a different responsible. laboratory. After the second X-ray, the doctor confirmed that Antonio Couto Lisbon, Portugal my sinus lesions had disappeared. He told me with a [email protected] smile that he had found the right medication for me

Apitherapy for interstitial cystitis or drank something with any type of artificial sweetener or acidic food, I was in serious pain. I had a terrible n July 2007 I thought I might have a urinary tract achy feeling in my bladder and pain when I urinated. I I infection, but somehow it felt different. The pain also felt urgency, which meant that I felt the need to occurred more during midstream. I went to my doctor, urinate but only produced a dribble. who said that my urinalysis didn’t show an infection. A friend told me about Kristine Jacobson, a local She thought the reason for the problem might be that I apitherapist, and I figured that I had nothing to lose. was drinking a lot of water. Even after a course of Starting in March 2009, Kris gave me stings in the antibiotics, the pain didn’t go away. lower back and lower abdomen, over the bladder. At On returning to my doctor for an annual physical, the beginning I received stings often and then gradually I reported that the symptoms were still there. The decreased the frequency. The schedule was as follows: tentative diagnosis now was interstitial cystitis, a March-June, three times a week; July-September, one to condition in which the protective layer of the bladder two times a week, and October-January, once a month. (the mucous layer) is damaged and produces ulcers. I During this time I also took propolis, royal jelly, and didn’t think much about it. And I made no effort to bee bread daily. I now take them periodically. change my diet. In mid-July 2009 I felt like having a Diet Coke. I One morning in December 2007 I felt as if fire went for it and had no symptoms at all. Since then I’ve were coming out when I urinated. I started to do some been able to give up the Prelief (acid pills) and have research on the condition and learned that the coffee I started weaning myself off the Cystoorotek. Since had been drinking all morning and the pasta sauce I’d January 2010 I’ve not received any stings, but I’m still eaten for dinner the night before—both of them with having no symptoms at all. I feel better than I have in high acid content—-weren’t helping matters. years. I bought some Cystoorotek (a bladder-healing medication) and Prelief (which removes acid from Jenny Jester food). Both of these helped tremendously. But if I ate Michigan [email protected]

10 Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012

AAS NEWS BRIEFS

New members Australia Spain Florida North Carolina Liane Colwell Fernando Bermudez Nereyda Alfonso Tim Huffman Roxanne Altrui Canada Laura Bozant Ohio Adam McCue, PhD California Robert Brown Leslie Cantu Dr. Kevin Scrimgeour Kerri Claussen Guillermo Forstmann Zabet Gerber Oregon Kuwait Eric Hamsch Matvey Adzhigirey Armando Pineda Ahmad Al Tarmoum Carlos Pineda Georgia Robert Anderson Zeeba Rafiq Terri Herbert Cecilia Pineda Christine Fahmbauer Joy Sunflower McEwen Malaysia Julio Pineda Linda Ribera Illinois Madelyn Morris Norhizat Bin Yeop Deborah Becker Matthew Morris Steve Shih Mexico Tracey Stirling Fernando Ceballos Rochelle Princehouse Maria Medina David Park Milo Pringle Sandra Villarroel Sarah Red-Laird New Zealand Colorado Indiana Dr. Mitchell Stargrove Shaun Holt Chris Johnson Cathy Myers Pennsylvania Michael Meyer, DA, Hom Kansas Saudi Arabia Donald Studinski Amy Smith Dr. Saad Alkahtani Ben Haamid

Rhode Island Massachusetts Robin Lee Kirk Mumford

Heather Reid Texas Penelope Spiratos Mark Hedley

Erratum Debra Tsampas Elias Ponce

Michigan Vermont In the most recent issue of the Journal (July-September 2012), an Dawn Smit Russ Ayer Jeanne Davis error appeared in the numbering Missouri system. This issue, part of volume Sarah Laventhol Darya Adzhigirey Claudia Stoeffler 19, was incorrectly identified as Vladimir Adzhigirey

number 2. It was in fact number 3. Washington New York Don Andre My apologies for the resulting Catherine Judith Jordan confusion. Tatiana Scratchley Debbie Lane Patricia Maccarrone Patsy McCook, editor Wisconsin Wende Persons William Deiters

Duncan Watwood Dr. Ammar Nasrallah

Raymond Yeager

Journal of the American Apitherapy Society October-December 2012 11 OURNAL American Apitherapy Society of the American 15 Heights Road JJ Apitherapy Society Northport, NY 11768

Charles Mraz Apitherapy Course and Conference Portland, Oregon, October 5-7, 2012