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Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products

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A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2024) | Viewed by 15467

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michał Miłek

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Department of Chemistry and Food Toxicology, Institute of Food Technology and Nutrition, University of Rzeszow, Ćwiklińskiej 1a St., 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: bee products; honey; propolis; bee bread; bee pollen; antioxidant activity; biologically active compounds; polyphenols; medicinal plants; chromatography

Dr. Dana Marcinčáková

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Guest Editor

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovaki
Interests: cell proliferation; cytotoxicity; real-time monitoring; protection; anticytotoxic effect; cell line; antitumor activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bee products, not only honey but also bee pollen, bee bread, propolis, beeswax, and royal jelly, have been known and used by humans for a long time, but their bioactivity has still not been sufficiently discovered. Research on the composition of the abovementioned products requires the combined testing of the mechanisms of their pharmacological action, using in vitro and in vivo model systems.

Treating diseases and supporting classical therapeutic methods using bee products and preparations obtained with their participation is a very promising direction and still requires detailed research related to the identification of molecular targets and mechanisms of action of the active substances present in them, as well as their interactions with other therapeutics.

Therefore, we invite scientists working in the field of bee products to share valuable research on the pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of the action of these substances.

Review and research manuscripts on the pharmacological potential of bee products are welcome, especially those concerned with the following:

Identification and authentification of bioactive compounds in honey and honey bee products.
Molecular mechanisms of action of bee products in the treatment of various diseases.
Studies on the effect on cell lines, normal and cancerous.
Antimicrobial potential of bee products and mechanisms of action against pathogens.
Research on the interaction of bee products with other therapeutics.
Research on comprehensive medical preparations containing products of bee origin.
The correlation of chemical composition and bioactivity.
In silico studies on the pharmacological properties of bee product ingredients.

Dr. Michał Miłek
Dr. Dana Marcinčáková
Guest Editors

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Keywords

honey
propolis
bee pollen
bee bread
royal jelly
anticancer
anti-inflammatory
antimicrobial
mechanism of action
pharmacological properties

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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22 pages, 8105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Twenty-Week Dietary Supplementation with Beeswax Alcohol (BWA; Raydel^®) Ameliorates High-Cholesterol-Induced Long-Term Dyslipidemia and Organ Damage in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish in a Dose-Dependent Manner: A Comparative Analysis Between BWA and Coenzyme Q₁₀

by Kyung-Hyun Cho, Ashutosh Bahuguna, Yunki Lee, Sang Hyuk Lee and Ji-Eun Kim

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111434 - 26 Oct 2024

Viewed by 837

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Beeswax alcohol (BWA; Raydel^®) is a blend of six long-chain aliphatic alcohols extracted from honeybee wax and is well known for its diverse functionality and health benefits. Herein, the efficacy of a BWA dietary intervention for 20 weeks was assessed to ameliorate high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced dyslipidemia and adverse effects on the vital organs of adult zebrafish. Methods: Adult zebrafish were fed different high-cholesterol diets (HCDs; final concentration of 4%, w/w) supplemented with BWA (final concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0%, w/w) or CoQ₁₀ (final concentration of 1.0%). Following 20 weeks of supplementation, blood and different organs (liver, kidney, testes and ovaries) were collected, and biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Results: The results demonstrate a dose-dependent effect of BWA of mitigating HCD-induced mortality in zebrafish over the 20-week supplementation period, which was noticeably better than the effect exerted by coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀). Consistently, a dose-dependent effect of BWA consumption of curtailing HCD-induced total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels and increasing high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels was noticed. Compared with CoQ₁₀ (final concentration of 1.0%, w/w), BWA (final concentration of 1.0%, w/w) displayed a significantly better effect of mitigating HCD-induced dyslipidemia, as evidenced by 1.2-fold (p < 0.05) and 2.0-fold (p < 0.05) lower TC and TG levels and 2.4-fold (p < 0.01) higher HDL-C levels. The histological analysis revealed substantial prevention of fatty liver changes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular senescence and interleukin (IL)-6 production in the hepatic tissue of BWA zebrafish, which was significantly better than the effect exerted by CoQ₁₀. Consistently, compared with CoQ₁₀, significant 25% (p < 0.05) and 35% (p < 0.01) reductions in the HCD-induced elevated levels of the hepatic function biomarkers aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase was observed in the BWA group. Likewise, BWA consumption efficiently ameliorated HCD-induced kidney, ovary and testis damage by inhibiting ROS generation, cellular senescence and lipid accumulation. Conclusion: Supplementation with BWA demonstrated higher therapeutic potential than that with CoQ₁₀ to prevent dyslipidemia and organ damage associated with long-term consumption of HCDs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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24 pages, 6719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Potential of Dehydrated Geniotrigona thoracica Stingless Bee Honey against Metabolic Syndrome in Rats Induced by a High-Carbohydrate, High-Fat Diet

by Liyana Nabihah Ikhsan, Kok-Yong Chin and Fairus Ahmad

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(11), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17111427 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 509

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is diagnosed when at least three out of five key risk factors are present: obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, high triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). MS is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Recent studies have shown that raw stingless bee honey (SBH) can alleviate MS risk factors. However, the high moisture content in raw SBH predisposes it to fermentation, which can degrade its quality. Therefore, dehydrating SBH is necessary to prevent the fermentation process. This study aimed to compare the effects of dehydrated (DeGT) and raw (RGT) SBH from Geniotrigona thoracica species on high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (HCHF)-induced MS in rats. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (C), HCHF-induced MS without treatment (MS), HCHF-induced MS treated with DeGT (MS+DeGT) and HCHF-induced MS treated with RGT (MS+RGT). Group C received standard rat chow, while the other groups were fed with HCHF diet for 16 weeks. In the final eight weeks, two HCHF-induced groups received their respective SBH treatments. Results: Both DeGT and RGT treatments reduced energy intake, fat mass, high blood pressure, inflammatory (tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and obesity (the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio, corticosterone, 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-1 (11βHSD1)) markers, as well as prevented histomorphometry changes (prevented adipocyte hypertrophy, increased the Bowman’s space area and glomerular atrophy). Additionally, DeGT increased serum HDL levels, while RGT reduced serum TG, leptin and other inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)), as well as hepatosteatosis. Conclusions: While DeGT demonstrates potential as a preventive agent for MS, RGT exhibited more pronounced anti-MS effects in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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20 pages, 5732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Benzophenone-Free Red Propolis Extract and Evaluation of Its Efficacy against Colon Carcinogenesis

by Iara Silva Squarisi, Victor Pena Ribeiro, Arthur Barcelos Ribeiro, Letícia Teixeira Marcos de Souza, Marcela de Melo Junqueira, Kátia Mara de Oliveira, Gaelle Hayot, Thomas Dickmeis, Jairo Kenupp Bastos, Rodrigo Cassio Sola Veneziani, Sérgio Ricardo Ambrósio and Denise Crispim Tavares

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101340 - 8 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Brazilian red propolis has attracted attention for its pharmacological properties. However, signs of toxicity were recently observed in long-term studies using the hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (RPHE), likely due to polyprenylated benzophenones. This study aimed to develop a benzophenone-free red propolis extract (BFRP) and validate an HPLC-PDA method to quantify its main constituents: isoliquiritigenin, vestitol, neovestitol, medicarpine, and 7-O-methylvestitol. Methods: BFRP’s toxicity was assessed in zebrafish larvae through a vibrational startle response assay (VSRA) and morphological analysis. Genotoxicity was evaluated using the micronucleus test in rodents, and the extract’s effects on chemically induced preneoplastic lesions in rat colon were studied. An HPLC-PDA method was used to quantify BFRP’s main compounds. Results: BFRP primarily contained vestitol (128.24 ± 1.01 μg/mL) along with isoliquiritigenin, medicarpin, neovestitol, and 7-O-methylvestitol. Zebrafish larvae exposed to 40 µg/mL of BFRP exhibited toxicity, higher than the 10 µg/mL for RPHE, though no morphological differences were found. Fluorescent staining in the notochord, branchial arches, and mouth was observed in larvae treated with both BFRP and RPHE. No genotoxic or cytotoxic effects were observed up to 2000 mg/kg in rodents, with no impact on hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity markers. Chemoprevention studies showed a 41.6% reduction in preneoplastic lesions in rats treated with 6 mg/kg of BFRP. Conclusions: These findings indicate that BFRP is a safe, effective propolis-based extract with potential applications for human health, demonstrating reduced toxicity and chemopreventive properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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23 pages, 6235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Assessment of Beeswax Alcohol and Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) to Prevent Liver Aging, Organ Damage, and Oxidative Stress in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish Exposed to D-Galactose: A 12-Week Dietary Intervention

by Kyung-Hyun Cho, Ashutosh Bahuguna, Ji-Eun Kim, Yunki Lee and Sang Hyuk Lee

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(9), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17091250 - 23 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

The current study was designed to compare in vivo efficacy between beeswax alcohol (BWA) and coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) to treat fatty liver changes, oxidative stress, and damages in major organs of zebrafish by 12 weeks with high-cholesterol (HC) and galactose (Gal) supplementation. At week 12, the HC control and HC+Gal control groups showed 96% and 92% survivability, respectively, while co-supplementation of the 0.5% BWA and 1.0% BWA groups exhibited 96% and 100% survivability. However, co-supplementation of the 0.5% CoQ₁₀ and 1.0% CoQ₁₀ groups revealed the lowest survivability, around 92% and 89%, respectively. The 0.5% BWA and 1.0% BWA groups showed 21% (p < 0.001) and 41% (p < 0.001), respectively, lower total cholesterol (TC) than the HC+Gal control, while the 1.0% CoQ₁₀ group showed only 15% lower TC than the control. Interestingly, the 0.5% BWA and 1.0% BWA groups showed 22% (p < 0.001) and 38% (p < 0.001), respectively, lower triglyceride (TG) than the HC+Gal control. However, both the 0.5% CoQ₁₀ and 1.0% CoQ₁₀ groups showed similar TG levels as the control, suggesting that CoQ₁₀ supplementation had no effect on lowering serum TG. The 1.0% BWA group showed the highest plasma HDL-C and HDL-C/TC (%) up to 3.2-fold and 5.5-fold, respectively, higher than those of the HC+Gal control, while the 1.0% CoQ₁₀ group showed 2.4-fold and 2.8-fold higher plasma HDL-C and HDL-C/TC (%), respectively, than the control. The plasma aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were lowest in the 1.0% BWA group, 51% and 72%, respectively, lower than HC+Gal control, suggesting the lowest extent of hepatic damage. In hepatic tissue, neutrophil infiltration and interleukin (IL)-6 production were the lowest in the 1.0% BWA group, around 67% and 85%, respectively, lower than the HC+Gal control. Fatty liver change, cellular apoptosis, and cell senescence in hepatic tissue were remarkably lowered in the 1.0% BWA group, while the CoQ₁₀ group showed much less effect than the BWA group. In kidney, ovary, and testis tissue, the 1.0% BWA group showed the lowest production of reactive oxygen species, the extent of cellular senescence, and cellular apoptosis with the healthiest cell morphology. In conclusion, supplementation of BWA remarkably protected the liver, kidney, ovary, and testis from oxidative damage by cholesterol and galactose consumption, with the least serum AST and ALT levels, inflammatory parameters, and senescence markers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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17 pages, 1311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antitumor Effects and the Potential Mechanism of 10-HDA against SU-DHL-2 Cells

by Yuanyuan Tian, Xiaoqing Liu, Jie Wang, Chuang Zhang and Wenchao Yang

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(8), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17081088 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1324

Abstract

10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which is a unique bioactive fatty acid of royal jelly synthesized by nurse bees for larvae and adult queen bees, is recognized for its dual utility in medicinal and nutritional applications. Previous research has indicated that 10-HDA exerts antitumor effects on numerous tumor cell lines, including colon cancer cells, A549 human lung cancer cells, and human hepatoma cells. The present study extends this inquiry to lymphoma, specifically evaluating the impact of 10-HDA on the SU-DHL-2 cell line. Our findings revealed dose-dependent suppression of SU-DHL-2 cell survival, with an IC₅₀ of 496.8 μg/mL at a density of 3 × 10⁶ cells/well after 24 h. For normal liver LO2 cells and human fibroblasts (HSFs), the IC₅₀ values were approximately 1000 μg/mL and over 1000 μg/mL, respectively. The results of label-free proteomics revealed 147 upregulated and 347 downregulated differentially expressed proteins that were significantly enriched in the complement and coagulation cascades pathway (adjusted p-value = 0.012), including the differentially expressed proteins prothrombin, plasminogen, plasminogen, carboxypeptidase B2, fibrinogen beta chain, fibrinogen gamma chain, and coagulation factor V. The top three hub proteins, ribosomal protein L5, tumor protein p53, and ribosomal protein L24, were identified via protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis. This result showed that the complement and coagulation cascade pathways might play a key role in the antitumor process of 10-HDA, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for lymphoma treatment. However, the specificity of the effect of 10-HDA on SU-DHL-2 cells warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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15 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement with Honey, Propolis, Pelargonium sidoides Extract, and Zinc in Children Affected by Acute Tonsillopharyngitis: An Open, Randomized, and Controlled Trial

by Fabio Cardinale, Dionisio Franco Barattini, Valentina Martinucci, Maria Morariu Bordea, Luca Barattini and Serban Rosu

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060804 - 19 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1188

Abstract

Physicians are currently finding products for pediatric respiratory diseases of viral etiology to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotic therapy. This study evaluated PediaFlù (Pediatrica S.r.l.), a dietary supplement already on the market composed of honey, propolis, Pelargonium sidoides extract, and zinc (DSHPP), in children affected by acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATR). The open-label, randomized, and controlled study compared DSHPP + standard of care (SoC) versus SoC alone for six days. Children between 3 and 10 years with an ATR ≤ 48 h, a negative rapid test for beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, or a culture identification of nasal and/or pharyngeal exudates were included. A tonsillitis severity score (TSS) and the number of treatment failures (using ibuprofen or high-dose paracetamol as rescue medication) were the primary endpoints. DSHPP+ SoC showed better performance than SoC alone for TSS sub-scores: throat pain and erythema on day 6 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), swallowing (p < 0.01 on day 4), and TSS total score on days 4 and 6 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). Only one patient (SoC group) had treatment failure for ibuprofen administration. No adverse events were reported. DSHPP is an optimal adjuvant in the treatment of URTI and could potentially be useful in the daily clinical practice of paediatricians evaluating the correct antibiotic prescription. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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17 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Geographical Origin on Poplar Propolis Composition and the Impact of Human Microbiota

by Michał Miłek, Gabriela Franke, Monika Tomczyk, Miłosz Górecki, Olga Cwiková, Alžbeta Jarošová and Małgorzata Dżugan

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060768 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Ethanol extracts obtained from 13 poplar propolis samples originating from various European countries by traditional maceration were tested for total polyphenols, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, the content of 18 polyphenolic compounds (from the group of phenolic acids and flavonoids) was determined using the HPLC method. The inhibitory effect of six selected extracts with the highest activity was assessed by well-diffusion method against five strains (Bifidobacterium spp., L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, E. coli, and Bacteroides spp.) of intestinal bacteria self-isolated from the faeces of obese probands with the use of selective media. It was found that the antioxidant activity of propolis varied depending on geographical origin and even among samples from the same region, which indicates that some other factors also influence propolis quality. The samples of different geographical origin varied mainly in the share of individual phenolic compounds, and it was not possible to find a characteristic marker of origin, excluding the galangin present in the Polish samples only. Assessing the inhibitory activity of propolis (in the range of 70 mg to 10 µg per mL) indicated that the concentration of 100 µg/mL was found as being safe for tested fecal bacteria (Bifidobacterium spp., L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, E. coli, and Bacteroides spp.). As no negative effect of low doses of propolis on the intestinal microflora was found, it can be suggested that its use in recommended doses brings only beneficial effects to the body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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19 pages, 1316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Microbiota to Bioactivity Exerted by Bee Bread

by Nikos Asoutis Didaras, Ioanna Karaiskou, Marios Nikolaidis, Christina Siaperopoulou, Irini Georgi, Christina Tsadila, Katerina Karatasou, Grigoris D. Amoutzias and Dimitris Mossialos

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060761 - 11 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1151

Abstract

Bee-collected pollen (BCP) and bee bread (BB) are honey bee products known for their beneficial biological properties. The main goal of this study was to investigate BB microbiota and its contribution to bioactivity exerted by BB. The microbiota of BB samples collected at different maturation stages was investigated via culture-independent (Next Generation Sequencing, NGS) and culture-dependent methods. Microbial communities dynamically fluctuate during BB maturation, ending in a stable microbial community structure in mature BB. Bee bread bacterial isolates were tested for phenotypes and genes implicated in the production and secretion of enzymes as well as antibacterial activity. Out of 309 bacterial isolates, 41 secreted hemicellulases, 13 cellulases, 39 amylases, 132 proteinases, 85 Coomassie brilliant blue G or R dye-degrading enzymes and 72 Malachite Green dye-degrading enzymes. Furthermore, out of 309 bacterial isolates, 42 exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, 34 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 47 against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium and 43 against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Artificially fermented samples exerted higher antibacterial activity compared to fresh BCP, strongly indicating that BB microbiota contribute to BB antibacterial activity. Our findings suggest that BB microbiota is an underexplored source of novel antimicrobial agents and enzymes that could lead to new applications in medicine and the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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25 pages, 4195 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bee Venom-Loaded Niosomes as Innovative Platforms for Cancer Treatment: Development and Therapeutical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

by Maria Beatriz Pinto, Patrícia C. Pires, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Ana Rita Silva, Maria João Sousa, Miguel Vilas-Boas, Soraia I. Falcão, Francisco Veiga, Pooyan Makvandi and Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050572 - 29 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1896

Abstract

Despite past efforts towards therapeutical innovation, cancer remains a highly incident and lethal disease, with current treatments lacking efficiency and leading to severe side effects. Hence, it is imperative to develop new, more efficient, and safer therapies. Bee venom has proven to have multiple and synergistic bioactivities, including antitumor effects. Nevertheless, some toxic effects have been associated with its administration. To tackle these issues, in this work, bee venom-loaded niosomes were developed, for cancer treatment. The vesicles had a small (150 nm) and homogeneous (polydispersity index of 0.162) particle size, and revealed good therapeutic efficacy in in vitro gastric, colorectal, breast, lung, and cervical cancer models (inhibitory concentrations between 12.37 ng/mL and 14.72 ng/mL). Additionally, they also revealed substantial anti-inflammatory activity (inhibitory concentration of 28.98 ng/mL), effects complementary to direct antitumor activity. Niosome safety was also assessed, both in vitro (skin, liver, and kidney cells) and ex vivo (hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane), and results showed that compound encapsulation increased its safety. Hence, small, and homogeneous bee venom-loaded niosomes were successfully developed, with substantial anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, making them potentially promising primary or adjuvant cancer therapies. Future research should focus on evaluating the potential of the developed platform in in vivo models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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23 pages, 7981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Supplementation of Royal Jelly (Raydel^®) Improves Zebrafish Growth, Embryo Production and Survivability, Blood Lipid Profile and Functionality of Vital Organs: A 72-Weeks’ Consumption Study

by Kyung-Hyun Cho, Hyo-Seon Nam, Ashutosh Bahuguna and Ji-Eun Kim

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(3), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17030324 - 1 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Royal jelly is a honeybee product with substantial pharmacological and health promotional activities. Nevertheless, the health implications associated with the prolonged dietary supplementation of royal jelly have yet to be elucidated extensively. Herein, 72 weeks of dietary supplementation of royal jelly at 5% and 10% (w/w) were investigated to assess the impact on zebrafish survivability, body weight, liver, testis, ovary functionality, and blood lipid profile. The results revealed no adverse effect of 72 weeks of royal jelly supplementation on zebrafish survivability. Conversely, a noteworthy enhancement in the zebrafish body weight was observed in royal-jelly-supplemented zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner [5% and 10% (w/w)]. Interestingly, female zebrafish were found to be more biased, with a significant 17% (p < 0.001) and 23% (p < 0.001) higher body weight enhancement after 72 weeks of consumption of 5% and 10% (w/w) royal jelly, compared to the male zebrafish. The histological outcome revealed no sign of hepatotoxicity; moreover, diminished reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were observed in the hepatic tissue of the royal-jelly-supplemented group. Consistent with the histological outcomes, the liver function biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), exhibited a significant decrease of 1.9-fold (p = 0.006) and 1.4-fold (p = 0.003) in zebrafish supplemented with royal jelly compared to those on a normal diet (ND) and zebrafish given supplements. Also, no sign of ovary and testis-related toxicity was observed in the royal-jelly-supplemented group during the 72-week period. Furthermore, the 10% (w/w) royal-jelly-consuming zebrafish exhibited a notable 2.1-fold increase (p = 0.018) in egg-laying ability compared to the ND-supplemented zebrafish. The 10% (w/w) royal jelly supplementation also effectively maintained the blood lipid profile by curtailing serum triglycerides (TG) and elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Conclusively, royal jelly dietary supplementation for a prolonged time found royal jelly to be safe to consume, to efficiently improve hepatic function, reproduction, and sexual health, and to augment the serum HDL-C level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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17 pages, 2640 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bee-Inspired Healing: Apitherapy in Veterinary Medicine for Maintenance and Improvement Animal Health and Well-Being

by Jevrosima Stevanović, Uroš Glavinić, Marko Ristanić, Vladimira Erjavec, Barış Denk, Slobodan Dolašević and Zoran Stanimirović

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(8), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17081050 - 9 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1680

Abstract

This review aims to present current knowledge on the effects of honey bee products on animals based on in vivo studies, focusing on their application in clinical veterinary practice. Honey’s best-proven effectiveness is in treating wounds, including those infected with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, as evidenced in horses, cats, dogs, mice, and rats. Propolis manifested a healing effect in numerous inflammatory and painful conditions in mice, rats, dogs, and pigs and also helped in oncological cases in mice and rats. Bee venom is best known for its effectiveness in treating neuropathy and arthritis, as shown in dogs, mice, and rats. Besides, bee venom improved reproductive performance, immune response, and general health in rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Pollen was effective in stimulating growth and improving intestinal microflora in chickens. Royal jelly might be used in the management of animal reproduction due to its efficiency in improving fertility, as shown in rats, rabbits, and mice. Drone larvae are primarily valued for their androgenic effects and stimulation of reproductive function, as evidenced in sheep, chickens, pigs, and rats. Further research is warranted to determine the dose and method of application of honey bee products in animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products)

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