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Pharmaceuticals
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Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products
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Pharmacological Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Honey Bee Products

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 11076

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Michał Miłek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
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

E-Mail Website
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

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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20 pages, 5732 KiB  
Article
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
Viewed by 505
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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
Viewed by 1073
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1041
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1000
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), [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 819
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1015
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1632
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 [...] Read more.
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  
Article
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 1354
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% [...] Read more.
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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Review

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17 pages, 2640 KiB  
Review
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 1300
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 [...] Read more.
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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