journal - American Apitherapy Society

J
OURNAL
AMERICAN
APITHERAPY SOCIETY
OF THE
Volume 18, Number 2
April–June 2011
Royal jelly: New techniques for
determining its quality and
improving its effectiveness
by Eberhard Bengsch
Dr. Bengsch is a professor of biochemistry, virology, and entomology at the
Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, in Munich, Germany. He has more
than 20 years’ experience researching royal jelly and other bee products.
(See notes 1-15 on p. 5 of this issue.)
R
oyal jelly is a
product of the
hypopharyngeal,
mandibular, and labial
glands of young worker
bees. It is produced
through the partial
digestion and
transformation of pollen and nectar.
Royal jelly is a high-quality nutritive and
therapeutic mixture, the result of 100 million years of
co-evolution between plants and pollinating insects.
As a central component of Apitherapy, royal jelly
has been described as effective in the therapeutic or cotherapeutic treatment of numerous diseases. Success
has been reported in preventing, healing, or
attenuating the following:
 Cardiovascular and associated diseases
(hypertension, high cholesterol)
 Tumors (carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma,
myeloma, teratoma)
 Infections caused by viruses and by classic or multiresistant bacteria
 Neurodegenerative diseases and dementia
 Psychiatric disorders (depression, psychosis,
schizophrenia)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Research roundup
Testimonials
Notes from the field
AAS news briefs
7
8-9
10
11
 Allergies and autoimmune disorders
 Diabetes mellitus
 Infertility
 Diseases of aging
 Chronic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid
arthritis)
 Chronic fatigue syndrome.
Treatment with royal jelly has several advantages.
There are no adverse side effects. (Note, however, that
allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis have been reported.
And there are limitations for certain categories of patients; it
can, for example, disrupt menstrual periods.) Its application
is simple. And, according to recent research, it has the
potential to serve as a basic raw material for developing
a new generation of promising innovative therapies.
Royal jelly’s composition is highly complex and
variable from one sample to the other, depending on
the life of the hive and its environment. (This last point
has been disputed.)
Factors determining the quality
of royal jelly
N
ew methods of royal jelly production have been
recently developed, chiefly in Western and
Central Europe. We have found that the samples with
the highest-quality biochemical and pharmaceutical
activity are obtained from plants with the following
characteristics:
Continued on page 4
From the Editor
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
The American Apitherapy Society, Inc.
14942 South Eagle Crest Drive, Draper, Utah 84020
Phone: (631) 470-9446
Email: aasoffice@Apitherapy.org
Website: www.Apitherapy.org
Patsy McCook
Andrew Kochan, M.D., Theo Cherbuliez, M.D.
PRINTER Essex Printing Company, Centerbrook, Connecticut
PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Journal of the American Apitherapy
Society is published quarterly by the American Apitherapy Society
(AAS). Readers are encouraged to submit articles and personal
accounts related to Apitherapy; the AAS reserves the right to select,
edit, and condense these for publication. Authors of articles that are
published receive a free one-year membership. The AAS owns the
rights to articles and original scientific research first published here.
ADVERTISING Rate sheets and insertion orders may be obtained
from the AAS office. Rates are available to nonprofit and for-profit
groups.
EDITOR
MEDICAL ADVISORS
AMERICAN APITHERAPY SOCIETY, INC.
The AAS is a tax-exempt,
nonprofit membership corporation that promotes and teaches the
use of honeybee products to maintain and improve health and to
alleviate pain, suffering, and disability. The AAS:
 Assembles information on Apitherapy and collects data on the
administration of and reactions to hive products
 Advises the medical and scientific communities and the general
public, both national and international, about Apitherapy through
this Journal, a website, and courses, conferences, and workshops
 Maintains a network of people involved with Apitherapy as
apitherapists, beekeepers, and patients
 Establishes guidelines for the professional conduct of
apitherapists
 Trains apitherapists.
The efficacy of honeybee products for medical conditions has
not been adequately evaluated in the United States, and bee venom
therapy has been approved in the U.S. only for the desensitization of
persons allergic to bee stings. Thus, the AAS makes no claims about
the safety or efficacy of honeybee products and does not endorse
any form of Apitherapy.
The AAS does not certify individual practitioners or therapists.
Articles appearing in this Journal and on the AAS website, as well
as private or public representations, are the personal opinion of the
author and do not necessarily represent that of the AAS.
Contact: BeeEditor@aol.com
A
s I tend to be on the
lookout for scientific
findings on Apitherapy, a
recent editorial in the medical
literature caught my eye. In
“The secret life of bees” (Journal
of Alternative and Complementary
Medicine, vol. 16, no. 2, 2010), William Benda, M.D.,
describes the history of bee venom therapy, cites the
work of the AAS, and comments on a tiny BVT study
in which two patients given stings found relief from
severe neuropathic pain. All this, he acknowledges,
constitutes little more than “anecdotal evidence.”
However, he asserts that “anecdotal,” or “unproven”
does not mean “fictitious.” Moreover, he notes, most
of history’s major scientific discoveries were based on
human curiosity—and anecdotal considerations.
I thought about this editorial while reading
several online commentaries about unpublished 2009
research exploring the reasons for colony collapse
disorder in the United States. The study found that,
even at low doses, a class of pesticides known as
neonicotinoids play a role in honeybees’
disappearance. These pesticides are banned in parts
of Europe but approved by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and used widely here.
The problem is that the scientific “proof”
implicating neonicotinoid pesticides in the plight of
the honeybee is minimal; the findings have been
referred to as “suggested,” not “settled.” The absence
of firm evidence that one factor—pesticides—is the
culprit in a complex situation has been used to
oppose limiting these substances, let alone banning
them.
But our insistence on such a high standard of
evidence makes possible a continuation of the status
quo: the vanishing of the honeybees. If, as I do, you
find the status quo to be unacceptable, I urge you to
become informed about this issue and to speak out
about it. The honeybees deserve our attention—and,
ultimately, our advocacy.
With my good wishes,
Patsy McCook
AAS OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
President Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac. Secretary Kate McWiggins
Vice President Theo Cherbuliez, M.D. Treasurer Susan Cherbuliez
Moises Asis, Ph.D., M.S.W., J.D., Craig Byer, Donald Downs,
Jim Higgins, Kristine Jacobson, Chris Kleronomos, DAOM, F.N.P.,
Andrew Kochan, M.D., Glenn Perry, Molly Romero,
Vetaley Stashenko, N.D.
Pat Wagner
Sam Kearing, Esq., Fountain Odom, Esq.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Priscilla Coe
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marilyn Graham
HONORARY BOARD MEMBER
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Copyright © 2011 American Apitherapy Society. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is
prohibited.
2
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
From the President
Contact: KellerF@optonline.net
S
ince I last wrote, it has been a long,
wet spring here in the Northeast.
During this time the AAS has
continued educating the public about
Apitherapy, starting with the annual
Bee Symposium in Sebastopol,
California, “Medicine from the Hive.”
Katia Vincent, BeeKind owner and AAS member, did a
spectacular job organizing and coordinating the symposium
and was a wonderful host! It was divided in two sessions,
with each speaker presenting twice—a format that worked
well—concluding with a question-and-answer panel. The
audience of just under 200 was engaged, making the day
rewarding and successful. A summary appears below.
The Eastern Apiculture Society is offering the AAS the
chance to organize our very own Apitherapy Day, on
Thursday, July 28, in Warwick, Rhode Island. I thank Kim
Flottum and Kathy Summers for their support. To register,
go to the EAS website: www.easternapiculture.org. We’re
excited to be joined by a new speaker, Allen Dennison,
M.D., who will discuss “Healing Wounds and Repelling
Superbugs with Honey” and will demonstrate the
preparation of honey-based ointments for wound healing.
The full program appears on the back page of this issue.
As an AAS member, please consider organizing an
Apitherapy Day in your area. It is an ideal way to raise
awareness about Apitherapy, unify people with a common
interest, and promote good will in the community. The AAS
office can help you develop a program using the example
below and will also provide you with promotional materials.
The AAS strives to educate people here and around the
world that “Apitherapy” is NOT synonymous with “Bee
Venom Therapy.” Rather, Apitherapy is “the medicinal and
therapeutic use of all products of the beehive: raw honey, pollen, bee
bread, propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom.” This
definition prompts the public to think of the honeybee and
its products as a veritable medicine chest, and it encourages
laypeople to achieve optimal health without being limited to
bee venom. It is our job as AAS representatives to make that
distinction clear when speaking about Apitherapy. I
continue to be astounded to hear statements, even from
health professionals, that Apitherapy = BVT, with no
mention of the other hive products. Our work is cut out for
us!
Laissez les abeilles roulez! Come learn Apitherapy with
us November 4–6 in New Orleans, at the Inn on Bourbon,
on famous Bourbon Street. Check the AAS website regularly
for details, and register early. It would also be helpful if you
could pass this on to friends, family, bee clubs, and other
outlets through Facebook or by email.
A warm welcome to our newest board member, Craig
Byer, who is sure to be an invaluable asset to the AAS and
Apitherapy. We look forward to working with you!
I wish each of you a happy, fun summer.
Bees and good health,
Frederique Keller
Medicine from the Hive
Morning Session
Afternoon Session
 “Medicinal Use of Raw Honey, Pollen, Propolis, Royal
Jelly, Bee Bread & Beeswax” (Frederique Keller, DOM,
L.Ac.)
 “The Revolutionary Effects of Honey on Human
Metabolism” (Dr. Ron Fessenden, specialist in honey’s many
health benefits and author of The Honey Revolution and other
soon-to-be published books on honey and health). Honey is
uniquely metabolized in the human body; unlike sucrose,
glucose, and high fructose corn syrup, it directly forms liver
glycogen, the brain’s main fuel reserve. By keeping the liver
glycogen reserve “topped off,” honey is safe for diabetics and
also therapeutic. And it helps prevent or eliminate metabolic
stress, which can lead to hypertension, diabetes, obesity,
heart disease, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, depression,
sleep disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and ADHD in children.
 “Socialized Medicine in Honey Bee Colonies” (Dr. Marla
Spivak, Professor and Extension Specialist in Apiculture,
Distinguished McKnight Professor in Entomology,
University of Minnesota). Why do bees collect propolis?
Unlike pollen and nectar, propolis offers no nutritional
benefit to the colony. But the presence of a “propolis
envelope” inside the hive helps individual bees’ immune
system and so serves as a form of social immunity for the
colony. Research on propolis’ antimicrobial properties is
testing the activity of different sources of propolis against bee
viruses and bacterial pathogens, with the goal of providing
medical researchers with compounds that can be studied for
their activity against human pathogens.
 “Bee Venom Therapy: Historical Perspective into Modern
Application” (Frederique Keller)
 “How to Sleep Your Way to Better Health with
Honey” (Dr. Ron Fessenden). Sleep is a high-energy
proposition. Failure to fuel the brain for the eight hours of
sleep results in serious health consequences when repeated
night after night for months or years. Honey is the best,
most concentrated fuel for the brain during the night fast. A
“dose” of honey before bedtime can prevent or eliminate the
primary factor responsible for the conditions and diseases
known as the metabolic syndrome. Honey will promote
restful recovery sleep, immune system enhancements,
memory consolidation and learning, and even weight loss.
 “Bee Health and Breeding” (Dr. Marla Spivak). Helping
bees to help themselves: Bee breeding is a way to enhance
bees’ natural tendencies to defend themselves against
diseases and mite parasites. One natural trait of bees is
“hygienic behavior,” in which individual bees detect
diseased and parasitized brood and remove the unhealthy
brood from the nest. This process is analogous to how the
immune system works to fight off disease; hygienic behavior
is a form of social immunity for the colony. Collaboration
with individual commercial bee breeders in northern
California is helping them enhance their tried-and-true
stocks of bees by selecting for hygienic behavior. The goal is
to maintain genetic diversity while improving bees’ disease
and mite resistance.
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
3
Royal jelly
Continued from page 1
 Habitat and biological origins
- Vegetation choice: wild plants, variable small-scale
agriculture
- Hedgerow landscapes without industrial agriculture
(pesticides, air pollution, exhaust-producing basements)
- Underlying geology: unspent acidic magmatic rocks
- Permanent and abundant disposability of trace
elements
 Climate
- A bright environment
- Permanent moisture
 Seasonal variation of antimicrobial properties
 Bee species (preferably related to Apis ligustica and Apis
caucasica)
 Professionalism in extraction, manipulation, and storage.
Royal jelly samples should not be filtered, should be
stored no longer than 18 months at about 5°C in the
dark, and should not be frozen.
Substances and techniques for
determining the quality of royal jelly
I
n its fresh state, royal jelly has a gelatinous consistency
and a white-yellowish opaque color. It is relatively acid
(pH 3.9–4.1) and has a high buffer capacity in the pH
range between 4 and 7 ([24], [25]).
Royal jelly consists of approximately 66% water,
15% sugars, 5% lipids, and 13% proteins, with a high
content of essential amino acids ([26], [27], [28], [29]).
The concentration of vitamins is high [30], especially the
group of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6) and E. it also
contains mineral salts (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr,
Pb) and a relatively high amount of organic acids ([31],
[32]).
10-HDA (10-hydroxy-delta-2-decenoic acid, also
known as “royal jelly acid”) is a monosaturated fatty acid
with a hydroxyl group. Its concentration of 1.4–6% is the
highest among royal jelly’s specific lipid substances ([33];
[34]).
The following techniques are being explored for
their possible value in standardizing royal jelly.
 Proteins and peptides, protein screening,
immunological methods
Research on the entire complement of proteins [16–19]
has identified eight mayor royal jelly proteins. A good
indicator of activity seems to be the independent
oligopeptide p54, which we have characterized [patent
pending]. This key compound can be used to develop an
antibody-based immunological bioanalytical test
4
procedure (1D SDS-PAGE, Western blotting). It takes
about four hours, far less time than for the Japanese
procedure of using time-consuming and expensive 2D
analysis.
 HDAs and derivatives
The structure of transdecenoic acids (HDAs) is related to
both the alpha and the beta forms of estrogen receptors.
In this way they are connected with certain types of
tumors (breast, prostate, and lung cancer) that bind to oil
and fat. They are useful for proof of authenticity and as
an indicator of storage alteration.
 Isotope analysis
We have found that analyzing carbon and nitrogen stable
isotopes is useful in verifying the authenticity of royal
jelly samples [1].
 Testing of antimicrobial activity
The antimicrobial activity of royal jelly has been reported
in the literature [5]. Testing protocols using selected nonpathogenic gram-positive and some gram-negative
bacteria strains have been developed for determining
antimicrobial properties. These microbiological methods
are relatively cheap, and they can be applied rapidly.
 Analysis of two coenzymes
The analytical determination of biopterin and
neopterin—two coenzymes produced within the body—has
been highly developed in routine clinical test procedures.
This analysis might therefore be used to estimate the
biological activity of bee products [20]. Biopterin and
neopterin are highly fluorescent compounds and can be
determined without previous separation from the raw
material.
 Analysis of steroid content
Of the more than 18 steroid compounds identified in
different royal jelly samples [23], several have shown
hormone-like effects on human health [21] and seem to
be without adverse consequences. Promising results are
emerging from animal experiments in the field of
osteoporosis prevention [22].
Summary
W
e recommend using this data and knowledge as the
basis of methods for determining the quality of
royal jelly. These methods, which can be conducted
inexpensively in beekeeper-associated laboratories, offer
the potential for enabling commercially distributed
products to be labeled “high quality.”
◌
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
Author References
[1] Detection of royal jelly adulteration using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio analysis. A. STOCKER, A.
ROSSMANN, A. KETTRUP AND E. BENGSCH, 2006. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 20: 181-184.
[2] Trace and mineral elements in royal jelly and homeostatic effects Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume
19, Issues 2-3, 2 December 2005, Pages 183-189 Stocker, A.; Schramel, P.; Kettrup, A.; Bengsch,
[3] A LC/APCI-MS/MS Method for Analysis of Imidacloprid in Soils, in Plants, and in Pollens. BONMATIN J.M.,
MOINEAU I., CHARVET R., FLECHE C., COLIN M.E., BENGSCH E. 2003. Analytical Chemistry. 75 (9), 2027-2037
[4] Combined antibacterial and antifungal properties of water soluble fractions of royal jelly. N. SAUERWALD, J.
POLSTER, E BENGSCH, L. NIESSEN, R.F. VOGEL. 1998. Adv. Food Sci. 20(1/2), 46-52.
[5] Isolation and characterization of substances from royal jelly. Stocker, A.; German French doctorate thesis (Cotutelle de
These), TU-Munich 2003.
[6] "Zum Einfluss bioassimilierbarer Verbindungen von Bor und Aluminium auf die Genetik und Resistenzentwicklung von
Pflanzen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Pollen und ihres entomologischen Folgeprodukts Gelée Royale"; Sauerwald,
N.; doctoral thesis TU-Munich 1997
Patents
[7] Small antimicrobial peptides with high activity. E. BENGSCH, A. KETTRUP, A. STOCKER. Mikrobiologische Aktivität
von in Gelée Royale Proteinen enthaltenen und davon abspaltbaren kurzen Sequenzfolgen Patentanmeldung DP 103 44
561.7
[8] Authenticity of royal jelly samples determined by multi-element isotopic analysis. Authentizitätsbestimmung von Gelée
Royale und/oder seiner Komponenten durch (Multi)-Isotopenanalyse. E. BENGSCH, A. KETTRUP, A, ROSSMANN, A.
STOCKER. Patentanmeldung DP 103 44 606.0
[9] Antiviral Oligopeptides. 2000. E. BENGSCH, A. KETTRUP, J. POLSTER. Patent DE 19757932. National Center for
Environment and Health, GSF, Germany.
[10] Pollen test medium contains pollen in solutions of L-sugars containing boron compounds. 2000. E. BENGSCH, J
POLSTER, A. KETTRUP. Patent DE 19543592. European Patent EP 0775442. National Center for Environment and
Health, GSF, Germany.
[11] Mathematical method for determining number of components in peaks, bands, and electronic signals from
chromatograms, electrograms, and spectra. 1998. E. BENGSCH, J. POLSTER, A. KETTRUP. Patent DE 19727879.
European Patent EP 993609. Patent US 6 339 950. National Center for Environment and Health, GSF, Germany.
[12a] Aluminum-induced transposition of transposable elements. 1997. E. BENGSCH, A. KETTRUP, J POLSTER. Patent
DE 197 41 292. National Center for Environment and Health, GSF, Germany.
[12b] Use of assimilable boron compounds to increase the frequency of transposition of transposable elements. 1996. E.
BENGSCH, J. POLSTER, G. FORKMANN, A. KETTRUP. Patent DE 195 43 898. European Patent EP 775 744. National
Center for Environment and Health, GSF, Germany.
[13] Bio-assimilable boron compounds for treatment of viroid infections in animals and plants. 1995. E. BENGSCH, A.
KETTRUP, J. POLSTER. Patent DE 44 41 483. European Patent EP 797 445. Patent US 6 133 198. National Center for
Environment and Health, GSF, Germany.
[14] Standardisiertes Gelée Royale, Verfahren zu seiner Gewinnung und seine Verwendung. 1994. BENGSCH E. Patent DE
4232732. European Patent EP 663 833. Patent US 5 580 297. National Center for Environment and Health, GSF,
Germany.
[15] Method for identifying and determining the origins, bio or technosynthetic of organic substances. 1983E. BENGSCH,
J.P. GRIVET, H.R. SCHULTEN. European Patent EP 0 099 810. National Center for Environment and Health, GSF,
Germany.
Continued on page 6
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
5
Royal jelly
Continued from page 5
Other References
[16] Proteomics analysis of major royal jelly protein changes under different storage conditions; Li JK, Feng M, Zhang L,
Zhang ZH, Pan YH.J Proteome Res. 7(8):3339-53. 2008.
[18] Proteome analysis of Apis mellifera royal jelly. Schönleben S, Sickmann A, Mueller MJ, Reinders J.
Anal Bioanal Chem. 2007 Oct; 389(4):1087-93. 2007.
[19] Towards functional proteomics of minority component of honeybee royal jelly: the effect of post-translational
modifications on the antimicrobial activity of apalbumin2; Bíliková K, Mirgorodskaya E, Bukovská G, Gobom J, Lehrach H
Simúth J.; Proteomics 9(8), 2131-8, 2007.
[20] Biochemistry of the larval nourishment of queen and worker bees (Apis mellifera). Pain, J.; Annales de l’Abeille; 11(1),
49-62, 1968.
[21] Estrogenic activities of Fatty acids and a sterol isolated from royal jelly. Suzuki, KM; Isohama Y, Maruyama H, Yamada
Y, Narita Y, Ohta S, Araki Y, Miyata T, Mishima S.; Evid. Based Complement. Alternat Med.; 5(3):295-302; 2008.
[22] Royal Jelly Prevents Osteoporosis in Rats: Beneficial Effects in Ovariectomy Model and in Bone Tissue Culture Model.
Hidaka, S, Okamoto, Y., Uchiyama, Nakatsuma, S., Hashimoto, K., Ohnishi, T., Yamaguchi, M.; Evid. Based
Complement. Alternat. Med. Sep; 3(3):339-48; 2006.
[23] Composition of Royal Jelly II. Organic Acid Glycosides and Sterols of the Royal Jelly of Honeybee (Apis mellifera).
Kodai, T. et al. Che. Pharm. Bull. 55(10) 1528-1531; 2007.
[24] Combined Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of water soluble fractions of Royal Jelly. Sauerwald N., Polster J.,
Bengsch E., Niessen L., Vogel R.F. (1998) Adv. Food Sci. (CMTL) 20(1/2): 46-52.
[25] Sauerwald N. (1997) Zum Einfluss bioassimilierbarer Verbindungen von Bor und Aluminium auf die Genetik und
Resistenzentwicklung von Pflanzen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Pollen und ihres entomologischen
Folgeprodukts Gelée Royale. Diss. TUM-Weihenstephan, Allgemeine Chemie und Biochemie.
[26] Caratterizzazione dei principali costituenti della gelatina reale. Lercker G., Caboni M. F., Vecchi M. A., Sabatini A. G.,
Nanetti A. (1993) Apicoltura, 827-37.
[27] Les analyses dans le contrôle de pureté de la gelée royale. Pourtallier J., Davico R., Rognone M.C. (1990) L'Abeille de
France, 753: 405-407.
[28] Studies on composition, freeze-drying and storage of Turkish royal jelly. Karaali A., Meydanoglu F., Eke D. (1988)
Journal of Apicultural Research 27(3): 182-185.
[29] A family of major royal jelly proteins of the honeybee Apis mellifera L. Schmitzova J., Klaudiny J., Albert S., Schroder
W., Schreckengost W., Hanes J., Judova J., Simuth J. (1998) Cell Mol Life Sci 54(9):1020-30.
[30] Composition en sels minéraux et en vitamines de la gelée royale. Serra-Bonvehi J. (1991) Bulletin Technique Apicole
(France) 74(18/1): 13-20.
[31] Controllo chimico-analitico della gelatina reale. Lercker G., Vecchi M.A., Sabatini A.G. et al. (1984b) Riv. Merceol.
23: 83-95.
[32] Miele, polline, pappa reale. Pavesi L. (1984) Terra e vita 25(50): 18.
[33] A study on the composition of Korean royal jelly, particularly the content of 10-HDA. Kim J. K., Son J. H., Kim K. H.
(1989) Korean Journal of Apiculture 4(1): 34-39.
[34] Liquid Chromatographic Determination of trans-10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid Content of Commercial Products
Containing Royal Jelly. Bloodwoorth B., Harn C., Hock T., and Boon Y. (1995) J. AOAC Int. 78: 1019-1123.
6
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Bee venom therapy for cerebral palsy
C
erebral palsy refers to several non-progressive
neurological disorders that appear in infancy or
early childhood and permanently affect muscle
movement. A pilot study in Egypt has found that bee
stings may help improve the motor and intellectual
functioning of patients with cerebral palsy.
Drawing on evidence that bee venom can modify
the body’s immune system, increase cortisol production,
improve blood circulation, produce greater physical
strength, reduce pain and inflammation, and heal
chronic inflammatory conditions, the investigators, at
Suez Canal University, in El-Arish, Egypt, studied four
boys and two girls, ages four to eight, with cerebral palsy.
The children received standard treatment: speech
therapy, drugs to control seizures and relax muscle
spasms, surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities, and
physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
They were also given bee venom therapy twice a week.
They were evaluated every six months for the next three
years. All of them showed improvement in cognitive and
motor skills and in bowel and bladder continence.
The authors caution that because of the small size of
the study and the fact that standard treatment and
speech therapy were not discontinued, their findings
about bee venom therapy are inconclusive. They
recommend additional studies, including research on a
larger number of patients and the addition of a control
group.
Source: Mohamed N. El-Bassiony and Habil Khalil, “Bee
venom by stings for treatment of cerebral palsy,” The New
Egyptian Journal of Medicine, Vol. 36, No. 3, March 2007,
pp. 144-149.
Honey’s possible role in restoring
collagen production
A
case study in England has found that honey may
promote healing in patients with poor collagen
production.
A 10-year-old girl was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that disrupts the
quality and strength of collagen, the chief component of
the connective tissue. She came to a clinic with an injury
to her leg. Because of poor collagen production and a
bacterial infection, the injury was slow to heal. Nurses
applied Manuka honey to her leg, which reduced the
invading bacilli and stimulated the production of
collagen. The child’s injury was fully healed in two weeks.
Source: Julie Trudgian and Sara Trotman, “Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome and wound healing: injury in a collagen
disorder,” British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 20, Iss. 6—TVS
Supplement, 22 March 2011, pp. 10-20.
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
7
TESTIMONIALS
The bird (dogs)) and the bees
Two days after the attack I had an appointment with
my rheumatologist. I’d been diagnosed with rheumatoid
arthritis and wasn’t anticipating the visit—I knew it would
t was a hot, humid day in May 2009. My husband, Bob,
mean starting another trial medication. I’d already had
and I were driving around the family ranch with our
unpleasant reactions to two medications he’d prescribed
German shorthair pointers, Valentine and Radar. We
and was concerned about trying another one. When he
stopped under an oak tree so Bob could check the game
noticed the raised, hard lumps on my neck, arms, and
feeder. Within seconds, there was buzzing around my face.
face—I looked as if I’d been in a fight—he said, “I’ve never
Thinking that wasps had made a nest in the
seen anyone with so many bee stings,” and
truck, I jumped out to get away. Instead, it
he continued looking at my chart without
was hundreds of aggressive bees. I ran from
another comment.
the car, fell to my knees, and rolled over and
I left his office with a new prescription,
over to remove these angry creatures. Bob
which
I poured down the sink several weeks
slapped at them in an effort to help.
later;
it
caused my white blood cell count to
Meanwhile, bees were pouring like a
plummet. I’d suffered hair loss, nausea, and
waterfall on the truck, covering the dogs,
vomiting from the first medication and
who had no idea what was happening. When
numbness in my feet as a result of the
we drove off, we realized that only Valentine
second one. If Lee could benefit from the
was there. Radar was covered in bees, trying
bee stings, so could I. What did I have to
to catch the truck. Once he reached us at the
lose? I knew that the pain of the stings was
barn, he collapsed.
worth the relief they would bring.
Kim Thomae with
We escaped the worst of the swarm, but
After buying bees from Lee, Bob
Valentine and Radar.
not without dozens of stings on our heads
learned
how to collect them and how and
and arms. Because we weren’t at risk of an acute allergic
where
to
sting
me.
There
were times when angry bees flew
reaction, our goal was to find emergency help for the dogs.
around
the
house
while
we
tried to catch them. We soon
Though covered in stings, Valentine was conscious and
learned
that
fluorescent
lighting
was a magnet and that
able to climb in the truck with help. But Radar was
loose
bees
would
fly
to
the
ceiling.
I received stings
unconscious and having seizures. Despite intensive
regularly
for
painful
joints
on
my
hands
and aches and
treatment at the vet’s, he couldn’t recover from the toxic
pains
in
my
back.
They
worked!
My
swollen
joints became
venom. We had no choice but to euthanize him.
smaller
and
were
no
longer
painful.
The
aches
and pain
Minutes later, Bob was violently ill with vomiting and
were reduced to a mild stiffness that subsided soon after
chills. I rushed him to the emergency room, leaving
rising in the morning. I got stung until I felt normal and
Valentine at the vet’s. Bob was released a few hours later,
had no more arthritis pain.
and Valentine recovered and came home the next day. I
While the physical pain lessened, my heartache at
was terrified of bees, refusing to go to the ranch until the
losing
Radar did not. A few months later a woman called,
hive was removed. On seeing a bee on the hummingbird
saying,
“I’m trying to locate the woman whose German
feeder at home, I panicked and took down the feeder.
shorthair pointer was killed.” It was Radar’s breeder. She
A few days after the bee attack, Bob called the local
said that Radar’s sister needed a new home; the owners
beekeeper, Lee, for help removing the hive. He explained
wanted to find a place with more room to run and exercise
that these were “angry bees,” very common in the
and be able to hunt.
Africanized bee species. Two distinctions between the
A week later this little dog—the runt of the litter and
“calm” honeybee and the Africanized variety are the degree
just
38
pounds—was brought to us. Her color was darker
of the aggression and size of the swarm. Africanized bees
than
Radar’s
and her frame smaller, but her face, her
can chase their victims for up to a mile and beyond.
expressions,
and
the way she looked into your soul were all
Several attempts later, Lee plugged three huge holes
Radar.
Though
a
year and a half old, she had not been
in the tree. He said that before keeping bees he’d had
registered.
When
we sent in her registration papers, we
terrible arthritis in both knees, needing a cane to walk.
decided
it
was
time
to give her a new name. “Dixie” fit her
After being stung routinely while managing his hives, his
personality,
and
to
honor
her brother, she is now named
joints became less painful and he greater range of motion
“Radar’s
Whistling
Dixie.”
in his knees. He was able to do without a cane and could
Two years later, I still depend on my bee friends to
actually run! The bees were so beneficial that his friends
keep
my rheumatoid arthritis in remission. I believe that
decided the stings could help them too. He began selling
Radar
was sent to us to save our life and lead us to
bees for 50 cents so others could sting themselves.
Apitherapy. He ended his “mission” by helping his sister,
After hearing about bee stings, I realized that since
Dixie, find her forever home. So it is with the bird dogs
the attack, Valentine’s arthritis had improved. She was
and the bees.
running along the deck, getting up on and down from her
Kim Thomae
bed effortlessly, and acting like a much younger dog. She’d
San Antonio, TX
received steroids to treat the stings’ effects, but it seemed
kimthomae@yahoo.com
as though there was more to her recovery than just that.
I
8
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
Apitherapy for a cat
B
efore July 2001 our Siamese cat, Kitty, played fetch,
stood up on his hind legs for attention, slept in bed
with us each night, licked my face to wake me in the
morning, and was vocal, interactive, and affectionate. He
had always been healthy and hardy, nothing but a joy and
a best friend.
On his eighth birthday, young for a healthy indoor
cat, he was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure resulting
from a kidney infection. Urine tests found a high bacteria
count (E. coli), and blood tests showed poor kidney
functioning. His left kidney could no longer be seen on xray or ultrasound; it had been destroyed by the infection,
and his right kidney had become grossly malformed. We
were told by the vet that even if the infection cleared up,
Kitty would likely live for only another year.
After a long hospital stay, where he was administered
IV antibiotics and subdermal water treatments to flush out
the kidneys, Kitty returned home to take oral antibiotics
and recuperate. We put him on a special diet for his
kidneys and hoped for the best. But over the next nine
months, one antibiotic after another failed to eliminate
the infection, and tests showed that the bacteria had
become resistant to all available forms of treatment.
During this time we went to the vet once a month for
invasive blood and urine tests, and we gave Kitty
medications twice daily. All these events were struggles,
and two people were necessary to administer the medicine
(pill or liquid in a dropper). Soon he began to duck away
nervously if I simply raised my hand to pet him, likely
fearing that I would grab him to give more medicine.
In addition, as a result of the antibiotics, he had
diarrhea regularly and vomited several times a day. He also
had difficulty balancing and coordinating his movements,
was lethargic and withdrawn, and lost his playfulness and
his personality. The vet had recommended giving him
Pepcid AC to treat the GI distress resulting from the
antibiotics, but that didn’t help. After another difficult
visit to the vet he stopped eating. A new specialist
emphasized the importance of wiping out the recurring
chronic infection. A brief intervention helped him start
eating again, and we waited before starting another round
of antibiotics. But six days after that course of antibiotics
began, he started vomiting again. Clearly, he was miserable
and the current treatment regimen was not only ineffective
but also making him feel worse.
At this point I approached a colleague, Theo
Cherbuliez. Knowing that Theo was a beekeeper and an
apitherapist, I asked if bee therapy could help. He was
immediately interested, having used bee products
successfully on his own cats. He recommended a course of
bee stings on top of the head to stimulate the natural
immune system, plus daily propolis for a month to fight
the bacteria and soothe the stomach.
We immediately discontinued the antibiotic and
brought the cat to Theo’s office. The first bee sting went
smoothly, and Kitty seemed only mildly bothered. We
returned four days later for the second sting, which
appeared to hurt more. Theo also gave us an initial supply
of propolis—small brown pellets, about 0.5 cm in diameter,
which we easily placed in a “pill shooter” bought from a
pet shop. We had to administer it in this form because the
cat would eat around it if we added it to his food; still, the
once-daily administration was a relief from the twice-daily
antibiotics. Three days later we returned for another sting,
and we gave him a fourth and final sting two weeks after
that. We stopped going to the vet for regular invasive tests
and changed the batch of propolis once a month to
prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant.
Although Kitty resisted the propolis and came to fear
Saturday mornings (the time of his bee sting
appointment), after the second sting he went more than
three weeks without vomiting. His personality returned.
His energy level increased, he ate regularly and returned to
a healthy weight, his bowel movements and urinary output
became regular, he played with toys he hadn’t touched in
months, and he started to play fetch, stand on his back
legs, and lick my face again. His appearance and his
behavior had improved greatly, and the infection seemed
to have been eradicated. In the second month, we gave
him the propolis every other day, and he maintained these
gains and seemed to improve even more. In the following
months we gave him the propolis only as needed and
eventually discontinued it.
Subsequent tests showed that his kidney functioning
had improved to almost normal levels but that bacteria was
still present in his urinary tract. It is likely that the bacteria
were growing in the dead tissue of the left kidney, which
does not receive blood and therefore did not benefit from
the propolis. Still, on the basis of clinical observations, we
conclude that the propolis and bee stings strengthened his
immune system and prevented the bacteria from spreading
further. And Apitherapy enhanced, rather than
diminished, his well-being.
Nine months after our initial Apitherapy
intervention, 18 months after the initial diagnosis, and
four months since his last dose of propolis, he continued
to do well.
Andrew Robins, with Heather Brandt
Postscript: In March 2011 Dr. Robins reported to Theo
Cherbuliez that the cat survived two years following the
Apitherapy. In retrospect, although Dr. Robins might have
brought him back for more treatment when the vomiting
and other symptoms reappeared, his decline was so rapid
that it was doubtful a second round of treatments would
have made a substantial difference.
Drew Robins and Heather Brandt, both psychologists, work with
children and families in Westchester County, New York.
This is a condensed version of an article published in the
Journal, Vol. 10, No. 1 (March 2003).
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
9
NOTES FROM THE FIELD
Australia: Advances in honey for healing wounds
A
new study from the Mayo Clinic and Tufts University finds
that a patient’s risk of acquiring MRSA (methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus) is especially high if the previous occupant of
the hospital room suffered a MRSA infection. Meanwhile, we
have reports of a new, improved antibiotic honey from Australia.
The curative factor in “Manuka honey” from New Zealand
has been labeled “Unknown Manuka Factor,” or UMF. In 2008 it
was identified as a well-recognized aldehyde: Methylgloxal, or
MGX. (This compound, which exists in small concentrations in
cocoa and coffee, has been used for healing by holistic therapists.)
The NZ Manuka honey product has is an effective antibiotic. It is
now recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is
being used here to treat wounds. It is sold as a sterile honeysoaked gauze pads and is also packaged as liquid honey in jars
labeled with varying UMF strengths.
Now another honey has been discovered that has a much
higher MGX active antibiotic concentration. It is from the
Australian myrtle tree (Leptospermum polygalifolium) and is related
to the tea tree, whose oil is well known for its many therapeutic
properties. This myrtle tree grows only in southeastern Australia.
By blooming when other plants do not, it ensures the purity of
the honey collected. It is sold by the Berringa Honey Company
and is being used in Australia for strep throat, skin wounds, and
MRSA infections. It is yet to be studied by the FDA for use in
the United States.
Dick Johnson
Windham, NY
oldrone@verizon.net
10
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
Egypt: Studying bee venom therapy
T
he Bee Venom
Therapy Research
Center was founded in
1994 to assess the
effectiveness of bee
venom in treating a wide
variety of diseases. To
date studies have been
carried out on cerebral
palsy, hepatitis C, renal
failure, and stroke. Research is planned on
cervical osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, and
spondylosis.
The center is part of the Faculty of
Agricultural Environmental Sciences at Suez
Canal University. Plans are under way to
establish a multidisciplinary school of
scientific research that will include
agriculture, medicine, pharmacy,
physiotherapy, and physical education, and
other fields of study.
Professor Mohammed Nagib
Suez Canal University
El-Arish, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt
nagibbee@yahoo.com
April-June 2011
AAS NEWS
BRIEFS
New members
Steve Smith
Marie Valentino-Cook
Tamara Wolfson
Canada
Maureen Harvey
Kuwait
Nael AlSaif
Florida
Jose Luiz Paes-Leme
Saudi Arabia
Osama Al Qurashi
Illinois
Judee Borman
Arizona
Sterling Miller
Indiana
James Kagin
Eddie Lee
Steven Lesniak
California
Billy Bethea
Mary Kaye Bethea
Diane Dovholuk
Julie Jensen
Veronica Kavathan
Anne Harris
Susan Marquez
Natalie Muniz
Glenn Murphy
Ruth O’Riva
Steve Simoni
Iowa
Mark Childers
Kentucky
James Hust
Randall Mann
Louisiana
Jean Roberts
Maryland
Judith Brosch
New York
Charles Klapper
Christina Loew
Juan Mayorga
Massachusetts
Laurie Fucigna
Kimberley Klibansky
North Carolina
Donna Devanney
Susan Prenatt
Michigan
Steven Arens
Sarah Welton
North Dakota
Linda Korner
Missouri
Arlon “Art” Gelder
Nancy Giofre
Abbie Stockett
Ohio
Harold Colbert
Oregon
Linsay Nesbit
New Hampshire
Melissa Coats
Jeanne Usereau
Pennsylvania
Jeffrey Adams
New Mexico
Todd Burt
Amelia Moody
Recent donor
Washington
Antonia MarthallerAndersen
Board member profile
Kate McWiggins
Oregon
Kristine Jacobson
Molly Bee Good: on two wheels
D
eath and taxes. Americans, at least, know when the
latter is due. Most of the time April 15 comes and goes
with little else to mark the occasion. But this year tax day
marked the launch of the Molly Bee Good (MBG) project, a
way to introduce a wide audience to the healthy benefits of
hive products. “Apitherapy” is a word most Americans do
not know, and one we aimed to familiarize them with. By
travelling from state to state on two motorcycles, Molly
Romero and I, her husband, aimed to increase awareness by
offering a series of classes and lectures in a variety of
settings.
Our audiences did indeed vary widely, and no matter
where we were, people asked questions and showed a
passion for learning. We introduced them to the AAS and
encouraged them to seek out remedies from their local coops, at farmers markets, and through beekeepers. We also
communicated through a blog and our Facebook page.
Thanks to everyone who listened. We trust that some
day, soon, many of those we reached out to will find their
way to the AAS and Molly Bee Good, and they will start
living healthier lives through honeybees.
Felipe R. Romero
Portland, OR
motorcyclemolly@gmail.com
L
ittle in Kristine Jacobson’s
background connected her to
Apitherapy. In downtown Grand
Rapids, Michigan, in the
“Heritage Hill” neighborhood—
one of the largest urban historic
districts in the United States—Kris
has raised two daughters,
volunteered for a school drug
prevention program, worked as a real estate broker,
and renovated and managed three small restaurants.
Kris’s first exposure to Apitherapy came when
her father had a gangrenous wound treated
successfully—with honey, propolis, and bee stings—by
her cousin, former AAS board member Reyah
Carlson. Reyah also give Kris’s husband, Larry, bee
stings to repair a torn ligament of his rotator cuff.
After witnessing these two successes, Kris started to
sting other family members.
Kris is now learning about beekeeping from a
friend, who she teaches about the benefits of
Apitherapy. They are partners managing 20 hives, 6
of which Kris keeps in Grand Rapids for Apitherapy,
honey, and fresh pollen. A member of the Michigan
Beekeepers Association, Kris gives presentations on
Apitherapy to clubs and organizations. For her, the
greatest benefit is experiencing “the joy on people’s
faces from their healing and good health, where
before there was pain and suffering.”
Journal of the American Apitherapy Society
April-June 2011
11
J
OURNAL
of the American
Apitherapy Society
American Apitherapy Society
14942 South Eagle Crest Drive
Draper, Utah 84020
APITHERAPY DAY
at the Eastern Apicultural Society convention
Warwick, Rhode Island
July 28, 2011
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Introduction to Apitherapy, RX for Health Naturally from the Beehive Theo Cherbuliez, M.D.
Honey as a Healer of Burns and Wounds: History, Chemistry, and Medicine Allen Dennison, M.D.
BREAK
Bee Venom Therapy Strategy and Technique Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac.
LUNCH
Principles of Green Medicine Applied to Apitherapy Theo Cherbuliez, M.D.
Bee Venom Therapy Group Stinging Walter Blohm
WORKSHOP
Bee Venom Therapy
Administering a Test Sting; Mini, Micro-Stinging Cherbuliez/Keller/Blohm
Pain Management: Neck and Shoulder Pain
BREAK
WORKSHOP
Preparation of Honey-Based Ointments for Wound Healing Allen Dennison, M.D.
WORKSHOP
StiperPuncture Technique Frederique Keller, DOM, L.Ac.
Natural Facial Rejuvenation with Bee Venom
Eastern Apicultural Society convention
www.easternapiculture.org
Crowne Plaza Hotel
801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI
401-732-2000
Group rate for hotel room: $119 (Use group code: bee)