Search

Sepsis is a systemic infectious disease that leads to shock, organ failure, and death and requires urgent treatment. Animal model studies of sepsis and endotoxemia have revealed that antioxidant compounds prevent the progression of multi-system organ failure and reduce death rate. In the present study aimed to establish the effect of propolis, which has been proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in recent years, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced renal damage. 40 Sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into five equal groups (n = 8): Control (0.9% NaCl), LPS (30 mg/kg), propolis (250 mg/kg), propolis + LPS, and LPS + propolis. After completion of the experimental protocol, Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using blood serum samples obtained from the rats. The kidney samples of the rats were examined histopathologically. As a result, it was determined that LPS increased MDA levels in the blood serum samples and it caused histological changes in the kidney tissue such as tubular damage, mild ischemic injury, ischemic damage in the form of vacuolization, tubular epithelial vacuolization, vascular congestion, and glomerular atrophy. Contrary to these results, MDA levels of serum decreased in the propolis + LPS, and LPS + propolis groups, and also histological findings improved. These results showed that protective effect of propolis against kidney damage caused by LPS.

The effectiveness of parasitoids as organism for biological control is at times limited by food sources. Most of parasitoids rely on carbohydrate foods to enhance their longevity and reproductive capacity. Honey is the miraculous product of honey bees and is naturally delicious. A preliminary study was conducted on the use of different kinds of honey as food sources for the Trichogramma species. The value of honey as a food source for Trichogramma was evaluated by testing the influence of several honey diets on parasitism and longevity in the laboratory. The most commonly available honey is made from a variety of flowers, pine, citrus, chestnut, sunflower, and cotton. Trichogramma females fed on chestnut and sunflower honey parasitized relatively more than when fed on citrus honey. Trichogramma females fed on flower, sunflower, and citrus honey survived drastically longer than females fed on chestnut and pine honey. These results showed that supplying sugar, sunflower, and flower honey to Trichogramma resulted in greater longevity and total fecundity. Overall, feeding Trichogramma females on different kinds of honey had a negligible effect on parasitization but did certainly affect longevity. Of the Trichogramma species evaluated, T. brassicae appears to be the most suitable parasitoids regarding high parasitization and longer life span.

Obesity is a major health problem threatening humanity in medical, social and psychological dimensions. In this study, we aimed to determine the histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical effects of bee bread, added to diets of obese rats in different doses, on leptin and ghrelin expression. In the study, 40 female Sprague‒Dawley (200‒250 g) rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups and then assigned to control and obesity groups. The obesity group consisted of four subgroups: high‑fat diet group, 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw groups, and metformin group. Histopathological evaluation revealed structural deterioration and necrotic areas in the epithelium and glands of the obese rats' stomach tissue, while in their serum and gastric tissues, the MDA level was significantly higher than in the other groups. There was a negative correlation between leptin and ghrelin levels. Apoptotic cells increased with obesity, but the application of beebread was similarly effective as metformin administration in reducing this increase (Tab. 5, Fig. 4, Ref. 51). Keywords: bee bread, leptin, ghrelin, stomach, obesity, rat.

Sepsis caused by infection is one of the most important problems of clinical medicine. This study aimed to determine the effect of Apilarnil (API), a bee product, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced liver injury. In the study, 64 adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into eight groups; control, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g / kg apilarnil (API) treated groups, LPS (30 mg / kg) group, LPS + 0.2, LPS + 0.4 and LPS + 0.8 g / kg API. At tissues obtained from rats, histopathological evaluation, biochemical analysis by ELISA (Catalase-CAT, malondialdehyde-MDA, superoxide dismutase-SOD, xanthine oxidase-XOD, and testican 1-TCN-1), immunohistochemical evaluation (Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), High Mobility Group Box Protein 1 (HMGB-1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Inducible nitric oxide (iNOS)), TUNEL analysis to determine the number of apoptotic cells and Comet test as an indicator of DNA damage were performed. Histopathological examination revealed dilated blood vessels, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pyknotic nuclei damaged hepatocytes in the liver tissues of the LPS group. It was found that tissue damage was decreased significantly in LPS + API treatment groups compared to the LPS group. The number of TUNEL positive cells observed in the LPS group in liver samples increased compared to control and API-treated groups only (p < 0.05). The number of TUNEL positive cells showed a statistically significant decrease compared to the LPS group in the groups treated with LPS + API. LPS treatment increased MDA, XOD, and TCN 1 levels and decreased SOD and CAT levels; this effect was reversed in the groups treated with LPS + API. In the LPS group, DNA damage was significantly increased when compared with the LPS + API. LPS treatment increased expression of TLR4, HMGB-1, NF-kappa B, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6; in the groups treated with LPS + API reduced this increase. In conclusion, apilarnil administered in rats may be thought to prevent LPS-induced liver damage by inhibiting the TLR4 / HMGB-1 / NF-kappa B signaling pathway.

Obesity is an important public health problem and a risk factor for many chronic diseases, and its prevalence is increasing rapidly. In recent years there has been interest in the impact of nutrients on obesity and this has been addressed as a research topic. Bee bread is a bee product that has recently attracted attention with its macro- and micronutrients and the enzymes and biocomponents it contains. Although there are many studies on the biological properties and effects of bee bread, its effect on obesity with leptin and ghrelin has not been investigated. In this study, 40 Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were separated into 4 groups after they had become obese by having been fed with commercial high-fat food. While the 1st group was the control, the 2nd group was the obese control and bee bread was given to the 3rd and 4th groups (100 and 200 mg/kg bw/day), and in the 5th group metformin (300 mg/kg/day) was provided. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed in hypothalamus tissues, and biochemical analyses were conducted of blood samples and hypothalamus tissues by ELISA methods. The apoptotic cell level was determined by the TUNEL method. The results of the immunohistochemical assessment of the hypothalamus tissues were consistent, and the levels of leptin and ghrelin were inversely correlated in the samples. Biochemical analysis showed that MDA levels increased with obesity whereas differences in SOD, CAT, and XOD levels were not statistically significant. Bee bread improved lipid peroxidation caused by obesity. It was shown that obesity caused apoptotic cell count increase and bee bread decreased it. Bee bread administration (200 mg/kg/day) had positive effects on weight control and other parameters.

The polyphenol content of propolis has received a lot of attention due to the benign biological properties noted in the chemical composition studies. However, there are very limited studies about other chemical components found in trace amounts in nature which contribute to the therapeutic properties of propolis. The present study, therefore, investigated the amino acid and vitamin composition of propolis. Propolis harvested by 60 colonies of Apis mellifera caucasica belonged to local non-migratory beekeepers. The A. m. caucasica is known for its distinctive propolis collecting capability which native to the secluded Ardahan Province of Turkey. Vitamin (Thiamine, Riboflavin) combinations of propolis were determined using the HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) fluorescent detector. An amino acid analysis was also performed with the UFLC (Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography) system consisting of binary pump and UV/VIS. Our findings record that the vitamin and amino acid content of propolis samples collected from three areas of different altitudes in the same region differed from each other. Vitamin B1 content and Vitamin B2 content ranged between 0.025-0.16 mg/100g, and 0.304-0.777mg/100g, respectively. A maximum amount of amino acid was reported as leucine, while a minimum amount of amino acid was seen as tryptophan in Ardahan propolis. Consequently, the vitamin and amino acid content of propolis, which derived from secondary plant metabolites of resin, varied depending on their geographical altitudes. Those vitamin and amino acids found in the propolis composition are believed to have beneficial therapeutic properties.

Thanks to its rich flora, it is possible to produce various monofloral honey in Turkey and one of these honey is chestnut honey.The purpose of this research was to determine the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of chestnut honey collected from different geographical regions of Turkey. The color, humidity, HMF, diastase number, proline, acidity and electrical conductivity values of honey samples were determined as 82.1 mm, 17.33 %, 23.83 mg/kg, 15.12 diastase number, 754.12 mg/kg, 28.68 meq/kg and 0.93 MS/cm respectively. The fructose, glucose and sucrose content in honey samples were determined as 37.09 %, 30.41 and 0.02 respectively, while ratios of other sugars were changed between 0.02 % and 1.99. The total phenolic content of chestnut honey samples was determined as 154.12 mgGAE/100g with Folin Ciocalteu method, while antiradical activities (DPPH method) were found as 37.65 %. There is a need to investigate the biological activities of chestnut honey which has important production potential in Turkey

The aim of the study is to evaluate the acute biochemical and histological changes in rat kidneys after treatment with grayanotoxin (GTX) of rhododendron honey (RH). A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into five groups of 12 rats each, one being a control group (group 1) and group 2 was treated with 0.015 mg/kg/bw of GTX standard preparation via intraperitoneal injection. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were given RH at doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 g/kg/bw, respectively, via oral gavage. Compared to the control group, significant increases were observed in glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine levels of the GTX-injected groups after 1 h. However, in low dose RH group, such an increase was not observed and had a normal appearance histologically. Therefore, low dose (1 g/kg/bw) of RH produces no acute adverse effects on renal functions of rats.

Trichlorfon is among the most commonly used products to treat fish parasites in aquaculture. We investigated the effectiveness of propolis in alleviating the toxicity of trichlorfon on haematological and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in carp Cyprinus carpio. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations (11 and 22 mg l(-1)) of trichlorfon, and propolis (10 mg kg(-1) of fish weight) was simultaneously administered. At the end of 14 d administration, blood and tissue (liver, kidney, gill) samples were collected. Haematological changes (red and white blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) were determined in the blood samples, while antioxidant parameters (malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities) were evaluated in the liver, kidney and gill samples. Trichlorfon led to negative alterations in the haematological and antioxidant parameters investigated. The administration of propolis alleviated this effect and suggests that fish treated with trichlorfon improve their physiological status when fed a propolis-supplemented diet.

Erciyes University, Research Foundation has supported this research (contract grant number TDK-2012-4162). The authors thank Altiparmak Food. Co. (Istanbul) for their product supports., Purpose: Among products used as ergogenic substances by sportsmen, royal jelly and honey have attracted attention in recent years. This study was carried out to determine the effect of royal-jelly and honey mixture on weight lifting performances and some hormone test of athletes. Material: Randomly selected healthy 29 athletes, aged between 20 and 25 years, were divided into two groups. Placebo (corn starch) was given to the Control Group and 5 grams of royal jelly + 45 grams of honey mixture was given to the experimental group for eight weeks. After one week of weight adjustment workout; maximum weight (bench press, shoulder press, squat, deadlift and arm curl movements) that each athlete can lift was determined and hormones (Free T4, Free T3, Cortisol, Insulin, Total Testosterone and ACHT, TSH, Growth Hormone, Prolocatin, FSH, LH) were examined at pro-exercise, after four weeks of exercise, and after eight weeks of exercise. Results: As a result of the study, a statistical increase in the weights lifted in the bench press, squat, arm curl, deadlifts and shoulder press movements in the second and third measurements with respect to the first measurement was determined within both groups (p0.05), but there was significant difference in free T4 value in 2. measurements of groups (p = 0.030) and between the 2. and 3. measurements in the test group in the variable of insulin hormone (p, Erciyes University, Research Foundation [TDK-2012-4162]

The present study investigated the potential ameliorative effects of propolis against malathion toxicity in the blood and various tissues of carp. The fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of malathion (0.5 and 1 mg/L) for 10 days, and propolis (10 mg/kg of fish weight) was simultaneously administered. Blood and tissue (liver, kidney, and gill) samples were collected at the end of the experiment and analysed to determine the haematological profile (red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit level, and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration), immune response (white blood cell count, oxidative radical production, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) activity, total plasma protein and total immunoglobulin levels, and the phagocytic activity), and oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities) of the fish. The findings of this study demonstrate that malathion has a negative effect on the haematological parameters, immune response, and antioxidant enzyme activities of the fish. However, the administration of propolis ameliorated the malathion-induced toxic effects. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In this study, phenolic compounds of Rhododendron honey (also known as mad honey) samples collected from the Black Sea Region were identified using high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector system. The major phenolic substances in Rhododendron honeys were found to be chlorogenic and coumaric acids with the amounts of 0.11-191.54 mg/kg and 0-82.83 mg/kg, respectively. Gallic and ferulic acids were detected in the most honey samples. Additionally, significant correlations were determined between the phenolic substances. The present study showed that Rhododendron honeys contained higher quantities of phenolic acids than flavonoids. Chlorogenic and coumaric acids were the dominant phenolic substances detected in honey samples.

In recent years, propolis has been the object of extensive research for its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activities. This study aims to determine the hepatoprotective efficiency of propolis on experimental endotoxemia in rats. In the current study, fifty adult Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 200-300 g) were randomly divided into five groups of ten rats each. Normal saline solution was administered to the rats in the control group, while in the second group LPS (30 mg/kg), in the third group propolis (250 mg/kg), in the fourth group first propolis and then LPS (30 mg/kg), and in the fifth group, first LPS (30 mg/kg) and then propolis were given. Six hours after the application, biochemical (MDA levels) and histopathological changes as well as global DNA methylation analysis in the liver tissue samples were determined, while in the blood tissue samples Genomic Template Stability (GTS, %) was evaluated using RAPD-PCR profiles. The results demonstrated that the administration of propolis could have a protective effect against changes of both genomic stability values and methylation profiles, and it minimized the increase in MDA and tissue damage caused by LPS. In conclusion, the application of propolis prior to LPS-induced endotoxemia has shown to reduce hepatic damage.

To investigate the effect of royal jelly (RJ) + honey (H) mixture as nutritional ergogenic aids, on hematological parameters in maximum weight training athletes, 29 volunteer male students were divided as 15 students in the placebo group (Group 1) and 14 students in the study group (Group 2). Corn starch (50 g/day) was given to Group 1, and 5 g RJ + 45 g H mixture (50 g/day) was given to Group 2, for 8 weeks. The parameters of erythrocyte, leukocyte and thrombocyte were evaluated at the beginning, and at the end of 4 and 8 weeks. The volunteers had maximum weight training (for 2 hours/day, 4 days a week). The groups at each time point revealed a significant difference in Mean Cell Hemoglobin Concentration, Leukocyte, Neutrophile, and Platelet Distribution Width values at the end of the first month. No significant difference was found in other comparisons (p>0.05). It was concluded that the differences in some hematological parameters could be related to exercise, and the RJ + H mixture that was given did not demonstrate an adequate effect in the administered amounts and duration. Future studies are needed with higher doses and for a longer duration.Read Complete Article at ijSciences: V62017031222 AND DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18483/ijSci.1222

In this study, the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and free radical scavenging activities (FRSA) of 70 samples comprising honeybee products (honey, pollen, royal jelly, and propolis) and their mixtures were determined. The TPC was determined in accordance with the Folin-Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity with phosphomolybdenum, and FRSA with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Honeybee propolis showed the greatest TPC, antioxidant activity, and FRSA followed by pollen, honey, and royal jelly, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between TPC and antioxidant activity of honey, pollen and mixed samples (respectively, r=0.91, r=0.93 and r=0.92) (p < 0.01). Similarly, honey and mixed samples exhibited positive correlations with TPC and FRSA (respectively, r=0.98 and r=0.92) (p < 0.01). It was concluded that honeybee products and their mixtures have antioxidant activity and FRSA and these effects may be attributed to their phenolic content.

Thirty-five honeys were evaluated for total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu method, for potential antioxidant activity using phosphomolibdenum assay and by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method for antiradical activity. The antimicrobial activity was studied by the agar diffusion method, using 12 bacteria and 2 yeasts. The means of the total phenolic contents of chestnut, honeydew, multifloral, thyme, and astragalus were 47 +/- 18, 24.2 +/- 0.6, 14 +/- 11, 11 +/- 6, and 9 +/- 7 mg/100 g honey as gallic acid equivalent, respectively. The lowest antioxidant activity was observed in honeydew 70 +/- 5 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g honey while the highest content was observed in astragalus honey 86 +/- 16 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g honey. Correlation between the phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found to be statistically significant. Chestnut honeys (n = 5) exhibited maximum free radical scavenging activity with an average 68 +/- 9%. The honey samples showed the highest antimicrobial activity against some microorganisms, especially Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Proteus mirabilis. On the other side, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus subtilis, and E. coli were the most resistant microorganisms. The results revealed that the Turkish honeys studied proved to be a good source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents that might serve to protect human health.

Palynological spectrum, proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition of eight bee bread samples of different botanical origins were examined and significant variations were observed. The samples were all identified as monofloral, namely Castanea sativa (94.4 %), Trifolium spp. (85.6 %), Gossypium hirsutum (66.2 %), Citrus spp. (61.4 %) and Helianthus annuus (45.4 %). Each had moisture content between 11.4 and 15.9 %, ash between 1.9 and 2.54 %, fat between 5.9 and 11.5 %, and protein between 14.8 and 24.3 %. A total of 37 FAs were determined with most abundant being (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic, (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoic, hexadecanoic, (Z)-octadec-9-enoic, (Z)-icos-11-enoic and octadecanoic acids. Among all, cotton bee bread contained the highest level of omega-3 FAs, i.e. 41.3 %. Unsaturated to saturated FA ratio ranged between 1.38 and 2.39, indicating that the bee bread can be a good source of unsaturated FAs.

Background: Infection can lead to delayed wound healing. Recently it has been shown that propolis which is used in complementary medicine has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study is to determine whether propolis may contribute to wound healing. Material and Methods: Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group1 and Group 2 were topically treated with propolis ointment and Thiocillin® oinment, respectively while Group 3 was the control group. On incision wound model, Thiocillin® and propolis ointments were applied on wound sites once daily for 30 days and the mean epidermal thickness (MET) at the 30th day was compared while antimicrobial activity of propolis was studied against different pathogens as well. Results: Propolis exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. It is observed that the MET in the groups of Propolis ointment and Thiocillin® ointment were significantly greater than that of the control group, while the MET in the group of propolis ointment was significantly greater than that of Thiocillin® ointment treated group. Conclusion: Propolis is effective in wound healing. Further study in-depth is necessary to probe into clinical correlation.

Summary The aim of this study was to determine the levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and selenium (Se) in sunflower honeys obtained from Thrace Region of Turkey. Trace and toxic element determination was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The accuracy of the method was checked by the standard reference material, NIST-SRM 1515 Apple leaves. The maximum contents of trace and toxic elements in honey samples from Kesan (polluted area) were found as 0.46, 0.82, 1.98, 14.0, 9.86 μg kg−1, 0.48 mg kg−1, 137, 115 and 290 μg kg−1 for Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Se, respectively.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of propolis in alleviating the toxicity of propetamphos on haematological and biochemical parameters in rats. Twenty-four female Wistar-Albino rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into four equal groups of six rats each. As normal drinking water was given to the control group, propolis (100 mg/kg bw/day), propetamphos (15 mg/kg bw/day), and propolis (100 mg/kg bw/day) with propetamphos (15 mg/kg bw/day) combinations were given to the other three groups by adding to drinking water for 28 days, respectively. The levels of glucose and triglyceride, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were increased, and total protein was decreased in serum of rats treated with propetamphos. Lymphocyte percentage was increased, while neutrophil percentage and total leukocyte counts were decreased due to propetamphos administration. In conclusion, propetamphos was determined to cause harmful effects in rats, and the administration of propolis to these animals alleviated the harmful effects of propetamphos.

In this study, 28 Wistar female rats (200-250g) were used and divided into four equal groups. Group I was allocated as the control group. Groups 2-4 were administered 100mg/kg/bw/day bee pollen, 20mg/kg/bw/day propoxur, and 100mg/kg/bw/day bee pollen plus 20mg/kg/bw/day propoxur by gavage for 14 days, respectively. At the end of the 14th day, blood and tissues (the liver, kidney, brain, and heart) were collected from all animals. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px) and some other biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, total bilirubin, GGT, LDH, AST, ALT, and ALP) were analyzed. According to the data obtained, propoxur was determined to lead to negative changes in most of the biochemical parameters investigated and the administration of bee pollen was determined to alleviate these effects. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In this study, 42 female Wistar albino rats, weighing between 200 and 250 g, were used and they were divided into six equal groups. Group 1 was allocated as the control group. Rats included in groups 2 and 3 were administered a water-solubilized extract of bee pollen at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day and 100 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. Group4 received 225 mg/kg bw/day carbaryl. Groups 5 and 6 were given a water-solubilized extract of bee pollen at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw/day and 100 mg/kg bw/day, respectively, plus 225 mg/kg bw/day carbaryl. The indicated administrations were continued for 21 days for groups 1-6 by gavage. MDA levels and the activities of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px were analysed in blood and tissues (liver, kidney, brain and heart). At the same time, levels/activities of total protein, albumin, glucose, triglyceride, T-cholesterol, T-bilirubin, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, GGT, LDH, AST, ALT and ALP, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride were evaluated in serum samples. In conclusion, carbaryl was determined to cause negative changes in most of the oxidative stress markers and serum biochemical parameters investigated. These effects were observed to alleviate with the administration of bee pollen. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of propolis against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes by following the NCCLS guidelines for testing filamentous fungi, and compare the two methods of evaluating the efficacy of propolis: NCCLS microdilution and agar dilution methods. A broth microdilution method following the recommendations established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) and agar dilution method were used to compare the in vitro activity of propolis with that of itraconazole (ITC) against 29 clinical isolates the dermatophytes belonging to two different species of Trichophyton. In terms of MICs (minimal inhibitory concentrations), ITC showed greater activity than propolis. MICs of propolis at which 50% (MIC50) and 90% (MIC90) of the isolates were 0.1 and 0.2 mu g ml(-1), respectively. Propolis merits further investigations as a potentially useful agent for treatment of dermatophytosis and the broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods were good agreement for propolis against dermatophytes. Moreover, the study suggests the potential value of the broth microdilution as a convenient alternative method for testing the susceptibilities of dermatophytes to propolis.

PubMed: 26950815, Objective: To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) addition in different proportions to glass ionomer cement (GIC) on microleakage and microhardness of GIC. Study design: The cement was divided into four groups: one using the original composition and three with 10%, 25%, and 50% EEP added to the liquid and then manipulated. For microleakage assessment, sixty primary molars were randomly divided into four groups (n=15). Standard Class II cavities were prepared and then filled with EEP in different proportions added to GICs. Microleakage test was performed using a dye penetration method The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Mann - Whitney U tests (alpha = 0.05). Disc shaped specimens were prepared from the tested GIC to determine Vickers hardness (VHN). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of microleakage (p > 0.05). There were statistically signcant differences between the VHN values of groups (p < 0.05). Increasing addition of EEP to GIC statistically significantly increased VHN value of GIC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of EEP to GIC increased the microhardness of the GIC and did not adversely affect the microleakage. Thus, it might be used during routine dental practice due to its antibacterial properties

WOS: 000370271100037 PubMed ID: 27511515 Background/aim: Clinical trials have shown that low glycemic index (GI) nutrition reduces mean blood glucose concentrations and insulin secretions. The aim of the present study was to determine the GI values of various monofloral (citrus, milk-vetch, chestnut, thyme, lime, pine) honeys of Turkey, and the effect of their consumption on glucose metabolism. Materials and methods: Processing data from 20 healthy volunteers, GI values were determined from the glycemia values by using the incremental area method. Serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also measured before and 120 min after the test. Results: The GI values of citrus, thyme, lime, chestnut, pine, and milk-vetch honeys were found to be 44.9, 52.6, 55.3, 55.5, 58.8, and 69, respectively. Serum insulin and C-peptide values after honey consumption were relatively lower than those after reference food (glucose) consumption. By the end of the 120 min, serum insulin levels were significantly higher, while a significant decrease was observed after the consumption of chestnut honey (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Citrus and thyme honeys were determined to have low GI, while serum insulin levels were significantly lower after the consumption of chestnut honey. Long-term research is needed to compare the effects of honey consumption on healthy and diabetic individuals. TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) [1002-112S549] The authors express their gratitude for the grant by TUBITAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) (code 1002-112S549). The authors also would like to express special thanks to the academicians from the Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics at Erciyes University for their supervision in the statistical work.

The in vitro susceptibilities of propolis and antifungal drugs were determined against some yeasts isolated from patients with superficial mycoses. The agents tested included fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine and propolis. MICs were determined by the broth microdilution technique following National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards document M27-P. For all Candida albicans isolates from the patients with superficial mycoses, ketoconazole presented higher (P < 0.05) efficiency than that of the other antifungal agents tested. The geometric mean MIC values of antifungal drugs and propolis against the yeasts tested ranged from 0.087 to 12.69 mu g/mL and 0.4-0.6 mu g/mL, respectively. Propolis also showed an important antifungal activity against the yeasts tested, MIC ranges of the propolis were between 0.01-1.65 mu g/mL. Based on these results, propolis requires further investigation as a potential agent for the treatment of superficial mycoses.

Aim: To test a total of 15 strains belonging to four species of yeasts by different in vitro methods against propolis and itraconazole (ITC). Methods and Results: Three methods were compared for susceptibility testing of yeast isolates to propolis: disc diffusion method, agar dilution method and National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS, M27A) broth microdilution method. ITC was selected as the antifungal agent for comparison study. Using the broth microdilution method, the geometric mean for MIC (μg ml−1) with regard to all isolates was ≤0·06 for propolis and ≤0·35 for ITC. The broth microdilution and the agar dilution methods were in good agreement (75%) for propolis against yeasts isolated from patients with superficial mycoses. Using the diffusion method, all strains showed a broad zone of inhibition at the first available reading time (24 or 48 h). An increase of MIC values was accompanied by a decrease of growth inhibition zone diameter. A favourable correlation was found between MIC and inhibition zone around the disc for propolis sample and the correlation coefficient was: r = −0·626 (P

Research problem/aim: Turkey has a strategic importance in honey production. National or regional data on the consumption of honey, an important part of which is exported in our country and subject to new research every day, is not sufficient. This research was planned and conducted in order to determine honey consumption amounts, consumption preferences and purchasing behaviors of student of university at Kayseri. Method: Research was conducted between February and September 2015 at two different universities, one foundation university and one state university, in Kayseri with the largest student potential. The study was completed with a total of 2178 students in line with the opinion of a Statistics Expert. The data were collected by the researchers using questionnaires. SPSS package program was used to evaluate the obtained data. Findings: Mean age of the students was 22.3±3.17. Only 12.5% of the participants were consuming honey daily. 12.1% of the participants were not consuming honey at all, whereas 47.9% consumed honey rarely. Monthly honey consumption of 78.9% for men and 83.8% for females was less than 500g per month , while the amount of honey consumed at one time was generally (40.6%) a meal spoon(16 g). Among university students, the most important contributing factor for consuming honey was being nutritious (54.8%). The most preferred type of honey was filtered and honeycomb, while flower and pine honey were the most preferred varieties (56.6%, 28.9%, 72.2% and 23.7%, respectively). When purchasing honey, students paid attention to the consistency, brand and production dates (20.5%, 19.7%, 25.5% respectively), whereas appearance and price were not significant (4.7%, 7.8%). As the monthly allowance of students increases monthly honey consumption also increases. Conclusions : Increasing scientific studies on honey production and consumption will facilitate the promotion of honey products specific to Turkey both domestically and internationally. Increasing the awareness of university students on healthy nutrition and sugar consumption is highly important. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file . Ozet Amac: Ulkemiz bal uretiminde stratejik bir oneme sahiptir. Ulkemizde uretilen balin onemli bir kismi ihrac edilirken ulke icinde tuketicilerin bal tercihleri ve tuketimi hakkinda cok az bilgi vardir. Bu arastirma Kayseri’de universite ogrencilerinin bal tuketim miktarlarini ve tuketimlerine yonelik tercihlerini saptamak amaciyla yurutulmustur. Yontem: Arastirma Kayseri ilinde en cok ogrenci potansiyeline sahip biri devlet digeri vakif olmak uzere iki farkli universitede, Subat-Eylul 2015 tarihleri arasinda yapilmistir. Calisma kapsamina Istatistik uzmaninin gorusu dogrultusunda toplam 2178 ogrenci ile tamamlanmistir. Veriler anket yontemi ile arastirmacilar tarafindan yapilmistir. Arastirma sonucunda elde edilen verilerin degerlendirilmesinde SPSS paket programi kullanilmistir. Bulgular: Ogrencilerin yas ortalamasi 22.3±3.17dir. Ogrencilerin %12.1’i bali hic tuketmezken %47.9’sinin tuketimi ise seyrektir. Bir seferde tuketilen bal miktari cogunlukla (%40.6) bir yemek kasigi olurken (16 g), erkeklerin %78.92’ sinin, kadinlarin %83.8’nin aylik bal tuketimi ayda 500 g’dan daha azdir. Universite ogrencileri arasinda balin tercih edilmesinin en onemli nedeni besleyici ozelliginin olmasidir (%54.8). En sik tercih edilen bal tipi, suzme ve petekli bal iken yayla cicek ile cam bali en cok tercih edilen cesitlerdendir (sirasiyla %56.6, %28.9, %72.2 ve %23.7). Ogrenciler bali satin alirken kivamina, markasina ve uretim tarihlerine dikkat ederken (sirasiyla %20.5, %19.7, %25.5), balin goruntusunun ve fiyatinin onemli olmadigi anlasilmaktadir (%4.7, %7.8). Ogrencilerin aylik harcliklari artikca aylik bal tuketimleri artmaktadir. Sonuclar: Bal uretim ve tuketimine yonelik bilimsel calismalarin artirilmasi yurt icinde ve disinda ulkemize ozgu ballarin tanitimina yarar saglayacaktir. Universite ogrencilerinin saglikli beslenme ve seker tuketimi konusunda bilinclendirilmesi onemlidir.

Melissopalynological and biochemical analyses of 50 honey samples (chestnut, citrus, clover, cotton and sunflower) were performed in this study. The total phenolic contents (TPC) with the Folin˗Ciocalteu, antioxidant activities with the phosphomolybdenum and free radical scavenging activities (FRSA) with the DPPH methods of honey samples were determined. The fructose content of honey samples varied between 31.44-35.16 %, glucose contents between 22.46-32.71 % and sucrose contents between 0.37-1.94 %. Moreover, the G+F contents of clover, citrus, sunflower, chestnut and cotton honey were respectively observed as 67.87, 66.21, 67.39, 53.90 and 66.26 %. The F/G ratios of the honey samples varied between 1.07-1.40 and the glucose/water (G/W) ratios between 1.36-1.94. Furthermore, biological analyses performed in every 6 months throughout the 18 months of storage revealed decreasing TPCs, antioxidant activities and FRSAs over time in the honey samples (p

WOS: 000374902200002 The purpose of this study was to investigate the glycemic index (GI) of five honeys from different geographical origin in Turkey and the effect of their consumption on glucose metabolism. Five multifloral honeys (Bingol, Semdinli, Kayseri, Yuksekova, and Mu) were used in this study. Processing data from twenty healthy volunteers, GI values were determined from the glycemic values using the incremental area method. The serum insulin and C-peptide levels were also measured just before and 120min after the test. Semdinli and Yuksekova honeys were determined to have low GI while Kayseri and Bingol honeys have medium GI, and Mu honey has the highest GI. No significant correlation has been found between the GI values and sugar contents of the honeys (r=0.42) (p>0.05). Two hours after ingestions, all the honey samples with the exception of Bingol honey have given rise to a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose levels (p0.05). A comparative research is needed on healthy and diabetic individuals as a future recommendation. El propo´sito de este estudio es investigar el ı´ndice gluce´mico (IG) de cinco mieles de distinta procedencia geogra´fica de Turquı´a, y el efecto de su consumo sobre el metabolismo de la glucosa. Se utilizaron cinco mieles multiflorales (Bingo¨l, S¸emdinli, Kayseri, Yuksekova y MUS) en el presente estudio. Tras el procesado de los datos de veinte voluntarios sanos, se determinaron los valores de GI a partir de los valores de glucemia mediante el me´todo del a´rea incrementado. Los niveles se´ricos de insulina y pe´ptido C tambie´n se midieron antes y a los 120 minutos despue´s de la prueba. Las mieles de S¸emdinli y Yuksekova mostraron bajo valores bajos GI, mientras que las mieles de Kayseri y Bingo¨l tienen GI medio y la miel de Mus¸ tiene el GI ma´s alto. No se ha encontrado correlacio´n significativa entre los valores de GI y el contenido de azu´car de las mieles (r = 0,42) (p> 0,05). Dos horas despue´s de la ingestio´n, todas las muestras de miel con la excepcio´n de la miel de Bingo¨l, han dado lugar a una disminucio´n estadı´sticamente significativa de los niveles de glucosa en suero (p 0,05). Se necesita una investigacio´n comparativa de individuos sanos y diabe´ticos para futuras recomendaciones TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) [1002-112S549] This work was supported by the TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) [grant number 1002-112S549].

Polen ve nektar balarısının (Apis mellifera L.) beslenmesi için gerekli bileşenlerdir. Nektar bal arıları için karbonhidrat sağlarken polen protein, lipit ve vitamin sağlar. Tarlacı işçi arılar tarafından toplanan polen bal arısı sekresyonları ile birleştirilir. Polen sepetine (korbikula) doldurulduktan sonra bozulmasını önlemek için ince bir tabaka bal ve balmumu ile kaplanır. Zamanla bu karışım farklı enzimler, mikroorganizmalar, nem ve sıcaklığın etkisiyle bir takım biyokimyasal değişikliklere uğrar. Kimyasal olarak değişikliğe uğramış bu polen “arı ekmeği” olarak adlandırılmaktadır. Arı ekmeğinin kimyasal kompozisyonu polenden farklıdır. Arı ekmeği bitki polenine göre daha yüksek oranda K vitamini, indirgenmiş şeker ve sindirim enzimleri içermektedir. Mevcut literatüre göre arı poleni ve arı ekmeği inasan beslenmesi için önemli olan ve vücutta sentezlenemeyen çoklu doymamış yağ asitlerinin (PUFA) iyi kaynağıdırlar. Bununla birlikte özellikle arı ekmeği konusunda bilimsel araştırma sayısı azdır ve bu konuda çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır. Pollen and nectar are essential components of honeybee, Apis mellifera L., diet. Nectar provides carbohydrates for honeybee, while pollen supplies protein, lipid, and vitamins. Pollen collected by foraging worker bees is combined with honeybee secretions. After loading to the pollen basket (corbicula) pollen is covered with a thin layer of honey and wax to avoid deterioration. However, over time, this mixture undergoes a set of biochemical changes caused by different enzymes, microorganisms, moisture and temperature. This chemically modified pollen is called as beebread. Chemical composition of beebread is different from collected pollen. Beebread has higher contents of vitamin K, reduced sugar and digesting enzymes of microorganisms than the corresponding plant pollen. Current literature suggest that pollen and beebread are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are essential for human nutrition and cannot be synthesized by the body. However, in particular, scientific research exploring various properties of beebread is scarce and additional research into this topic is highly required.

Honey is a natural substance produced by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) from the nectar of blossoms or from secretions of living parts of plants or excretions of plant sucking insects on the living parts of plants, which honeybees collect, transform and combine with specific substances of their own, store and leave in the honey comb to ripen and mature. Besides being of carbohydrate-rich food, honey has been used as a functional food for its potential health benefits. To explain how different kinds of carbohydrate-rich foods directly affect blood sugar, the researchers developed the concept of the “glycemic index” (GI) that ranks carbohydrates on a scale based on how quickly and how much they raise blood sugar levels after eating. The diet should include adequate and healthy balance of nutrients, and according to many health professionals the concept of GI provides a useful means of selecting the most appropriate carbohydrate containing foods for the maintenance of health and the treatment of several disease states. There have been some studies on determining the GI of honey. Further more, we need to determine the GI of various honey types with different botanical and geografical origin. Researches on the issue will serve to bring awareness in the public consciousness.