Honey Bee Products: Preclinical and Clinical Studies of Their Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Properties

Abstract

Graphical AbstractThe anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory possible mechanisms of action of bee products suggested by preclinical and clinical studies.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Propolis and Its Polyphenolic Compounds against Cancer

“…Flavonoids induce apoptotic death in many cancer cells including a variety of leukemic cell lines, but sparing the normal cells [ 3 , 13 , 46 , 218 , 219 ]. They achieve apoptotic effects via several mechanisms: (i) inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I/II activity; topoisomerases play an essential role in maintaining DNA topology during replication, transcription, and recombination [ 3 , 13 , 46 , 63 , 185 , 220 , 221 ], and flavonoids, such as quercetin, acacetin, apigenin, kaempferol, morin, and luteolin, inhibit topoisomerase I-catalyzed relegation of the DNA backbone [ 46 , 66 , 181 , 220 , 221 ]; (ii) suppression of ROS production; free radicals such as superoxide anion and hydroxyl radical and non-free radicals such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid may induce oxidative damage of proteins, DNA, and RNA, as well as oxidation of fatty acids in plasma membranes, which further can enhance the risk of mutations and encourage carcinogenesis [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 63 , 181 , 220 , 221 ]; (iii) modulation of expression of heat shock proteins [ 3 , 13 ,…”

“…Flavonoids may induce the immune system [ 3 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 92 , 214 , 215 , 216 , 217 , 218 , 220 , 221 , 222 , 223 ], and act as powerful free radical scavengers [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 58 , 63 ]. Accordingly, a high dietary intake of flavonoids from propolis is associated with a reduced risk of cancer at different anatomical sites [ 3 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

“…Their biological effects are mostly attributed to phenolic compounds. Results of previous research suggest that honeybee products and their flavonoid components are particularly promising as antitumor [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], immunomodulatory [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], and radioprotective [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] agents. Results of epidemiological studies also support the important contribution of foodstuffs of vegetable origin in the prevention of numerous illnesses, including cancer [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ].…”

An Insight into Anticancer Effect of Propolis and Its Constituents: A Review of Molecular Mechanisms

“…e nature of propolis is like plastic material that protected the human body after death from bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and the Egyptians used it as preservative material to embalming the human body [18]. e presence of phytochemicals (polyphenols, flavonoid, phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes, and ketones) in propolis is responsible for its biological properties, including antioxidant [19], anti-inflammatory [20], and anticancer potential [21][22][23]. e types of propolis are classified based on their origin, color, and texture.…”

Bee Pollen: Clinical Trials and Patent Applications

“…The honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) produces several beneficial entities, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, bee pollen, beehive air, and beebread. These products have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and there is increasing interest in their application in modern medicine [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”