Interaction of olive oil-based propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester with methylprednisolone used in the treatment of human acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Methylprednisolone (MP) is a pharmaceutical agent employed in the management of Leukemia, which is a systemic malignancy that arises from abnormalities in the hematological system. Numerous investigations in the field of cancer research have directed their attention towards propolis, a natural substance with significant potential as a treatment-supportive agent. Its utilization aims to mitigate the potential adverse effects associated with chemotherapy medications. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of olive oil-based propolis (OEP) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, as well as to determine if they exhibit a synergistic effect when combined with the therapeutic support product methylprednisolone. METHODS AND RESULTS: The proliferation of HL-60 cells was quantified using the WST-8 kit. The PI Staining technique was employed to do cell cycle analysis of DNA in cells subjected to OEP, CAPE, and MP, with subsequent measurement by flow cytometry. The apoptotic status of cells was determined by analyzing them using flow cytometry after staining with the Annexin V-APC kit. The quantification of apoptotic gene expression levels was conducted in HL-60 cells. In HL-60 cells, the IC50 dosages of CAPE and MP were determined to be 1 × 10- 6 M and 5 × 10- 4 M, respectively. The HL-60 cells were subjected to apoptosis and halted in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases of the cell cycle after being treated with MP, CAPE, and OEP. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis and its constituents have the potential to serve as effective adjunctive therapies in chemotherapy.

Protective role of olive oil extract of propolis on short and long-term administration of tamoxifen in rats.

Tamoxifen (TAM) is an antiestrogenic agent used for adjuvant treatment in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers in the pre/post-menopausal period. This study, it was aimed to determine the effect of olive oil extract of propolis (OEP) on short and long-term administration of TAM in rats. Wistar albino rats were divided into groups with eight animals in each. Groups: control, OEP, TAM, and OEP + TAM. At the end of the experiment, oxidative stress tests were performed with Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) on blood and tissue samples (liver, kidney, and ovary) taken from rats. After single-dose TAM administration, there was a significant increase in red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels compared to the control group, a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) value, a significant increase in liver enzymes and fasting glucose values was detected compared with the control and propolis groups. A normalizing effect was observed in the group given OEP and TAM combined. The increase in Malondialdehyde (MDA) and the decrease in enzyme activities in tissues are also noteworthy. Propolis application reduced the tissue damage caused by TAM. In addition, improved cytokine levels, which increased with TAM administration. It has been concluded that OEP can be given in supportive treatment, as it improves hematological and antioxidant parameters in TAM treatment.

Dietary chestnut bee pollen as an immunostimulant for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Effects on the growth, haematological values, immune response, oxidant/antioxidant status, and survival against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes.

The present study was designed to assess the influence of dietary supplementation with chestnut bee pollen at various levels in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For two weeks feeding period, a total of 300 fish were allocated into 12 fiberglass tanks and divided into four equal groups, three replicates each, with chestnut bee pollen (BP) dietary inclusion as follows; the fish group was given a basal diet (C); fish group fed a diet supplemented with BP 1% (BP-1); fish group fed a diet supplemented with BP 2% (BP-2); and fish group fed a diet supplemented with BP 4% (BP-3). At the end of the experiment, growth, haematological values, immune status, antioxidant status, and survival rate against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes were evaluated. Dietary supplementation with chestnut bee pollen significantly improves growth performance. Fish fed the diets containing chestnut bee pollen had higher the haematological values than those fed the control diet. The results showed that all the immunological parameters in the groups fed with chestnut bee pollen were significantly higher when compared to the control group. Moreover, dietary chestnut bee pollen increased disease resistance against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes compared to the control group. The tissue SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities of groups fed with chestnut bee pollen significantly enhanced when compared with the control groups. In contrast, the tissue MDA levels in all groups fed with chestnut bee pollen were significantly decreased. The best values for the antioxidant parameters were determined in the groups fed with 2 and 4% of chestnut bee pollen. Overall, these findings suggest that dietary chestnut bee pollen enhances the growth, the haematological values, the immune and antioxidant response and increases disease resistance against rainbow trout.

Toxicity of Propylene Glycol Extract of Propolis on Central Nervous System and Liver in Pregnant and Neonatal Rats.

BACKGROUND: Propolis has become one of the most preferred supplements due to its beneficial biological properties. Organic (water and vegetable oils) and chemical (ethyl alcohol, propylene glycol, and glycerol) solvents are used for propolis extraction. However, the effects of these chemicals on health should be taken into account. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effects of propolis extracts on health were evaluated. METHODS: 32 pregnant Wistar albino rats and 64 neonatal/young adults were given three different extractions of propolis (propylene glycol, water, and olive oil). Histopathological analyses were performed on the liver and brain, and blood samples were taken from the hearts of rats. RESULTS: Histopathological scoring showed that the intensity of pycnotic hepatocyte, sinusoidal dilatation, and bleeding was high in liver samples of pregnant and baby rats given propylene glycol extract of propolis (p<0.05). Propylene glycol extract caused dilatation of blood vessels and apoptosis of neurons in brain tissue. The histopathological score was significantly lower in liver and brain tissues of rats treated with water and olive oil extract compared to propylene propolis groups (p<0.05). Liver enzyme levels in the blood increased in propylene propolis rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Histopathological changes and biochemical alterations may indicate that propylene glycol extracts of propolis are more toxic than olive oil and water extracts. Therefore, olive oil and water extracts of propolis are more reliable than propylene glycol extract in pregnant and infant rats.

The effect of bee bread (Perga) with chemotherapy on MDA-MB-231 cells.

Bee bread (BB) is a bee product like propolis and honey. It is the main food for larvae and bees producing royal jelly in the hive. It also known as Perga. As with other bee products, it is increasingly popular due to its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of BB on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and the effects on these cells when administered together with Doxorubicin (DOX) and Cisplatin (CDDP), used in cancer treatment. The proliferation of the cells was determined by applying 5 mg/mL BB together with different concentrations of DOX and CDDP. In addition to these studies, the effect of DOX+BB and CDDP+BB combinations on the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells was determined by the wound healing method. The expression levels of Bid and Bcl-2 were determined by RtqPCR. According to these studies, as expected, BB did not show a significant toxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells at different concentrations. BB significantly suppressed the effect of DOX and CDDP on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. BB with DOX and CDDP suppressed the proapoptotic Bid gene while overexpressing the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene, separately. Interestingly, BB blocked the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells by 50% even after 72 h. As a result, BB significantly reduced the toxicity of DOX and CDDP on MDA-MB-231 cells. The most interesting result of the study is that BB prevented the migration of cancer cells.

Apilarnil: A Novel Neuroprotective Candidate.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the effect of apilarnil on neuronal damage and related mechanisms in a sepsis model in order to demonstrate whether or not apilarnil has neuroprotective effect. METHODS: In this study, 64 adult male Sprague-Dawley species rats were randomly divided into eight groups. The rats were administered apilarnil and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), xanthine oxidase (XOD) and testican-1 levels were measured in the brain tissue. Proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 1 beta [IL-1ß], interleukin 6 [IL-6]) were measured in brain tissue. Histological examinations were performed on hippocampus and cortex tissues in all groups. Apoptotic cell count was estimated using the Tunel method to observe the apilarnil's effect on apoptosis. Purkinje cells were counted in the hippocampus to measure the protective effect of apilarnil on the hippocampus. RESULTS: Apilarnil reduced the decrease in SOD and CAT levels in the brain developing sepsis. Apilarnil reduced the increase in MDA, XOD, and testican-1 levels in the septic brain. It was observed that the number of degenerated neurons due to sepsis decreased as apilarnil dose increased. Apilarnil reduced the elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß) induced by sepsis. Apilarnil prevented sepsis-related apoptosis in the brain. CONCLUSION: The neuroprotective potential of apilarnil against brain damage in the sepsis model was demonstrated and suggested that it has the potential to contribute to new therapeutic targets against various neurological disorders.

Effects of propolis in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-allergic activity of propolis in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective experimental study was conducted at Hakan Çetinsaya Clinical and Experimental Animal Research Center with 30 rats. After sensitization of all rats with 0.3mg intraperitoneal ovalbumin plus 30mg aluminum hydroxide for 14days (first phase), rats were divided to five groups. In the second phase of the study 10µL of ovalbumin was applied to each nostril for 21days. Together with second phase, ketotifen (n:6), oral propolis (n:6), intranasal propolis (n:6) and intranasal mometasone furoate (n:6) were given to rats. A control group (n:4)(salin) and sham group (n:2) were planned. Symptoms were assessed on days 19, 22, 25, 30 and 35, resulting in 5 symptom scores: symptom scores 1-5. On day 35, nasal tissue was removed and histological examination was performed. RESULTS: When rats that received systemic and intranasal propolis were compared to controls, ciliary loss, inflammation, increase in goblet cells, vascular proliferation, eosinophil count, chondrocytes and allergic rhinitis symptom score were found to be decreased (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that propolis had anti-allergic effects on allergic symptom scores and nasal histology.

Honeybees and honey as monitors for heavy metal contamination near thermal power plants in Mugla, Turkey.

In the present work, 6 honeydew samples of known geographical and botanical origins and 11 honeybee samples were analyzed to detect possible contamination by the thermoelectric power plants in Mugla, Turkey. The contents of trace elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after application of microwave digestion. The samples from the thermal power plants, which were 10-22 km away from the hives, that did not cause pollution in honeydew honeys were also analyzed. The levels of copper, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc, manganese, iron, chromium, nickel, and aluminum were similar to the values found in other recent studies in literature. However, it was found that the contamination levels of the toxic elements such as Pb and Cd in honeybee samples measured relatively higher than that of honey samples. The study concludes that honeybees may be better bioindicators of heavy metal pollution than honey.

Fatty Acid and Proximate Composition of Bee Bread.

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 ω-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.

In Vitro Evaluation of Microleakage and Microhardness of Ethanolic Extracts of Propolis in Different Proportions Added to Glass Ionomer Cement.

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 (α = 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 (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of microleakage (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant 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.

Trichlorfon-induced haematological and biochemical changes in Cyprinus carpio: ameliorative effect of propolis.

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.

Malathion-induced changes in the haematological profile, the immune response, and the oxidative/antioxidant status of Cyprinus carpio carpio: protective role of propolis.

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.

Effects of short- and long-term use of propolis extracts on liver and kidney in rats.

Propolis is widely used as a supplementary food product for its health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of commercial propolis extracts on the liver and kidney. Propolis extracts (250 mg/kgbw/day) were administered orally to adult male Wistar albino rats in solvents of ethanol, propylene glycol, water, and olive oil. Liver enzyme levels were determined biochemically in blood samples, and histopathological examinations were performed on the liver. Damage rate in both kidney tissue in the propolis-ethanol extract group increased significantly compared with the other groups after 30 and 90 days of application (p < .05). According to the results, ethanol, used as a common solvent in propolis products, may adversely affect the liver in long-term use. The data indicate that propolis-olive oil extract may be an essential alternative due to its effective and reliable properties.

The effect of propolis on the bond strength of composite resin to enamel after intracoronal bleaching with different bleaching agents.

This study evaluated the effect of propolis as an antioxidant agent on bond strength to enamel after intracoronal bleaching. A total of 160 incisors were endodontically treated. Sixteen teeth were served as control, and the remaining teeth were randomly divided into three main groups according to the bleaching agent used; group 1: Sodium perborate (SP); group 2: Carbamide peroxide (CP); group 3: Hydrogen peroxide (HP). After bleaching, the samples were divided into three subgroups; subgroup A: no antioxidant agent application, subgroup B: sodium ascorbate (SA), subgroup C: propolis (PP). After the antioxidant agents application, the sample's surfaces were washed and dried. After adhesive application, composite resin cylinders were applied to enamel surfaces using tygon tubes and a shear bond strength test was performed. The use of PP significantly decreased the bond strength of composite resin to the enamel (p < 0.05). Using propolis as an antioxidant agent adversely affects the bond strength to enamel after intracoronal bleaching.

Comparison of the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and different cavity disinfection agents on microleakage of current adhesives.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and different cavity disinfection agents on microleakage of an etch-and-rinse and a self-etch adhesive. Class V preparations were completed on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 30 extracted noncarious human molars. The occlusal margin was placed on enamel and the gingival margin on dentin. Preparations were randomly divided into five experimental groups (n = 12); (1) 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), (2) propolis, (3) ozone, (4) Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and (5) control (no treatment). Each group was divided into two subgroups according to the adhesive system: etch-and-rinse (Adper Single Bond 2), and a self-etch adhesive (All-Bond SE). The preparations were bulk-filled with a resin composite (Arabesk). After storage in distilled water for 24 h the restored teeth were subjected to thermocycling (1,000 cycles; 5-55°C). All specimens were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24 h and sectioned longitudinally through the centre of the restorations and examined under a stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification. The data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. No difference was observed between the groups either on enamel or dentin when the etch-and-rinse adhesive was used (p > 0.05). In the self-etch adhesive groups, a significant difference was found only between the laser group and the CHX group on enamel and between the propolis group and the control group on dentin (p < 0.05). Comparing the etch-and-rinse and self-etch adhesives within each group, no differences were found on dentin (p > 0.05). On enamel, a statistically significant difference was found only in the CHX group (p < 0.05). There were no differences in microleakage with the laser and the different cavity disinfectant applications when used with etch-and-rinse adhesive. In the self-etch group there were differences in microleakage depending on the disinfection agent used.

The protective effect of royal jelly against cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats. METHODS: Adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups: the control, cisplatin, royal jelly, and royal jelly plus cisplatin groups. Biochemical and histopathological methods were utilized for evaluation of the nephrotoxicity. Blood was collected and analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, total cholesterol, uric acid, total bilirubin, and total protein levels. The kidney samples were stored for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities and processed for histopathological examinations. RESULTS: Administration of cisplatin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized with a significant increase in serum BUN and uric acid concentrations, and they had higher kidney MDA and lower GSH-Px, SOD, and CAT activities. In the groups that were administered RJ in association with CP, improvement was observed in some oxidative stress parameters and certain other biochemical parameters, pre-treatment with RJ being more effective. CONCLUSIONS: The CP-induced changes in histopathologic findings of kidneys were partially reversed by treatment with royal jelly. The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of CP-induced nephrotoxicity and confirm the antioxidant potential of royal jelly.

Protective effect of propolis against oxidative stress and immunosuppression induced by oxytetracycline in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, W.).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of propolis on oxytetracycline (OTC)-induced oxidative stress and immunosuppression in fish. OTC (100 mg per kg⁻¹ body weight) was orally administered to fish for 14 days. A significant elevation in the level of malondialdehyde, as an index of lipid peroxidation, and reductions in antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and low molecular weight antioxidant (reduced glutathione) levels were observed in the blood, liver, kidney, spleen, and heart tissues of OTC-treated fish. OTC also had a suppressive effect on specific and non-specific immune system parameters, such as leucocyte counts, oxidative radical production (nitrobluetetrazolium activity), total plasma protein and immunoglobulin levels, and phagocytic activity. Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and simultaneous treatment with propolis (50 mg per kg⁻¹ body weight, orally) attenuated the OTC-induced oxidative stress by significantly decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde in tissues. In addition, propolis significantly increased the level of reduced glutathione and the catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities. Upon the administration of propolis, the suppressed immune system parameters were significantly increased in fish treated with OTC. The present results suggest that pre-treatment, post-treatment, and simultaneous administration of propolis might alleviate OTC-induced oxidative stress and immunosuppression.

Nephroprotective effect of apilarnil in lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis through TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

AIMS: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of apilarnil on kidney damage in the sepsis model induced by LPS. MAIN METHODS: 64 Sprague Dawley adult male rats were randomly divided into eight groups; control group, groups in which 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 g/kg/bw apilarnil (API) was applied by oral gavage method for 10 days, LPS group in which 30 mg/kg/bw lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered as intraperitoneally, groups in which LPS + 0.2, LPS+ 0.4 and LPS +0,8 API was applied. Six hour after the last administration the rats were anesthetized for euthanasia and kidney tissues were removed for RT-PCR analysis, immunohistochemical analysis and histopathologic analysis. KEY FINDING: According to the results of RT-PCR expression levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, NF-κB, TNF-α and TLR4 were significantly reduced in the LPS + 0,8 API group. Immunoreactivity of TLR4, pNF-κB and TNF-α levels in the LPS + 0.8 apilarnil group were significantly lower than in the LPS and LPS + 0.2 apilarnil groups. Histologically, compared to the LPS group the glomerular damage score tended to decrease in the LPS + 0,4 API and LPS+ 0,8 API groups, while the tubulointerstitial injury score decreased especially in the LPS + 0,8 API group. SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study, 0,8 g/kg dose of apilarnil promoted potential renoprotective effects which were achieved, at least in part, by the modulation of important markers of the local immune response in the model of LPS-induced sepsis.

Beneficial effect of pine honey on trichlorfon induced some biochemical alterations in mice.

Forty-eight male BALB/c mice, weighing 30-35 g, were used in the study, and were divided into groups of 12 each. The four groups established in the study included one control group and three experimental groups. The first group served as the control group, while Groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered 1g/kg bw/day pine honey, 180 mg/kg bw/day trichlorfon ( approximately 1/5LD(50)) and 1g/kg bw/day pine honey plus 180 mg/kg bw/day trichlorfon, respectively, by the oral route using a catheter for 21 days. At the end of 21 days post-administration, blood and tissue (liver, kidney, brain and heart) samples were collected. Serum levels/activities of total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, creatine, uric acid, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, total bilirubin, GGT, LDH, AST, ALT and ALP were determined. Furthermore, tissue MDA levels and CAT, SOD and GSH-Px activities were analyzed. According to the data obtained, when administered at the indicated dose and for the indicated time period, trichlorfon was determined to lead to negative alterations in most of the biochemical parameters investigated. The administration of pine honey was determined to alleviate this effect.

Bee product efficacy in children with upper respiratory tract infections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The most common infectious disease in children is acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Many drugs, especially antitussive drugs, are used for symptomatic treatment. Bee products (propolis, royal jelly, and honey) have antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, and they have synergistic effects with antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mixture of bee products in URTI in children. METHODS: The patients were divided into four groups consisting of two bacterial groups receiving either antibiotics or antibiotics + bee products and two viral groups treated with either placebo or bee products. Disease severity and improvement duration were assessed by the Canadian Acute Respiratory Illness and Flu Scale (CARIFS) Score. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients (59 male, 56.7%; 45 female, 43.3%) aged between 5‒12 years were included in the study. Fifty patients (48%) were evaluated for bacterial infections and 54 (52%) for viral infections. Patients with viral infection receiving a mixture product showed earlier improvement, compared to placebo group. CARIFS scores were significantly lower in antibiotic + mixture group on day-2 and day-4, compared to antibiotic alone group (p < 0.05). None of the patients developed any reactions or side effects to the mixture product. CONCLUSIONS: Bee products are effective in symptomatic treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Bee products can be considered as a good treatment option because the available drugs already used for symptomatic treatment are not cost effective and can also have serious side effects in children.