Report of the Activity of the Commission of Apitherapy of Apimondia (April 1998)
1 . Introduction
The Commission of Apitherapy of Apimondia attached to the FA0 (Food Administration Organization (United Nations dependant)) met at the end of February 1998 in Cuba for a first working session. The meeting was also attended by the representatives of the Cuban Ministries of Health and Agriculture.
Cuba was selected as the meeting site because of research already done in that country, the Commission's interest in offering its support for the establishment of a pharmacopoeia of the products of the hive (an api‑pharmacopoeia), the opportunity given, and the determination to use natural medicine as an answer to local medication needs.
The Commission of Apitherapy created by its President Théodore Cherbuliez, (USA) elected at the last congress in Antwerp, has five members: Vice‑President Roch Domerego (Belgium), Cristina Mateescu (Romania‑whose absence in Cuba was regretted), Adolfo Piñeiro (Cuba) and Stefan Stangaciu (Romania). It was further assisted by James Higgins (USA), Barbara Stinglhamber (Belgium) and Monique Tournay (Belgium).
This Commission's objectives for the four years (1997‑2001) of its mandate were defined as follows:
1) Continue the work started many years ago, having as aim the centralization of scientific work done in Apitherapy.
2) Establish indications and use of the products of the hive for the medical world.
3) Foster the use of local resources of apiculture for the ultimate purpose of their becoming integral part of the medical process.
The first contact took place at the Apimondia Congress in Antwerp. Six months of work led to the meeting in Cuba. From its inception, this project received the support of his Excellency the Ambassador of Cuba in Belgium, René J. Mujica. Arriving in Cuba we found the same enthusiasm and will to succeed with the representatives of both ministries of Health and Agriculture.
This five day meeting was to allow an exchange between the Commission of Apitherapy and representatives of the beekeepers, medical, and political communities. Further, it gave an opportunity to set up the scientific basis for the creation of an api‑pharmacopoeia to serve in‑patients as well as dispensaries.
The first three days were devoted to a round table with the presentation of numerous papers. The following day saw visits in the field demonstrating both the necessity and feasibility of such a project. The last day was reserved for a working meeting of the Commission.
2. Summary of papers
1 . Anti‑bacterial Activity of Honey and Normalization Standards
By Roch Domerego (Biologist, Apinaturologist)
This activity was studied under the direction of Prof. Descottes of the Centre Universitaire Hospitalier de Limoges (France) with the author's collaboration and was demonstrated on pathological intestinal, cutaneous and ambient organisms. The activity varies with the floral origin of the honey and is strongly inhibited in the presence of blood.
Bacteriological cleanliness of honey influences its anti‑bacterial activity, and this has been quantified by measuring the number of micro‑organisms present in honey; from this, the concept of Colony Forming Unit (CFU) has been created. Honey meant for medicinal use must measure no more than 30 CFU per gram. All phases of honey production, from apiculture techniques to the extraction and stocking of honey are defined by a normalization protocol.
2. Bee Venom Therapy (BVT)
By Théodore Cherbuliez, (MD, Apitherapist) and James Higgins (Apitherapist)
The various theories regarding the mechanisms of action of venom are presented, followed by a description of the reactions to venom, normal and adverse. For the latter, diagnosis, prevention and treatment are outlined. A review of indications and counter‑indication to BVT precedes T.C.'s account of his experience in BVT consultation where he stresses testing (for allergy), teaching, recording and initiating therapy, and ends with the presentation of protocols, a general one as well as some specific like the one for Multiple Sclerosis.
J.H. followed with a practical demonstration of the handling of bees, their their use for stinging and some further protocols.
3. Aromatherapy
By Monique Tournay ( PhD in Chemistry)
As honeybees collect essential oils in propolis we are able to extract these oils directly from the plant. Well selected, of good quality, correctly extracted, and in appropriate dosage, they can become powerful therapeutic agents when used in synergy with honeys. M. T. completes her presentation in proposing a list of plants with the chemical structures of their oils, followed by the correspondence between their chemotype and the conditions they treat.
4. Composition of Propolis
By Julio Bracho (MA in Science) and Mario Fajardo (License in Science)
J.B. describes the red propolis's composition, applying different analytic methods and M.F. describes the composition of Propolis's own wax.
5. Anti‑microbian Activity of Propolis
By Joel Gil Rodriguez (License in Science)
J.R. shows the anti‑microbian activity of four cuban propolises, on different pathogenic strands.
6. Anti‑microbian Activity of Honey
By Gisela Valdés (License in Science)
G.V. measured the anti‑microbian activity of honey on ten strands of micro‑organisms.
7. Pharmacology of Red Cuban Propolis
By Ricardo Gonzéles (PhD in Science)
R.G. summarizes several years' work demonstrating different properties of red propolis: binding free radicals, anti‑oxidant and liver‑protecting activities.
Apitherapy Commission report Page 3
8. Propolis in Pediatric Oncology
By Andrés Pi Osorio (MD)
Propolis has protective and healing actions on lesions of skin and mucosa secondary to radi therapy. It can be used internally as well as on external application. Observation of 33 children
9. Treatment of Burns and Bed Sores with Propomiel
By Juan Ramos (MD) and Rosa Morfi Samper (MA in Science)
Since 1982 J.R.'s team has treated 200 burn patients in hospital or as out‑patient, using a mixture of propolis and honey. This approach allowed healing to occur in less time than is needed for the classical treatment. R.S. treated successfully two patients with infected bed sores.
10. Propolis in Gynecology
By Rosa Morfi Samper (MA in Science) and Mercedes Soto (MD)
R.S. uses a 5% hydrophilic salve of red, propolis in the treatment of vaginal infections. The agents were Trichomonas, Gardenella and Monilia. All of the 93 patients, ranging from 15 to 33 years of age, were cured. M.S. treated sexually transmitted diseases: cervical applications led to the healing of positive coagulase Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, and others. Propolis tincture was used in the treatment of herpes simplex.
11. Cuban Propolises
By Teresa Giral (Dr. in Veterinary Medicine)
Beginning some fifteen years ago research conducted by a large team of co‑workers led to the identification of eight types of propolis in Cuba. Studies of their chemical composition demonstrated a dominant proportion of quinone. Many studies addressed their anti‑microbian and anti‑viral properties on Encephalocarditis virus, herpes, types A and B flu. In addition the protecting effect on gastric mucosa and the relaxing effect on smooth muscles have been demonstrated. Propolis was also effective in the treatment of asthma, hypertension, acne psoriasis and dental diseases.
12. Api‑Pharmacopoeia
By Roch Domerego
A dispensary is presented where classical medical techniques are in effect using an apimpharmacopoeia, that includes all the products of the hive, their combinations and essential oils.
The Commission of Apitherapy proposes all these products as the means of the future to offset the regrettable absence of adequate pharmacies all over the world. This api‑pharmacopoeia also gives promise that natural medicine has the potential of replacing industrial pharmacopoeia.
3. Meeting's conclusions
Dr. Leoncio Padron, Project Director and responsible for traditional and alternative medicine in the Cuban Ministry of Health delivered a well noted conclusion. He confirmed that the political authorities, the hospital administration and the scientific community, all together approved the immediate use of the Api‑Pharmacopoeia. He thanked the Commission for having inspired this decision.
Without any doubts, Research will also benefit from this new direction.
The general conclusion, following the expression of gratitude, particularly to Adolfo Pifieiro for his organization, was presented by President Cherbuliez. Here is the text of his address:
This meeting was marked by the input provided by each of your presence. You demonstrated many potentials.
We are here in Cuba, in a world of human richness much beyond what we expected richness in plant knowledge, richness in the seriousness in which research and investigations are conducted, richness in the care towards human health. All this in a country with major agricultural and botanical resources.
We propose a certain expansion of the definition of Apitherapy, by the inclusion of essential oils as additional elements. This addition is already justified by the important proportion of these oils in the propolis and by the fact that honeybees forage on plants rich in essential oils.
Using the botanical and human resources of this island, we are now able to create an api‑pharmacopoeia. Its scope will allow the meeting of the medical indications of more than two thirds, possibly three quarts of the ills affecting the population. If this api‑pharmacopoeia cannot always heal, it can at least considerably improve the health of people.
We now have to broaden the current techniques of oils extraction with the creation of protocols adapted to this new pharmacopoeia. This is a relatively small step for your country and we have felt strongly your commitment to do so.
The increase of autonomy you will create in so doing will give an example of technical and medical independence to all disadvantaged countries as well as an example of philosophical independence to the whole world.
The need for follow‑up is such that this five day conference can only be seen as the beginning of a process that will last for several years. Follow‑ups based on an ongoing relations between the Commission and the local people responsible for the project might include further visits by the Commission.
4. Potential use of this approach by developing Countries
The results reached by the Commission in Cuba are witness of the expansion of Apitherapy in the medical world. They will most certainly benefit the world of apiculture, and further, they represent a hope for all countries having difficulties in becoming medicinally independent.
The Commission can already strongly state that many countries have a botanical and apicuitural richness similar to Cuba's. They are therefore good candidates for the development of this apipharmacopoeia. The Commission will accept and study carefully any country's request that intends to apply this approach.
Submit all requests to the President of Commission
Th. Cherbuliez, MD
1209 Post Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583‑2023
LISA
E‑mail :
Apitherapy Commission report
All over the world beekeepers have hoped to carry their love for the honeybee beyond apiculture. Will they accept the challenge to have their profession develop and meet the demand just emerging?
Supported by numerous scientific publications, the medical world begins to open its mind to this "worker that goes from the hive to the clinic.' In the last few years many researchers hoped for a practical application of their efforts. This has been just realized. We have reached a point where these scientific works allow the concrete realization of a therapeutic program in a social setting.
The Commission of Apitherapy offers to other countries the possibility of follow the example of what was achieved in Cuba. To reach this aim financial support from donors is needed. This will allow the Commission, in full agreement with the president of Apimondia to reach its goal:
Apitherapy, the solution of the future
For The Apitherapy Commission,
(sig). Th. Cherbuliez
the President: Th. Cherbuliez