Saturday, April 20, 2013

propolis from Kanagaroo Island


A prenylated cinnamic acid derivative as well as six prenylated tetrahydroxystilbenes were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of propolis that originated from Kangaroo Island, Australia. Furthermore, six known stilbenes and two known flavanones were also identified from the same sample. Stilbenes are not common in propolis; therefore, Kangaroo Island propolis is considered a unique type of propolis that is rich in prenylated stilbenes. Stilbene propolis from Kangaroo Island showed a stronger scavenging activity towards DPPH free radical than Brazilian green propolis. This strong activity can be explained by the presence of large number of stilbenes, most of them showed strong free radical scavenging activity.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
PMID:
 
22321386
 
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

propolis from kangaroo Island and cancer properties


UV induced skin damage treatment
Australian propolis, in particular propolis from Kangaroo Island, contains novel chemical entities never before found in other propolis varieties. Researchers at the Faculty will continue to research the Kangaroo Island propolis to further investigate bioactive constituents and to discover new sources of propolis in Australia. By identifying the bioactive compounds the group can then evaluate their ability to rescue and protect cells from damage by UV radiation, making cancerous cells undergo programmed cell death while increasing the defensive mechanisms in normal cells.
Discovery of such medicinally beneficial compounds could lead to the development of new therapies to address the major concern of the prevalence of UV-induced skin cancers, particularly melanoma, that is on the rise in Australia. 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Queen cells installed into mating colonies

Autumn conditions on Kangaroo Island are excellent for raising highly productive queens for future honey harvesting. This is due to the temperate climate, reliable rainfall, and unspoilt native vegetation which covers 45% of the land.