ARC (Apiceutical Research Centre): Exploring a New Generation of Medicines from the Beehive

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 3 - 2nd Propolis Conference Special Issue, 1 - 1, 08.12.2018

James Fearnley

Abstract

Modern
pharmaceutical medicine is in crisis. The search for the magic bullet is
proving ever more elusive and inadequate. Whilst the economically driven
pharmaceutical juggernaut trundle on, the definition and meaning of medicine is
being redefined – from targeted, synthetic and single molecule to natural,
synergistic and holistic. Science is turning back again to natural whole
products with a new will to understand their complexity, intricacy and potency
as medicines for man. Medicines from the beehive as with plant medicines have
been used for millennia. In our short sightedness however, we have isolated the
loudest instruments in the orchestra and synthesised them, but we have lost the
symphony.

            We
must thank the East Europeans for keeping alive a scientific understanding of
bee medicines. Over 40 years ago the Kazan Veterinary Institute published
research which showed that combining propolis with antibiotics increased the
effectiveness of the antibiotics by up to 100 times. We had to wait till the
1990’s before the West began to publish scientific papers. Thanks to a
brilliant combination of marketing and science, Manuka Honey has become known
to millions of consumers worldwide as a natural antibiotic. It is a shame that
this marketing drive has left those same consumers thinking only Manuka honey
has antibiotic properties. Research into propolis, potentially the greatest
medicinal jewel in the beehive treasure chest, has grown exponentially over the
last ten years with Brazil, China, Turkey and India now major contributors.

            Research
in UK has grown steadily over the last 15 years particularly at the university
of Strathclyde in Scotland. They have developed a greater understanding of how
the chemical compounds collected by the honey bee from plants and trees within
their local environment is transformed by the honey bee into a product able to
provide immune defence for the whole superorganism which is the bee colony.

            The
relationship between climate and the antibacterial properties of propolis is
now more clearly understood. The discovery of anti-trypanosome chemicals in
propolis in areas where there is sleeping sickness has opened exciting new
research possibility.

ARC (Apiceutical Research Centre) founded
in 2010 has grown out of these insights, in particular the concept that the bee
hive could be a source of a unique new generation of (Geographic) Medicines for
man.

            Since
2011 ARC has been linking research activity round the world through a series of
international conferences and more recently through the formation of IPRG
(International Propolis Research Group). ARC’s Global BeePharma project further
explores the concept of Geographic Medicine i.e. valuable therapeutics for man
derived from the unique transformation by the honey bee of the plants defence
mechanism (generated in response to its environment), into the honey bees
immune support mechanism and the positive relationship of these immune defence
products to the diseases effecting man in those same geographic areas. ARC has
developed plans to build The BeeArc, a physical research centre and exhibition
centre based in North Yorkshire UK and focussed on Apiceuticals – medicines
from the beehive and sustainable beekeeping. 

Keywords

Beehive, Propolis

References

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