Honey Researchers to Discuss Honey's Role in Medicine

and Functional Foods / Honey in the Medicine Cabinet! LONGMONT, Colo. (PROTEXT) - Scientists will meet to discuss the future of the beekeeping industry at Apimondia'99, an International Congress to be held in Vancouver, BC, September 12- 18, 1999. Of particular importance is the research into honey's promise for use in medicine, and as a functional food ingredient. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990827/LAF018 ) On Tuesday, September 13, Dr. Peter C. Molan, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Waikato, N Z will be a keynote speaker. In his presentation "Establishing Honey as a Recognized Medicine," Dr. Molan will present the latest research results of the effectiveness of honey against the antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that pose problems for infection control in hospitals. These "super bugs" are as sensitive as the normal strains to the antibacterial activity of honey. Clinical trials have demonstrated that honey dressings rapidly clear bacteria from infected wounds. A clinical trial has also demonstrated that simply dressing with honey is just as effective as aggressive surgical removal of infected tissue as a treatment for necrotising fasciitis, the "flesh-eating" bacteria. Dr. Molan will also present research results showing the effectiveness of honey in killing the streptococci that cause that infection. Dr. Molan heads the university's Honey Research Unit, recognized for its expertise in the composition of honey and its antimicrobial activity. Current research includes: -- Assessment of the effectiveness of the antibacterial properties of honey against bacterial species involved in gastroenteritis. -- Identification of the oligosaccharide constituents of honey that are growth factors for probiotic bifidocbacteria. -- Comparing honeys for their content of components with antioxidant activity. To facilitate international sharing of honey research information, Dr. Molan will co-chair a scientific roundtable discussion at Apimondia'99 on September 12 at 7:30 P.M. Scientists involved in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical honey research will discuss their current work and future research needs. For information contact Mary Ann Johnson at (USA) 415-268- 5421 or mjohnson@zfpartners.com. ots Original Text Service: National Honey Board Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Mary Ann Johnson Tel.: (USA) 415-268-5421 e-mail: mjohnson@zfpartners.com for National Honey Board Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990827/LAF018 PR Newswire Photo Desk Tel.: (USA) 888-776-6555 or Tel.: (USA) 201-369-3467 Subscribers please note that material bearing the slug "PROTEXT" is not part of CTK's news service and is not to be published under the "CTK" slug. Protext is a commercial service providing distribution of press releases from clients, who are identified in the text of Protext reports and who bear full responsibility for their contents. PROTEXT