APITHERAPY AND APPLICATIONS IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

Abstract

The use of bees and bee products for therapeutic purposes in human and veterinary medicine is called apitherapy. Natural products have been used throughout human history to protect against and treat diseases. In recent years, the emergence of drug resistance and the occurrence of adverse effects associated with the indiscriminate and irregular use of pharmacological agents have prompted humanity to pursue alternative solutions. One of the most significant solutions is the administration of bee products. The use of bee products in apitherapy applications includes honey, bee venom, pollen, propolis, beeswax, royal jelly, perga and apilarnil (bee larvae). In general, apitherapy products with a wide range of indications are widely used in various system diseases and some dermatologic problems and various effects of these products such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects in vitro and in vivo have been investigated in many different studies. Apitherapy is less common in veterinary practice than in human medicine. Additionally, bee products are employed in the treatment of other animal diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, otitis, sinusitis, ophthalmic conditions, dermatological disorders, and skin care. Additionally, bee products are employed as food supplements for animals. The most prevalent additive in animal food is bee pollen. It has been demonstrated to promote growth, reduce mortality and prevent morbidity. Apitherapy has gained importance in the field of veterinary medicine in recent years in order to prevent both human health and economic losses, especially in the treatment of animals consumed as food.