Abstract
Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.
Highlights
Considering all the biological activities exerted by Bee venom (BV) and the processes where it can act as mediator, it would not be surprising that its use could reach therapeutic purposes
BV is a complex mixture of substances which has been used in traditional medicine and extensively investigated due to their biological properties
Its composition is fundamentally formed by proteins and peptides, other molecules are present but in a low concentration
Summary
Bee venom (BV) has been a study subject since the late 19th century for the potential therapeutic uses of the biomolecules that compound it. This substance is secreted by a gland located in the abdominal cavity of the bees (Apis mellifera L.) [1]. The collection of a considerable amount of BV is hard because a single bee contains a very little amount of venom and to extract it, the bee must sting To solve this problem, Markovic and Molnar, in 1954, used electroshocks and squeezed to induce the sting of the bees [5]. In terms of laboratory experiments, BV is extracted by reservoir disruption and/or manual manual milking, whereas, when more BV is needed, electroshock traps are used.
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