Abstract
Insects of the order Hymenoptera have a defensive substance that contains many biologically active compounds. Specifically, venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) contains many enzymes and peptides that are effective against various diseases. Different research papers stated the possibility of using bee venom (a direct bee sting or in an injectable form) in treating several complications; either in vivo or in vitro. Other reports used the active fractions of bee venom clinically or at labratory scale. Many reports and publications have stated that bee venom and its constituents have multiple biological activities including anti-microbial, anti-protozoan, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic properties. The present review aims to refer to the use of bee venom itself or its fractions in treating several diseases and counteracting drug toxicities as an alternative protocol of therapy. The updated molecular mechanisms of actions of bee venom and its components are discussed in light of the previous updated publications. The review also summarizes the potential of venom loaded on nanoparticles as a drug delivery vehicle and its molecular mechanisms. Finally, the products of bee venom available in markets are also demonstrated.
Highlights
Apitherapy is an alternate therapy that relies on the usage of honeybee products, most importantly bee venom, for the treatment of many human diseases [1,2,3,4]
The main constituents are melittin, which accounts for about 50 percent of dry venom, and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which accounts for approximately 12 percent [26]
The results showed an increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity and glutathione (GSH) content and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the treated rabbits, confirming the anti-oxidant effect of honeybee venom
Summary
Apitherapy is an alternate therapy that relies on the usage of honeybee products, most importantly bee venom, for the treatment of many human diseases [1,2,3,4]. The curative effects of honey and other bee products are stated in different religious books as Veda, the Bible, and the holy Quran [5,6]. God almighty has confirmed the truth when he told in the holy Qur’an the following:. “And your Lord inspired to the bee,” take for yourself among the mountains, houses and among the trees and [in] that which they construct (68). Eat from all the fruits and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]. Their emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for a people. In that is a sign for a people who give thought (69).
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