Exploring Apis mellifera L. Venom's Antioxidant Power in Various Solvents: Unveiling its In Vitro Potential

Abstract

Apis mellifera L. venom contains bioactive components with antioxidant properties. Diluted in various polar solvents, the venom is utilized for therapeutic purposes. This study aims to determine the in vitro antioxidant activities (AOA) of standard crude venom (SV) and venom from breeders (BV) by dissolving them in distilled water, saline, and PBS at concentrations of 1.95-500 µg.ml-1. Radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and metal chelating activity (MCA) assays were employed for AOA assessment. SV dissolved in distilled water exhibited higher RSA (73.26±11.24%) than BV (34.60±21.08%), with no difference between SV, ascorbic acid (AA), and Trolox RSA’s. BV's RSA was lower than AA (75.07±15.59%) and Trolox (84.02±1.63%). BV's MCA (30.31±24.06%) exceeded AA (8.93±16.08%). SV in saline showed higher RSA (63.83±9.73%) than BV (46.99±18.31%), lower than AA (71.63±4.14%) and Trolox (79.01±6.94%). MCAs of SV (85.42±4.65%) and BV (85.53±7.19%) surpassed Trolox (55.06±30.92%). No difference existed between RSA’s of SV (37.16±16.54%) and BV (38.47±17.24%) in PBS, both lower than AA (71.48±3.66%) and Trolox (72.87±6.05%). Optimal RSA and MCA were observed at different solvents and concentrations, indicating the use of 500 µg.ml-1 (1.95 µg.ml-1 BV for RSA) venom dissolved in saline for optimal AOA. PBS or distilled water usage resulted in decreased AOA.