The Use of Apitherapy in Oncological Exotic Pet Medicine.

Bee-sting therapy.

As a taxane-based cytostatic agent, paclitaxel holds a broad spectrum of life-saving properties. However, its use is frequently limited by painful neuropathy in the extremities, which severely hinders the ultimate prognosis of cancer survivors. While bee venom therapy has shown promise in alleviating chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, the analgesic potential of its primary bioactive components, such as melittin and phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2), remains uncharacterized. This study investigated the ameliorative effects of melittin against paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in rats through integrated behavioral, in vivo electrophysiological, and neuropharmacological approaches. Paclitaxel was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a total dose of 8 mg/kg. Cold and mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia were quantified using the acetone drop and von Frey filament tests. To compare the therapeutic properties of bee venom ingredients, either melittin (0.5 mg/kg) or bvPLA2 (0.12 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously at ST36 (Zusanli acupoint). In vivo extracellular recordings of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons were performed in the spinal dorsal horn. Noradrenaline depletion was induced by the i.p. treatment with N-(2-Chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4, 50 mg/kg), and serotonin depletion was conducted by the i.p. administration of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 450 mg/kg). ST36 treatment with melittin, but not bvPLA2, markedly impeded mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that paclitaxel induced spontaneous and stimulus-evoked hyperexcitation of spinal WDR neurons. Melittin selectively suppressed evoked neuronal activities (i.e., acute responses and after-discharges) without modulating the spontaneous firing of WDR neurons. Neuropharmacological investigation demonstrated that the effects of melittin were fully reversed by noradrenaline depletion, whereas serotonin depletion had no effect. Our findings establish that melittin treatment at ST36 could ease paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain by partially attenuating the hyperexcitable state of spinal WDR neurons. Furthermore, these ameliorative actions were mediated by the specific recruitment of the endogenous noradrenergic system. This study provides novel evidence supporting melittin as a targeted symptomatic agent for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy, which would advance the development of promising analgesic strategies in oncological care.

Purpose: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by lipid accumulation in its early stage and liver fibrosis with time. Bee venom is beneficial against obesity, while there are limited reports on bee sting therapy (BST), a common and traditional type of bee venom therapy, on liver function in NAFLD. Therefore, the effect of BST on liver damage and lipid accumulation in rats with NAFLD caused by a high-fat diet was studied in this study. Materials and Methods: We treated high-fat-diet-fed rats with direct bee stings to the epigastric region with different treatment frequency for 28 days. Thereafter, the serum lipid indexes, serum liver function indexes, and liver fibrosis indexes were detected, as well as the histomorphology examination. To find the underlying mechanism, we also tested the expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and TIMP1 through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: BST effectively ameliorated liver function with a decrease in serum lipid indexes (triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein), serum liver function indexes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), and liver fibrosis indexes (hyaluronic acid, Type IV collagen, and Type III procollagen). Meanwhile, histomorphology examination showed that the liver was mitigated by BST administration. Subsequently, BST decreased lipid accumulation and liver fibrosis through downregulation of the expression of PPARγ and TIMP1. Conclusion: The results indicated that BST can attenuate the progression of liver steatosis and fibrosis by regulating the PPARγ and TIMP1.

The second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the world is Parkinson's disease (PD). According to many studies, the majority of the existing PD therapies are symptomatic and may result in motor problems, such as dyskinesia and fluctuations. To overcome these complications, various reports have proposed the use of bee venom as an effective treatment. Bee venom can suppress the neuroinflammation effect in PD mouse models, indicating its potential as an effective adjuvant treatment for the disease in humans. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of bee venom treatment (BVT) as a PD adjuvant. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 standards were followed during the processes. In addition, a literature search was performed on various electronic databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, and ProQuest. After evaluating the included papers' quality using the Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2) as well as RoB In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I), a meta-analysis was carried out using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4. Four publications in total have been analyzed in the systematic review as well as meta-analysis based on the inclusion criteria. The results showed that three and one articles had low and moderate risk of bias, respectively. The BDI score between the bee venom and control groups had a statistically significant p-value (SMD=-0.52, 95%CI= -0.93 to -0.11, p=0.01) according to the meta-analysis. Nevertheless, following the therapy, there were no discernible improvements in UPDRS II, III, and II+III, as well as PDQL, gait speed & number, MXE, and DCL. The findings also showed that bee venom significantly improved BDI scores in PD patients. Although the positive trends observed in other outcomes were not statistically significant, further investigation with larger cohorts is required to validate these findings.

Apitherapy is an alternate therapy that relies on the usage of honeybee products, most importantly bee venom for the treatment of many human diseases. Bee venom contains several active molecules such as peptides and enzymes that have advantageous potential in treating inflammation and central nervous system diseases. Moreover, bee venom has shown promising benefits against different types of cancer as well as anti-viral activity. This study explores the effects and perceptions of bee venom therapy (BVT) among a selected population in Libya. The research primarily focuses on the demographics of individuals undergoing BVT, the frequency and types of symptoms experienced post-therapy, and the various conditions for which BVT is utilized. A cross-sectional descriptive study of 100 participants using a structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude scale, and practice was done at three regions in Libya including Tripoli, Gerian & Yefran during Jun and July 2024. A randomized sample size that included a diverse age group and both genders. The data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Excel is used to enter and analyze the data. Results indicated a broad acceptance of BVT, with a majority of participants reporting symptomatic relief for various conditions such as muscular pain, back pain, and nerve-related issues. However, a significant portion of participants also reported common side effects such as swelling and localized pain. The study highlights the necessity for more extensive research to validate the efficacy of BVT and to better understand the long-term impacts and potential risks associated with the therapy.

Apitherapy is the medicinal application of honeybee products, such as Propolis, honey, pollen, beeswax, honey and, in particular bee venom. The aims of this paper were to review bee venom and it’s the composition and properties with giving an overview of the medical importance and applications; as well as describe the process of extraction and the safe storage of bee venom. Bee venom is a clear, bitter in taste, watery liquid and odor less, the bee secrete it when they feel threatened it has at least 18 pharmacologically active components including various enzymes, peptides and amines. Bee venom therapy is the therapy which utilizes the application of bee venom to treat various diseases and it has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine to treat kinds of rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, suppressing oedema’, low back pain and as anti-inflammatory agent. Currently, special collectors gather bee venom for commercial use. as well as the several electrical collecting devices that have been created to collect it. Dried bee venom should be stored preferably frozen and it should always be kept in dark coloured bottles in the dark.

This article revisits the life and legacy of Dr. Bódog Félix Beck, a native of Baja, Hungary, whose pioneering work in apitherapy earned him international recognition, yet remains underappreciated in his hometown. Born in 1868, Beck trained as a physician in Budapest before emigrating to the United States in 1901, where he gained prominence for his innovative use of bee venom therapy to treat rheumatic conditions and arthritis. He authored Bee Venom Therapy (1935), a foundational text in the field, and Honey and Health (1938), which explored the cultural and medical significance of honey. Despite initial controversy, Beck’s methods influenced modern medical and pharmaceuticalapproaches to apitherapy, cementing his status as a trailblazer. Beyond medicine, he actively engaged with the public through lectures and publications. Beck’s contributions, including a vast library integrated into Cornell University’s Phillips Collection, remain influential today. Efforts are now underway in Baja to honor his memory through a memorial and the establishment of the Dr. Bódog Beck Memorial Medal by the Hungarian Apitherapy Association. This article seeks to reclaim Beck’s rightful place among Baja’s distinguished figures and highlight his enduring scientific impact.

Arthritis has a high global prevalence. During the early ancient human era, bee (Apis) venom therapy was employed in Egypt, Greece, and China to alleviate ailments such as arthritis and neuralgia. In addition, bee venom has long been used as a traditional medicine for immune-related diseases in Korea. Wasp (Vespa) venom is a folk medicine of the Jingpo people in Yunnan, China, and has been widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In spite of this, the underlying mechanisms of bee and wasp venoms for the treatment of arthritis are yet to be fully understood. In recent years, researchers have investigated the potential anti-arthritic properties of bee and wasp venoms. Studies have shown that both bee and wasp venom can improve swelling, pain, and inflammation caused by arthritis. The difference is that bee venom reduces arthritis damage to bone and cartilage by inhibiting the IRAK2/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway, as well as decreasing osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway. Wasp venom, on the other hand, regulates synovial cell apoptosis via the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, inhibits the JAK/STAT signaling pathway to reduce inflammation production, and also ameliorates joint inflammation by regulating redox balance and iron death in synovial cells. This review provides a detailed overview of the various types of arthritis and their current therapeutic approaches; additionally, it comprehensively analyzes the therapeutic properties of bee venom, wasp venom, or venom components used as anti-arthritic drugs and explores their mechanisms of action in anti-arthritic therapy.

Honeybees have been helpful insects since ancient centuries, and this benefit is not limited to being a honey producer only. After the bee stings a person, pain, and swelling occur in this place, due to the effects of bee venom (BV). This is not a poison in the total sense of the word because it has many benefits, and this is due to its composition being rich in proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other types of molecules in low concentrations that show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. BV has also demonstrated positive effects against various cancers, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing versus the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though topical BV therapy is used to varying degrees among countries, localized swelling or itching are common side effects that may occur in some patients. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complex chemical composition of BV, highlighting the diverse range of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications, which extend beyond the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, showcasing the versatility of BV in modern medicine. A specific search strategy was followed across various databases; Web of sciences, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar including in vitro and in vivo clinical studies.to outline an overview of BV composition, methods to use, preparation requirements, and Individual consumption contraindications. Furthermore, this review addresses safety concerns and emerging approaches, such as the use of nanoparticles, to mitigate adverse effects, demonstrating a balanced and holistic perspective. Importantly, the review also incorporates historical context and traditional uses, as well as a unique focus on veterinary applications, setting it apart from previous works and providing a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.

Limited evidence suggests that stimulating adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) indirectly promotes hair growth. We examined whether bee venom (BV) activated ASCs and whether BV-induced hair growth was facilitated by enhanced growth factor release by ASCs. The induction of the telogen-to-anagen phase was studied in mice. The underlying mechanism was investigated using organ cultures of mouse vibrissa hair follicles. When BV-treated ASCs were injected subcutaneously into mice, the telogen-to-anagen transition was accelerated and, by day 14, the hair weight increased. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that BV influenced the expression of several molecules, including growth factors, chemokines, channels, transcription factors, and enzymes. Western blot analysis was employed to verify the protein expression levels of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK. Both the Boyden chamber experiment and scratch assay confirmed the upregulation of cell migration by BV. Additionally, ASCs secreted higher levels of growth factors after exposure to BV. Following BV therapy, the gene expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-1 and 6, endothelial cell growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-C were upregulated. The findings of this study suggest that bee venom can potentially be utilized as an ASC-preconditioning agent for hair regeneration.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment in the management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.Methods: A patient with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome underwent Korean medical treatment, including Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment. The severity of symptoms was assessed with a daily visual analog scale (VAS) for orchialgia and lower abdominal pain. In addition, we measured the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) on the first and last days of visit.Results: The patient’s symptoms were improved after treatment. The severity of orchialgia was reduced from VAS7 to VAS2, and lower abdominal pain was improved from VAS6 to VAS1. NIH-CPSI decreased from 21 to 5.Conclusion: Hoeeum Bee-venom Therapy and Balio Acupuncture Treatment are effective in treating chronic prostatitis /chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Bee venom (BV) showed therapeutical effects to treat various diseases as it contains at least 18 pharmacologically active components including various enzymes, peptides, and amines. This study aimed to evaluate the action of BV on some hematological parameters, humoral and cellular immunity, and the determination of antioxidant levels in male albino rats. The study included 40 male albino rats (190-210 g), divided into four groups. Three groups were injected subcutaneously with three different doses of BV (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively). The control group was injected with saline solution. Blood samples were obtained to measure total leucocytes count (TLC), differential leukocytes count, hematological parameters (hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBCs), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and Platelets. Sera were used to assess immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA, and IgE), some cytokines e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), tumor growth factor beta (TGF-β), interleukins 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10), and some antioxidant levels malondialdehyde (MDA), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH). Data showed that BV therapy increased antibody production levels (IgM, IgG, and IgA) while decreasing IgE levels. Hematological markers (Hb and lymphocytes) were increased. BV increased total TGF- β and IL-10 but decreased total TNF- α and IL-6. On the antioxidant scale, an increase in SOD, CAT, and GSH levels was observed, accompanied by a decrease in MDA levels. However, the BV treatment led to a significant reduction in the number of eosinophils, monocytes, and neutrophils (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggested that BV may be utilized to increase the effectiveness of various immunological and hematological parameters.

A Niche Market: Api Therapy and Api Tourism

Bee venom (BV) therapy was used to treat various diseases. It is a tiny essential peptide with a powerful hemolytic feature composed of a known series of amino acids. Since melittin is a non-specific cy¦tolytic pe¦ptide attacking lip¦id m¦embranes which contribute to toxicity, it is suspected that it could have important therapeutic benefits. This study aims t¦o use a multi-biomarker approach to assess the cytogenotoxic ef¦fects o¦f melittin i¦n periph¦eral blo¦od lym¦phocytes of mice and th¦e mole¦cular mechan¦isms invol¦ved. Control and treatment groups are divided into one hundred and fifty mice. Bee venom has been combined with four separates dose of melittin in the peritoneal (500, 350, 300 and 250) μg/ml. The results of the experiment showed that significant difference in the first group which injected with melittin intra peritoneal 0.2 ml and the second group in mitotic index (MI), where the differences were respectively 8.00 ± 0.56 for the first group and the second group 6.90 ± 0.31. In the case of micro nuclei examination, we also showed significant differences in the third group, where the difference was 14.7 ± 0.29. In the case of micronuclei examination, also there were significant differences in the third group, where the difference was 14.7 ± 0.29.

Bee venom therapy (BVT) is one of the ancient traditional treatments. BVT is believed as capable to cure a variety of diseases despite of having significant negative impacts upon its usage. However, the BVT method has raised questions as Islam forbids the killing of bees as a result of getting its venom, as well as the use of venom as a treatment method. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the BVT practices from the standpoint of Islamic ethics. Data collected through a triangulation of document analysis and unstructured interviews with three BVT practitioners. The findings found two major ethical issues of BVT. First, the practitioners are not aware that killing bees is contrary to Islamic ethics and the BVT should be the last option to be used if there is no other treatment works for the diseases. Second, several practitioners are not qualified to carry out medical procedures due to the lack of medical knowledge and unawareness about the risk of the treatment for a certain group of people. Therefore, this study suggests BVT practitioners, especially Muslim to follow Islamic ethics when performing BVT to reduce any possible risk.

This study was aimed at investigating Korean patients’ experience with bee venom therapy (BVT) and providing evidence to enhance BVT safety. Thus, an anonymous online survey was conducted between August 22 and 28, 2018. Five hundred respondents who underwent pharmacopuncture (PA) within one year were surveyed (sample error: 95 ± 4.38%). Of these, 32 respondents were excluded and 468 were evaluated. Of the 468, 61 reported experiencing adverse events after PA. The adverse event rate was higher in the BV-PA(Bee venom-Pharmacopuncture) group than in the non-A group; however, intergroup differences were insignificant. There were no significant differences in mild symptom intensity between the BV-PA and non-BV-PA groups (p = 0.572). However, there was a significant intergroup difference in severe symptom intensity (p < 0.001). Additionally, the BV-PA and non-BV-PA groups did not significantly differ in their level of satisfaction either overall or in terms of effectiveness and safety (p = 0.414, p = 0.339, and p = 0.675, respectively). Furthermore, the BV-PA and non-BV-PA groups did not differ regarding intent to re-treat (p = 0.722). Severe adverse events such as anaphylactic shock were not reported; however, BVT practitioners should be cautious when applying it.

High levels of blood glucose and lipids are well-known risk factors for heart diseases. Bee venom is a natural product that has a potent hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The current study aimed to determine the bee venom effects on cardiac dysfunction compared to combined therapy of metformin and atorvastatin in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats. The median lethal dose of bee venom was estimated, and then 50 adult male albino rats were categorized into five groups. One group was fed a standard diet and served as a negative control, while the other groups were given nicotinamide and streptozotocin injections to induce type 2 diabetes. After confirming diabetes, the rats were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks. The four groups were divided as follows: one group served as a positive control, whereas the other three groups were treated with bee venom (0.5 mg/kg), bee venom (1.23 mg/kg), and combined therapy of metformin (60 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), respectively, for four weeks. Upon termination of the experiment, blood samples and heart tissue were obtained. Administration of bee venom using both doses (0.5 and 1.23 mg/kg) and combined therapy of metformin and atorvastatin revealed a significant decrease in the concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, troponin I, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Moreover, a significant decrease had been detedcted in malondialdehyde, nuclear factor-kappa-β levels, and relative mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and galectin-3 in heart tissue compared to the positive control (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in bodyweight levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total antioxidant capacity in heart tissue compared to the positive control (P < 0.0001). The results indicate that bee venom can ameliorate cardiac dysfunction through attenuating oxidative stress and downregulating the NF-κβ signaling pathway.

BackgroundBee venom has been used as a therapeutic compound for various human diseases in oriental medicine; however, it can induce anaphylaxis in hypersensitive patients during treatment. Anaphylaxis is an acute allergic reaction that occurs after allergen exposure. IgE is released from immune-related cells such as mast cells and basophils during anaphylaxis. Various inflammatory mediators are also released into the bloodstream during the acute response.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify specific proteins from bee venom-hypersensitive patients.MethodsWe analyzed the blood serum of control and bee venom-hypersensitive patients using two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis.ResultsAn interesting protein spot with a molecular size of 10 kDa was identified at an isoelectric point (p.I.) of 5.5. Spots detected both before and after sweet bee venom therapy were not proteins induced by sweet bee venom. The 10 kDa protein was identified as the cleaved form of haptoglobin through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that the presence of the spot was highly significant in the bee venom-hypersensitive group.ConclusionThe findings suggest that cleaved haptoglobin may be a significant diagnostic protein for anaphylaxis. In addition, a high incidence of bee venom hypersensitivity may be associated with the haptoglobin genotype.

The mechanism underlying bee venom (BV) therapy is still controversial, with opinions ranging from constituent-based pharmacological action to homeopathic-like activity. The purpose of this study was to examine whether BV phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2), an enzymatic component of BV, is a novel anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic mediator capable of stimulating CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) polarization in a mouse model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An experimental model of RA was established in male DBA/1 mouse by 2-week-interval injections of 100 μg type II collagen emulsified in complete (first injection) or incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (second injection) at the base of the tail. During arthritis development, bvPLA2 (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) and/or Treg inhibitors such as anti-CD25 antibodies and peptide 60 (P60) were injected intraperitoneally for 5 weeks. Arthritic symptoms and the expansion of Tregs were then assessed by behavioral assessments, histological and micro-CT imaging, and flow cytometry. bvPLA2 injections significantly alleviated arthritic behaviors such as squeaking and joint swelling, consistent with changes seen on both histological and micro-CT images. The anti-arthritic effects of bvPLA2 were blocked by intraperitoneal injections of 0.25 mg/kg anti-CD25 antibody and 10 μg/kg P60, as determined by behavioral assessments. Flow cytometric analysis of dendritic cells, B cells, and major T cell subsets from spleens revealed a significant depletion of Tregs following anti-CD25 antibody, but not P60, treatment. bvPLA2 treatment exerted significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities in a mouse model of RA via the induction of Tregs.