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Bee Venom: From Venom to Drug
Abdelwahab Khalil1, Basem H Elesawy2,3, Tarek M Ali4,5
1Entomology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 27, 2021
Summary
Bee venom from honeybees (Apis mellifera) contains active compounds with anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores bee venom
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hymenoptera insects, including honeybees (Apis mellifera), produce venom with diverse biologically active compounds.
- Bee venom and its constituents exhibit significant antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiarthritic activities.
- Existing research highlights the therapeutic potential of bee venom, administered directly or fractionated, for various in vivo and in vitro applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic applications of bee venom and its fractions in treating diseases.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological activities of bee venom components.
- To summarize the use of venom-loaded nanoparticles for drug delivery and discuss available market products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications on bee venom (Apis mellifera).
- Analysis of studies detailing the biological activities and molecular mechanisms of bee venom constituents.
- Examination of research on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems utilizing bee venom.
Main Results:
- Bee venom possesses multiple therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- The molecular mechanisms of action for bee venom components are increasingly understood.
- Nanoparticle formulations show promise for enhanced bee venom drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Bee venom and its fractions represent a viable alternative therapeutic strategy for various diseases.
- Further research into molecular mechanisms and novel delivery systems can optimize bee venom's clinical utility.
- Understanding market products is crucial for practical application and patient accessibility.
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