Science updates: Bee Venom: Main Compounds

 

Science updates:

Bee Venom: Main Compounds

Bee venom (BV), primarily derived from Apis mellifera, has been utilized in apitherapy for thousands of years, leveraging its medicinal properties for various human ailments, including inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as cancer and viral infections.


 

Bee venom is a complex mixture containing several active components, including peptides (melittin, apamin, mast cell degranulating peptide, and adolapin), enzymes (phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase), and other bioactive compounds.

 


Melittin constitutes 40-60% of BV and exhibits significant lytic activity by forming pores in cell membranes, leading to hemolytic, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor effects. It also plays a role in modulating pain pathways and has anti-inflammatory properties.

 


Apamin, a neurotoxin, can cross the blood-brain barrier and affects central nervous system functions, potentially aiding in therapies for conditions like atherosclerosis.

 


Mast Cell Degranulating Peptide. This peptide induces histamine release from mast cells and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a candidate for therapeutic applications.

 


Adolapin is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity.

 


Phospholipase A2: This enzyme is crucial for the hydrolysis of phospholipids and has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson's disease.

 


Hyaluronidase facilitates the spread of venom by breaking down hyaluronic acid in tissues, enhancing the diffusion of other venom components.

 


 

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