Bee Venom: An Updating Review of Its Bioactive Molecules and Its Health Applications

Abstract

Bee venom (BV) is usually associated with pain since, when humans are stung by bees, local inflammation and even an allergic reaction can be produced. BV has been traditionally used in ancient medicine and in acupuncture. It consists of a mixture of substances, principally of proteins and peptides, including enzymes as well as other types of molecules in a very low concentration. Melittin and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are the most abundant and studied compounds of BV. Literature of the main biological activities exerted by BV shows that most studies focuses on the comprehension and test of anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms of action. Other properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective or antitumor effects have also been assessed, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, human trials are necessary to confirm those clinical applications. However, notwithstanding the therapeutic potential of BV, there are certain problems regarding its safety and the possible appearance of adverse effects. On this perspective, new approaches have been developed to avoid these complications. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the actual knowledge on BV components and its associated biological activities as well as the latest advances on this subject.

Pharmaceutical Prospects of Bee Products: Special Focus on Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Properties

“…Volatile compounds are detected in bee venom such as isopentyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isopentanol, n-hexyl acetate, n-octyl acetate, 2nonanol, n-decyl acetate, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol (Figure 10) [36]. Furthermore, bee venom is composed of a very complex mixture that contains more than 18 active components, including peptides (Figure 11), proteins, enzymes, sugars, amines, phospholipids, pheromones, and volatile compounds [94]. The major amphipathic polycationic peptides, mellitin and apamin, which are a unique component of bee venom.…”

“…The major amphipathic polycationic peptides, mellitin and apamin, which are a unique component of bee venom. Other peptides such as mast-cell degranulating (MCD) peptide, adolapin, tertiapin, secapin, and cardiopep also present in bee venom [94,95].…”

“…Bee venom was investigated as a potential Parkinson's disease therapy and rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, radioprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic or anti-secretory activity [7,96,97]. Furthermore, bee venom is composed of a very complex mixture that contains more than 18 active components, including peptides (Figure 11), proteins, enzymes, sugars, amines, phospholipids, pheromones, and volatile compounds [94]. The major amphipathic polycationic peptides, mellitin and apamin, which are a unique component of bee venom.…”

Promising Antimicrobial Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Different Honeybee Products

“…It was used to treat skin maladies, back pain, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis [ 19 , 20 ]. BV contains biologically diverse active compounds, including polypeptides (melittin, apamin, MCD peptide), enzymes (hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2) and biogenic amines (histamine, dopamine) [ 6 , 21 ]. Extensive exposure to antibiotics has led to the emergence and nationwide propagation of multidrug-resistant bacteria.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Wasp Venom in BV-2 Microglial Cells in Comparison with Bee Venom

“…Although the venoms are toxic to humans, the elucidation of their composition and working mechanisms has led to discoveries of their potential applications in treatment modalities for various disorders [ 13 , 14 ]. BV and WV have been widely studied, which has revealed significant concentrations of bioactive substances within their composition [ 13 , 15 , 16 ]. Among the venom components, melittin, apamin, and mastroparans have been well documented for their biological activities [ 14 , 17 , 18 ].…”