Clinical Effectiveness of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Bone Fractures and Potential Mechanisms: A Narrative Overview

Abstract

Bee venom acupuncture, a type of herbal acupuncture, combines the pharmacological actions of bioactive compounds from bee venom with the mechanical stimulation of meridian points. Bee venom acupuncture is gaining popularity, particularly in the Republic of Korea, primarily for pain relief of various conditions. This study aimed to summarize and evaluate the available evidence on the use of bee venom acupuncture for recovery after bone fractures. Electronic literature searches for experimental studies and clinical trials were conducted using the PubMed, China Academic Journals (CAJ), and OASIS databases. The search revealed 31 studies, of which six met our criteria. These studies demonstrated that bee venom acupuncture can be effective in treating bone fractures, suggesting a promising area for future research. However, evidence supporting its efficacy in this context is limited. Rigorous trials with large sample sizes and robust designs are needed to clarify the role of bee venom acupuncture for these indications. In addition, future studies should explore the optimal dosage and concentration of bee venom acupuncture.