Standardization of the Manufacturing Process of Bee Venom Pharmacopuncture Containing Melittin as the Active Ingredient

Abstract

Background Pharmacopuncture is a unique treatment in oriental medicine that combines chemical stimulation with conventional acupuncture. However, there are no standardized methods for preparing the herbal medicines used in pharmacopuncture, and it is not clear whether the active ingredients are safe and stable. Several studies have investigated nonstandardized preparation processes, but few investigations have addressed safety and preparation methods. Pharmacopuncture may provide an alternative treatment for incurable diseases. However, it must be as valid and safe as standardized medicine. In this way, the present project may contribute to the industrialization of medicine in Korea. It may also expand health insurance coverage by promoting evidence-based medical insurance benefits. Thus, the present study attempted to standardize and improve the raw materials, preparation, and efficacy of bee venom pharmacopuncture (BVP), which is a highly effective technique in oriental medicine. Method To purify the crude bee venom, the extract was subjected to a stepped-gradient open column (ODS-A; 120 Å, 150 mesh). Using this method, the yield of melittin was significantly increased and the allergen proteins were effectively removed. The melittin content of the purified bee venom was determined using HPLC, and the product was then diluted to 0.1 mg/mL using injection water in preparation for BVP. Results In the present study, we standardized the purification process to provide safe and stable BVP by increasing the main effective components and eliminating allergens. This study will be seminal in the industrialization and regulation of BVP. Conclusion We developed an effective strategy for melittin purification and allergen removal from bee venom to create safe BVP.

Apitherapy for Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction (Sarcopenia): A Review on the Effects of Royal Jelly, Propolis, and Bee Pollen

“…In addition, bee products can be safely consumed after adequate processing. Processing involves removal of known allergens such as enzyme treatment of royal jelly and filtration of bee venom by stepped-gradient open column [ 2 , 94 ].…”

Clinical Applications of Bee Venom Acupoint Injection

“…Melittin is one of the main elements from A. mellifera venom [ 3 ], making up 40%–60% of its completely dry weight, it takes the major biological part in BV. This linear peptide contains 26 amino acids (NH2-GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-CONH2) [ 27 ].…”

“…BV therapy has been used for treating immunological diseases for many years. Recently, researchers have found that PLA2, which makes up 10%–12% of dry BV [ 3 ], has an immunomodulatory effect. Research has proven that regulatory T cells (Treg) can alleviate the development of autoimmune diseases [ 34 , 35 ] by promoting CD4 + CD25 + Treg cell differentiation ( Figure 2 ) [ 35 ].…”

“…Apamin is an 18-amino acid peptide and also the smallest neurotoxin in BV [ 2 ]. However, it makes up 37%–44% of dry BV and is essential to its biological function [ 3 ]. Alvarez-Fischer et al [ 39 ] proved that apamin has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive functions.…”

“…Bee venom (BV) is a complex natural mixture produced by Apis mellifera , an European honey bee [ 1 , 2 ]. It is composed of different peptides, proteins, and bioactive components, including melittin, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and apamin [ 3 ]. These components have various pharmaceutical properties, including anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive [ 4 , 5 ], antiapoptosis, antiarthritic [ 6 ], and anticancer effects [ 1 , 2 , 7 ].…”