Bee Venom: Uses Benefits And Side Effects
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As the name implies, bee venom is an ingredient derived from bees. Its used as a natural treatment for a variety of ailments.
Its proponents claim that it offers a wide range of medicinal properties, ranging from reducing inflammation to treating chronic illnesses. However, research in some of these areas is either lacking or conflicting.
This article reviews the uses, benefits, and side effects of bee venom.
Bee venom is a colorless, acidic liquid. Bees excrete it through their stingers into a target when they feel threatened.
It contains both anti-inflammatory and inflammatory compounds, including enzymes, sugars, minerals, and amino acids .
Melittin a compound that consists of 26 amino acids comprises about 50% of the dry weight of the venom and has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer effects in some studies (
3 ).
Bee venom also contains the peptides apamin and adolapin. Although they act as toxins, they have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Additionally, it contains phospholipase A2, an enzyme and major allergen that causes inflammation and cell damage. Nevertheless, according to some research, the enzyme may also have anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective effects .
A New Path To Relief: Bee Stings
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People would feel more comfortable around bees if it wasnt for their stingers. However, that little sting seems to have some properties that can relieve pain from arthritis.
Apitherapy, colloquially known as bee venom therapy, is becoming a more well-known method of treatment for treating arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and bee sting allergies. Peter Borst is a member of the Finger Lakes Bee Club, who has been working in the beekeeping industry since 1974. Along with managing over 500 of his own colonies, he is a retired Senior Apiarist at Cornell’s Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies. and worked as an apiary inspector for New York State from 2006 to 2008.
Borst also suffers from arthritis and has used bee venom to relieve the pain. Considering his long exposure to bee stings, though, he has built up a tolerance. Others with allergies to bees are warned to steer clear of this kind of treatment, he said, and the methodology certainly counts as an alternative medicine as opposed to something condoned by modern medicine entities. Due to his field experience with bees, Borst has learned how to self-administer the bee stings in a controlled environment.
Treating Arthritis With Beeswax
Many patients of arthritis have reportedly found relief by using beeswax as a soothing tonic to the inflammation of joints and muscles. The following beeswax remedy has been adopted from Jenny Fleetwood Book.
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Can Bee Sting Therapy Be Dangerous
There isn’t substantial scientific evidence about its benefits, yes, but Dr. Posina also adds that research also lacks in terms of its negative side effects. That said, one of the most important risks to be aware of is the risk of a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylactic shock, which can result in death if not treated immediately, Dr. Posina warns.
Also, you’ll need to consider the bees. Honeybees in particular are extremelyimportant and essential for our environment as they contribute to about 80% of the pollination of flowers, fruits, and vegetables so experts stress that consumers need to consider the agricultural impact these treatments and products could have overtime. For more than a decade now, it is noted that there is a significant reduction in the number of bee colonies. It is believed that it is due to aggressive farming methods, chemical and pesticide use, pollution, global warming and disease spread through a parasite, Dr. Posina adds.
All experts consulted agreed: Never attempt apitherapy at home or unsupervised without guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. You should always speak with your healthcare provider about any forms of long-term treatment or use of new topical treatments in your routine.
The Effect Of Bee Venom On Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
4th International Conference and Exhibition on Immunology
Ahmed G Hegazi, Maha M Saber, Eitedal Daoud, Aliaa El Gendy, Khaled G Abdel-Wahhab and Eman Abd el-Rahman
National Research Center, Egypt
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Cell Immunol
Abstract :
Biography :
Ahmed G Hegazi worked as a Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, National Research Center, Dept. Parasitology, 1997-2000, Chair of Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, 1981-1997, part-time Professor and Supervisor of Immunology Section, National Research Center, 1990- up till now. He is also Prof. of Microbiology & Immunology, African Federation of Apiculture Associations , 2001- up till now, Standing Commission on Apitherapy , 1999 – up till now, Member of Standing Scientific Committee, National Research Center, 1998 up till now. He was awarded the Excellent Medal of the First Class, 1995, received the Senior Scientist Prize of National Research Center, 1996, and won The Second Best Research Paper award from International Congress of Propolis, Argentina, 2000. He has published in Egyptian Journal of Immunology, 1995, was in the Editorial Board of The Egyptian Association of Immunologists, 1992 1997, Secretary General, Referee in 37 international journals patents: 4 Patents Educational Activities. He has published 193 articles in national and international scientific journals, 6 books in English and 7 books in Arabic.
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Wasp Venom Possesses Potential Therapeutic Effect In Experimental Models Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Cheng-Gui ZhangZhi-Bin Yang
1Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Entomological Biopharmaceutical R& D, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
2Yunnan Provincial 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
3The NationalLocal Joint Engineering Laboratory for Entomoceutics, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
Abstract
1. Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that can progress to systemic complications, physical disabilities, and even early death . Hyperplasia of the synovial cells, chronic inflammation of the synovium, and the destruction of cartilage and bone are the main characteristics of RA. Moreover, the synergistic effects of T cells, B cells, and proinflammatory cytokines also play key roles in the pathophysiological process . When CD4+ T cells are activated, they produce proinflammatory cytokines that enhance the immune response by stimulating other mononuclear cells, synovial fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts. The release of these proinflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-, IL-6, and IL-1, may contribute to synovitis .
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Experimental Animals
2.2. Animal Model of CIA and Treatment Protocol
2.3. Basic Evaluation of Experimental Arthritis
2.4. Histopathology of Ankle Joints
2.5. Analysis of Viscera Index
2.6. ELISAs of Serum Biochemical Indexes
2.7. Flow Cytometry of Arthritis Spleen
2.8. Statistical Analyses
Apitherapy Refers To The Medical Use Of Bee Products Such As Pollen Venom Honey And Propolis To Help Treat A Variety Of Conditions Can This Approach Be Applied To Dogs And Cats And Just How Effective Is It
Also called bee therapy, apitherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses products from honeybees to treat a range of health conditions, from allergies to arthritis. These products include everything from the honey itself, to the pollen collected by the bees, as well as propolis and even venom. This article looks at how apitherapy may be used for treating various conditions in dogs and cats.
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Bee Sting Venom Could Provide Treatment For Arthritis
Venom from bee stings could help to treat and even prevent arthritis, new research has suggested.
Scientists have found that bee venom can control the harmful inflammation in joints that leads to rheumatoid arthritis.
They have shown the venom contains molecules that cause an increase in natural hormones in the body that regulate inflammation.
It has raised hopes that bee venom can be used to develop new treatments that can help bring relief from the pain of arthritis and even prevent it from developing in the first place.
The findings helped to explain anecdotal reports of how patients who undergo bee sting therapy report improvement in their condition.
Dr Suzana Beatriz Veríssimo de Mello, an associate professor in rheumatology who led the research at the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, said bee venom caused increased levels of anti-inflammatory hormones called glucocorticoids.
She said: “Bee venom is a complex mixture of substances that are known to induce immune and allergic responses in humans.
“Nevertheless, bee venom has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for centuries. However, the placebo effect has been described in studies investigating bee venom anti-inflammatory properties in arthritic patients.
“Our data shows that bee venom prevents the development of induced arthritis in rabbits through the action of glucocorticoids.”
The new research is the first time a scientific explanation has been shown for the effect.
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Bee Venom Powder Dosage
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
For reducing the severity of allergic reactions to bee stings: Healthcare providers give bee venom as a shot to desensitize people who are allergic to bee stings. Purified bee venom for under-the-skin injection is an FDA approved product.
The appropriate dose of Bee venom powder depends on several factors such as the users age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for couch grass. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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What Is Bee Venom Powder
Bee venom is made by bees. This is the poison that makes bee stings painful. Bee venom is used to make medicine. Dont confuse bee venom with bee pollen, honey, or royal jelly. Other venoms are derived from related members of the insect order Hymenoptera. The bee venom is the venom of the worker bees of the honey bee Apis cerana Fabr. It has the effect of dehumidification and pain relief. For rheumatoid arthritis, psoas muscle pain, neuralgia, hypertension, urticaria, asthma.
Apitherapy Can Help Treat Arthritis Autoimmune Disease And More
The use of bee venom dates back to the time of Hippocrates. In the US, it was introduced in 1935 for multiple medical uses, and the literature has over 2,000 studies on its use.
Initially, the venom was administered by having a live bee sting the patient ouch! Later, the venom was extracted from the stinger and then injected, but both these methods often resulted in the death of the bee. Now, using an electrical low frequency on glass plates, the bees are induced to sting the glass, thus leaving the venom available for collection. The stinger is not damaged, so no bees are harmed in the process!
Bee venom is comprised of some 40 different compounds. Its main anti-inflammatory pharmacological components are known as melitten, apamin, adolapin, and protease inhibitors.
- Melitten stimulates the adrenal to produce cortisone, the bodys own potent anti-inflammatory.
- Apamin inhibits inflammation as well as enhances neurotransmission.
- Adolapin is a COX inhibitor, so it is analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and is 70 times stronger than indomethacin.
- Protease inhibitors inhibit prostaglandins , and function as anti-histamines.
Other compounds in bee venom include neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters help the nerves talk to one another. Venom also has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal effects
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Cost How Supplied Dose
The cost of BVT is difficult to ascertain and depends on the source of the therapy. Traditional health insurance does not cover BVT, since this treatment is still considered experimental in the United States.
For acupuncture-based BVT, purified bee venom is used. Many proponents of natural medicine recommend using a live bee to sting the site, but this can increase the risk of infection.
Some products are capsules of lyophilized bee venom, taken orally. This formulation is, however, not as well-studied as are techniques that deliver the venom via injection or acupuncture.
Surprising Facts About Bee Stings
Everybody knows it: bees have stingers and they know how to use them! Naturally, most people ponder stings with a mixture of fear and curiosity. In truth, bees are docile and hardworking by nature. Humans and bees can live together side-by-side quite pleasantly. Here are some interesting facts about bee stings that will probably surprise you.
1. Bees never sting without a good reason.
That is to say, they usually only resort to stinging when they feel that their colony is being threatened. This shouldnt come as a big surprise when you consider that, unlike wasps, bees die shortly after delivering a sting. The stinger gets stuck and tears off, taking part of the bees abdomen with it.
2. Certain bees cant sting at all.
Only the worker bees have stingers. Drones, the males who constitute about 10% of the colonys population, simply dont have one.
3. Less than 1% of all people are allergic to bees.
In Canada, out of a population of about 35 million people, the average number of deaths caused by allergic reactions to bees is less than 4 per year. Youre more likely to be struck by lightning!
4. No stinger? Not a bee sting!
Many people who have suffered painful stings blame bees, yet fail to find a stinger in their skin. This is because they were more likely stung by a wasp! Wasp stingers, unlike those of bees, are streamlined, and can be pushed in or out of their abdomens as they please.
The stinger gets stuck and tears off. No stinger? Not a bee sting!
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Bv And/or Melittin Applications In Cancer
The use of apitoxin, especially its main compound melittin, as a novel cancer-treatment strategy has gained wide importance recently . In fact, melittin is known to be a nonspecific cytolytic peptide that can attack the lipid bilayer, thus leading to a significant toxicity when injected intravenously . Nevertheless, many optimization approaches, including the use of nanoparticle-based delivery of melittin, have been exploited. Remarkably, the crude BV as well as melittin have shown antitumor activities against different cancer cell types including breast, liver, leukemia, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancer cells . Wang et al. investigated the mechanism behind melittin antitumor activity and showed that melittin can induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the activation of the CAMKII-TAK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway . Moreover, melittin can sensitize TRAIL-resistant HCC cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, probably via activating the CAMKII-TAK1-JNK/p38 pathway and inhibiting the IKK-NFB pathway . These findings are in agreement with the activation of calcium channels by melittin that leads on to the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and the activation of calcium sensitive CaMKII, as seen also in .
Schematic drawing of main mechanisms of action of melittin as an anti-cancer agent.
These findings show the great potential of melittin in cancer treatment by acting on different key points of the disease and should be further dissected.
Bee Venom Powder Uses
Apitherapy is an alternative medicine practice that uses bee products including their venom to treat and prevent illnesses, pain, and more. Although bee venom has recently experienced a surge in popularity, bee-venom therapy has been used in traditional medicine practices for thousands of years.
Bee venom is used by some as a treatment for rheumatism and joint diseases due to its anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bee Venom is also used to desensitize people allergic to insect stings. Bee venom therapy can also be delivered in the form of a balm although this may be less potent than using live bee stings.
Bee venom can be found in numerous beauty products. It is believed to increase blood flow therefore plumping the applied area, producing collagen. This effect aids in smoothing out lines and wrinkles.
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How To Treat A Bee Sting
The suddenness of a sting can cause panic, both in the person who was stung and the people around them, as they try to figure out what just happened and how to deal with the pain. It’s important to stay as calm as possible so you can handle the situation.
As long as there’s not an anaphylactic reaction to deal with, the steps you need to take are pretty simple.
How Do You Avoid Getting Stung By A Bee
Workers should take the following steps to prevent insect stings:
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Modern Textile Architectures And Specialised Materials With Introduced Substances
Specialised materials or/and additives with special functions can be introduced in advanced medical textiles. Such special additives can absorb offensive odours from bacteria infected wounds, provide antibacterial properties , include antiseptics, antibacterial constituents, antibiotics, zinc pastes used to sooth pain and relieve irritation, sugar pastes as deodorising agent, provide honey therapy, etc. The integration of therapeutic materials turns textiles into modern medical products. For example, advanced wound care concerns not only the materials covering the outer surface of the body, but also applies to materials like foams, hydrocolloids, hydrogels or matrix materials. Introduction of medical substances into textile structure is developed by immobilisation of medical products upon the polymer.
Gepp et al. presented the new method and device for encapsulating cells. It is a tool for dispensing very low volumes of ultra high viscosity medical-grade alginate hydrogels. Contactless dispensing allows structuring of substrates with ALG, isolation and transfer of cell-alginate complexes as well as the dispensing of biological active hydrogels.
The different finishing methods and especially coatings for medical textile products represent an increasing market. Products which use coatings for medical applications include wound dressings, self-adhesive plasters, plaster bandage materials, collagen/siliconised tissues, electrically conductive materials, etc.