Apitoxin

Apitoxin, or honey bee venom, is a bitter colorless liquid. The active portion of the venom is a complex mixture of proteins, which causes local inflammation and acts as an anticoagulant. The venom is produced in the abdomen of worker bees from a mixture of acidic and basic secretions. Apitoxin is acidic (pH 4.5 to 5.5). A honeybee can inject 0.1 mg of venom via its stinger. Apitoxin is similar to snake venom and nettle toxin. It is estimated that 1% of the population is allergic to bee stings. Apitoxin can be deactivated with ethanol.

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Bee venom therapy is used by some as a treatment for rheumatism and joint diseases due to its anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to desensitize people allergic to insect stings. Bee venom therapy can also be delivered in the form of Bee Venom Balm although this may be less potent than using live bee stings. ^[1]

Components of Apitoxin

The main component is melittin comprising 52% of venom peptides.^[2] Melittin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent and induces the production of cortisol in the body. It also prevents cell destruction in cases of strong inflammation.

• Apamin increases cortisol production in the adrenal gland. Apamin also acts as a nerve toxin.

• Adolapin, comprising 2-5% of the peptides, acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic because it blocks cyclooxygenase.

• Phospholipase A2 comprises 10-12% of peptides and it is the most destructive component of apitoxin. It is an enzyme which degrades the phospholipids which cellular membranes are made of. It also causes decreased blood pressure and inhibits blood coagulation. Phospholipase A2 activates arachidonic acid which is metabolized in the cyclooxygenase-cycle to form prostaglandins. Prostaglandins regulate the body's inflammatory response. The toxin from wasps contains phospholipase A1.

• Hyaluronidase comprising 1-3% of peptides dilates the capillaries causing the spread of inflammation.

• Histamine comprising 0.5-2% and is involved in the allergic response.

• Dopamine and noradrenaline which comprise 1-2% increase pulse rate.

• Protease-inhibitors comprise 2% and act as anti-inflammatory agents and stop bleeding.

See also

• Beekeeping
• Honeybee
• Hive management