Advancements in bee venom bioactivities for current therapeutic applications: A Review

Ahmed. M. H. Ali

Abstract


Bees, as a distinguished lineage of hymenopteran insects, have undergone significant evolutionary adaptations, transitioning to a pollen-based provisioning strategy for their offspring and diverging from a reliance on prey. Within the intricate composition of bee products lies a myriad of chemicals that have garnered widespread recognition for their therapeutic and health-enhancing attributes. Bee venom, a constituent of apitherapy deeply embedded in traditional medicine with a millennia-long historical foundation, is a subject of considerable interest. Honeybees, among various bee species, manifest considerable, albeit variable, levels of antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities in their venom. This variability underscores the need for a comprehensive exploration of the diverse applications of bee venom. The present review, thus, seeks to systematically collate and analyze pertinent scientific literature, shedding light on the multifaceted roles of bee venom across various therapeutic domains. Moreover, the review evaluates the extant evidence supporting the therapeutic use of bee venom, identifying gaps and limitations within the existing body of research. By synthesizing recent advancements and critically examining the scientific landscape, this review contributes to the evolving understanding of bee venom bioactivities and offers a foundation for advancing their applications in contemporary therapeutic settings.

Keywords: Apis; Antioxidant activity; Anticancer; Antimicrobial; Biological activity  


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.62940/als.v11i1.2837

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