The Biotechnological Potential of Bee Venom: Review

Abstract

In many terrestrial ecosystems, the Apis mellifera species played an essential role, being one of the most beneficial insects worldwide. Bee venom (BV) has the role of protecting the bee colony from predators. Among the pharmacological activities of BV are: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimutagenic, radioprotective and even antiviral activity. The manifestation of the therapeutic potential is due to the bioactive compounds of BV, the main ones being melittin, phospholipase A2 and apamin, but hyaluronidase, mast cell degranulation peptide and secapin are also relevant for bioactivity. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the biotechnological potential, but also the applicability in the medical field as alternative methods to the use of antibiotics.

Keywords

• bee venom
• biological properties
• health applications