{"id":1124,"date":"2019-06-24T07:35:01","date_gmt":"2019-06-24T07:35:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alternativemedicine.today\/?p=1124"},"modified":"2019-07-23T07:43:11","modified_gmt":"2019-07-23T07:43:11","slug":"bee-venom-uses-benefits-and-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alternativemedicine.today\/?p=1124","title":{"rendered":"Bee Venom: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the name implies, bee venom is an ingredient derived from bees. It\u2019s used as a natural treatment for a variety of ailments.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What is bee venom?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It contains both anti-inflammatory and inflammatory compounds, including enzymes, sugars, minerals, and amino acids.<\/p>\n

Melittin \u2014 a compound that consists of 26 amino acids \u2014 comprises about 50% of the dry weight of the venom and has been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer effects in some studies.<\/p>\n

That said, it\u2019s primarily responsible for the pain associated with bee stings.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Potential benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

While not all of the purported benefits of bee venom are backed by science, research has shown that it has several powerful medicinal properties.<\/p>\n

Has anti-inflammatory properties<\/p>\n

One of the most well-documented benefits of bee venom is its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Many of its components have been shown to reduce inflammation, particularly melittin \u2014 its main component.<\/p>\n

Although melittin can cause itching, pain, and inflammation when delivered in high doses, it has potent anti-inflammatory effects when used in small amounts.<\/p>\n

Melittin has been shown to suppress inflammatory pathways and reduce inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\u03b1) and interleukin 1 beta.<\/p>\n

May reduce arthritis-related symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

The anti-inflammatory effects of bee venom have been shown to especially benefit those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a painful inflammatory condition that affects your joints.<\/p>\n

An 8-week study in 120 people with RA found that bee-venom acupuncture, which employed 5\u201315 bee stings every other day, provided symptom relief effects that were similar to those of traditional RA medications like Methotrexate and Celecoxib.<\/p>\n

Continue reading at Healthline<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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