Abstract

Apitoxin, or honey bee venom, is a bitter colorless liquid containing proteins, which may produce local inflammation. It may have similarities to sea nettle toxin.

Components

The main component is melittin amounting to 52% of venom peptides.

- Apamin increases cortisol production in the adrenal gland

- Adolapin, contributing 2–5% of the peptides

- Phospholipase A2 amounts to 10–12% of peptides. Phospholipase A2 activates arachidonic acid which is metabolized in the cyclooxygenase-cycle to form prostaglandins

- Hyaluronidase contributes 1–3% of peptides

- Histamine contributing 0.5–2% and is involved in the allergic response

- Dopamine and noradrenaline which contribute 1–2%

- Protease-inhibitors contribute 2%

- Tertiapin

Research

Apitoxins are under preliminary research for their potential biological effects, such as in cancer.