Physiotherapic treatment with apitoxin: an overview of the worldwide experience

Abstract

Apitoxin is the venom produced by bees of the genus Apis. This toxin is produced by these insects for protecting the hive against predators such as arthropods and vertebrates. Apitoxin is composed by a complex combination of enzymes, peptides and amino acids, as well as small amounts of carbohydrates and lipids. Bee venom and its bioactive compounds have several biological effects against a variety of diseases in humans and animals. The treatment with the bee venom is used in traditional Chinese medicine and since ancient times in Egypt, Greece and India. Nowadays, apitoxin continues to be used in alternative treatment of various diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, skin diseases, several types of pain and infections, and against cancer. The use of apitoxin has an increasing potential in the pharmaceutical sector, with some products already available. The objective of this research is to outline the physiotherapic treatment with apitoxin in the treatment of various diseases, as well as to verify the current status of research in apitherapy.