There are 76 different components in bee venom, but not all of these components are consistently present in every bee’s venom. There are 6 primary components that provide the major therapeutic benefits of bee venom therapy.
Hyaluronidase: Physiological Properties: Loosens the glue that connects cells, making the tissue more permeable. Healing substances have greater access to cells and elimination of toxic substances also becomes easier.
Phospholipase A1 & A2:Physiological Properties: Contained in all venom, is an emulsifier which acts to detoxify the cells.
Apamin:Physiological Properties: Assists damaged nerve receptors by specifically enhancing critical aspects of nerve transmission. Enhances long term synaptic transmission.
Melittin: Physiological Properties: Melittin attacks certain cell walls, creating the “sting”. It has antibacterial and other healing properties. It causes the histamine reaction, which causes swelling and inflammation and has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Histamine: Physiological Properties: Produces signs of inflammation.
Mast Cell Degranulating Peptide:Physiological Properties: Releases histamine and has positive effects on neurochemistry which may produce mental alertness and improved concentration. Increases short-term memory in rats (maze test).
The following compounds also are found in some bee venom with beneficial effects:
Compound X: Physiological Properties: Appears to make the other compounds in the bee venom more potent.
Dopamine: Physiological Properties: A neurotransmitter that increases motor activity. It is deficient in Parkinson’s patients and major depression.
Norepinephrine: Physiological Properties: A neurotransmitter responsible for the “fight or flight” response.
Adolapin: Physiological Properties: An anti-inflammatory agent that produces an analgesic effect.
Reports of Benefits Using Bee Venom
Neurological: multiple sclerosis, chronic low back pain, sciatica, lumbago, analgesia
Rheumatological: rheumatoid and traumatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis (shoulder & knee) myalgias (muscle spasms, pain), ankylyosing spondylitis deformans, polyarteritis deformans, psoriatic arthritis, tennis elbow, schlermanns.
Immune System: Immune augmentation, lupus, benefits some cancers.
Dermatological: Eczema, psoriasis, scerolysis, scleroderma, topical ulcers, degranulating wounds, corns.
Cardiovascular/Respiratory: High blood pressure, peripheral vascular diseases. Arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, diabetic neuropathy,
Sense Organs: Improves hearing and eyesight.
Healing/Prevention: stimulates healing of bones, wounds, lesions and scars. Prevents colds and flu-like illnesses.
Psych/Endocrine: Lowers blood sugar, depression, mood swings, PMS, menstrual cramps regular periods, female fertility and increased sperm count.
Viral: Meningitis, herpes, shingles, warts.
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