Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Bee Venom Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Apitoxin Applications and Safety Enhancement Strategies.

Apitoxin therapy (BVT-bee venom therapy) is an emerging complementary treatment utilizing bee venom for various medical conditions. This review explores the potential and therapeutic mechanisms of bee venom, focusing on its chemical composition and the methods for its extraction and purification to enhance safety while maintaining bioactivity. Bee venom contains amphipathic peptides such as melittin and apamin, enzymes like phospholipase A2, and bioamines including histamine and catecholamines, contributing to its pleiotropic effects. The therapeutic applications of bee venom span anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, neuroprotective, anti-arthritic, and anti-cancer activities. Clinical and laboratory studies have demonstrated its efficacy in treating chronic and autoimmune diseases, pain management, and improving quality of life. The immunogenic properties of bee venom necessitate ongoing research to mitigate allergic reactions, ensuring its safe and effective use in medical practice. This review summarizes the current state of research on bee venom therapy, highlighting its potential benefits and future research directions.