BEE VENOM

Honey-bee venom has evolved as  an effective defence mechanism over millions of  years and is one of  the reasons why everyone isn’t a beekeeper.
 
It isn’t within the scope of this article to describe bee venom properly but,  suffice it to say,  bee venom is:

*clear, 
*odourless liquid,
*comprising around 88% water and,
*it has a very complex chemistry. 

At  least 18 pharmacologically active  components have  been described,  including various enzymes, peptides and amines.  Of  the small proteins,  one called melittin constitutes about 50% of  the venom’s dry weight.  This hydrolyzes cell membranes,  causing changes in permeability,  and is  most responsible for the pain.  Other components,  however,  act in concert with  it,  such as  hyaluronidase,  which causes changes in cell membranes and allows  the venom to  spread easily. 

Other components can cause anaphylactic shock in sting victims,  and this is the cause of  most fatalities from bee stings on individuals.

Venom poisoning can be caused by large numbers of  bees,  and this can cause death in non-hypersensitive individuals.  It has been estimated that it would take 500–1500 stings for this to  occur.

Using venom for humans 
Apitherapists claim that  bee venom can be used for the treatment of  the following:

1.Chronic injuries,  such as  bursitis and tendonitis. 2.Hypertension.
3.Asthma.
4.Scar tissue removal.
5.Certain skin conditions,  such as eczema.
6.Hearing  loss and,
7.Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) etc.