Melittin from bee venom as a potential anticancer agent
bee venom has been used for centuries anti-inflammatory remedy applied. The effect is largely on the main ingredient Melittin attributed. A German research team has now discovered that the venom of older wild bee species is particularly well suited for medical purposes.
A working group of Senckenberg Research Institute as well as des LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics found out that Bee venom from wild bees contains more original variants of the active substance melittin. These original variants have great potential as an active ingredient against Krebs and inflammation. The research results were recently published in the journal “Toxins” presented.
Bee venom is a traditional remedy
That poison of the bee is as traditional medicine famous. Among other things, the poison becomes a analgesic effect awarded. For example, it should skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. The effect is due to the main component melittin. This is a Peptide from 26 amino acids.
Melittin can also damage healthy cells
In the case of inflammation, melittin is said to be around one hundred times more effective than cortisone. The bee venom active ingredient even has one potential anti-cancer cell activity. However the effectiveness of melittin is so strong that too healthy cells damaged can be made, which makes the application more difficult.
Also, some people respond severe allergic reactions on bee venom, which can go as far as life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Wild bee venoms have hardly been studied to date
As the researchers emphasize, the venom of wild bees has hardly been studied to date. The team has now discovered a more original and milder variant of melittin in older wild bees. This variant seems to be better suited for pharmacological purposes.
Melittin became stronger over the course of evolution
“The idea for our comparative analyzes was that melittin only became so highly toxic in the course of evolution and that the evolutionarily older wild bees may produce more original melittin variants in the venom that are pharmacologically easier to use.”summarizes study co-author and poison expert dr Björn M. von Reumont together.
Venom from the purple carpenter bee is effective against cancer cells
As part of the study, the scientists compared different melittin variants. Some of these came from the honey bee, others were first discovered in the venom of wild bees.
“The focus of this research was the different modes of action on inflammation and cancer”added professor dr Robert Furst from the working group. The poison of the Violet carpenter bee. The laboratory analyzes indicate a promising effect breast cancer cells hin.
Violet carpenter bees are spreading in Germany
The purple carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea) builds its nest in wood. It is particularly widespread in the Mediterranean and Asian regions. It also occurs in the warmer regions of Germany. Due to the rising average temperature, this wild bee species is continuously spreading in this country.
High potential for pharmaceutical applications
Because the newly discovered purple carpenter bee melittin peptides show less aggressive activity, they have “Possible potential for future pharmaceutical applications”, concludes the research team. When used, additional inhibitory substances that curb the strong toxicity could perhaps be dispensed with. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Sources:
- Senckenberg Research Institute: Mild bee venom shows greater application potential (published: 12/20/2022), senckenberg.de
- Pelin Erkoc, Björn Marcus von Reumont, Tim Lüddecke, et al.: “The Pharmacological Potential of Novel Melittin Variants from the Honeybee and Solitary Bees against Inflammation and Cancer”; in: Toxins (2022), mdpi.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.