Honey bee venom contains at least 18 active substances.  Melittin, the most prevalent substance, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents known (100 times more potent than hydrocortisol).  Adolapin is another strong anti-inflammatory substance, and inhibits cycooxygenase; it thus has analgesic activity as well.  Apamin inhibits complement C3 activity, and blocks calcium-dependent potassium channels, thus enhancing nerve transmission.  Other substances, such as Compound X, Hyaluronidase, Phospholipase A2, Histamine, and Mast Cell Degranulating Protein (MSDP), are involved in the inflammatory reponse of venon, with the softening of tissue and the facilitation of flow of the other substances.  Finally, there are measurable amounts of the neurotransmitters, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Seratonin.

 

BEE VENOM
Bee venom is synthesized in the venom glands of worker and queen honeybees and stored in their venom sacs. During the stinging process it is expressed through the sting apparatus. Bees use stinging behavior in defence of the colony.

 

EFFICACY OF BEE VENOM IN PRODUCTS
There are heated discussions about the efficacy and potency of bee venom as found in its many forms in a variety of products. Bee venom seems to be the most potent when it comes directly from the stinger of a live bee. However, this observation can only apply to the venom obtained during the active beekeeping season. Off season bees have less potent venom in their venom sacs due to poor nutrition. This is an important consideration for those doing therapy with live bees which come from a locale without a year round nectar, honey and pollen flow.

Bee venom creams, liniments, ointments and embrocations are popular ways to use bee venom. There are some high quality bee venom creams on the market from which you can expect good results. These include: VENEX, Apireven, Apisarthron and Forapin. These products have been on the market for a long time. The oldest one is Forapin, introduced in 1934.