INNOVATIVE USING FACILITIES OF BEE VENOM

Abstract

Venom production from honeybees has been done since ancient times. Techniques for obtaining bee venom have been developed to the present day. With the new techniques, higher quality and purity medicinal bee venom can be obtained. Bee venom is a colorless, sharp and bitter taste, raw banana odor and slightly acidic (pH 5.0-5.5) structure bee product. It contains peptides, active amine and enzymes such as histamine, mellitin, apamin, MCD peptide, phospholipase-A, hyaluronidase. Bee venom dries in a short time and crystallizes. Bee venom quality varies depending on the technical structure of the collection unit and method, nectar flow, type and amount of pollens, weather conditions, age of bees and strength of the colony. If the bee venom is exposed to oxidation and moisture, its color will change and its medicinal quality will deteriorate. Improper methods can reduce the effectiveness of bee venom. Although it’s a new sector in our country, bee venom has a developing market trend in the world. It’s evaluated in the pharmaceutical industry, especially because its use in Apitherapy. Creams, ointments and needle solutions are produced from bee venom, and these are used successfully in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as MS, Alzheimer's and rheumatic diseases. Developing nano-bee venom production technology shows promising results in treatment of geriatric and cancer diseases. Beekeepers’ problems in production and marketing of bee venom can be overcome with support and governmental incentives. The development of advanced bee venom innovative products will open new market opportunities in bee products industry.