Bee venom, also known as apitoxin, is the venom secreted by the stinger glands at the posterior end of worker bees, such as the Asian honey bee Apis cerana Fabr. To collect bee venom, a device is placed at the entrance of the beehive, and when bees come into contact with an electrified grid, they sting a membrane below it, releasing venom. After the stinger is removed, the bees can continue to live. The venom sticks to the membrane and dries into a gel-like substance, which can be washed off with water. It is then stored in a cool, dry, dark place or formulated into injections.
[Processing Method] Take the raw material and remove impurities.
[Appearance] Fresh bee venom is a transparent liquid with a fragrant aroma and a bitter taste. However, it quickly dries into white or pale yellow crystals at room temperature, which are slightly transparent and shiny, with a faint fragrance and strong irritability.
[Processing Effects] Bee venom has a bitter and pungent taste and is neutral in nature. It has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, and relieving pain. After processing, the medicinal properties become purer, and it is used for rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, neuralgia, hypertension, urticaria, and asthma. For example, it can treat rheumatoid arthritis (Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine); lumbago, sciatica (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine); neuralgia, urticaria (Chinese Animal Medicine). It is effective for bronchial asthma, goiter, certain types of hypertension, rheumatism, and abscess (Pharmaceutical Science). However, bee venom is prohibited for use in tuberculosis, diabetes, congenital heart disease, atherosclerosis, and sexually transmitted diseases. The use of bee venom in the elderly and children should also be taken into consideration.
[Processing Research] Among different species, the venom of the Asian giant hornet Vespula mandarinia Sm. is the most toxic, followed by honey bees. The toxic components of bee venom include phospholipase A, dehydrogenase inhibitors, and various peptides, including formic acid and other acids, but these are not the main toxic components. Bee venom also contains 1.0% to 1.5% histamine. After processing, the impurities are removed from the medicine, and the changes in components are not significant.
