The research team from University of Sao Paulo in Brazil has found that the venom contains molecules that cause an increase in natural hormones in the body that regulate inflammation.

The experts believe the bee venom can be used to develop new treatments that can help bring relief from the pain of arthritis and even prevent it from developing in the first place.

Lead researcher Suzana Beatriz Verissimo de Mello, who teaches rheumatology at the University of Sao Paulo, reportedly said that bee venom causes increased levels of anti-inflammatory hormones called glucocorticoids.

Apitoxin or bee venom is a complex mixture of substances that are known to induce immune and allergic responses in humans. The active portion of the venom is a complex mixture of proteins, which causes local inflammation and acts as an anticoagulant. The venom is produced in the abdomen of worker bees from a mixture of acidic and basic secretions. A honeybee can inject 0.1 mg of venom via its stinger. Apitoxin is similar to snake venom and nettle toxin.

"Nevertheless, bee venom has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis for centuries. However, the placebo effect has been described in studies investigating bee venom anti-inflammatory properties in arthritic patients.

"Our data shows that bee venom prevents the development of induced arthritis in rabbits through the action of glucocorticoids," de Mello added.

Bee sting therapy, in which patients endure hundreds of stings by bees in the hope of getting better, is often used as a form of alternative medicine to treat a range of conditions such as asthma and multiple sclerosis.

Pic: Samy Hastam