Does bee venom accumulate in the human body. Approximate composition of the cream. What you need to know about the bite

When a bee stings, the sting penetrates deep into the skin, and the poison released under the action of muscle contractions instantly penetrates into the blood. A person at this moment feels a burning sensation and pain. Evaluate the action bee venom it is difficult for the human body, it affects everyone in various ways. Bite in some people can cause anaphylactic shock or a severe allergic reaction. In most cases, a single bite does not threaten anything and even turns out to be useful.

After being bitten, bee venom produces local and general action. First skin in the place of sting they turn red and swell, there is a sharp and burning pain, there is also an increase of several degrees of temperature (usually 2-6 degrees). The local reaction reaches its maximum in 15-20 minutes. Most healthy people tolerate 5 to 10 simultaneous bites with ease and without health consequences.

But with numerous stings or increased sensitivity of the body to it, it is not possible without the occurrence severe symptoms. These include:

• rash in the form of urticaria on the skin;
• general malaise;
• strong headache.
• In more serious cases with severe intoxication, there may be:
• increase in heart rate;
• dyspnea;
• a sharp decrease in blood pressure;
• fainting;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• heavy sweating;
• vomiting and diarrhea;
• blueing of the skin;
• convulsions.

In this case, a person cannot do without a qualified medical care, otherwise death may occur, most often due to respiratory arrest.

Useful qualities of bee venom

The effect of bee venom on a person can also be very useful, not without reason in alternative medicine There is such a direction as apitherapy, that is, treatment with bees. This method has been known for a long time, it was used ancient civilizations India, Greece and Mesopotamia.

It is one of the strong biological stimulants. It is often used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic.

Bee venom has the following effect on the human body:

• reduces blood clotting and viscosity;
• increases the level of hemoglobin;
• reduces the content of bad cholesterol in the blood;
• dilates coronary and cerebral vessels;
• normalizes heartbeat and has a stimulating effect on the myocardium;
• helps to reduce the acidity of gastric juice;
• stimulates digestive processes and enhances appetite;
• improves intestinal peristalsis;
• activates the hypothalamus;
• normalizes metabolic processes;
• reduces hormone production thyroid gland;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• improves natural defensive forces organism;
• reduces or eliminates completely pain;
• restores muscle tone;
• regenerates destroyed nerve sheaths, improves the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Due to these beneficial properties, the poison is successfully used as a drug.

Treatment with bee venom

It is now reliably established that bee venom in moderate doses has beneficial action per person, for example, improves sleep and appetite, increases efficiency, relieves chronic fatigue. In addition, it helps to get rid of many ailments or alleviate distressing symptoms chronic diseases.

With the help of such a medicine, amenable to therapy:

• problems of the nervous system (paralysis, condition after suffering strokes, intervertebral hernia, hysteria, depression and phobias);
• diseases of the digestive system (ulcers of the intestines and stomach, cholelithiasis);
• cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, arrhythmia and angina pectoris, heart attack and conditions after it);
• haemorrhoids;
• lupus erythematosus;
• rheumatism;
• muscle pain;
• baldness;
• dermatitis, eczema and other skin problems;
• thrombophlebitis and varicose veins;
• bronchitis, asthma and pleurisy;
• diseases of the genital area (infertility, impotence, manifestations of menopause in women, inflammation of the genital organs);
• diabetes mellitus (type 2);
• eye diseases(glaucoma, farsightedness and myopia);
• anemia:
• obesity;
• weak immunity.

Apitherapy allows you to cure ailments, even in the most severe forms. In addition to direct sting by bees, various types of medicines are made on the basis of poison (solutions for injections, ointments, emulsions, tablets).

Negative effects of poison on the body

Do not forget that bee venom - strong allergen, so its effect on the body is not limited to useful qualities. Severe intoxication can lead to very sad consequences. Of particular danger are multiple bites in a short period. It is believed that 180 or more stings cause poisoning of the body, often in severe forms. The critical dose for an adult can be considered 450 or more bites in a short time.

Children, the elderly, as well as pregnant and young nursing mothers are most sensitive to the action of bee venom.

Bites to the fingertips, ears and nose are especially painful, but they do not cause much harm. By the very dangerous places for stinging are considered:

• eyelids and the area around the eyes (in this case, an inflammatory process occurs, which may be accompanied by suppuration and conjunctivitis, and there is also a risk of developing cataracts - severe and dangerous disease organs of vision);
• pharynx and oral cavity(Swelling and swelling of the mucosa can lead to mechanical strangulation and death of the bitten).

Sensitivity and immunity to bee venom

Hypersensitivity to bee venom affects no more than 2% of people. They only need one bite to develop a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock.

Others are resistant to the action of bee venom. Scientists have found that numerous insect bites, on the contrary, cause the development of immunity in the body. Indeed, beekeepers can be stung dozens of times during the day, but they do not experience any dangerous and fatal conditions. On the contrary, they have excellent health and among them, as a rule, there are many centenarians. Experienced beekeepers with extensive experience can easily endure up to 1000 stings. Good immunity is also developed in those who undergo apitherapy courses. But with long breaks, the body's susceptibility to the components of bee venom increases again.

The source and principle of the formation of such immunity have not been fully elucidated. Attempts to explain this phenomenon by the production of antibodies have not been successful. Most likely, the answer lies in the mechanism of adaptation of the body to bee venom, therefore immunity is temporary.

The action of bee venom is multifaceted, it all depends on its dosage and individual characteristics every organism. This substance can be both lethal and. So, for some, bee venom becomes an invaluable medicine, and for another, it becomes a dangerous toxin and allergen.

Bee venom is a miracle created by nature, with its help bees protect themselves from enemies. The composition of bee venom has not yet been fully studied. Despite the fact that the use of bee venom in the treatment of many diseases began in antiquity, official medicine recognized its medicinal properties only at the end of the 30s of the last century.

Why is bee venom called medicine? Yes, everything is very simple, thanks to him unique composition.

Composition of bee venom

It has been reliably proven that its main part consists of the melitin protein, it contains amino acids and enzymes. In large doses, it harms our body and can lead to poisoning due to cell destruction. And in a small amount, on the contrary, restores the work of many organs. Pain, itching and redness on the skin after a bee sting are caused by this particular protein.

Melitin enhances the production of a hormone by the adrenal glands (cortisol). Due to this property, bee venom can be successfully used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis). Especially if the patients are hormonally dependent, the effect is very good. Due to melitin, bee venom is sterile, it has antibacterial properties. Its content in bee venom depends on the age of the bee, and the younger it is, the more it is. This protein is not found anywhere else in nature. And in terms of strength and effectiveness therapeutic effect it can safely be called medicine.

The composition of bee venom includes apamin. It improves the functioning of the nervous system, pancreas, stomach, intestines.

Bee venom contains inorganic acids: formic, hydrochloric, orthophosphoric. Chemical elements: nitrogen, zinc, sulfur, manganese, etc.

The poison also includes natural hydrocortisone, which is tens of times stronger than synthetic. It relieves inflammation, swelling, pain topical application and works well in the treatment of arthritis.

Well, after all that is listed, how not to call this invention of Mother Nature a medicine?

Bee venom protects our cells from radiation, reduces blood cholesterol, painful muscle tone, and improves local blood circulation.

Bee venom regulates the work well immune system in people prone to frequent allergic reactions. Improves wound healing, especially trophic ulcers. The heart muscle is also not left without attention, since bee venom normalizes the heart rhythm.

But best of all, various lesions of the joints and spine are treated with bee venom. In some cases, a complete cure is possible.

It is not for nothing that bee venom is called a medicine; on the basis of its use in medicine, the whole science of apitherapy is based - treatment with bee venom.

There is several ways to treat bee venom:

Bee stinging.

The introduction of ready-made ampoules intradermally.

Rubbing ointments containing bee venom.

Inhalations.

Or ultrasound.

Sublingual tablets.

It is not enough to call bee venom a medicine, you also need to know for which diseases it can be used, and for which it cannot. If you decide to try treatment with bee venom, then do not immediately run to the apiary in search of a bee, but first be sure to consult a doctor, because this method of treatment may not suit you. In addition, it has contraindications and side effects.

Bee venom is a biologically active substance with a wide range action on the human body. Its effect is usually expressed in units of action (ED). In our country, for 1 unit, the amount of bee venom obtained by stinging by one bee, equal to 0.1 mg, is taken. Although bee venom in large doses can cause severe general reaction, anaphylactic shock, up to death (which will be discussed later), in selected therapeutic doses he is valuable medicine in the treatment of patients with various diseases. The mechanism of action of bee venom on the body is complex and is the result of complex impact many components of the poison on various organs and systems.

First of all, this happens due to the stabilization of the immune system, as well as the impact on two critical systems: nervous and vascular. In addition, bee venom activates the adrenal glands to produce anti-inflammatory hormones that suppress pathological, in particular rheumatoid, processes in the body. Finally, bee venom increases the overall tone and activates the work of all vital organs.

Currently, the list of diseases in which bee venom is used is very wide. These are diseases of the peripheral nervous system (radiculitis, plexitis, neuralgia), neuritis of the facial, auditory and trigeminal nerves, post-stroke paralysis, traumatic lesions peripheral and central nervous system, myositis (muscle diseases), chronic rheumatic and non-specific polyarthritis, osteochondrosis, deforming spondylarthrosis (diseases of the intervertebral joints), stage I-II hypertension, thrombophlebitis, chronic inflammation lung, bronchial mild asthma and moderate (although bee venom does not relieve bronchospasm, it still alleviates the condition of patients), psoriasis, prostatitis, subacute and chronic diseases of the uterus and its appendages, migraines, poorly healing trophic ulcers and wounds, some eye diseases (iritis - inflammation of the rainbow membranes and iridocyclitis - inflammation of the ciliary body and iris), thyrotoxicosis stage I - II, etc.

Evidence of the successful use of bee venom in various diseases is found in Hippocrates, Paracelsus (I century BC), Galen (131-201). Reliable facts are known effective treatment bee venom gout of the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible and the Swedish King Charlemagne. In folk medicine, bee venom has long been used to treat injuries, for pain caused by morphological changes in the muscles and kidneys.

The effect of bee venom on warm-blooded animals and humans depends on the dose and site of venom administration, the ways it spreads, and the individual sensitivity of the organism. In therapeutic doses, bee venom stimulates the pituitary and adrenal glands, expanding small arteries and capillaries, increases blood circulation in tissues, and activates metabolism.

In folk medicine, bee stings are successfully used to treat rheumatic diseases, diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and in the treatment of inflammatory processes. Bee venom stimulates the activity of the adrenal glands, blood formation, heart function, dilates small arteries and capillaries, improves blood supply to tissues, normalizes metabolism, reduces blood circulation, improves appetite, normalizes sleep, and increases efficiency. By activating the metabolism, bee venom is effective in such diseases as atherosclerosis. Even with a short treatment, apitoxin reduces the content of cholesterol in the blood, gives positive results.

Treatment is carried out by direct pain (classical method), as well as preparations containing bee venom, rubbing into the skin in the form of an ointment, in the form of tablets, by electrophoresis, aerosol and steam inhalation, ingestion, etc.

When using direct bites, first check the sensitivity of patients to apitoxin. To do this, they are subjected to a short-term (15-10 s) sting of one bee. The next day, the test is repeated, but the sting is left for 4 minutes. After each sample, a urine test is done for sugar and protein. If the composition of the urine and the patient's well-being have not changed, treatment with bee sting can be started.

Bees for a bite are taken by the back with fingers or special tweezers. The sting site is thoroughly washed beforehand warm water and soap, after a bite, after 5-10 minutes, the sting is removed, and the place is covered with boron vaseline. After the procedure, it is advisable for the patient to rest lying down for 20-30 minutes.

The reaction of the body to bee venom

The fact that people who have been stung by bees react differently to bee venom has long been known. Some develop a violent general reaction with severe complications when stung by even one bee. Others without any serious consequences tolerate multiple stings. The same phenomena are noted when bee venom and its dosage forms are used for therapeutic purposes.

This can be explained by the fact that the nature of the body's reaction is largely determined by the multicomponent composition of bee venom. The chemical composition of the poison is extremely heterogeneous. The action on the body of each of its constituent substances forms a response to the poison.

Wherein importance have gender, age, human constitution and the reactive state of his body.

During life, the reactivity of the body changes. So, children are more difficult to tolerate bee stings than adults. And in the elderly and old people it is noted significant reduction reactivity.

The study of the reactivity of the body formed the basis for the study of an extensive group of diseases caused in connection with hypersensitivity to one substance or another. These are the so-called allergic diseases. Substances that can cause allergic reactions are called allergens. When they enter the body, they become antigens for it. When introduced into the body, antigens cause the formation of antibodies, that is, special protein substances.

The identification and study of allergic reactions to bee venom is complicated by the fact that it has a complex composition. The main carriers of both therapeutic and toxic properties of bee venom are apamin and melittin (low molecular weight proteins), and allergenic activity is also determined by other components.

The study of allergenic activity and the dynamics of antibody formation is necessary for the development of practical measures aimed at preventing people from being poisoned by bee and wasp venom. Many scientists and doctors believe that the only effective treatment for patients who have suffered a general allergic reaction to hymenoptera (bees, wasps) stings is the preventive specific immunization of people with the poison of these insects in order to increase the body's resistance.

According to scientists, the number of people susceptible to allergic reactions to wasp and bee stings will continue to increase, attracting the attention of doctors of various specialties. This is due to a distinct change in human reactivity.

WHAT IS BEE VENOM DANGEROUS

Bee venom has hemorrhagic, hemolytic, neurotoxic and histamine-like effects. With single removals (no more than 8-10), local skin reactions usually develop;

200-400 simultaneous stings lead to the development of a severe toxic reaction; and 500 or more stings are usually fatal.

Burning pain occurs at the site of the sting, blanching of the skin is noted within a radius of 1-3 mm. After 1-3 minutes, hyperemia and acute inflammatory edema. The maximum severity is observed after 15-20 minutes, and then a pale pink papule forms at the site of the lesion. Often, regional lymphadenitis is determined on the affected side. With single stings, all symptoms disappear after 24-48 hours.

With damage to the cornea of ​​​​the eye, there is a rapid deterioration in vision, clouding of the cornea, pupil dilation and hyperemia of the sclera. Blepharitis usually develops after damage to the cornea. These phenomena can persist for a week or more, and then visual acuity is gradually restored. However, in some cases, after stinging the eye, cataracts and glaucoma occur.

Simultaneously with the local reaction, general symptoms of poisoning may also occur: weakness, dizziness, chest tightness, shortness of breath, itching of the body with elements of urticaria, less often - twitching of the muscles of the face and limbs. These phenomena can occur 5-15 minutes after the sting and persist for two to three days, and sometimes for a week.

Numerous stings are accompanied by severe intoxication that occurs with nausea, headache, profuse sweating, an increase in temperature. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea occur, a short-term loss of consciousness may occur, signs of erythrocyte hemolysis and hemoglobinuria are observed.

The lethal dose of bee venom for humans is 1.4 mg per 1 kg of body weight. Fatal outcome usually comes from paralysis respiratory center. There are cases when a person dies from a sting from only one bee. When stinging in the tongue, palate or pharynx, swelling of the mucous membrane of the pharynx and larynx develops, which can lead to asphyxia.

FIRST AID FOR BEE STINGS

To provide first aid in the beekeeper's first aid kit should be the following tools and drugs:

• tweezers to remove the sting;
• sterile bandage and cotton wool;
• rubber band;
• 10-12% solution ammonia;
• alcohol tincture of calendula;
• tablets of diphenhydramine, suprastin, pipolfen, diazolin, ephedrine, prednisolone;
• analgesics (pyramidone, analgin);
• heart drops (valocordin, cordiamine, Zelenin drops);
• medical syringes (sterile) for 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 g;
• diphenhydramine, prednisolone and adrenaline (in ampoules);
• an ointment consisting of a 10% solution of calendula (5 g), rectified alcohol (100 ml), petroleum jelly or lanolin (10-15 g);
• solution of lime water (200 ml) apply moistened gauze pads.

• Remove the sting with tweezers, lubricate the wound with a 10-12% solution of ammonia or alcohol tincture calendula.
• After removing the sting, an ointment consisting of a 10% solution of calendula, rectified alcohol and a vaseline (lanolin) base can be applied to the wound.
• If the localization of the sting allows, you can apply a rubber tourniquet for 30-40 minutes above the affected area, apply cold. This will significantly limit the spread of the inflammatory process.
• With a general toxic reaction, it is recommended plentiful drink; from medicines - diphenhydramine, analgin, cardiac drugs (valocordin, Zelenin drops).

In case of a severe general toxic reaction, the patient must be immediately taken to a hospital, where he will be provided with complex symptomatic therapy.

In the event of an allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock to a single insect sting), diphenhydramine, prednisolone or ephedrine should be taken immediately. If after this the reaction intensifies, it is necessary to inject 1.0 ml of diphenhydramine and 1.0 ml of prednisolone intramuscularly and 0.3 ml of epinephrine subcutaneously. A patient with an allergic reaction should also be hospitalized.

• When working with bees, it is recommended to wear clothes made of light fabric, while the neck, arms and legs should be covered as much as possible. You can not use perfume, cologne, hairspray: their aroma can irritate the bees.

Bee stings must be picked off with a fingernail, and not squeezed with your fingers, since in this case the poison in the tank passes into the wound.

The faster the sting is removed, the less poison will enter the body. Many beekeepers have noticed that with frequent stings, sensitivity to them decreases, the body seems to get used to the poison. It is also known that, thanks to bee stings, beekeepers, as a rule, do not suffer from rheumatism.

Some researchers make an erroneous conclusion about the development of the so-called "beekeeper's immunity", that is, the production of antibodies in human blood - special protective proteins that can neutralize the toxic components of the poison. In this regard, many beekeepers generally stopped paying attention to stings and extracting stings, believing that the more there are, the stronger the immunity.

It has been established that the term "beekeeper's immunity" is conditional. In this case, it is more appropriate to speak of adaptation, that is, adaptability. There is an opinion that allergic reactions to bee venom are more common in families of beekeepers, intoxication develops extremely rapidly. Of course, when working in the apiary, it is difficult to avoid stings. For those who have a hard time with bee stings, it is best to avoid beekeeping (although this does not guarantee protection against accidental stings). And for those who easily endure stings, reasonable caution when dealing with bees will not hurt.

An ancient method of treating rheumatism with bee stings.

Russian healers from ancient times treated patients with bee stings. official medicine began to apply this method in severe forms of rheumatism. The treatment technique is extremely simple. Catch bees; take one bee by the wings, put it on sore spot. Almost always, the bee bites immediately. A day later, the next bite is made 4-8 cm from the first. Every day - one bite more, and so they bring it up to 5. After that, they give the patient two days to rest and begin to reduce the number of bites, one every day. If the pain does not go away, the course of treatment is repeated after a week. Then - 2 weeks of rest and a third course if necessary, but this happens very rarely.

Hypertensive disease (stages 1 and 2) In this disease, the bees sit down in collar zone no more than 4 per procedure 2 times a week (daily procedures are not recommended). And with severe headaches - additionally in the occipital region (4 - 8 bees at once). Angina Bees sit on the shoulder of the left hand, in the area of ​​the heart (more often on the place of its projection on the back, at the same time 2 - 5 pcs.). With course treatment - 60 - 120 bees. In patients against the background of general sclerosis complicated by hypertension and chronic heart failure, at the end of treatment, the general state, decreases to normal arterial pressure, headaches disappear or weaken, as well as pains in the region of the heart. During treatment cardiovascular diseases an important role is played by the microclimate of the apiary, its air filled with aromas of balms and phytoncides. No less important is the complete distraction of the patient from everyday affairs. The use of poison is combined with the intake of honey and royal jelly. Atherosclerotic lesions of the vessels of the extremities With this disease, bees are planted along the vessels of the diseased limb and on the lumbosacral region. The number of stings is 8 - 12 per procedure. Thrombophlebitis With thrombophlebitis, stings are made over thrombosed veins, their number should not exceed 8-12 per procedure. Polyarthritis (infectious, non-specific, rheumatoid, metabolic) The course of treatment of polyarthritis includes from 40 to 200 stings. Bees sit down on the area of ​​diseased joints from up to 10 pieces at once, but not more than 4 stings per 1 joint. Each joint separately must be prepared for treatment, gradually increasing the number of bees and the time the sting stays in the skin. Nice results gives treatment of patients with an exchange polyarthritis of a gouty origin. During the period of treatment, gouty joints soften, but their volume decreases markedly already 1-2 weeks after the end of the introduction of bee venom. Trophic ulcers trophic ulcers and sluggishly granulating wounds, bees are placed 5 cm from the wound or ulcer, as well as along the main sensitive branch of the nerve in this area. The number of stings is not more than 5 - 8 per procedure. Bronchial asthma The bees sit down on the collar zone with the increasing addition of one bee. Depending on the local reaction their number is brought to 4 - 8 at once, on average, 50 - 120 bees are required for a course of treatment. When patients have leukocytosis and high performance ESR, indicating that non-specific inflammatory processes occur in the lungs, it is recommended to take a 20% propolis tincture (20-30 drops 2-3 times a day after meals, in water or milk). The use of bee stinging during an attack brings relief, and sometimes quickly eliminates it. In the course of treatment, blood pressure in most cases normalizes, irritability is removed, shortness of breath decreases, asthma attacks become less frequent. Therapeutic effect in most patients it lasts for a long time. Enuresis (bedwetting) Patients aged 6 to 20 years are prescribed complex treatment. Bee sting in the lumbar points and along the meridians of the kidneys and Bladder. The course of treatment requires 30 - 40 bees. At the same time, enemas with a 30% solution of honey are used and pollen is given 1 teaspoon daily. The course of treatment is 1 month. The stinging area is the abdomen (2.5 cm below the navel and 2.5 cm from the midline of the abdomen).

Treatment of neuritis and neuralgia.

On the initiative of Academician M. B. Krol and under his direct supervision in 1938, X. I. Yerusalimchik used bee venom in clinical setting with diseases of the nerves (sciatic, femoral and others) ( X. I. Yerusalimchik. Treatment of sciatic neuritis and neuralgia with bee venom. "Neuropathology and Psychiatry", vol. VIII, no. 5, 1939). Most patients had rheumatism in the past. Almost all patients before the course of treatment with bee venom had already been treated with conventional medical and physiotherapeutic methods to no avail.

bee venom was injected subcutaneously at the most painful points. After 1-2 injections, a decrease in pain was noted. After 3-4 injections, a significant improvement, both subjective and objective, was observed. After 8 injections of bee venom there was a complete recovery.

However, given that Kh. I. Yerusalimchik did not observe and did not describe the long-term results of apitoxin therapy for neuritis and neuralgia, it cannot be argued that a stable and long-term recovery has come. There are examples when patients with neuritis, especially with inflammation trigeminal nerve, having undergone a course of treatment with bee stings, they considered themselves completely healthy, and after a while (2-3 months) relapses of the disease were observed, and repeated courses of apitoxin therapy did not give a therapeutic effect.

The effect of bee venom on blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol deposited on inside artery walls, according to Academician N. N. Anichkov, is one of the main causes of atherosclerosis - the “disease of old age”. In this regard, the observations of Kh. I. Yerusalimchik, who established that as a result of treatment with bee venom in some patients, the cholesterol content in the blood decreased, are very interesting. In cases where bee venom did not have a beneficial effect, hypercholesterolemia was observed, i.e. increase in cholesterol. These observations are very valuable, since they warn against the use of bee venom in all cases without examining the individual properties of the patient.

K. Dirr and G. Graeber in 1936 reported that in almost all patients with joint diseases under the influence of apitoxin therapy (forapin ointment), they noted an increase in the amount of cholesterol, and in patients with neuritis, treatment with bee venom did not affect the level of blood cholesterol at all. KA Forster pointed out that bee venom even increases the cholesterol content in the blood of patients. E. M. Alesker reported that in 100 patients rheumatoid arthritis and neuritis treated with apitoxin therapy, she failed to establish the effect of bee venom on changes in blood cholesterol levels.

Effect of bee venom on blood pressure.

Bee venom is known to lower blood pressure. Studies on dogs have shown that intravenous administration of the venom of a single bee causes a slight decrease in blood pressure; the introduction of poison from several dozen bees causes a sharp drop in blood pressure. The drop in blood pressure is due to the expansion of peripheral blood vessels under the action of histamine contained in bee venom. The experiments of pharmacologists have shown that histamine in dilutions of 1: 250,000,000 (I.E. Mozgov ( I. E. Mozgov. Pharmacology. M., Selkhozgiz, 1959)) and even 1:500000000 (M. I. Gramenitsky ( M. I. Gramenitsky. Textbook of pharmacology for medical schools. Ed. 2. L., Medgiz, 1938)) has a vasodilating effect.

Doctor Fang Zhu used bee venom to treat hypertension (stages 11 and 111 according to A. L. Myasnikov) in 12 patients and noted recovery in one patient, significant improvement in four, improvement in three, no change in three and stopped treatment in one patient. Many cases can be cited when patients with hypertension began to be treated with bee venom or went to work in apiaries, where they were subjected to bee stings. The condition of the patients soon improved markedly: headaches disappeared, efficiency increased, pressure decreased almost to normal.

It should be pointed out that, in addition to the action of bee venom itself, a calm environment has a beneficial effect on the condition of patients. countryside and the healing air of the apiary.

Treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

AT medical literature and in the literature on beekeeping, there is no description of cases of bee venom treatment of patients suffering from thyrotoxicosis ( Graves' disease). Therefore, the following observations successful treatment Graves' disease with bee venom in the practice of traditional medicine are of undoubted interest.

Patient G. suffered from Graves' disease since 1932. Until 1948, she was treated with medication and physiotherapy to no avail. On the advice of the famous beekeeper I. M. Ermolaeva began to be treated with bee stings. After several stings, she felt a significant improvement: the tumor began to dissolve quickly and soon completely disappeared.

Patient Ch. was operated on for Graves' disease; four years after the operation, the disease recurred. Soon the patient noticed that in the summer, while working in the apiary, where she was repeatedly stung by bees, she felt much better than in winter: restful sleep, the excitability of the nervous system is significantly reduced, heartbeats disappear, etc.

Among beekeepers, thyrotoxicosis is very rare, and we are inclined to explain this by the action of bee venom and the beneficial influence of the external environment - work in the apiary.

Since I. M. Ermolaev first informed the author of the book about the beneficial therapeutic effect bee venom in thyrotoxicosis, we wanted to strengthen the priority of this treatment method behind it.

We consider it necessary to warn patients that it is life-threatening to apply bees to sting in the neck area.

Treatment of certain eye diseases.

In folk medicine, bee venom has long been used in the treatment of certain eye diseases. Here is one example: patient V. suffered from kerato-conjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and mucous membranes) for about two years. Once, after an accidental sting of a bee, the patient felt better. After treatment with bee stings, all the phenomena of kerato-conjunctivitis disappeared.

AT modern medicine in the treatment of eye diseases - iritis (inflammation of the iris) and iridocyclitis (inflammation of the ciliary body and iris), bee venom is widely and successfully used. Associate Professor O. I. Shershevskaya ( O. I. Shershevskaya. Treatment of rheumatic iritis with bee venom. "Bulletin of ophthalmodogy", 1949, No. 3) in the Novosibirsk Eye Clinic was treated with bee venom in the form of bee stings and observed good therapeutic results. In the case of severe iritis with a drop in vision up to 0.001, the use of bee venom had a striking effect: inflammatory phenomena subsided and after three or four days there was a complete recovery with the restoration of visual acuity.

However, it should always be remembered that the application of bees even to an eye closed by eyelids is a great danger. Often in order to pull a piece of sting out of eyeball, several operations are required. Even in those cases when only the eyelid is damaged by the sting of the bee, the sting rubs the cornea with its protruding end and causes superficial keratitis. In some cases, severe disease of the entire eye occurs.

In the clinic of eye diseases of Gorkovsky medical institute named after S. M. Kirov, bee venom in the form of Virapin ointment is successfully used to treat patients with keratitis, rheumatic iritis, rheumatic scleritis, episcleritis ( N. L. Malanova. Apitoxin and honey in the treatment of eye diseases. Collection of works of the clinic of eye diseases of the Gorky State. honey. in-ta im. S. M. Kirov. Gorky, 1960, pp. 176-182). On the first day, the ointment is rubbed into the skin of the left shoulder, on the second day - into the skin of the right shoulder, then into the skin of the left thigh, then into the skin of the right thigh. Treatment of skin diseases. Bee venom is widely used in folk medicine in the treatment of various skin diseases.

G. Kovalev reported that his son had suffered from tuberculosis of the skin of the face (lupus) for five years. One day in the apiary, a bee accidentally stung the boy on the affected cheek; soon the skin at the site of the bite became paler. They decided to treat the boy with bee stings. A few days after the start of treatment, the cheek began to acquire the color of healthy skin, and after 1 1/2 months the boy recovered ( G. Kovalev. A case of curing a skin disease by bee stings. "Experimental apiary", 1927, No. 2). Unfortunately, after G. Kovalev's note, published in 1927, we were unable to find out about the boy's further fate. Dermatologists should subject clinical trial bee venom with numerous skin diseases, especially those for which there are currently no effective therapeutic agents.

Indications and contraindications for the use of bee venom.

Some beekeepers and even medical workers believe that bee venom cures all diseases. On this basis, they use it for gynecological, childhood and even venereal diseases. However, in a number of diseases, the use of bee venom is contraindicated. According to Soviet law, persons who do not have medical education, prohibited from doing medical practice. Treatment with bee venom can only be carried out by a doctor.

Observations of traditional medicine, modern clinics and our personal data confirm that bee venom has certain medicinal properties. Good healing effect it is obtained mainly in rheumatic diseases of the joints and muscles, in chorea, inflammation of the sciatic, facial and other nerves, in hypertension of stages I and II, migraine, Graves' disease, and also in some other diseases ( "Temporary instructions for the use of apitherapy (treatment with bee venom) by stinging with a live bee for certain diseases", approved by the Bureau of the Presidium of the Academic Medical Council of the USSR Ministry of Health on May 10, 1957 (Minutes No. 17)). However, caution should be exercised when using bee venom, especially for children and the elderly, who are very sensitive to it.

With certain diseases - tuberculosis, heart defects, diabetes, vascular sclerosis, venereal diseases- bee venom is contraindicated.

If the patient has a general malaise after the first bee sting, heat, headache, fever, severe weakness, urticaria-type rash, tinnitus, intestinal upset, etc., treatment should be stopped immediately.

Bee venom is an ancient remedy. Even in ancient times, it was used in many countries of Europe and Asia. Bee venom is a secretory product of a special gland in the body of the worker bee. It is a colorless, very thick liquid that quickly hardens in air. It has high surface activity. The use of bee venom for medicinal purposes is based on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect.

Along with many amazing abilities, nature endowed the bee with a "weapon" with which it protects its nest - a poisonous liquid produced in its body by large and small poisonous glands. When meeting with the enemy, the bee pierces the cover with its sharp sting and injects burning poison into the resulting wound. Moreover, the notches at the end of the sting do not allow it to be removed freely, and the poison continues to flow from a special reservoir for several seconds. Then the sting comes off with part of the internal organs, and some time later the bee dies. But the smell of poison quickly spreads and, as if on alarm, mobilizes other bees to protect their home.

bee venom is clear liquid with a pungent smell, somewhat reminiscent of the smell of honey, with a bitter and burning taste. Despite the fact that beekeeping is an ancient industry, chemical composition bee venom has been studied relatively recently and not yet completely. It has been established that the composition of the poison includes 9 protein substances, various peptides, 18 amino acids, histamine, fatty substances and stearins, carbohydrates, more than ten minerals and others. A number of substances that are very active in their effect on the body (acetylcholine and histamine), as well as inorganic acids, hydrochloric, orthophosphoric) have been isolated from bee venom, which cause a burning sensation when stung by a bee.

As a beekeeping product, bee venom is widely used by medicine in the treatment of radiculitis, rheumatism, migraine, hypertension, thrombophlebitis, limb vessels, peripheral nervous system, and a number of other diseases. In small doses, bee venom has beneficial effect on the general condition of the human body, strengthens nervous system improves sleep and appetite. When studying methods of protection against radiation (California, USA), it was found that bee venom can also be effectively used to protect against radiation.

Depending on the nature of the disease and the individual characteristics of the patient's body, treatment with bee venom is carried out in one of the following ways: natural bee stings in a sore spot; the introduction of poison through the skin using electricity (electrophoresis); rubbing into the skin of ointments containing poison; by injection finished products bee venom produced in ampoules; inhalation.

BIOLOGICAL ACTION OF BEE VENOM

Affects the central nervous system. The venom peptides have an aspirin-like analgesic effect, stronger narcotic analgesics 10-50 times, the threshold of irritation decreases. The anti-shock effect of the poison has been established.

Affects the cardiovascular system. Small doses of poison reduce blood pressure, local hyperemia occurs, which reduces inflammation. Increased volumetric velocity coronary circulation, the vessels of the brain expand, the volume of blood increases, an anticoagulant effect is manifested. Stimulates the activity of the heart muscle, reduces the amount of cholesterol and the level of ESR, includes an anti-stress mechanism. Poison in large doses causes EEG depression, melittin depresses the higher parts of the central nervous system.

It has an anti-inflammatory effect. affect the function gastrointestinal tract. It was established that at high doses of bee venom (poisoning) in dogs, cholesterol and bilirubin in bile, as well as its hypersecretion, significantly increased.

A radioprotective effect has been established. Stimulates Bone marrow, improves bone fusion, small doses of poison contribute to the survival of irradiated animals. It is indicated for the treatment of sick victims during the Chernobyl disaster: the composition of the blood improves, the immune defense increases.

Affects embryogenesis and reproductive function. Large doses poisons reduced the fertility of rats, and small ones stimulated.

It has immunological properties. Beekeepers develop antibodies against bee venom. The blood serum of beekeepers counteracts the hemolysis of red blood cells by bee venom. The content of five allergens in the poison has been established - phospholipase A, hyaluronidase, melittin, factors B and C.

It affects metabolic functions, accelerates protein metabolism and replaces missing peptides and enzymes.

Affects endocrine system, reduces the release of thyroid hormones, enhances the activity of the adrenal cortex - pituitary gland - hypothalamus.

In small doses, bee venom improves blood microcirculation in tissues. Melittin poison has a heparin effect.

Bee venom has an antibiotic effect.

Melittin of bee venom prevents convulsive phenomena.

Bee venom stimulates the activity of the heart, increases the volume of blood passing through the heart, has an antiarrhythmic effect.

In small doses, it enhances the immune system.

Allergy to bee venom manifests itself in the form of a decrease ascorbic acid in the adrenal glands. Allergy removal is carried out with heparin 50 IU/kg.

Improves motor and secretory functions gastrointestinal tract.

Bee venom has an anti-shock effect.

Modern medicine has developed a method of apitherapy and established the main indications for the use of bee venom as remedy. Contraindications to apitherapy have also been identified, that is, a group of diseases is currently known in which the introduction of bee venom worsens the course of the disease.

The use of bee venom is contraindicated in patients with tuberculosis, suffering from infectious and mental disorders, diseases of the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas in the acute stage, diabetes, as well as people with hypersensitivity to bee venom or its intolerance. Therefore, persons who do not have a special medical education, according to current legislation, are prohibited from treating a patient with bee stings.

The sensitivity of people to bee venom is different. In persons with hypersensitivity to it, the sting of even one bee can cause a severe general reaction. The most painful reactions to apitoxin are women (especially pregnant women), children and the elderly. However, with frequent, regular stinging, as happens with beekeepers, sensitivity to bee venom decreases.

The lethal dose for an adult is 500 simultaneous stings; 200-300 stings cause severe poisoning.

Of all bee products, it is the poison that has the most pronounced ability to eliminate various diseases and strengthen the immune system. bee venom and healing properties were known to our ancestors. The effect of poison on the body and the features of its use for treatment are described in the article.

You will learn how bee venom is extracted and what features should be considered when using this substance to treat diseases. We also described in detail the features of the use of poison for the treatment of diseases of the skin, blood vessels, heart and its use in cosmetology.

What is bee venom

A special poison is secreted in the glands of worker bees and, in case of danger, enters through the sting into the skin. Outwardly, it is a clear or yellowish liquid of a very thick consistency. The smell is similar to honey, but more pungent, and the taste is burning and slightly bitter (Figure 1).

On the outdoors the poison quickly hardens, but it does not lose its beneficial properties even when dried.

The technology for obtaining poison is shown in the video.

The effect of bee venom on the body can be compared with powerful antibiotic. It is capable of destroying a wide variety of microorganisms, and even in a diluted state is sterile.

The substance is formed in the filiform glands of bees. Its amount gradually accumulates with age and reaches a maximum at two weeks of age (Figure 2). Despite the common components of the substance, the composition of the poison may vary depending on the breed of bees, their age, diet and habitat.

The effect of bee venom on the body

Having determined how the poison is formed, it is also necessary to find out what useful properties it has.

The main component is the substance apimin, which has a powerful positive effect on the body. Benefits of the product include(picture 3):

• The ability to stimulate the body's immune system;
• Even in diluted form, the poison is able to relieve inflammation, eliminate suppuration and infection with bacteria;
• Has a pronounced ability to relieve pain;
• It increases the number of red blood cells in the blood, prevents them from sticking together, dilates blood vessels and reduces the amount of cholesterol.

It is also used in multiple sclerosis, diseases of cardio-vascular system, improves the functioning of the liver and digestive tract in general, improves sleep and the functioning of the nervous system.

Composition of bee venom

Like all bee products, the poison contains unique components that can bring great benefit the human body.

The composition includes essential amino acids(18 out of 20 existing), inorganic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and glucose. One of the main components of substances is melittin. It is he who causes a burning sensation when the sting penetrates the skin. However, this component perfectly dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Other substances that make up bee venom (for example, phospholipase) perfectly rejuvenate the body, accelerate the resorption of hematomas and improve blood composition. The poison also contains useful trace elements (chlorine, magnesium, iodine and phosphorus).

What is treated with bee venom

Treatment with bee venom is called apitherapy. This folk way elimination of diseases was known to our ancestors, and in modern world found wide application as an alternative to traditional medicine.

The unique composition of insect venom makes it indispensable in the fight against the most various diseases. Consider the use of the substance in more detail.

More information about the use of bee venom in traditional medicine is in the video.

With multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a dangerous autoimmune disease in which the body's defense systems react aggressively to nerve sheaths. Gradual death nerve cells and tissues leads to the progression of the disease and serious nervous disorders.

Conventional medicine is not yet able to completely cure this disease, limiting itself to symptomatic therapy. But bee venom is considered an effective means of combating the disease.

The substances included in its composition stop the destruction of nerve cells, and amino acids provoke the formation of new endings. Thus, the use of poison can not only stop the development of the disease, but also completely eliminate it in the initial stages.

Treatment of hypertension

Poison obtained from bees is considered effective means fight against hypertension. This material is great for expanding blood vessels, reduces blood viscosity and prevents thickening of the walls of blood vessels.

Note: Especially effective folk remedy is considered to be initial stages pathology. But also in advanced cases the use of poison helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The most effective is the acupuncture method - subcutaneous injection of poison at certain points on the body. However, in ancient times, a simpler method was used - 4 bees were planted by the patient's collar twice a week. Bee stings provoked the injection of poison into the body and had the desired therapeutic effect.

When treating live bee stings, it is important to strictly follow the technology and avoid too strong and frequent bites. Otherwise, the effect will be reversed, and the patient may suffer from allergies.

For joints

As a component of ointments and balms, poison can relieve joint pain (Figure 4). The components that make up the substance prevent blood stasis in the limbs and serve as an effective means of prevention varicose veins veins. In addition, applying poison mixed with herbal ingredients to painful areas is great for reducing inflammation.

Also, the poison itself and products based on it are used to treat sciatica, relieve severe pain after intense physical activity and as aid to fight rheumatism.

For skin diseases

Like other bee products, insect venom is also used externally. mixed with vegetable oils and decoctions, it helps fight psoriasis, relieves flaking and accelerates the healing of wounds and ulcers on the body.

It should be borne in mind that such a poison - powerful allergen, and it should not be used by people with intolerance to bee products, even as an external remedy.

Aitoxin, as the main component of the poison, has not only bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but also the ability to rejuvenate the skin and the body as a whole (Figure 5). It is these properties that have led to the active use of poison in cosmetology.

Note: The action of the poison is similar to Botox injections. But, unlike this chemical, poison is a completely harmless way to restore skin elasticity.

Even the poison included in creams industrial production has a beneficial effect on the skin. The substance stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, eliminates fine wrinkles and makes deep ones less noticeable. Lip balms and creams make them more lush and voluminous, and the poison that is part of lipsticks makes the color more vibrant and persistent.

All components of the poison provoke a slight irritation of the epidermis. This explains the effectiveness of such products in the fight against wrinkles (Figure 6).

Apitoxin and amino acids of the product stimulate the production of collagen, renew skin cells and make the epidermis more elastic. There is an opinion that soon it will be the venom of bees that will be used for anti-aging procedures and will completely replace Botox. This is because it has much fewer contraindications and side effects, and the end result is the same as with the introduction chemicals under the skin.

Preparations based on bee venom

Bee venom is actively used as a component of medicines and cosmetics. For example, modern manufacturers produce ointments with this substance (Figure 7). All such medicines are designed to relieve pain and inflammation of the joints, and are also used to heal wounds, sores and ulcers on the skin.

Poison is also produced in tablets and ampoules for intradermal injections(drugs Apifor, Apitoxin, Apizartron). These drugs help strengthen blood vessels and effectively fight joint diseases.

The benefits of the poison of these insects have also been proven in cosmetology. However, it should be borne in mind that this substance can also cause harm if a person has intolerance to bee products. Therefore, before using a cream, balm or lipstick, you need to carefully study the composition.

How to treat bee venom allergy

The substances that make up bee venom are great danger for people with intolerance to bee products. These components can cause serious allergies, in the event of which certain measures must be taken immediately.

Note: On the initial stage allergies are manifested by cough, runny nose and lacrimation. But if a person is not helped in time, the symptoms can worsen and turn into loss of consciousness, convulsions, a sharp drop in pressure and severe swelling interfering with normal breathing.

At the first sign of an allergy to a bite, you need to call an ambulance. Before the doctors arrive, you should try to carefully remove the sting and treat the bite site with alcohol. After that, you need to make an ice compress and give the victim any drug against allergies.