Journal of Semnan University of Medical Sciences
Image Credit:Koomesh
Outline
A Review of the Utilization of Honey Bee Products in the Treatment of Diseases: Medicinal Approach
Authors
Abstract
Background: Bee products, including honey, wax, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, and venom, hold significant economic importance in the food, pharmaceutical, and health sectors.
Objectives: This is due to their potential benefits and reduced side effects compared to traditional treatments. This study aims to review the medicinal and therapeutic uses of these bee products.
Methods: This review study employed a comprehensive search strategy, utilizing specialized keywords in reputable databases such as Magiran, SID, Google Scholar, Scopus, ISI, Pubmed, ISC, and others.
Results: Bee products have demonstrated efficacy in treating various ailments, including nervous system disorders, multiple sclerosis, shingles, rheumatism, arthritis, and depression. Honey has Powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective in wound healing and as a natural antiseptic. Soothes coughs and sore throats, acts as a prebiotic, promoting gut health. Propolis exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, is effective in treating oral infections, skin conditions, and respiratory ailments, and boosts the immune system. Pollen, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, enhances energy levels and reduces fatigue, supports immune function. Royal Jelly contains essential nutrients and bioactive compounds, which may improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and boost energy levels. Bee venom possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, used in apitherapy to treat conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and may have potential in cancer treatment.
Conclusion: Bee therapy emerges as a promising branch of biomedical science, offering relief from chemical drugs and conventional medical treatments. By harnessing the metabolic effects of compounds within bee products, human health can be preserved through their increased utilization in society.
Highlights
References
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© 2025, Author(s). This open-access article is available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which allows for unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited.
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