The effect of bee venom in the treatment of breast cancer

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Today cancer is a global problem especially breast cancer, which is a major concern for women. Many factors are involved in the development of breast cancer. It can be used to prevent good diets such as olive oil rich in fat reduction and obesity. Because one of the contributing factors in the incidence of this cancer in menopause is obesity. Instead of using chemical methods to treat it, traditional and Islamic methods can be used. METHODS: This article is a review article. Google search and keywords for breast cancer, bee venom and traditional medicine collected related articles. RESULTS: Bee venom has atleast 18 active components. BV contain various peptides including melitin, apamine, adolapin and enzymes including hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2. Melitin is the main toxic component of venom. Different types of cancer cells such as mammary carcinoma cells can be targeted by melitin. Phospholipase A2, which makes up 15-20% of BV, breaks down the structure of the cell membrane phospholipids resulting in cell breakdown. Intramuscular injection of BV can greatly inhibit tumor growth and be used the treatment of cancer. BV has direct and indirect effects on tumor cells through stimulation of host cells, especially macrophages and T lymphocytes. CONCLOUSIONS: Based on these findings, it can be deduced that low BV concentrations are capable of inducing cell death (in most cases apoptosis). On the other hand, compounds that induce apoptosis can be useful in the treatment of cancer. If further studies and conclusive evidence of the anticancer effects of this compound are made, BV could be a good drug for the treatment of breast cancer.

Keywords:

breast cancer , bee venom , traditional medicine , anticancer.