VENENO DE ABELHA E SEU POTENCIAL NO TRATAMENTO DA DOENÇA DE PARKINSON

Abstract

Bee venom (apitoxin), produced by Apis mellifera, has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, generating interest as a potential therapeutic resource for neurological diseases, especially Parkinson’s disease, which is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and by motor and non-motor manifestations that compromise individuals’ functionality. Given the limitations of current therapies in slowing disease progression, it has become relevant to evaluate natural compounds such as melittin, apamin, phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), adolapin, and tertiapin, which may exhibit neuroprotective actions. The present study aimed to conduct an integrative literature review to analyze the available evidence on the therapeutic effects of bee venom and its components in Parkinson’s disease. The search was conducted in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using descriptors related to bee venom and neurological diseases. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 were included, resulting in 26 studies analyzed. The apitoxin components identified as promising were melittin, apamin, and phospholipase A2, which demonstrated effects such as reduced neuroinflammation, modulation of ion channels, decreased apoptosis, and stimulation of neuronal plasticity mechanisms in experimental models. Preliminary studies show symptomatic improvement in some patients treated with techniques such as acupuncture associated with bee venom, although these studies still have small samples and methodological limitations. It is concluded that apitoxin has therapeutic potential for the management of Parkinson’s disease; however, clinical evidence remains insufficient. Controlled, standardized, and long-term studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety, allowing for future clinical application.