Potential Therapeutic Applications of Bee Venom on Skin Disease and Its Mechanisms: A Literature Review

June 2019 in “ Toxins ”

Haejoong Kim, Soo Yeon Park, Gihyun Lee

bee venom alopecia corticosteroids antimicrobial drugs acne atopic dermatitis melanoma morphea photoaging psoriasis wounds wrinkles vitiligo BV

TLDR Bee venom might be a good alternative treatment for various skin conditions because it has many healing properties.

The document reviewed the potential therapeutic applications of bee venom (BV) for treating various skin diseases, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties. It discussed the limitations of conventional medicines, such as corticosteroids and antimicrobial drugs, which can have adverse side effects during long-term use. The review covered the use of BV in treating skin conditions such as acne, alopecia, atopic dermatitis, melanoma, morphea, photoaging, psoriasis, wounds, wrinkles, and vitiligo. It also examined the mechanisms through which BV could treat these conditions and its cytotoxic effects on pathogens that cause skin diseases. The review suggested that BV could be a promising alternative treatment for skin disorders due to its diverse therapeutic effects.

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research Bee Venom Promotes Hair Growth by Inhibiting 5α-Reductase Expression

15 citations , January 2016 in “Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin”

Bee venom helps hair grow and may work better than some common treatments.

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Dutasteride and finasteride may reduce sperm count and volume but don't affect movement or shape; effects are reversible after stopping.

research Psychological Effect, Pathophysiology, and Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

112 citations , October 2005 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings”

Minoxidil and finasteride can slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth, but won't restore all lost hair or reverse complete baldness.

research Towards a Molecular Understanding of Hair Loss and Its Treatment

236 citations , July 2001 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine”

Future hair loss treatments should aim to extend hair growth, reactivate resting follicles, reverse shrinkage, and possibly create new follicles, with gene therapy showing promise.