SAFETY STUDY OF BEE VENOM INJECTED IN ALBINO RABBITS

Authors

1 ANDI COE in Antivenom Research, Holding Company for Biological Products & Vaccines (VACSERA), Giza

2 Faculty of Biotechnology, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Bee venom is very popular; being a natural treatment with multiple medicinal effects for
several diseases. Research continues to endorse and reveal more of its benefits on human health.
This study assessed the safety of bee venom aqueous preparation through hematological, biochemical
and histopathological studies. Twenty male New Zeeland rabbits (1.5-2kg wt.) classified
into control and test; were given multiple bee venom intradermal injections according to a
specific immunization schedule adopted by VACSERA for 6 months and compared with control
group injected with saline. Biochemical parameters revealed significant increase in total protein
and albumin within the normal level accompanied with non-significant hyperglobulinemia. Total
bilirubin, direct bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum
Iron level, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed nonsignificant
change, however serum creatinine showed significant decrease.

Keywords