Scientists have discovered that apart from pollinating crops, producing honey, beeswax , propolis, pollen and royal jelly, Bees could also be the solution to the highly dreaded HIV and cancer.
A team of scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in the US, used nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in Bee venom to destroy HIV without harming nearby body cells, successfully.
According to Agency Report, the findings were contained in the current issue of Antiviral Therapy.
Explaining the modus operandi, Dr. Samuel A. Wickline, one of the researchers said; “Bee Venom contains a potent toxin called melittin that can poke holes in the protective envelope that surrounds HIV and other viruses. It has even shown melittin-loaded nanoparticles to be effective in killing tumor cells.”
Speaking with Vanguard in Ibadan recently, Mr. Ayodele Salako, a Beekeeper, corroborated the assertion of the researchers. “The Bee sting is very medicinal. A bee keeper who is stung by a bee every now and then, will not complain of any ailment because the bees have taken those things away from you by enhancing your immunity. That is one of the best works of bee venom.”
He demonstrated this by administering bee venom therapy on some people with pains in various parts of the body like the waist, hands and knees. All recipients said the pains stopped after a few minutes.
“Because the bee venom toxin has been engineered not to attack healthy cells, a vaginal gel loaded with bee venom particles, could be ideal for couples where one partner has HIV and they want to have a baby,” the report said, adding; “It’s also theoretically possible that intravenous injections of the nanoparticles would be able to clear HIV from the blood stream, a virtual miracle for those who have tested positive.”
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