
An Alternative Approach to Diseases: Apitherapy
Chapter from the book:
Kaplan,
M.
(ed.)
2025.
Public Health in the Age of Digital Transformation.
Synopsis
This book chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the historical development and fundamental concepts of apitherapy, as well as the biological and pharmacological properties of bee products including honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, bee venom, and apilarnil. The therapeutic effects of these bee products, linked to their chemical compositions, are evaluated in terms of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities. In the context of chronic diseases, current literature findings on apitherapy applications in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative disorders, and chronic wound management are presented. The chapter also emphasizes the role of these natural products within the scope of complementary medicine, the necessity of grounding their clinical use in scientific evidence, and the need for standardization. It underscores that apitherapy should not be considered an alternative to conventional treatments, but rather a supportive approach. However, for its effective and safe use, controlled clinical trials, robust quality control processes, and the education of healthcare professionals in this field are required. In this context, apitherapy is positioned as a holistic treatment paradigm with the potential to bridge traditional knowledge and modern scientific approaches.