Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide, encompassing a variety of clinical conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and exercise-induced muscle injuries. Due to the limited effectiveness and potential side effects of pharmacological treatments, these health issues have increasingly brought complementary medical approaches into focus. Apitherapy is a traditional treatment method based on the use of bee products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and bee venom which possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue-regenerative properties. This book chapter examines the effects of apitherapy on the musculoskeletal system in light of both experimental and clinical findings. Bee venom, particularly through its bioactive peptides such as melittin, suppresses inflammation and alleviates pain. Propolis, with its antioxidant capacity, is beneficial in osteoporosis and joint degeneration, while royal jelly and pollen provide bioactive compounds that support muscle regeneration. Clinical applications involving bee products in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lower back and neck pain have demonstrated symptomatic improvements. However, to establish these effects more universally, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are needed. In conclusion, apitherapy shows potential in supporting symptom control in musculoskeletal disorders and is regarded as a promising area of complementary medicine.