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| - Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a bee venom spray can cure arthritis pain and swelling. Our fact check concludes this claim is Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook video alleges that a bee venom spray can cure arthritis pain and swelling, enhance joint mobility, and improve flexibility. The spray is said to be made from natural ingredients.
The caption says:
“Buy 1 Get 1 Free Only 599/- ; Say Goodbye to Joint Pain with GFOUK™ Bee Venom Therapy Spray! PACK OF 2 – BUY 1 GET 1 FREE; Eases arthritis pain and swelling; Enhances joint mobility and flexibility; Fast, effective relief with natural ingredients; https://smartkartindia.myshopify.com/products/bvbts“
Fact Check
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition which involves inflammation and pain in the joints. The most prevalent types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can significantly impact daily activities.
What is there in bee venom?
Bee venom, also known as apitoxin, contains various chemicals with potential medical applications, including enzymes, peptides, and amines. Melittin, a major component, comprises about 50% of bee venom and has been studied for its potential medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects.
Can a bee venom cure arthritis pain and swelling?
No, not really. Although bee venom has some anti-inflammatory properties, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in curing arthritis is inconclusive. A study reviewed the effectiveness and side effects of bee venom treatment. While it can cause mild skin reactions like itching, rash, and swelling, bee venom proved effective in treating inflammatory arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. This study suggests that we need large-scale clinical trials to confirm these benefits and recommends developing a system for reporting side effects to improve the reliability of bee venom therapy.
Even though it likely possesses anti-inflammatory properties, it is not a medically approved cure for arthritis.
What does an expert say?
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician, at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “I advise against trusting unverified claims on social media about products like bee venom sprays for arthritis. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Instead, patients should consult medical professionals for evidence-based treatments and management of arthritis.”
What is the product in the question?
The product in question, GFOUK™ Bee Venom Joint and Bone Therapy Spray, claims to offer relief from arthritis pain through its active bee venom components. However, this product page provides vague information about its effectiveness against arthritis and other conditions. It lacks detailed clinical trials and a full list of ingredients.
The claim of being “medically recommended” is weakly supported, featuring a photo of a doctor. A reverse image search through Google and Yandex did not verify the doctor’s authenticity. The certification displayed is non-specific and similar to those found on other unreliable websites, with no university name or certifying agency identified. The format and design of the certificate is used in the exact same manner on other product pages too, with just the doctor’s photo and name being changed, suggesting it is a mere gimmick. The format of these certifications is consistent across various suspicious websites, using fake doctors to gain trust. Overall, the website appears shady and lacks credibility.
What does the current research say?
Humans have used bee venom therapy for over 3,000 years. Bee venom contains a variety of chemicals, including melittin, which may have beneficial effects on health. Current research suggests:
- Animal studies have shown promising results regarding the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of bee venom. For instance, a 2020 study on rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found that bee venom was as effective as the anti-arthritis drug methotrexate in reducing RA symptoms. However, the sample size was limited to 20 rats, and further research is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to humans.
- Human studies have yielded mixed results. One notable 2018 study compared the effects of bee venom acupuncture to those of methotrexate and celecoxib in a sample of 120 people over eight weeks. Both the bee venom and drug treatment groups showed reductions in arthritis symptoms, with no significant difference between them. However, this study was not double-blind and lacked a placebo comparison, which limits the reliability of the results.
A more comprehensive 2020 meta-analysis reviewed several randomised controlled trials on bee venom therapy for various diseases, including arthritis. The researchers concluded that bee venom therapy might be beneficial in treating inflammatory forms of arthritis, but emphasised the need for more large-scale, high-quality clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness.
What are the potential benefits of bee venom?
Bee venom is also known as apitoxin. Research has highlighted a variety of potential benefits of bee venom in both medical and therapeutic contexts.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: One of the most notable benefits of bee venom is its anti-inflammatory effects. Melittin, a key component of bee venom, has been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. This effect can help alleviate symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and atopic dermatitis.
- Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: Bee venom has shown significant antibacterial properties, particularly against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria. Additionally, bee venom shows antiviral activity, which can be beneficial in treating viral infections. It shows potential against other parasites as well.
- Cancer Treatment Potential: Animal and lab studies indicate that bee venom and melittin have potential in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that melittin can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and glioblastoma. This cytotoxic effect makes bee venom a promising candidate for developing new cancer therapies.
- Immune System Modulation: Bee venom has been found to modulate the immune system. It can enhance the activity of immune cells, thereby boosting the body’s defence mechanisms against infections and diseases. This immune modulation also contributes to the anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties of bee venom.
Can arthritis be cured?
No, arthritis cannot be cured. However, its symptoms can be managed with proper treatment, which may include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored by healthcare professionals can help manage the condition effectively.
What are the likely adverse effects of bee venom?
Bee venom therapy can have significant adverse effects, including severe pain at the venom site, headaches, coughing, muscle weakness, vertigo, and jaundice. The most serious safety concern is the risk of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Bee and wasp venoms are common causes of anaphylaxis, which can lead to complications such as localised swelling and hives, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, heart complications, and, in extreme cases, death.
Conclusion
The claim that a bee venom spray can cure arthritis pain and swelling is mostly false. Even though there’s ongoing research which suggests potential benefits related to bee venom, the product’s credibility is questionable. There is a lack of solid scientific evidence to support this particular product, and hence we say it is largely false. Until and unless there’s conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of bee venom for arthritis, we cannot call it a cure. Individuals suffering from arthritis should seek advice and treatment from qualified healthcare professionals, instead of relying on bee venom spray for arthritis. You should avoid making your healthcare decisions based on random social media videos, especially if they are not from a qualified doctor.
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