Rheumatoid arthritis – is there a role for apitherapy?

Abstract

Introduction: Apitherapy is a therapeutic approach based on the use of beehive products. It is frequently suggested for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This study was to assess the recommendations of apitherapists regarding treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: 129 books written by apitherapists were reviewed regarding their recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis. These recommendations were compared to the findings of preclinical and clinical studies on the subject. Results: Sixty-eight (52.7%) of the books mention the topic of rheumatoid arthritis. There were 44 different recommendations. They include all bee products (honey, pollen, propolis etc.) but mainly bee venom (15 times) and royal jelly (5 times). Bee venom acupuncture (apipuncture) is mentioned only once. Compared to analyses from the scientific literature, only bee venom but mainly apipuncture are supported. Conclusions: This analysis shows that the majority of apitherapeutic books do not provide adequate information. However, some reports supported the scientific evidence that bee venom and apipuncture could be an interesting means of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but more and higher quality investigations are necessary.