Melittin Powder

Authoritative source：PubChem

What is Bee Venom?

Bee venom (BV), a type of defensive venom, has been confirmed to have favorable activities, such as anti-tumor, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectivity effects, etc. This study reviewed the recent progress on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of BV and its main components against cancer, neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, pain, microbial diseases, liver, kidney, lung and muscle injury, and other diseases in literature during the years 2018–2021.[1][2][6]

Based on these active components, BV has multiple diverse pharmacological effects.

Some reviews have retrieved the pharmacological progress on one or a few aspects of BV, mainly referring to anti-tumor, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-infectivity effects, improving wound healing, and other effects. Recently, studies have shown that BV in treatment of cancers, multiple sclerosis, dementia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and wounds, etc. These demonstrate that BV has a wide range of clinical applications could be attributed to its multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics.

Main components of bee venom

MEL, bvPLA2 and apamin are three main components in BV, which are the important material basis for BV to exert its pharmacological effects,[1][4][6] and their structures are shown in the figure.

Structure description of BV:

(A) MEL (PDB ID 6dst),

(B) bvPLA2 (PDB ID 1poc)

(C) apamin (PDB ID 7oxf).

Structure (A) and (C) appear to be dominated by α-helix while structure (B) is dominated by a combination of α-helix and β-pleated sheet.

Melittin powder is the dominant component, which is consisting of 26-residue peptide and representing about 40%–60% BV’s dry weight. The carboxyl terminal of MEL contains positively charged amino acids, while the amino terminal is hydrophobic. Therefore, it contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Both the MEL molecules and the membrane-bound MEL are through α spirally connected. Apart from its non-specific biofilm dissolution characteristics, it has significant antibacterial, anti-tumor, and other effects

What is Raw Melittin peptide powder?

Melittin peptide is a natural peptide found in bee venom, particularly in the venom of honeybees (Apis mellifera). It is one of the major components of bee venom and is known for its remarkable biological properties. Raw material Melittin powder is a relatively small peptide composed of 26 amino acids and representing about 40%–60% BV’s dry weight. The carboxyl terminal of MEL contains positively charged amino acids, while the amino terminal is hydrophobic. Therefore, it contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Both the MEL molecules and the membrane-bound MEL are through α spirally connected. Apart from its non-specific biofilm dissolution characteristics, it has significant antibacterial, anti-tumor, and other effects.

How does Melittin peptide work?

Melittin powder, which is a concentrated form of the Melittin peptide found in bee venom, works primarily through its ability to disrupt cell membranes. [2][3][5]Here’s how melittin powder works:

❶ Cell Membrane Disruption

• Melittin is highly lipophilic, meaning it has an affinity for lipids or fats. When it comes into contact with cell membranes, which are primarily composed of lipid bilayers, melittin peptide can penetrate and interact with the lipid molecules.
• Melittin’s amphipathic structure, with hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, allows it to insert itself into the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. This disrupts the membrane’s integrity.
• As Melittin molecules accumulate in the membrane, they can form pores or holes by disrupting the orderly arrangement of lipid molecules. These pores increase the permeability of the cell membrane.

❷ Cellular Effects

• The formation of pores in the cell membrane allows ions (such as calcium, potassium, and sodium) and molecules (such as ATP, the cell’s energy currency) to leak out of the cell.
• This disruption of ion gradients and essential cellular processes ultimately leads to cell dysfunction and, in many cases, cell death.

❸ Cytotoxicity

• Melittin’s disruption of cell membranes is cytotoxic, meaning it can kill cells. This property is especially significant in the context of cancer cells, as melittin can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in these cells.
• Melittin has been studied for its potential in cancer therapy because it can selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.

❹ Antimicrobial Action

• Melittin’s ability to disrupt cell membranes extends to a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. By creating pores in microbial cell membranes, melittin can lead to the death of these microorganisms.

❺ Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Melittin also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by modulating immune responses. It can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, helping to reduce inflammation.

❻ Other Biological Activities

• Melittin peptide has been investigated for its potential in various medical applications, including wound healing, neuroprotection, and antiviral therapy, due to its ability to interact with cell membranes and influence cellular processes.

In medical or therapeutic contexts, the use of Melittin or bee venom should be approached with caution and under the guidance of healthcare professionals, as there can be risks associated with allergic reactions or excessive toxicity. Additionally, further research, including clinical trials, is often needed to determine the optimal dosages and formulations for specific treatments.

Raw material Melittin peptide’s potential role in treating cancer

① Melittin’s role in fighting cancer

Melittin for Anti-Breast Cancer: Melittin’s potential anti-breast cancer effects are attributed to its ability to disrupt cancer cell membranes and interfere with cell signaling pathways. It can selectively target breast cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Additionally, Melittin has been found to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells by activating caspases, which are enzymes that play a key role in programmed cell death. This selective toxicity toward cancer cells makes it an area of active research for breast cancer therapy.[1][3]

② Melittin for Anti-Pancreatic, Gastric, and Colorectal Cancer

In the case of pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers, melittin has been observed to inhibit cancer cell proliferation through various mechanisms. It can down regulate the expression of genes involved in cancer cell growth and angiogenesis ( the formation of new blood vessels to support tumor growth). Melittin also interferes with cancer cell migration and invasion, preventing the spread of cancer to other tissues.

③ Melittin for Anti-Liver Cancer

Melittin’s peptide effects on liver cancer are multifaceted. It induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through the activation of caspases. Additionally, melittin has been found to inhibit the expression of proteins involved in cell survival and proliferation pathways within liver cancer cells, thereby curbing their growth.

④ Melittin for Fighting Bladder and Prostate Cancer

The anti-bladder and anti-prostate cancer properties of Melittin involve its ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion. Melittin also has been reported to suppress the activation of certain oncogenes (genes that promote cancer formation ) and enhance the expression of tumor suppressor genes.

⑤ Melittin for Fighting Skin Cancer

In skin cancer, Melittin’s action is closely linked to its ability to induce cell death in cancer cells, particularly melanoma cells. Melittin can also suppress the production of matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes responsible for degrading the extracellular matrix and promoting cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

⑥ Melittin for Anti-Leukemia

Melittin’s effects on leukemia cells are partly due to its ability to disrupt the integrity of the leukemia cell membrane and trigger apoptosis. It can also interfere with leukemia cell signaling pathways, preventing their uncontrolled growth.

What are the benefits of raw Melittin peptide?

❶ Melittin and Effects on Neurological Diseases

Melittin’s neuroprotective effects involve its ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. It can modulate inflammatory pathways and inhibit the activation of microglia, which are immune cells in the brain responsible for inflammation. Additionally, melittin has been shown to protect neurons from damage caused by toxic proteins, making it a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.

❷ Melittin and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Melittin’s anti-inflammatory effects are primarily mediated through its ability to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammatory responses. By blocking NF-κB activation, Melittin powder reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, leading to a decrease in inflammation.[1][2][4][6] This mechanism is of interest for conditions such as arthritis, where inflammation plays a central role in disease progression.

❸ Melittin and Antibacterial Effect

Melittin’s antibacterial properties stem from its ability to disrupt bacterial cell membranes. It forms pores in the lipid bilayers of bacterial cell membranes, leading to leakage of intracellular contents and ultimately bacterial cell death. This mechanism is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, making melittin a potential candidate for the development of novel antibacterial agents.

❹ Melittin and Antiviral Effects

Some studies have suggested that melittin may exhibit antiviral activity against certain viruses, including HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV). However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential in antiviral therapies.

❺ Melittin and Potential Cancer Therapy

Melittin has been investigated as a potential anti-cancer agent. It can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells and inhibit the growth of tumors in animal studies. Melittin may have applications in cancer therapy, but clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.

❻ Melittin and Pain Relief

Bee venom therapy, which includes the use of melittin, has been used in traditional medicine for pain relief. It may provide relief from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, although the mechanisms of action are not fully understood.

❼ Melittin and Wound Healing

Melittin has been studied for its potential to accelerate wound healing by promoting collagen production and tissue regeneration. This property could have applications in wound care and tissue repair.[2][5]

❽ Melittin and Cardiovascular Health

Some research suggests that melittin may have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. It can relax blood vessels, potentially reducing blood pressure, and may have anti-atherosclerotic properties, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in arteries.

❾ Melittin and Immune System Modulation

Melittin may influence the immune system, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to defend against infections and diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand its immunomodulatory effects.

❿ Melittin and Skin Health

Melittin may have applications in skincare products due to its potential to stimulate collagen production and promote skin elasticity, which could help reduce the signs of aging.

Raw Melittin powder For Sale | Melittin powder supplier

Researchers interested in experimenting with Melittin will want to ensure that they source this material from a reliable supplier. lf you’re looking to buying Melittin online, it is essential to exercise caution and ensure that you obtain the peptide from a reputable and trustworthy manufacuturer. [1][2][5]Polypeptide.Ltd is a highly reliable manufacturer that offers pharmaceutical grade peptides.