BEE STINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1933, Page 7

BEE STINGS

•CURE FOR RHEUMATISM.' Tryptophan, choline, pho s phori c acid, palmitic acid, and a “cyclic” acid anhydride”—these are some of the constituents of normal bee venom according to Mir F. Thompson, * M.R.C.S., formerly demonstrator of physiology at tile London Hospital Medical School. It is the last-named constituents, Dr Thompson states in the Lancet, which is responsible for the unpleasant results of a bee-sting. This substance causes inflammation, and when dissolved in I oil, raises .blisters.

A .near chemical relative has also the effect of destroying the red corpuscles of the Mood, and shows the general characteristics of “saponin,” which is well known for its toxic effects. Is it any wonder, Dr Thompson asks, that a sting is painful? In addition to its •bdivid'uad unpleasantness, Dr Thompson records that thi s “cyclic add anhydride” represents a chemical link between snake venom and the poison of the blister-producing beetles of medieval pharmacy. Bee venom, it is stated, is also extraordinary resistant to change. Even impure poison in the open remains potent for from eight to 14 days, and i,n a phial it has been kept without weakening for three and a half years. Neither cooling it to the freezing point or heating it to the boiling point of water* produce any apparent reduction in potency. Dr Thompson also explains how, from the serum of patients who have been repeatedly stung, it has been proved that bee-keepers have a scientific basis for their claim that they gradually acquire immunity. The human body manufactures an anti-serum within 12 days. Another tradition of the craft which had been justified is that bee-keepers do not icammorily suffer from rheumatism. Dr Thompson states that many types of rheumatism may 'he cured as to 80 per cent, of eases by a course of bee stings. 'He says he himself was. cured in this way in six weeks after 20 years’ suffering, and afterwards kept a hive in hi s yard for the benefit of patients who were willing to try the experiment. The toxic effect of the' first; sting ■. is noted and, if . there are no undue results, .the patient ; i.s encouraged to continue the reatment on his own—if. necessary keeping bees for the purpose. Encouraging results were not, however, obtained with the more chronic forms of arthritis and periarthritis. Discussing the more drastic effects or stings, Dr Thompson states that about two per cent. of victims suffer from shock and collapse in varying degree, even to loss of consciousness. Other results may be abnormal swelling and the continuance of irritation for an unusually long time. Very rarely a hot flush -may spread Over the whole body within, a few minutes of the sting, 'accompanied /by great difficulty in breathing'and. general trembling. In an isolated case, deith has been recorded rvithin about ten minutes from a single sting.