High melittin content in Colombian Apis mellifera venom: regional variation and implications for ethnopharmacology

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Bee venom (apitoxin) has long been used in traditional and complementary medicine, with its therapeutic potential primarily attributed to melittin, a membrane-active peptide responsible for many biological effects. Despite growing interest in apitherapy in Latin America, comparative data on the chemical composition of Colombian bee venom are scarce. Aim This study investigated regional variation in melittin content of Apis mellifera venom collected from three Colombian biogeographical regions (Cundinamarca, Boyacá, and Antioquia) and evaluated its relevance for ethnopharmacological applications. Materials and Methods Apitoxin was obtained via standardized electrostimulation during the dry season and analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) under validated conditions. Melittin was identified by comparison with an external standard and quantified as a percentage of dry venom weight (% w/w). Results Venom samples from Cundinamarca and Boyacá showed comparable melittin levels (47.35 ± 0.87% and 47.21 ± 1.06%, respectively), consistent with values reported worldwide. In contrast, apitoxin from Antioquia exhibited significantly higher melittin content (71.74 ± 1.73%; p < 0.001). The analytical method demonstrated high reproducibility (RSD < 3%), supporting the robustness of the observed regional differences. Conclusion These findings demonstrate pronounced biogeographical variability in the melittin content of Colombian A. mellifera venom, likely influenced by environmental and ecological factors. The elevated melittin levels observed in Antioquia highlight Colombian bee venom as a promising natural source of bioactive peptides and support its potential relevance for ethnopharmacological and therapeutic applications.