Insights Into the Chemical and Structural Diversity of Hymenopteran Venoms: Composition, Functional Roles, and Pharmacological Relevance

Hymenopteran venoms, derived from bees, wasps and ants, are complex mixtures of bioactive molecules with diverse pharmacological properties. Despite causing allergic and anaphylactic reactions, these venoms have acquired significant attention for their chemical and structural diversity as well as pharmacological and therapeutic potential. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the key components of hymenopteran venoms, including enzymes such as phospholipases and hyaluronidases, as well as nonenzymatic peptides like melittin and mastoparan, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Additionally, neurotoxins such as apamin and poneratoxin, which target ion channels, are also discussed. By elucidating the structure-activity relationships of these venom components, this review highlights their potential clinical applications. The multifaceted properties of hymenopteran venom components make them promising candidates for further research and development, with potential benefits extending beyond their well-known allergenic effects.