Increased bee venom production in Apis mellifera workers on the provision of probiotics and organic acids

Bee venom of honeybees has great importance in Apitherapy. It cures amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diseases related to central nervous system (CNS), rheumatoid arthritis and inflammations. The potential of honeybee's can be exploited by improving their diets. Recently, the use of synbiotics (simultaneous use of probiotics and prebiotics) has been increased as apipromoters. The current research study was conducted to evaluate the potential of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus brevis and Bacillus clausii) and acidifying agents (Lactic acid and acetic acid) on development of bee sting and its associated gland. Changes in the morphology of this gland affect the amount of venom produced. Significant increases in stings lengths were observed when honeybees were fed with (Pollen + L. rhamnosus in 50% (w/v) sucrose in distilled water) and (Pollen + L. rhamnosus in 50% (w/v) sucrose in 2.91% acetic acid) with mean values of 2.36 +/- 0.04 and 2.38 +/- 0.05 respectively compared with control's 2.35 +/- 0.06 were observed. Significant increase in sting width was observed when bees were fed with (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.99% lactic acid), (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in1.96% acetic acid), (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in distilled water) and (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.99% lactic acid) with mean values of 1.84 +/- 0.07, 1.79 +/- 0.05, 1.87 +/- 0.04, 1.78 +/- 0.04 compared to control's 1.71 +/- 0.03. In addition to this, width of stylet also increased significantly when bees were provided with (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in distilled water), (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.99% lactic acid), (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.91% acetic acid), (Pollen + B. clausii in 50% w/v sucrose in1.96% acetic acid), (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in distilled water), (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.99% lactic acid), (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in 2.91% acetic acid), and (Pollen + L. brevis in 50% w/v sucrose in1.96% acetic acid) with mean values of 65.00 +/- 1.58, 57.50 +/- 3.23, 62.00 +/- 2.00, 65.00 +/- 0.00, 65.00 +/- 1.58, 60.00 +/- 1.58 compared to control's 55.00 +/- 3.54. Rest of the observed parameters also depicted reasonable increases. Supplementation of honeybee's feed with organic acids and probiotics resulted in overall sting development.