Melittin is the main component (40–60% of the dry weight) and the major pain-producing substance of honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom.

[2] The principal function of melittin as a component of bee venom is to cause pain and destruction of tissue of intruders that threaten a beehive.

However, in honey bees, melittin is not only expressed in the venom gland, but also in other tissues when infected with pathogens.

Finally melittin up-regulates the expression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 sodium channels in nociceptor cell causing long term action potential firing and pain sensation.

[5] Bee venom therapy has been used in traditional medicine for treating various disorders,[6] although its non-specific toxicity has limited scientific research on its potential effects.