Melittin
Based on 17 publication(s) in Google Scholar
Melittin is a PLA2 activator, stimulates the activity of the low molecular weight PLA2, while it does not the increase activity of the high molecular weight PLA2.
For research use only. We do not sell to patients.
- Purity: 99.55%
- CAS No.: 20449-79-0
- Formula: C131H229N39O31
- Molecular Weight:2846.46
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Storage:
Sealed storage, away from moisture and light.
Powder -80°C, 2 years , -20°C, 1 year* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light)
To place orders, for customer services and technical support, please contact: MedChemExpress USA
Tel: 609-228-6898 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
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Biological Activity
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Chemical Information
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Solvent & Solubility
- Protocol
- Purity & Documentation
- References
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Help & FAQs
Publications Citing Use of MedChemExpress (MCE) Melittin
More- Cell Rep Med. 2025 Aug 19;6(8):102254. [Abstract]
- Cancer Lett. 2022 May 28;534:215615. [Abstract]
- J Exp Med. 2022 May 2;219(5):e20212414. [Abstract]
- Phytomedicine. 2025 Feb:137:156367. [Abstract]
- Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
- Front Microbiol. 2020 Jul 31:11:1720. [Abstract]
- J Integr Med. 2023 Jan;21(1):106-115. [Abstract]
- Bioorg Chem. 2026 Jul 5:175:109788. [Abstract]
- FASEB J. 2020 Nov;34(11):14892-14904. [Abstract]
- J Chromatogr A. 2025 Nov 22:1763:466460. [Abstract]
- J Pharm Pharmacol. 2023 Apr 17;75(5):645-654. [Abstract]
- Brain Res. 2026 Sep 15:1887:150388. [Abstract]
- Free Radic Res. 2022 May-Jun;56(5-6):398-410. [Abstract]
- PeerJ. 2018 Jul 25:6:e5369. [Abstract]
- J Appl Microbiol. 2024 Jan 2;135(1):lxae001. [Abstract]
- Prostate. 2023 Nov;83(15):1430-1445. [Abstract]
- Heliyon. 2024 Jan 6;10(1):e24239. [Abstract]
Customer Validation & Images
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Cell Proliferation/Viability Assay
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Cell Imaging/Staining
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Flow Cytometry
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WB
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In Vivo Efficacy Study
All Phospholipase Isoforms
More
Biological Activity
PLA2[1]
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Cell Line
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Type | Value | Description | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caco-2 | IC50 |
4.5 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against human Caco2 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
Cytotoxicity against human Caco2 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
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[PMID: 24601601] |
| Erythrocyte | CC50 |
0.2 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Hemolytic activity against human RBC assessed as concentration required to cause 50% hemolysis measured after 1 hr
Hemolytic activity against human RBC assessed as concentration required to cause 50% hemolysis measured after 1 hr
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[PMID: 33397096] |
| Erythrocyte | IC50 |
0.96 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Hemolytic activity against human RBC after 1 hr
Hemolytic activity against human RBC after 1 hr
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[PMID: 30387611] |
| HEK-293T | IC50 |
2.484 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against HEK293T cells assessed as cell death after 18 to 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against HEK293T cells assessed as cell death after 18 to 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 30742437] |
| HeLa | IC50 |
1.9 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
Cytotoxicity against human HeLa cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
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[PMID: 24601601] |
| HepG2 | IC50 |
2.5 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
Cytotoxicity against human HepG2 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
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[PMID: 24601601] |
| HUVEC | IC50 |
13 μM
Compound: 1
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Antiangiogenic activity against VEGFA-stimulated capillary differentiation in HUVEC after 18 hrs by matrigel assay
Antiangiogenic activity against VEGFA-stimulated capillary differentiation in HUVEC after 18 hrs by matrigel assay
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[PMID: 23110475] |
| HUVEC | IC50 |
18 μM
Compound: 1
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Antiangiogenic activity against VEGFA-stimulated cell proliferation in HUVEC after 48 hrs by BrdU incorporation assay
Antiangiogenic activity against VEGFA-stimulated cell proliferation in HUVEC after 48 hrs by BrdU incorporation assay
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[PMID: 23110475] |
| IEC-6 | IC50 |
2.2 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against rat IEC-6 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
Cytotoxicity against rat IEC-6 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
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[PMID: 24601601] |
| NIH3T3 | IC50 |
6.4 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against mouse NIH/3T3 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
Cytotoxicity against mouse NIH/3T3 cells after 1 hr by MTS/PMS assay
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[PMID: 24601601] |
| RAW264.7 | IC50 |
1.3 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth at pH 6.5 measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth at pH 6.5 measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 35294199] |
| RAW264.7 | IC50 |
1.94 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth at pH 7.4 measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as inhibition of cell growth at pH 7.4 measured after 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 35294199] |
| RAW264.7 | IC50 |
2.094 μM
Compound: Melittin
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Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as cell death after 18 to 24 hrs by MTT assay
Cytotoxicity against mouse RAW264.7 cells assessed as cell death after 18 to 24 hrs by MTT assay
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[PMID: 30742437] |
Melittin, an immunologically related PLA2 stimulating peptide from bee venom, increases the activity of the high molecular weight enzyme[1]. Melittin is a cytotoxic peptide from bee venom. Melittin exhibits toxicity against both A2780CR and A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 4.5 and 6.8 μg/mL, respectively. Melittin has natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to have diverse anticancer effects in several different cancer cell lines including those of gastric, breast, ovarian, liver, prostate, cervical, and lung origins. The mechanisms by which Melittin, an amphipathic haemolytic peptide, exerts its potential anticancer effects include inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and direct necrosis. Melittin can also prevent EGF-induced cell invasion through its inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, but this is primarily related to breast cancer cells[2].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Chemical Information
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CAS No. 20449-79-0
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Appearance Solid
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Molecular Weight 2846.46
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Formula C131H229N39O31
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Color White to off-white
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Sequence
Gly-Ile-Gly-Ala-Val-Leu-Lys-Val-Leu-Thr-Thr-Gly-Leu-Pro-Ala-Leu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Ile-Lys-Arg-Lys-Arg-Gln-Gln-NH2
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Sequence Shortening
GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2
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Shipping
Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
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Storage
Sealed storage, away from moisture and light
Powder -80°C 2 years -20°C 1 year * In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light)
Publications (17)
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Journal Impact Factor
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Most Recent
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Cell Rep Med
2025 Aug 19;6(8):102254. PMID: 40713970 -
Cancer Lett
Therapeutic targeting m6A-guided miR-146a-5p signaling contributes to the melittin-induced selective suppression of bladder cancer. [Abstract]2022 May 28;534:215615. PMID: 35278613 -
J Exp Med
EP3 enhances adhesion and cytotoxicity of NK cells toward hepatic stellate cells in a murine liver fibrosis model. [Abstract]2022 May 2;219(5):e20212414. PMID: 35420633 -
Phytomedicine
Melittin suppresses ovarian cancer growth by regulating SREBP1-mediated lipid metabolism. [Abstract]2025 Feb:137:156367. PMID: 39798341 -
Adv Healthc Mater
Microneedle Assisted Melittin-Chondroitin Sulfate Administration for the Transdermal Therapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis. [Abstract]2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. PMID: 39972637
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
Melittin (1 μg/mL) alleviated the acute toxicity of MC complexes for FLS within 1 h.
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
Melittin (1 μg/mL). Holes in the cell membrane of FLS cultured with MC complexes decreased at 1 h, as observed by SEM.
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
The apoptosis ratio of FLS cultured with MC complexes at 4 h was increased by FCM. Melittin was used at 1 μg/mL.
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
Reduced expression of pIKKβ and pp65 in FLS cultured with MC complexes at 24 h was observed by WB with Melittin (1 μg/mL).
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Adv Healthc Mater. 2025 Apr;14(9):e2400543. [Abstract]
The diffuse FITC-MEL in the paw skin after FITC-MC@CSMA-MNPs attachment was observed. Scale bars represented 100 μm. CCMNPs were loaded with FITC-labeled MEL and CS (FITC-MC complexes).
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Front Microbiol
Repurposing Antispasmodic Agent Otilonium Bromide for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Infections. [Abstract]2020 Jul 31:11:1720. PMID: 32849366 -
J Integr Med
The use of melittin to enhance transgene expression mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 2 vectors both in vitro and in vivo. [Abstract]2023 Jan;21(1):106-115. PMID: 36333178 -
Bioorg Chem
UM-6 remodels the tumor immune microenvironment by blocking PD-L1 N-glycosylation and promoting ERAD-mediated degradation in cervical cancer. [Abstract]2026 Jul 5:175:109788. PMID: 41916036 -
FASEB J
Inhibition of α1-adrenoceptor reduces TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and attenuates UUO-induced renal fibrosis in mice. [Abstract]2020 Nov;34(11):14892-14904. PMID: 32939891 -
J Chromatogr A
2025 Nov 22:1763:466460. PMID: 41108825 -
J Pharm Pharmacol
Melittin treatment prevents colorectal cancer from progressing in mice through ER stress-mediated apoptosis. [Abstract]2023 Apr 17;75(5):645-654. PMID: 36966363
Melittin purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: J Pharm Pharmacol. 2023 Apr 17;75(5):645-654. [Abstract]
Melittin (2.5, 5, 10 μg/mL; 48 h) downregulates the expression of Bcl-2, and increases the levels of the pro-apoptotic molecules Bax and cyt-c, in SW480 cells.
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Brain Res
In vivo evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of melittin on doxorubicin-induced acute and chronic neurotoxicity in mice. [Abstract]2026 Sep 15:1887:150388. PMID: 42142863 -
Free Radic Res
2022 May-Jun;56(5-6):398-410. PMID: 36194238 -
PeerJ
A novel cecropin B-derived peptide with antibacterial and potential anti-inflammatory properties. [Abstract]2018 Jul 25:6:e5369. PMID: 30065898 -
J Appl Microbiol
Insights into the antimicrobial effects of tafenoquine against enterococcus and its biofilms. [Abstract]2024 Jan 2;135(1):lxae001. PMID: 38178639 -
Prostate
Melittin inhibits tumor cell migration and enhances cisplatin sensitivity by suppressing IL-17 signaling pathway gene LCN2 in castration-resistant prostate cancer. [Abstract]2023 Nov;83(15):1430-1445. PMID: 37517867 -
Heliyon
Proteins extracted from pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) with efficient accelerated wound healing in vitro through promoting cell proliferation, migration, and collagen formation. [Abstract]2024 Jan 6;10(1):e24239. PMID: 38234916
Solvent & Solubility
H2O : ≥ 50 mg/mL (17.57 mM)
* "≥" means soluble, but saturation unknown.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)
Protocol
Melittin is purified from bee venom by reversed phase liquid chromatography and reconstituted in sterile water to form a stock solution of 1 mg/mL before storage at -20 °C until required for analysis. Cell viability is assessed by an Alamar Blue (AB) cell viability reagent. Both A2780 and A2780CR cells are seeded at 1×104 cells/well in 96-well plates and incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO2 in a humidified atmosphere for 24 h. After this incubation period, the cells are treated with various concentrations of Melittin ranging from 0.5 to 14 µg/mL in 100 μL of medium, and re-incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for a further 24 h. Triton X at 1% (v/v) and cell culture media are used as positive and negative controls, respectively. After this, AB is added at a final concentration of 10% (v/v) and the resultant mixture is incubated for a further 4 h at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Then, the plates are read at an excitation wavelength of 560 nm and the emission at 590 nm is recorded on a SpectraMax M3 microplate reader . Background-corrected fluorescence readings are converted to cell viability data for each test well by expressing them as percentages relative to the mean negative control value[2].
MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
Purity & Documentation
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Data Sheet (280 KB)
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SDS (480 KB)
- English - EN (480 KB)
- Français - FR (480 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (480 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (480 KB)
- Español - ES (480 KB)
- Swedish - SV (480 KB)
- Italian - IT (480 KB)
- Korean - KR (480 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (480 KB)
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Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
References
[1]. Steiner MR, et al. Responses of purified phospholipases A2 to phospholipase A2 activating protein (PLAP) and Melittin. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1993 Feb 10;1166(1):124-30. [Content Brief]
[2]. Alonezi S, et al. Metabolomic Profiling of the Effects of Melittin on Cisplatin Resistant and Cisplatin Sensitive Ovarian Cancer Cells Using Mass Spectrometry and Biolog Microarray Technology. Metabolites. 2016 Oct 13;6(4). pii: E35. [Content Brief]
Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table
Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (sealed storage, away from moisture and light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.
| Optional Solvent | Concentration Solvent Mass | 1 mg | 5 mg | 10 mg | 25 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O | 1 mM | 0.3513 mL | 1.7566 mL | 3.5131 mL | 8.7828 mL |
| 5 mM | 0.0703 mL | 0.3513 mL | 0.7026 mL | 1.7566 mL | |
| 10 mM | 0.0351 mL | 0.1757 mL | 0.3513 mL | 0.8783 mL | |
| 15 mM | 0.0234 mL | 0.1171 mL | 0.2342 mL | 0.5855 mL |
* Note: If you choose water as the stock solution, please dilute it to the working solution, then filter and sterilize it with a 0.22 μm filter before use.
Melittin Related Classifications
HY-P0233 Related Classifications
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