Royal jelly as a nutritional supplement
Royal jelly is a thick, whitish substance secreted by young worker bees and is utilized as both a nutritional supplement and a medicine in various cultures. Traditionally harvested alongside honey, royal jelly is recognized for its potential health benefits, including general nutritional support and specific therapeutic applications such as treating symptoms of menopause, anxiety, and fatigue. The composition of royal jelly is rich in nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids, which contribute to its proposed health effects.
Research suggests that royal jelly possesses antimicrobial properties and may help manage blood sugar levels, enhance immunity, and support wound healing. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities are believed to protect against oxidative stress and chronic conditions. While some clinical studies indicate benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and improving liver health, the evidence is not universally conclusive, and ongoing research is necessary to fully understand its effects.
However, it's important to note that royal jelly can cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals sensitive to bee products. As interest in natural supplements grows, royal jelly continues to be explored for its potential health benefits, appealing to those seeking alternative nutritional sources.
Royal jelly as a nutritional supplement
DEFINITION: A medicine and nutritional supplement made of a thick, whitish substance that is secreted from a gland of the nurse bee, a young worker bee.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: General nutrition
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Antibacterial, antifungal, anxiety, asthma, blood pressure, diabetes, depression, fatigue, hair loss, hay fever, high cholesterol, hyperthyroidism, immunity, improving endurance, infertility, insomnia, kidney problems, life extension, liver problems, menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, skin conditions, wounds, wrinkles, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adjuvant cancer treatment
Overview
Royal jelly has been harvested for centuries along with honey and is used as a medicine in some Asian cultures; in Europe, it is considered a type of food. The queen bee has the same genetic makeup as her worker bee sisters; however, the queen bee lives for up to six years, while her sisters live four to six weeks. This has led some to believe that royal jelly, the only food of queen bees, confers longevity.
Mechanism of Action
Several theories exist on how royal jelly works, but its effectiveness is largely attributed to its chemical properties. Royal jelly is composed of proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins, and minerals. It has a high amount of nutrients, including pantothenic acid and vitamin B6, and includes the compounds acetylcholine and gamma globulin. The components found in royal jelly (in percentages) are water (65), protein (13), sugars (11), and fatty acids (5). These percentages can vary slightly.
Chemical studies of royal jelly have found flavonoids and a group of compounds called jelleins. Flavonoids reportedly have a variety of biologically active properties, including those that are antiallergic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, and they have several effects, such as lipid oxidation, platelet aggregation, and vasodilation; flavonoids exert these effects through cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase activity. Jelleins are purported to have antimicrobial activity.
Uses and Applications
Royal jelly is used in various forms. It can be taken in tablet form as a nutritional supplement in typical doses of 50 to 200 milligrams per day. In its soluble-granule form, royal jelly can also be taken as a food additive; in the form of a paste, it can be taken as a component of a wound salve.
Royal jelly is commonly used as a nutritional supplement to treat the symptoms of menopause. It may also be helpful as an antimicrobial; it may mitigate fatigue; it may reduce anxiety, symptoms of asthma, high blood pressure, depression, hair loss, hay fever symptoms, symptoms of menopause, and wrinkles; it might control blood sugar levels in persons with diabetes; it may enhance immunity and wound healing; it might treat hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease), infertility, insomnia, kidney and liver problems, and skin conditions; and it may improve endurance and sexual function, lower cholesterol, and extend a person’s life. Royal jelly’s antioxidant properties may protect against free radicals, which can create oxidative stress and lead to chronic health conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also provide these benefits. Research has also indicated royal jelly may be a powerful adjuvant cancer therapy, reducing the side effects of some cancer medications.
Scientific Evidence
Several scientific studies in the laboratory have proven the antimicrobial activity of royal jelly against such microbes as Candida species and Staphylococcus aureus. One open-label clinical trial demonstrated that the oral ingestion of 20 grams of royal jelly could successfully reduce the blood glucose serum levels that are found in the blood during a standard glucose tolerance test.
Animal and human studies on the benefits of supplementation with royal jelly are ongoing. Because royal jelly is high in nutrients and antioxidants, it is clear it promotes health benefits. Small human trials have shown its efficacy in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increasing tear production, preventing dry eyes, and relieving the side effects of cancer treatment. Though these human studies show promise, there is also conflicting evidence as to their claims. Other human trials have shown royal jelly is effective in promoting liver health and may be an important supplement for optimizing exercise performance. Animal studies on royal jelly show the potential for lowering blood pressure, wound healing, regulating blood sugar, increasing brain function, relieving the symptoms of menopause, and providing anti-aging properties. More study is needed to assess these claims.
Safety Issues
Royal jelly has been known to cause allergic reactions, especially in persons who are allergic to bee products.
Bibliography
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