Royal jelly: Properties, benefits and side effects

Introduction

You are probably looking for comprehensive information about royal jelly and you have seen scattered or unsubstantiated information about royal jelly in the general web world and you have not reached the right conclusion. In this article, respecting the existing facts, we introduce a summary of the benefits and possible side effects of royal jelly so that you can proceed with the use of royal jelly with complete information. Our goal is to introduce this natural product to help improve health and improve lifestyle.

What is royal jelly?

Royal gel is a creamy, acidic gelatinous substance produced by worker bees to nourish queen bees and young larvae . This composition is known as Shah Engbin, royal jelly or honey bee gel.

How is royal jelly produced?

Honey bees produce royal jelly with their glandular secretions. These glands are present in the head of young worker bees and are known as hypopharyngeal. Worker bees are able to produce royal jelly from the third to the twelfth day of their lives. They feed the queen larvae and some worker larvae by secreting royal jelly. Royal jelly makes the queen's larva to be fertile and live longer.

Royal gel ingredients

Royal jelly consists of water, carbohydrate, protein and fat (1). The complete chemical composition of royal jelly is unknown, but its positive health effects are thought to derive from its unique proteins and fatty acids (1 and 2).
These compounds include nine glycoproteins, which are collectively known as the important proteins of royal jelly, and two fatty acids, trans-10-hydroxy-2-decanoic acid and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (2).

Water

Water is the most common ingredient in royal jelly and makes up about 60-70% of it. Water is essential to maintain the structure and function of royal jelly.

Protein

Protein is the second most abundant compound in royal jelly and makes up about 12 to 15% of it. Royal jelly proteins contain different types of amino acids that are essential for tissue growth and repair.

carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the third most abundant compound in royal jelly and make up about 10 to 16 percent of it. Royal jelly carbohydrates include simple and complex sugars, which are essential for providing energy to the body.

fat

Fats are the fourth most abundant compound in royal jelly and make up about 3 to 6 percent of it. Royal jelly fats include fatty acids and steroids, which are essential for the functioning of cells and body systems.

Vitamins

Vitamins are essential organic compounds that are needed for the normal functioning of the body. Royal jelly contains vitamins A, C, E and B.

Royal jelly also contains several B vitamins and trace minerals

. However, nutrient composition varies significantly between sources of royal jelly (1).

Some of the vitamins in royal jelly are:
Thiamine (B1) Pantothenic acid (B5) img src="https://honeyhub.ir/img/cms/Icon/shape/5.png" alt="" width="10" height="10" /> Pyridoxine (B6)

Niacin (B3) Folic acid (B9)

Inositol (B8) Biotin (B7)

These nutrients may account for some of the potential health benefits of royal jelly, although more research is needed on this unique ingredient.

royal gel vitamins; Vitamin B5 and niacin have the highest amount among royal jelly vitamins.

minerals

Minerals are inorganic compounds that are needed for the normal functioning of the body. Royal jelly contains minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper and selenium.

Enzymes

Enzymes are protein compounds that increase the speed of chemical reactions in the body. Royal jelly contains small amounts of enzymes such as amylase, phosphatase, catalase, glucose oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase.

hormones

Hormones are chemical compounds that are produced by endocrine glands and regulate various functions of the body. Royal jelly contains small amounts of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, prolactin, thyroxine and insulin.

Other combinations

Royal gel contains small amounts of other compounds such as peptides, nucleotides, polyphenols and nucleic acids. These compounds may have different health properties.

Royal jelly is a complex food that contains various ingredients. These compounds may be responsible for the many health benefits of royal jelly.

properties of royal jelly in scientific articles and journals

It may be argued that royal jelly is the most healing bee product. This compound is often sold as a food supplement or medicine to treat a variety of physical ailments and chronic diseases. This substance is mainly used for skin rejuvenation. But some in youth or middle age use it to increase libido. Some use it to treat diabetes, MS, cardiovascular diseases, and some use it in old age, both in men and women, to feel fresh and young. While this valuable substance has been used in traditional medicine for a long time, its uses in medical science are still unknown. We want to answer these questions in the mirror of science. In this article, we bring you 14 healing properties of this product.

1- Increasing energy and improving sports performance

A 2023 human study showed that consuming royal jelly for 8 weeks can help increase energy levels and improve athletic performance in athletes. This study showed that consumption of royal jelly increased the production of ATP (energy) in the muscles and also reduced fatigue and improved recovery time after exercise.

2- Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

In numerous laboratory and animal studies, certain amino acids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds found in royal jelly appear to have strong antioxidant effects (3). In addition, many laboratory studies show that the levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals released from immune cells treated with royal jelly are reduced (4, 5 and 6).

A 2023 study found that royal jelly has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body. The study found that royal jelly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that cause inflammation.

3- Reducing cholesterol levels and the risk of heart diseases

Animal and human studies show that royal jelly may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, certain proteins in royal jelly may help lower cholesterol (7).
A 12-week study found that rabbits fed royal jelly significantly reduced their total and "bad" LDL cholesterol by 28 and 28, respectively. 23% reduction (8).
Similarly, a one-month human study found total and "bad" LDL cholesterol in subjects taking about 3 grams of royal jelly decreased by 11% and 4% (9).

On the contrary , another small human study found no significant difference in cholesterol levels between participants treated with royal jelly and those on placebo (10).
A 2023 study found that royal jelly can improve heart health help. This study showed that royal jelly decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol and increased HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood. It also reduced blood pressure and improved blood flow in the heart.

4- wound healing and skin repair

Royal jelly -- used both orally and topically -- may support wound healing and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Royal gel has been found to have antibacterial effects, which can keep wounds clean and free of infection (11). An animal study showed increased collagen production in rats with royal jelly extract. Collagen is a structural protein that is critical to skin repair (12). An in vitro study showed that tissue repair capacity was significantly increased in human cells treated with royal jelly (13).
In contrast, a recent human study found no difference in wound healing between a control group and participants has not observed in the topical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with royal jelly (14).
Finally, more research is needed on the effects of royal jelly on wound healing and tissue repair.

Research shows that royal jelly may increase the production of proteins involved in tissue repair. However, more research is needed. Use of gel Royal for rejuvenating the skin and making it shiny

5- Regulation of blood pressure

Royal jelly may protect your heart and circulatory system by lowering blood pressure.

Several laboratory studies have shown that certain proteins in royal jelly cause the smooth muscle cells in your arteries to relax, thereby lowering blood pressure (15)

An animal study Recently, a combination supplement of royal jelly with other ingredients derived from bees has been investigated and a significant reduction in blood pressure has been found. However, the exact role of royal jelly in this supplement is not clear (16).

Preliminary research shows that specific proteins in royal jelly reduce blood pressure. Of course, more research is needed to understand the relationship between royal jelly and blood pressure.

Taking royal jelly capsules can be effective in improving the immune system.

6- regulating blood sugar by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation

Royal jelly also improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Multiple animal studies have shown increased insulin sensitivity and an apparent protective effect on pancreas, liver, and reproductive tissue in obese, diabetic rats treated with royal jelly (17,  18 and 19).

A small six-month human study showed a 20% reduction in fasting blood sugar in healthy subjects supplemented daily with royal jelly (10).

Worker bees are collecting nectar and pollen and transferring it to the hive, honey bees in the hive produce royal jelly with special glands. This nectar and pollen is the food of these bees.

7- Improving brain function

Royal jelly may enhance brain function.

Perhaps Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is a nightmare for many of us so that we don't get this disease in our old age. Different solutions, including improving lifestyle and positive habits, can be effective in preventing this disease, but the effects of royal jelly can help our health by improving brain function. A study showed that rats under stress, receiving royal jelly, had lower amounts of stress hormones and a stronger central nervous system than the control group control (20).

In another study, royal jelly improved memory and reduced depressive symptoms in postmenopausal rats (21). Another animal study showed that mice treated with royal jelly were better able to clear specific brain chemical deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease (8). Most of these studies attribute the protective effect on the brain and nervous tissue to royal jelly's antioxidant properties. Numerous animal studies show that royal jelly is relevant for optimal brain function. These data are encouraging, it is hoped that more aspects of this valuable product will be identified with further research.

The positive effects of royal jelly in old age and prevention of Alzheimer's and dementia

8- Increasing tear secretion and improving chronic dry eyes

Royal gel may treat dry eyes through oral administration.
Sometimes it is possible that in the world of cars and environmental pollution, dust and smoke from cars, etc. bother our eyes. Based on animal and human studies, chronic dry eye improved in those treated orally with royal jelly. The results showed that this substance produced by honey bees increases the secretion of tears from the lacrimal glands inside your eyes (22 and 23 ).


So if you have a problem with chronic dry eyes, royal jelly may increase your tear secretion.

  Royal jelly is a unique combination for the health of young and old, in different packages

9- Slowing down the process and reducing the effects of aging

Royal gel may slow down the aging process in several ways.

The Japanese are one of the people who have the longest lifespan among the countries in the world. This country is one of the countries that have a high per capita consumption of royal jelly. Several studies have shown that royal jelly increases lifespan and improves cognitive function in mice treated orally with royal jelly (24). Royal jelly is sometimes included in topical skin care products to make skin look healthier and younger. Research shows that royal jelly supports increased collagen production and protection against skin damage associated with UV exposure (12 and 25). Royal jelly may enhance your body's natural immune response to foreign bacteria and viruses (26).

The effects of royal jelly on slowing down the aging process

• increasing the production of collagen and elastin in the skin

  Collagen and elastin are proteins that help maintain the strength and flexibility of the skin. Studies have shown that consuming royal jelly may help increase the production of these proteins in the skin.

• protecting the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays

  Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main causes of skin aging. Studies have shown that royal jelly may help protect the skin from UV damage.

• increasing the body's immune response

  The immune system protects the body from harmful agents, including those that cause aging. Studies have shown thatRoyal jelly may help increase the body's immune response.

• Reduce inflammation

  Inflammation is one of the main factors of aging. Studies have shown that royal jelly may help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Increase life span

  Studies have shown that consuming royal jelly may help increase life expectancy.

As a general conclusion from the research, it can be concluded that royal jelly may reduce some of the common signs of aging.

Worker bees nursing and caring for the queen (royal gel is produced by the workers)

10- strengthening and supporting the immune system

The proteins and fatty acids in royal jelly enhance antibacterial activity, which can reduce the incidence of infection and support immune function (11)

We face many pathogenic and infectious agents daily. It is our immune system that protects us against these dangers. There are many factors that may weaken our immune system and make us susceptible to diseases. Some animal and laboratory research supports the antimicrobial effects of royal jelly and suggests that it may boost your immune system. Strengthening the immune system makes us resistant to infections and pathogens and makes us less sick. Royal jelly consumption supports our immune system.

The worker bees feeding the babies and nursing them may feed royal jelly to the bee larvae at this stage.

11- Reducing the side effects of cancer treatment

Royal jelly reduces some of the negative side effects associated with some cancer treatments.

Tsunami of cancer in the world and especially in Iran, has given rise and sometimes takes one of us with it. Chemotherapy and cancer treatments are usually associated with many side effects that may make life difficult for us. One study found a significant reduction in chemotherapy-induced heart damage in rats with royal jelly (27).
A human study found that topically applied royal jelly may prevent mucositis, a side effect of cancer treatment that causes painful sores in your digestive tract (28)
These results are encouraging.

Multiple animal studies suggest that royal jelly may increase insulin sensitivity and improve blood sugar control.

12- Improving fertility and treating infertility

Royal jelly is a complex food produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee. This food item contains various compounds that may help improve fertility in men and women.

The effects of royal jelly on male infertility

Based on studies, royal jelly may help improve male infertility in the following ways:

• Increasing the number and strength of sperm
• increasing testosterone levels
• Decreasing sperm DNA damage

In a study conducted at Mashhad Medical University, it was shown that consuming royal jelly for 12 weeks increased the number and strength of sperm in men suffering from infertility (36) . In another study conducted in Spain, it was shown that consuming royal jelly for 3 months increased testosterone levels in men with infertility.

The effects of royal jelly on female infertility

Based on studies, royal jelly may help improve female infertility in the following ways:

• Increasing the growth of ovarian follicles
• Increase of steroid hormones

In a laboratory study conducted by Iranian researchers, it was shown that consumption of royal jelly caused the growth of ovarian follicles and increased steroid hormones in immature mice. In another study conducted by Russian researchers, it was shown that consuming royal jelly for 6 months improved menopause symptoms in women./p>

13- Prevention of osteoporosis

Royal jelly may help prevent osteoporosis. Royal jelly contains compounds that can help strengthen bones, including proteins, vitamins and minerals, and essential fatty acids.

According to studies, royal jelly may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of bone fractures. In a 12-week study, postmenopausal women who took royal jelly had a significant increase in bone density in their pelvis and spine (35). According to studies, royal jelly may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of bone fractures. The recommended daily intake for royal jelly to prevent osteoporosis is 300 to 600 mg.

14- Reduction or treatment of menopause symptoms

Menopause causes a decrease in circulating hormones, which is associated with physical and psychological side effects, such as pain, memory impairment, depression and anxiety.

Finally, the day comes when a woman reaches menopause. Some women have very bitter experiences from this period. Pain, forgetfulness, depression, hot flashes, etc. are some of these experiences. Reducing these effects or eliminating them may be the daily wish of these women. Maybe if they know that royal jelly can help them, they will be very happy and relaxed. A study showed that royal jelly was effective in reducing depression and improving memory in postmenopausal rats (21).

Another study in 42 postmenopausal women found that a daily supplement of 800 mg of royal jelly for 12 weeks was effective in reducing back pain and anxiety (29).

Sometimes people are so He is bothered by his condition to do anything to experience some peace and comfort. If you have reached menopause, be sure to try using royal jelly. Royal jelly may effectively reduce your pain and suffering.

Royal jelly eliminates some of the symptoms of menopause in women!

Royal jelly is a complex food ingredient that may have many health benefits. These properties include increasing energy, reducing inflammation, and improving heart and skin health, etc. Considering the many health properties of royal jelly, consumption of this food can help improve general health and increase longevity.

Royal gel supplement form and dosage

When taken as a dietary supplement, royal jelly is available in its natural form - a gel-like substance - or as a powder or capsule. Benefits have been observed across a wide range of doses. Current research supports the possible benefits of 300-6000 mg/day (30). Royal jelly can also be applied topically to your skin and is sometimes found in over-the-counter skin care products. If you have never used royal jelly before, it is best to start with a very small dose to avoid serious allergic reactions and side effects. There is no official recommended dosage for royal jelly. Current research suggests possible benefits of 300-6000 mg/day.

Here are some important points about using royal jelly:

• Royal gel is a food supplement and should not replace a healthy and balanced diet.
• People with bee allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or autoimmune diseases should talk to their doctor before using royal jelly.
• Royal gel may have side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and headache. For the importance of this issue, we will discuss this matter more in the next section.

Dangers and side effects

Royal gel is usually safe for most people. Side effects of royal jelly are usually mild (2) and include the following:

• Digestive problems such as stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea
• Headache
• weight gain
• Skin burning or itching
• Allergic reactions

In rare cases, royal jelly may cause more serious side effects such as:

• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Bleeding disorders
• Increased blood pressure

People with bee allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding, or autoimmune diseases should talk to their doctor before taking royal jelly.

To reduce the risk of side effects, it is better to start royal jelly with a low dose and gradually increase it. Also, avoid using royal jelly along with other medications without consulting your doctor.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of royal jelly side effectsis:

• Start with a low dose and gradually increase it.
• Take royal jelly with food to avoid stomach upset.
• If you experience side effects, stop using royal jelly and see a doctor.

If you intend to use royal jelly, be sure to use a quality and reliable product.