Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker honeybees.
It typically contains about 60% to 70% water, 12% to 15% proteins, 10% to 16% sugar, 3% to 6% fats, and 2% to 3% vitamins, salts, and amino acids. Its composition varies depending on geography and climate.
This product gets its name from the fact that bees use it to nurture queen bees. Some people use royal jelly as medicine. Don’t confuse royal jelly with bee pollen, beeswax, bee venom, or propolis.
Royal jelly is used for symptoms of menopause. It is also used for diabetes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Possibly Effective for
Symptoms of menopause. Most research shows that taking royal jelly for 8 weeks can improve symptoms of menopause. Also, applying royal jelly in the vagina may improve quality of life and sexual problems in some women. But applying estrogen inside the vagina seems to work better for reducing vaginal inflammation.
Contains a Variety of Nutrients
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Pantothenic acid (B5)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
- Niacin (B3)
- Folic acid (B9)
- Inositol (B8)
- Biotin (B7)
May Provide Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Royal jelly is widely claimed to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
May Reduce Heart Disease Risk by Impacting Cholesterol Levels
Both animal and human studies demonstrate that royal jelly may positively impact cholesterol levels and thereby reduce heart disease risk. Though the exact mechanism remains unclear, specific proteins in royal jelly may help lower cholesterol
May Aid Wound Healing and Skin Repair
Royal jelly — both used orally and topically — may support wound healing and other inflammatory skin conditions. It’s known to have an antibacterial effect, which can keep wounds clean and free from infection
Specific Proteins May Lower Blood Pressure
Royal jelly may protect your heart and circulatory system by reducing blood pressure. Several test-tube studies indicate that specific proteins in royal jelly relax smooth muscle cells in your veins and arteries, thereby lowering blood pressure
Regulates Blood Sugar by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Royal jelly may also improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Multiple animal studies showed increased insulin sensitivity and an apparent protective effect on pancreatic, liver and reproductive tissue in obese, diabetic rats treated with royal jelly
Antioxidant Properties May Support Healthy Brain Function
Royal jelly may boost brain function.
One study revealed that stress-induced mice treated with royal jelly had lower levels of stress hormones and a more robust central nervous system than the control group. A separate study resulted in improved memory and reduced symptoms of depression in postmenopausal rats given royal jelly
May Increase Tear Secretion And Treat Chronic Dry Eyes
Royal jelly may treat dry eyes when taken orally.
One animal and one small human study showed improvements in chronic dry eyes for those treated orally with royal jelly. The results indicate that this bee-derived substance may increase tear secretion from lacrimal glands within your eyes.
May Provide Anti-Aging Effects Through Various Means
Royal jelly may slow the aging process in several ways.
A few studies show increased lifespan and improved cognitive performance in rats treated orally with royal jelly. Royal jelly is sometimes included in topical skin care products to support maintenance of healthy, younger-looking skin.
May Support a Healthy Immune System
Royal jelly may enhance your body’s natural immune response to foreign bacteria and viruses. MRJPs and fatty acids in royal jelly are known to promote antibacterial activity, which can reduce incidence of infection and support immune function.
Reduces Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments come with significant negative side effects, including heart failure, inflammation and gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Royal jelly may reduce some of the negative side effects associated with certain cancer treatments.
May Treat Certain Symptoms of Menopause
Royal jelly may also treat symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause causes a reduction in circulating hormones that is associated with physical and mental side effects, such as pain, impaired memory, depression and anxiety.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: Royal jelly is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth for up to 6 months in children 5-16 years of age.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if royal jelly is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Asthma or allergies: Don’t use royal jelly if you have asthma or allergies to bee products. It could cause some serious reactions, even death.
Inflamed skin (dermatitis): Royal jelly might make dermatitis worse.
Low blood pressure: Royal jelly might lower blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already low, taking royal jelly might make it drop too much.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
*** original article was published here.
