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Royal Jelly extract

Also known as: Royal jelly, bee milk, Royal Jelly

Overview

Royal jelly is a nutrient-rich secretion produced by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera). It serves as the sole food source for queen bee larvae and adult queen bees, contributing to their rapid growth, large size, and longevity. Composed of water, proteins (including major royal jelly proteins), sugars, lipids (notably 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid), vitamins, and minerals, royal jelly is widely consumed as a dietary supplement. It is primarily valued for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic health benefits. While research indicates promising effects, particularly in reducing oxidative stress, the overall evidence quality varies, with many studies exhibiting heterogeneity and limited sample sizes.

Benefits

Royal jelly has demonstrated significant benefits in reducing oxidative stress. A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that royal jelly supplementation significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of –1.79 (95% CI: –3.00 to –0.58, p=0.004), and increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by WMD 0.98 (95% CI: 0.24 to 1.71, p=0.009). These antioxidant effects were more pronounced in individuals with a normal BMI. However, royal jelly has shown no significant effect on systemic inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (WMD: -0.24; 95% CI: -0.60 to 0.10; p=0.17). While some subgroup analyses suggest a modest reduction in body weight and BMI at doses below 3,000 mg/day, overall, royal jelly does not significantly affect anthropometric indices such as body weight, BMI, or fat mass. Most studies are short-term, limiting conclusions on long-term benefits.

How it works

Royal jelly exerts its effects primarily through its rich composition of bioactive compounds. Key components, such as major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), fatty acids (especially 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, 10-HDA), and various antioxidants, contribute to its mechanism of action. These compounds are believed to reduce oxidative stress by directly scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body's endogenous antioxidant defense systems. While it may modulate certain inflammatory pathways, strong evidence for significant systemic anti-inflammatory effects is lacking. The absorption and bioavailability of royal jelly's active components can vary depending on the specific formulation and individual physiological factors, but oral supplementation is the most common route of administration.

Side effects

Royal jelly is generally considered safe for most adults when consumed orally at typical doses. However, individuals with known allergies to bee products (such as honey or pollen) should exercise extreme caution, as allergic reactions to royal jelly can occur. These reactions can range from mild symptoms like skin rashes, itching, and gastrointestinal discomfort (e.g., nausea, diarrhea) to more severe responses, including asthma, anaphylaxis, and even death in rare, highly sensitive individuals. There are no robustly documented significant drug interactions or contraindications from randomized controlled trials. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with asthma or other allergic conditions, should consult a healthcare professional before using royal jelly. Due to its potential to lower blood pressure, individuals on antihypertensive medication should also use it cautiously.

Dosage

Optimal dosing for royal jelly is not firmly established due to heterogeneity across studies. However, effective antioxidant doses observed in research typically range from 300 mg to 6,000 mg daily. Some subgroup analyses suggest that doses below 3,000 mg/day may be associated with modest reductions in body weight and BMI. Most studies have utilized oral capsules or powders, and specific timing considerations are not standardized. There is no officially established maximum safe dose, but the doses used in clinical trials generally fall within the 300 mg to 6,000 mg daily range. It is advisable to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance, especially for individuals with potential sensitivities, and to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

FAQs

Is royal jelly effective for weight loss?

Overall, royal jelly does not show a significant effect on weight loss. However, some studies suggest small reductions in weight and BMI might occur at lower doses, specifically below 3,000 mg/day.

Does royal jelly reduce inflammation?

Evidence does not consistently support significant reductions in systemic inflammation markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), with royal jelly supplementation.

Is royal jelly safe to take?

Royal jelly is generally considered safe for most adults, with a low risk of side effects. However, allergic reactions are possible, especially in individuals with existing bee product allergies.

How long does it take to see effects from royal jelly?

Most studies on royal jelly are short-term, typically lasting weeks to a few months. Antioxidant effects have been observed within this timeframe, but long-term effects are not well-studied.

What is the best way to take royal jelly?

Royal jelly is commonly taken orally in the form of capsules, softgels, or powders. There is no standardized best way, and formulations can vary in their bioavailability.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12244952/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2023, analyzed 6 RCTs (7 datasets) to evaluate royal jelly's effects on oxidative stress and inflammation markers. It concluded that royal jelly significantly reduces oxidative stress markers (MDA and increases TAC) but found no significant effect on hs-CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation. The study noted high heterogeneity among trials and a limited number of included studies.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1196258/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in 2023, investigated the effects of royal jelly on anthropometric indices across 10 RCTs involving 512 adults. It found no overall significant effect on body weight, BMI, or fat mass. However, a subgroup analysis suggested a modest reduction in weight and BMI at doses below 3,000 mg/day. The authors highlighted limitations such as small sample sizes, heterogeneity, and short study durations.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37599677/ – This publication, likely a systematic review and meta-analysis from 2023, focused on the anthropometric effects of royal jelly, similar to the Frontiers in Nutrition article. It confirmed that this was the first meta-analysis on anthropometric indices, found no publication bias, but also noted limitations in product quality and adjustment for confounders, emphasizing the need for more robust, long-term trials.