Royal Jelly Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Royal Jelly Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Royal jelly is generally safe for short-term use when taken orally or used topically. Clinical research has shown that daily doses of 1-4.8 grams of royal jelly for up to 1 year and topical use for up to 6 months have not reported any adverse effects. However, there is insufficient reliable information about the safety of royal jelly during pregnancy and lactation, so it is best to avoid using it in these situations.

How Is Royal Jelly Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Royal jelly is a special substance produced by worker honey bees to nourish the queen bee. It contains a variety of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. The composition of royal jelly can vary depending on factors like geography and climate. Notably, it contains unique compounds such as medium-chain fatty acids and flavonoids.

The mechanisms of action of royal jelly are still being studied, but here are some proposed ways in which it may work:

• Adipocyte Effects: In laboratory studies, certain protein fractions in royal jelly have been found to increase the percentage of mature adipocytes in preadipocyte cultures.
• Antiaging Effects: Animal research suggests that royal jelly can reduce DNA oxidative damage and increase lifespan.
• Antiallergy Effects: Royal jelly has shown antiallergic effects in animal models of immediate hypersensitivity. Specific proteins in royal jelly can suppress the production of certain immune system molecules involved in allergic responses.
• Antiarrhythmic Effects: Animal studies have demonstrated that royal jelly can protect against and reduce adrenaline-induced arrhythmias.
• Antidiabetic Effects: Some evidence suggests that royal jelly may have antidiabetic properties. It has been observed to decrease blood pressure and insulin levels in diabetic animal models, and it may improve insulin resistance. The exact mechanisms behind these effects are not yet fully understood.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: In laboratory studies, royal jelly has shown the ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules by activated immune cells. Certain flavonoids present in royal jelly may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.
• Antimicrobial Effects: Royal jelly exhibits antibacterial activity against certain types of bacteria, particularly Gram-positive strains. It may also have bacteriostatic and antimicrobial properties. The presence of specific compounds like royalisin and jelleines contribute to these effects.
• Antineoplastic Effects: In vitro studies have shown that royal jelly can inhibit the metabolism of certain substances and exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential as an antineoplastic agent.
• Antioxidant Effects: Royal jelly and its enzymatic hydrolysates have demonstrated antioxidant effects. It can scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and upregulate genes involved in antioxidant defense. Certain compounds, such as tyrosyl dipeptides, contribute to its antioxidant activity.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Clinical research has shown that royal jelly can improve vascular endothelial function, suggesting potential anti-atherogenic effects.
• Chemoprotective Effects: Animal studies indicate that royal jelly may protect against the mutagenic effects of certain drugs and radiation. It has been observed to reduce DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations.
• Dermatological Effects: Animal research suggests that royal jelly can inhibit the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and slow down aging-related skin damage by increasing collagen production. Clinical studies have also shown that topical application of royal jelly can increase the moisture content of the skin.
• Ergogenic Effects: Animal studies have found that royal jelly can reduce fatigue and muscle damage associated with physical exertion. It may enhance exercise performance and reduce markers of oxidative stress.
• Hepatoprotective Effects: Some evidence suggests that royal jelly may have protective effects on the liver. It has been observed to reduce markers of liver injury in clinical studies and protect against drug-induced liver damage in animal models.
• Hormonal Effects: Royal jelly has been studied for its potential hormonal effects. It has been found to increase testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in some studies. In vitro and animal research suggest that it can interact with estrogen receptors and modulate their activity. However, further research is needed to fully understand these hormonal effects.
• Hypolipidemic Effects: Royal jelly has shown potential in improving cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. It may also inhibit the absorption of bile acids and cholesterol in the gut and increase their excretion in the feces. Medium-chain fatty acids in royal jelly can provide quick energy to the liver and upregulate genes involved in cholesterol metabolism.
• Hypotensive Effects: Laboratory studies have suggested that certain components of royal jelly can inhibit the activity of human renin, a key enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation. Animal research has demonstrated that royal jelly can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive models and potentially have an effect on sympathetic nerve-mediated responses.
• Immune Effects: Royal jelly has been found to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and affect the production of immune system molecules such as interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It may modulate the immune response and show potential immunomodulatory effects.
• Neuroprotective Effects: In vitro studies have shown that royal jelly and one of its components, 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, can promote the generation of neurons and inhibit the generation of astrocytes from neural stem/progenitor cells. This suggests potential neuroprotective effects.
• Vasodilating Effects: Royal jelly has demonstrated vasodilating effects in laboratory studies, particularly on dog femoral arteries. It has also shown the ability to modify vascular responses in diabetic animal models.
• Weight Effects: Royal jelly may have implications for weight management. It can increase oxygen metabolism, respiration, and energy expenditure. It may also inhibit pancreatic lipase activity, leading to decreased fat absorption from the intestine.
• Wound Healing Effects: Animal studies have indicated that royal jelly can enhance wound healing by increasing collagen production and promoting the organization of connective tissue. Certain compounds in royal jelly, such as 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, play a role in these wound healing effects.

Pharmacokinetics

Royal jelly is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but the presence of certain fatty acids can reduce its absorption. Protease enzymes can enhance the absorption of these fatty acids. The major fatty acids in royal jelly undergo metabolism in the liver before being absorbed into the circulation. Metabolites of fatty acids are excreted in the urine. The exact pharmacokinetic properties of royal jelly are still being studied.

Interaction Overview

Royal jelly may interact with certain drugs and supplements. Here are a couple of notable interactions:

• Antihypertensive Drugs: Royal jelly may increase the risk of low blood pressure when taken with antihypertensive medications. Caution is advised.
• Warfarin (Coumadin): Royal jelly might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin, a blood-thinning medication.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Royal jelly is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects have been reported. The most common side effects include dyspnea, eczema, oral allergy syndrome, pruritus, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and skin irritation. These side effects are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of asthma or atopy. Serious adverse effects such as anaphylaxis, status asthmaticus, and death have been reported in rare cases in individuals with a history of asthma or atopy.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is currently insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of royal jelly supplements. Further research is needed to establish standardized guidelines for the composition and quality of royal jelly products.

What is Royal Jelly Typically Used For?

Royal jelly is commonly used for various purposes. Here are some of the main uses and their effectiveness:

Possibly Effective:

• Menopausal Symptoms: Several clinical studies suggest that oral royal jelly, either alone or in combination with other ingredients, can modestly improve menopausal symptoms. The effectiveness of topical royal jelly for this purpose is unclear.

Possibly Ineffective:

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Oral royal jelly does not appear to prevent or treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis in children.
• Diabetes: Oral royal jelly does not appear to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Physical Performance: Oral royal jelly does not appear to improve physical performance in elderly nursing home residents.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate:

• Androgenic Alopecia: The use of topical royal jelly for androgenic alopecia has generated interest, but there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this purpose.
• Atherosclerosis: Although there has been interest in using oral royal jelly for atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this purpose.
• Athletic Performance: Oral royal jelly has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Cancer-Related Fatigue: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for improving cancer-related fatigue.
• Chemotherapy-Induced Acral Erythema: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for preventing acral erythema caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
• Chemotherapy-Induced Hepatotoxicity: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for preventing hepatotoxicity caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
• Chemotherapy-Induced Nephrotoxicity: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for preventing chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity.
• Chemotherapy-Related Fatigue: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for preventing fatigue caused by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
• Cognitive Impairment: Oral royal jelly has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Small clinical studies suggest that topical application of royal jelly plus panthenol may improve the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The effectiveness of topical royal jelly alone for this purpose is unclear.
• Dry Eye: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial in patients with dry eye.
• Fractures: Although there has been interest in using oral royal jelly for the healing of fractures, there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this purpose.
• Hepatitis: Although there has been interest in using oral royal jelly for hepatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this purpose.
• Male Infertility: Intravaginal application of royal jelly has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients, and its effect when used alone is unclear.
• Obesity: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for reducing body weight in overweight or obese patients.
• Oral Mucositis: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial for preventing or treating oral mucositis in patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
• Osteoporosis: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial in patients with osteoporosis.
• Peptic Ulcers: Although there has been interest in using oral royal jelly for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information about its clinical effects for this purpose.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): It is unclear if oral royal jelly, either alone or in combination with other ingredients, is beneficial for patients with PMS.
• Renal Cell Carcinoma: It is unclear if oral royal jelly is beneficial in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

It's important to note that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of royal jelly for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Royal Jelly