Royal Jelly is a substance that is secreted primarily by the honey bee. There are reports of other bee species, such as bumblebees, also producing similar substances with nutritional properties. However, the production and use of such substances vary among bee species, and royal jelly in its most well-known and extensively studied form is associated with honey bees, particularly the species Apis mellifera.

Royal Jelly is Bee Food

Royal jelly is a secretion produced by the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees. It is fed to both larvae and queen bees.The diet of a developing honeybee larva influences its development into either a worker bee or a queen bee.

Worker Bee Larvae: Worker bee larvae are initially fed a diet of royal jelly. However, this diet is later supplemented with honey, pollen, and other substances. Worker bees emerge from this developmental process, and they are typically sterile females responsible for various tasks within the hive, such as foraging, nursing, and guarding.

Queen Bee Larvae: If a larva is chosen to become a queen, it continues to be exclusively fed royal jelly throughout its development. This exclusive diet of royal jelly triggers the physiological changes that transform the larva into a queen bee. Queen bees are larger, have fully developed reproductive organs, and live much longer than worker bees. They are responsible for laying eggs in the hive.

The differential feeding of larvae with royal jelly is an essential aspect of the complex social structure within a honeybee colony. The nutritional content and composition of royal jelly contribute to the remarkable differences in size, lifespan, and reproductive capabilities between worker bees and queen bees. The specific mechanisms by which royal jelly influences these developmental outcomes are complex and not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in the developing larvae.

Royal Jelly Ingredients

Royal Jelly is made up of; 60-70 percent water, 12 percent protein, 12-15 carbohydrates and 5-6 percent lipid. It also has; vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and trace amounts of vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Royal Jelly

Royal jelly, a substance secreted by worker bees and used to feed queen bees, has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy and dietary supplement.

Researchers have been studying Royal Jelly for quite some time and have found that it has many health benefits.

Below are some of the health benefits of Royal Jelly:

Royal Jelly to Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a condition that affects nearly 40% of the adult populations. If it is left untreated, it can cause a stroke and heart attack. A study was done involving two groups of volunteers. Half of the volunteers were given six grams of royal jelly while the other half were given a placebo. The results of the study were that the volunteers who were given the royal jelly were able to reduce their total cholesterol and LDL by several points.

Royal Jelly Helps to Female Fertility

Infertility is a problem that affects approximately 10% of women. Ovulatory dysfunction is the most common cause of female infertility. Royal jelly can help boost a woman’s fertility by increasing the quality of her eggs and improving her overall reproductive health.

Royal Jelly Eases the Symptoms of PMS

Mood swings, bloating, headaches and fatigue are some of the most common symptoms of PMS. Premenstrual syndrome, which is also referred to as PMS, is a condition that affects over 50 percent of women. There has been evidence to suggest that royal jelly can help ease some of the symptoms of PMS.

Royal jelly, a substance produced by worker bees and fed exclusively to queen bees, contains various nutrients, bioactive compounds, and hormonal precursors that may contribute to its potential effects on health and well-being. While scientific evidence specifically regarding the use of royal jelly for easing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms is limited, several mechanisms have been proposed that could theoretically support its use for this purpose:

Nutritional Support: Royal jelly is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids, which are essential for overall health and well-being. Adequate intake of nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help regulate hormonal balance, neurotransmitter function, and mood, potentially reducing PMS symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.

Hormonal Modulation: Royal jelly contains hormonal precursors, including estrogen and testosterone precursors, as well as other bioactive compounds that may help regulate hormonal balance in the body. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are thought to contribute to PMS symptoms such as mood changes, bloating, and breast tenderness. By supporting hormonal balance, royal jelly may alleviate some of these symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: Royal jelly contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Inflammation is believed to play a role in the development of PMS symptoms, including abdominal cramps, headaches, and breast tenderness. By reducing inflammation, royal jelly may help alleviate these symptoms and promote overall comfort during the menstrual cycle.

Antioxidant Activity: Royal jelly is a rich source of antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various PMS symptoms, including mood disturbances, fatigue, and pain. By scavenging free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative damage, royal jelly may help mitigate these symptoms.

Immune Support: Royal jelly contains immune-modulating compounds, such as peptides and amino acids, that may help support immune function and reduce susceptibility to infections and inflammation. Strengthening the immune system may indirectly contribute to alleviating PMS symptoms by promoting overall health and resilience during the menstrual cycle.

Royal Jelly Can Help to Treat Bacterial Infections

Antibiotics are a class of medication that are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Royal Jelly contains 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid or (10-HDA), which is a natural antibiotic and reduces the need for you to take synthetic antibiotics.

The World is facing significant concerns regarding the overuse and misuse of synthetic antibiotics. Over consumption contributes to antibiotic resistance, making bacterial infections more challenging to treat and increasing healthcare costs. The widespread use of synthetic antibiotics in various sectors also poses environmental and health risks, so we need to use natural antibiotics whenever we can.

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Royal Jelly

Inflammation is a natural process that occurs when the body detects a harmful stimulus. Chronic inflammation can lead to a number of health problems if it is left unchecked. Royal Jelly has anti-inflammatory properties. Whilst the specific mechanisms of Royal Jelly’s anti-inflammatory effects are not fully understood, there are several components in royal jelly that are believed to contribute to its potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Here are some factors that may be involved:

Anti-Inflammatory Proteins: Royal jelly contains proteins that may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that these proteins may help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Phenolic Compounds: Royal jelly is rich in phenolic compounds, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds may help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Hormones and Growth Factors: Royal jelly contains various hormones and growth factors, including royalisin, defensin-1, and hydroxydecanoic acid. These substances may play a role in modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Immune-Modulating Effects: Royal jelly has been reported to have immune-modulating effects, which means it can influence the activity of the immune system. By regulating immune responses, royal jelly may contribute to controlling inflammation.

Nutrient Content: Royal jelly contains essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, which can support overall health. Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining a balanced immune system and preventing chronic inflammation.

Anti-Aging Effects of Royal Jelly

Most people look forward to living longer, but no one wants the wrinkles, age spots and fine lines that come along with getting older. Royal Jelly can help slow down the aging process. It has been shown to boost collagen production and promote healthier skin. Royal jelly can also help wounds on the skin heal faster when it is applied topically.

Royal Jelly to Lower Blood Sugar

Diabetes is a condition that affects roughly eight percent of the population. The key to controlling diabetes is to keep one’s blood sugar within a healthy range. Royal jelly has been shown to help lower blood sugar. There was a study done in Germany that involved 20 volunteers. The volunteers underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and were given a 20 grams of royal jelly. After they were given the jelly, they underwent a second oral glucose tolerance test. The results of the study were that the participants’ blood sugar was much lower after the oral glucose tolerance test.

Royal Jelly Recommended Daily Dose

The recommended serving of royal jelly is between 500 and 3,000 mg per day.

Other Bee Products

You may also be interested in our articles on Honey and Bee Propolis. Honey is a sweet liquid made by bees from flower nectar, serving as an energy source for bees and a natural sweetener for humans. Propolis is a resinous substance bees collect to seal gaps and protect the hive, with potential human health benefits, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Royal Jelly Notes / Side Effects

While royal jelly is touted for its potential health benefits and nutritional content, it’s essential to use it cautiously and be aware of potential side effects, especially in individuals with allergies, asthma or underlying health conditions.

Below are some potential side effects and considerations to be aware of:

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to royal jelly or bee products in general. Allergic reactions can range from mild symptoms such as itching, skin rash, or nasal congestion to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or anaphylaxis. If you have known allergies to bee products or pollen, it’s essential to use caution when using royal jelly and monitor your body’s response.

Asthma Exacerbation: Royal jelly may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Asthma attacks or respiratory distress have been reported in some people after ingesting royal jelly. If you have asthma or respiratory conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using royal jelly.

Gastrointestinal Upset: In some cases, consuming royal jelly may cause digestive discomfort such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This is more likely to occur with high doses of royal jelly or prolonged use. If you experience gastrointestinal symptoms after using royal jelly, it’s advisable to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Hormonal Effects: Royal jelly contains various bioactive compounds, including proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone precursors. While these compounds may have potential health benefits, they may also affect hormone levels in the body. Some individuals may experience hormonal disturbances or adverse effects on reproductive health with long-term or excessive use of royal jelly. It’s essential to use royal jelly cautiously and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about hormonal balance or reproductive health.

Skin Reactions: Topical use of royal jelly may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Skin redness, itching, or rash may occur after applying royal jelly-based skincare products or creams. It’s advisable to perform a patch test before using royal jelly topically and discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Drug Interactions: Royal jelly may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, immunosuppressants, and hormone medications. Royal jelly contains compounds that may affect drug metabolism and interfere with the efficacy or safety of certain medications. If you are taking medications, especially those with narrow therapeutic windows or that may be affected by hormonal changes, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using royal jelly supplements.

If you experience any adverse reactions or concerns after using royal jelly, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance.