All about royal jelly
Written by Eva De Angelis
What is royal jelly?
Royal jelly is produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee and her offspring.
It’s a jelly-like substance (hence the name) and its composition varies according to the area, climate, and type of flowers that the bees pollinate; is made mostly of water, with an average protein content of 18%, 15% carbohydrates, 3.5% fat and 1.5% vitamins and minerals.
There are about 185 compounds detected in royal jelly, some of which have bioactive functions, among which nutritional, immunomodulatory, hormonal, antibacterial, anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant functions are highlighted.
Royal jelly has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine, in particular in Asian apitherapy, as well as in ancient Egypt.
Nowadays it has pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses and is being marketed as an alternative nonprescription functional product. However, research is still in place, and few studies prove these effects but have shown promising results.
Nutritional aspects
Royal jelly has traces amounts of B complex vitamins, including Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Niacin (B3), Folic acid (B9), Inositol (B8), and Biotin (B7).
All of these vitamins act as cofactors for various enzymes for countless cellular functions, such as carbohydrate metabolism and nutrient transport throughout the body.
Antibacterial and antiviral properties
Like honey, royal jelly has been shown to have bioactive compounds that confer antibacterial and antiviral properties, being effective against various bacteria and viruses.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
In vitro research has shown that royal jelly has several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly due to the type of amino acids, fatty acids, and specific phenolic compounds it contains.
These natural agents present in royal jelly may be able to counteract the effects of oxidative stress, a state underlying numerous pathologies or disorders, such as neurodegenerative disorders, and atherosclerosis.
Some studies show that royal jelly increased insulin sensitivity, therefore, improving blood sugar levels and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
In addition, royal jelly can help with our brain function. Studies in rats have shown that it may reduce stress hormone levels and symptoms of depression, improving memory and generating a more robust central nervous system, thanks to its antioxidant capacity.
Helpful for symptoms of menopause
Some studies indicate that royal jelly may reduce some of the classic symptoms associated with menopause, caused by the reduction of circulating sex hormones, among which pain, loss of memory, depression, and anxiety are some of the most common.
The consumption of royal jelly supplements, both orally and vaginally, can help improve symptoms of menopause in women; additionally, if used vaginally, royal jelly can also increase lubrication while reducing vaginal atrophy.
Aids in collagen production
Many skin care products contain royal jelly, and research supports its action as a collagen enhancer.
This helps protect our skin from the damage associated with UV radiation exposure, keeping our skin healthy and young for longer.
Potential risks to keep in mind
Royal jelly has a high concentration of various bioactive compounds, making it a very potent superfood, so when in doubt it is always best to check with your doctor before you start taking it.
Possible side effects and risks include allergic reactions with a wide variety of symptoms like asthma, anaphylaxis, and contact dermatitis; it may also interfere with medications.
Finally, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding is best to look for an alternative since the effects are not so clear in those cases.
