Honey, Royal Jelly May Prevent Rupture of Fetal Membranes

An In-Vitro Model for the Use of Egyptian Bee Honey and Royal Jelly in Cases of Premature Rupture of the Fetal Membranes (PROM)
2nd International Conference on the Medicinal Use of Honey
Kota Bharu, Malaysia, 13th - 16th January, 2010
A Tageldin Abdelhafiz, J Abdelmonaem, M Abdlerahman, A Omar, D Aly
Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suhaj University
Asyut Gynecology Clinic
Department of Histopathology, Asyut University Hospital
Department of Internal Medicine, Suhaj General Hospital

BACKGROUND: Cases of premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM) are very critical with high incidence of fetal mortality. Until now, there is no definitive prophylaxis for these cases. We present an in-vitro model objectively testing the effect of Egyptian bee honey (H) and royal jelly (RJ) on the mechanical properties of the fetal membranes.

METHODS: Amnion (A) and amnion/chorion complexes (B) of fetal membranes were collected from 138 delivered women following normal labor and PL/PROM. Membrane pieces were treated with either H, RJ, H/RJ mixture (cases), or physiologic saline (controls). The membranes were subsequently evaluated by: a) a manometric device for their mechanical properties, and, b) histological examination for the collagen content.

RESULTS: The tearing pressure and the elastic extension yield were significantly improved for both A (pressure of 105.7 with H and 146.5 for RJ versus 50.3 mm Hg for the controls; and elastic extension yield of 1.73 with H and 1.93 for RJ versus 1.46 cm for the controls); and B membranes (pressure of 190.7 mm Hg with H and 246.5 for RJ versus 121.2 mm Hg for the controls; elastic extension yield of 2.01 with H, 2.05 with RJ, versus 1.83 cm for the controls). Histological examination and image-analysis quantification revealed significantly increased collagen staining pattern, too.

CONCLUSION: H, H/RJ has positive effect on the mechanical properties of the fetal membranes. This may be through “collagen promoting action.”