Royal Jelly Effective for Nutrition, Menopause, Premenstrual Syndrome, Wound Healing, Diabetes

What are the benefits of royal jelly?

Medical News Today

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Royal jelly is a creamy white substance with a high nutrient content that young bees make to feed queen bee larvae. There are claims that it offers a range of health benefits, such as easing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and supporting wound healing.

Royal jelly is highly nutritious and may have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may be responsible for many of the health claims about royal jelly. People usually consume it orally or apply it directly to the skin.

Research suggests that certain nutrients in royal jelly are beneficial for health. However, there is little evidence that these benefits come specifically from royal jelly itself.

In this article, we examine the potential benefits of royal jelly and the science that supports these claims.

Nutrition

Royal jelly contains a high percentage of proteins and carbohydrates.
The nutritional content of royal jelly is a potential benefit in itself as the substance provides a range of essential nutrients that are necessary for good health. Royal jelly comprises:

water (50 to 60 percent)
proteins (18 percent)
carbohydrates (15 percent)
lipids (3 to 6 percent)
mineral salts (1.5 percent)

There are small amounts of vitamins and minerals in royal jelly, including several types of vitamin B. It also contains some polyphenols, which are a type of plant-based chemical that is rich in antioxidants.

Menopause symptoms

Royal jelly may provide relief from the symptoms of menopause.

A 2011 study looked at the effect of a combination of four natural ingredients, including royal jelly, on menstrual symptoms. The researchers gave 120 women either a capsule containing the four ingredients or a placebo twice a day over 4 weeks.

The women in both groups noted a reduction in symptoms, but those who took the capsule had significantly better results than those in the placebo group.

A more recent study found that taking 150 milligrams of royal jelly daily over 3 months could help improve cholesterol levels in healthy postmenopausal women.

Premenstrual syndrome

Royal jelly may also be beneficial for people with premenstrual syndrome.

In a 2014 study, the investigators gave 110 participants either a royal jelly capsule or a placebo once every day over two menstrual cycles. The participants who took the royal jelly capsules had less severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms over the 2 months.

Wound healing

According to some research, royal jelly could speed up the process of wound healing.

The results of a laboratory study in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice showed that royal jelly might significantly increase the movement of fibroblasts to a wound. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that coordinates the process of wound healing.

Type 2 diabetes

There is some evidence that royal jelly may have benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.

In one study, 50 female participants with type 2 diabetes received either a 1-gram dose of royal jelly gel or a placebo once a day for 8 weeks.

The results indicated that taking royal jelly may lead to a reduction in the level of blood glucose. Lower glucose levels in the blood are beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

However, the researchers note that more studies with a larger number of participants are necessary.

Nutritional Analysis of Royal Jelly

Livestrong.com, 4/19/2010

Overview
Royal jelly is a thick, milky mix of nutrients, which is produced from a combination of honey and pollen. All of the bees in a hive consume this substance, but larvae that consume it exclusively and in high doses grow larger than the other bees, thus enabling them to become queens of the hive. Queen bees live up to 4 or 5 years, compared to an average six weeks for worker bees, according to "Better Nutrition" magazine.

History
The use of bee products dates back to Paleolithic times, according to Alex Poplawsky of Emory University. The ancient Egyptians were master beekeepers who revered honey for its antibacterial and medicinal properties, and used royal jelly in skin treatments. The ancient Chinese used royal jelly as an aphrodisiac.

Types
Royal jelly is often sold mixed with honey to keep its potency intact. This form of royal jelly should be kept in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling. Some natural food outlets offer royal jelly in capsules, powdered or freeze-dried. It also has been used as an ingredient in lip balm, shampoos and conditioners, and skin creams.

Function
Royal jelly has been use to treat asthma, hepatic disease, insomnia and skin problems, among other conditions. Most of the reported benefits of royal jelly are provided by anecdotal evidence. More research is needed.

The "Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients" online magazine confirms the existence of evidence that royal jelly supports liver health.

Potential
Research has confirmed the antibacterial potential of a protein known as "royalisin," which is present in royal jelly. Royalisin was discovered to be effective in fighting gram-negative bacteria at low concentrations. The "Journal of Biological Chemistry" has theorized that an antibacterial protein found in royal jelly, called royalisin, helps the honeybee defend against bacteria.

The "Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture" has reported that royal jelly appears promising as an aid to inhibiting the growth of tumors.

Poplawsky cites studies that indicate royal jelly's potential as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Further research is needed to expand upon the implications of these initial studies...

Royal Jelly Helps Alleviate Itching

Topical Royal Jelly Alleviates Symptoms of Pruritus in a Murine Model of Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Pharmacogn Mag, 2013 Jan;9(33):9-13

BACKGROUND:

Royal jelly is widely used as a health tonic, especially in Asia. Royal jelly is commonly used in cosmetics as well as in dietary supplements and beverages. Little is known, however, about the pharmacologic efficacy of topical royal jelly. Therefore, we investigated the antipruritic activity of topical royal jelly on chronic pruritus in experimental allergic contact dermatitis in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

HAIRLESS MICE (HOS: HR-1), with chronic allergic contact dermatitis induced by 5 weeks of repeated application of 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB) to the entire back skin were treated topically with royal jelly (0.01% or 1%) for 5 weeks after sensitization with TNCB. The effects of royal jelly on pruritus and inflammation were evaluated by measurement of scratching behavior and skin inflammation score, respectively.

RESULTS:

Repeated application of TNCB to the back skin of mice elicited frequent scratching behavior immediately and 24h after challenge. Topical royal jelly (0.01% or 1%) and betamethasone (0.01%) significantly ameliorated this chronic pruritus throughout the experimental period. The level of nerve growth factor mRNA in back skin was increased in the mice with dermatitis and reduced by betamethasone, but not by royal jelly.

CONCLUSION:

The inhibitory effect of royal jelly on chronic pruritus may occur through different mechanisms from those of betamethasone. Topical application of royal jelly, as used in cosmetics, might be beneficial for the alleviation of chronic pruritus.

Apimedica: Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen Used to Treat Hair Loss - 蜂王浆和蜂花粉结合用于美容及预防脱发

Apimondia Apimedica-Apiquality International Forum

Oct. 22-25, 2012

Zhenjiang, China

The Combination of Royal Jelly and Bee Pollen for Cosmetics and to Prevent Hair Loss

Hossein Yeganehrad 1*, Abbas Mirabzadeh1, Shohreh Seyedmirza3, Anahita Abdolahi 1, Hassan Rahimi 2, Zainab Motallbbi2, Sohil Yeganehrad1, Sina Yeganehrad1

(1. Caspian Apiaries, New Westminster, BC, Canada; 2. www.wellnessplus.ca; 3. Masters Degree Of Nursing Management, The Effect of Comprehensive Nursing Care Program on Quality of Life in Pre-school Children with Hemophilia)

Hair loss in men and women is related to an individual’s genes, protein deficiency, climate, stress etc. When attempting to recover low nutrient levels, especially protein, this can be difficult as there are not many natural shampoos with absorbable protein.

However, our results show that by adding pollen and royal jelly to shampoo and cream bases, protein is absorbed into the hair at a faster rate than with other natural sources. We have visual evidence, using microscopic technology, of hair damage and losses before treatment, and the recovery using these specific bee products. Using these products in shampoo not only helps to restore strength and recovers prior damage to the hair, but helps to heal damaged skin as well.

When using only bee pollen in liquid form for hair, we encountered approximately 5% of users had an allergy. When using bee pollen and royal jelly in shampoo, with 5-10% active ingredients, reports of allergic reactions decreased, to less than one percent. This shampoo cleans the hair, while providing nutrients to rebuild and protect hair, and can be used for body.

Using n-chromosome royal jelly in shampoo is also as effective as using pollen. Using skin and face creams containing royal jelly and bee pollen appears to help with dry, cracked skin, wrinkles, and helps to provide necessary nutrients for the skin. Most skin creams on the market do not have much variety when it comes to nutrients for the skin, except for vitamins A, B, C, D and E. Human skin requires many nutrients and proteins, carbohydrates and minerals to be in good health. There is not much choice available for providing a varied protein source and nutrient source to the skin while avoiding strong preservatives like parabens or other chemicals.

*N chromosome royal jelly was been published for the first time in Apimondia 2011. N chromosome royal jelly is a combination of worker jelly and royal jelly produced from grafted half chromosome larva.

_________________________________________

* Corresponding author, E-mail:caspianapiaries@gmail.com; bardia_1082@yahoo.com

蜂王浆和蜂花粉结合用于美容及预防脱发

Hossein Yeganehrad 1*, Abbas Mirabzadeh1, Shohreh Seyedmirza3, Anahita Abdolahi 1, Hassan Rahimi 2,

Zainab Motallbbi2, Sohil Yeganehrad1, Sina Yeganehrad1 (加拿大)

(1. Caspian Apiaries, New Westminster, BC, Canada; 2. www.wellnessplus.ca;

3. Masters Degree Of Nursing Management, The Effect of Comprehensive Nursing

Care Program on Quality of Life in Pre-school Children with Hemophilia)

男女脱发与个体基因、蛋白质缺乏、气候和压力等众多因素有关。当我们试图去改善这种营养水平低 下的状况，尤其是蛋白质水平时，我们会发现很难找到天然的包含可吸收蛋白的洗发产品。相比其他天然 产品，在洗发水和面霜中加入花粉和蜂王浆，蛋白质能更快速地被头发吸收。利用显微技术，我们发现在 使用前，头发有损伤和缺失现象，使用这些特殊的蜂产品后有改善效果。在洗发水中添加这些蜂产品能有 助于发质强韧并修复先前的损伤，同时也能用于改善皮肤损伤。将液态蜂花粉用于头发时，我们发现有5% 的使用者具有过敏现象。将蜂花粉和蜂王浆加入到洗发水中，再加入5%~10%的活性剂，过敏反应率下降到 小于1%。这样的洗发水能够清洁头发同时还提供营养重塑和保护头发，也能够用于身体护理。此外，在洗 发水中加入N 染色体蜂王浆也能起到和花粉同样的效果。在护肤面霜中加入蜂王浆和蜂花粉能为皮肤提供 营养，有助于改善皮肤干燥、开裂和皱纹。市面上的许多护肤霜除了维生素A、B、C、D 和E 外，并未包含 其他的多种营养成分。而人体的皮肤是需要多种蛋白、糖类和矿物质等营养成分来保持健康的。所以，这 是为数不多的，能够提供多种蛋白和营养来源的同时还能避免对羟基苯甲酸酯类等防腐剂或其他化学制剂 的护肤品。

* N 染色体蜂王浆首次报道是在2011 年Apimondia 大会上。N 染色体蜂王浆是指单倍体幼虫移虫后获取 的工蜂浆和蜂王浆的混合物。

Royal Jelly Boosts Heart Health, Lowers Cholesterol

Natural Health from A-Z
Margaret Durst, N.D., Mason County News, June 30, 2010

Royal Jelly is an old folk remedy that is often overlooked. It is also known as bee’s milk, and is a concentrated super food that is a powerful anti-aging tonic. Royal Jelly contains many essential nutrients for humans. These include B vitamins, vitamins A, C, D, E and K, 12 important minerals, 18 amino acids, collagen, and lecithin.

Royal Jelly is the milky fluid made of digested pollen and honey nectar that is mixed with a chemical secreted from a gland in the nurser bee’s head. This fluid is fed to the Queen Bees and is believed to be responsible for her stamina and longevity. (Queen Bees live 4 to 5 years compared to worker bees that live about 40 days.)

Health benefits of Royal Jelly are many. It is used not only for longevity, but for cardiovascular health, healing of the digestive tract, building the immune system, preventing cancer, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, and restoring skin health.

Research has shown that Royal Jelly lowers total cholesterol levels by 14 % and lowers triglyceride levels by approximately 10%. Royal Jelly has also been shown to help prevent atherosclerosis and to reduce fibrinogen levels, thereby helping to prevent abnormal blood clotting and strokes.

In the digestive tract, Royal Jelly is used to promote healthy tissue, to heal ulcers, and to protect the liver.

For the immune system, Royal Jelly stimulates the production of antibodies and suppresses Gram-Positive types of bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus. It also helps prevent many forms of cancer, specifically leukemia and sarcomas. Royal Jelly enhances the function of the lymph nodes and stimulates the production of lymphocytes.

Because Royal Jelly is a concentrated source of Pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5, it is used to nourish the adrenal glands, and therefore for energy. Royal Jelly strengthens the adrenal glands, helping to protect them from the stress of our busy lifestyles and our diets that include sugar, chocolate, caffeine and sodas which all deplete the adrenal glands…

Royal Jelly Key Ingredient in Skin Care Supplement

Radiant Skin from Within
By Nike Sotade, The Guardian (Nigeria), 7/31/2009

…La Femme Royale is an antioxidant skin care supplement that basically contains two natural components - Royal Jelly and the Longan fruit.

Royal jelly is a thick, extremely nutritious, milky-white, creamy liquid secreted by the hypopharyngeal glands of the nurse bees. Queen bees live exclusively on royal jelly and it accounts for their incredible size and longevity. They average 42 percent larger and weigh 60 percent more than the worker bee.

Royal jelly contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D and E. It is particularly useful for its B-complex contents, including B1, B2, B6, B12, biotin, folic acid, and inositol. Royal jelly is high in the B vitamin pantothenic acid, recognized for its ability to reduce stress levels. It also supplies the minerals, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, silicon and sulfur.

Although royal jelly has been traditionally known to prolong youthfulness and improve the skin's beauty, evidence also indicates that this substance increases energy, alleviates anxiety, sleeplessness and bolsters the immune system. It also contains collagen is an anti-aging element that keeps the skin looking smooth and youthful…

Two Cases of Allergic Reaction to Royal Jelly Reported in Japan

Two Cases of Royal Jelly Allergy Provoked the Symptoms at the Time of Their First Intake
Arerugi, 2011 Jun 30;60(6):708-713

Two young women suffered from several symptoms after the intake of royal jelly for the first time.

According to the positive skin prick test reactions of raw royal jelly, royal jelly allergy was diagnosed. As the reasons why the symptoms appeared at the time of their first intake, we guessed the possibility that 1) they had been sensitized for royal jelly formerly, or 2) their symptoms were induced by the cross-reactivity between royal jelly and other allergens such as bee, honey and pollens.

As to our cases, no related allergens were found in one case, but in another case co-existance of mugwort allergy was suspected from the results of both skin prick test and specific IgE titers.

Originally royal jelly allergy has been regarded as class 1 allergic reaction developed by the sensitization of itself. But we speculated the possibility that there can also be cases of class 2 royal jelly allergy by the mechanism of cross-reaction with pollens.

Royal Jelly Has Potential to Manage Chronic Human Diseases Like Hyperglycemia (Type 2 Diabetes), Hypertension, and Breast and Skin Cancers

Probiotics in Milk as Functional Food: Characterization and Nutraceutical Properties of Extracted Phenolics and Peptides from Fermented Skimmed Milk Inoculated with Royal Jelly

Journal of Food Safety
Early View (Online Version of Record published before inclusion in an issue)

This study evaluated the biological properties of milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus with and without several amounts of royal jelly including: total viable count, pH, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity and inhibitory activities of angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase, and growth of colorectal (SW480) and skin (MV3) cancer cell lines. The bound phenolic extract after acid hydrolysis had better biological properties. The antioxidant activities increased after 4 h of fermentation time in skimmed milk fortified with royal jelly. Contents of aromatic compounds decreased along fermentation time in skimmed milk with royal jelly. The in vitro inhibitory activities against skin and colorectal cancer growth of fermented skimmed milk were not dependent on fermentation time and concentration of royal jelly. Results revealed the accumulation of hydrolytic bioactive peptides with inhibitory activity of ACE at 24 h.

Practical Applications

Inoculated skimmed milk with different ratios of royal jelly has potential application to manage chronic human diseases including hyperglycemia (type 2 diabetes), hypertension, and breast and skin cancers.

Allergic Reaction to Royal Jelly Mistakenly Attributed to Antibiotic

Severe Anaphylaxis to Royal Jelly Attributed to Cefonicid
J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol, 2007; Vol. 17(4): 277-285

Royal jelly, a secretion of the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera), is a creamy yellow–white, acidic material made up of proteins, free amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, vitamins, and some minerals.

It is the only food of female bee larvae during early stages of development, but once other larvae have developed into sexually immature worker bees, only the queen bee continues to receive this diet.

Although imprecisely defined chemically and generally not standardized, royal jelly is widely used as a health tonic and “alternative” medicine but its beneficial effect in humans is unproven and severe allergic reactions, especially asthma, have occurred following its ingestion.

We report the case of a 28-year-old man who presented with a 25-year history of asthma that had worsened in recent months to a level of 2 attacks per week and frequent use of salbutamol (up to 15 inhalations per day)…

Five months later, the patient was referred to our department in order to identify a safe alternative antibiotic drug. He underwent skin prick tests with standard aeroallergens (Stallergénes S.A., Antony Cedex, France) and positive results were obtained with grass pollen, house dust mite, Alternaria, and cat dander.

Negative results were obtained in immunoassays to determine the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) E specific to penicilloyl G and V, ampicilloyl, and amoxicilloyl (UniCAP Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden) and in a homemade assay of serum specific IgE to cefonicid using epoxy-activated Sepharose as the solid phase [3].

Total serum IgE concentration was 346 kU/L. However, it emerged during the diagnostic procedure that the patient had ingested royal jelly after each injection of cefonicid. In light of this information, further tests were planned in order to investigate the role of royal jelly in producing the systemic reaction.

A prick-to-prick test with royal jelly gave a positive result with a wheal diameter of 10 mm. The same test was negative in a group of 10 healthy subjects who never ate royal jelly. The presence of serum specific IgE to royal jelly was demonstrated with a homemade radioallergosorbent test using nitrocellulose as the solid phase [4]…

Many people who have experienced an adverse reaction while taking an antibiotic are classified as allergic to the drug without any further investigation. However, over diagnosis is common due to a fear of anaphylaxis, and as a result, nonallergic patients may be deprived of potentially useful drugs. It is therefore important to diagnose allergic reactions to antibiotics.

The findings in the described case show that when an adverse drug reaction is suspected a thorough clinical history and allergy evaluation is needed, and that this should not only include drug allergy tests but also assessment of other allergens such as food…

The Health Benefits of Royal Jelly

The Buzz On Royal Jelly
Queen Bee Food for You
By Sarah Wassner Flynn, SheKnows

Nope, royal jelly not some regal spread you slap together with peanut butter for a quick-fix snack. Rather, royal jelly is a creamy substance produced by young nurse worker bees to feed the Queen Bee in a hive. And just as it services her Majesty, this bee-vital substance can provide a healthy bonus to humans, too. Here is why you should make the Queen Bee’s food part of your diet.

Honey is not the only good stuff you can get out of a beehive. Royal jelly, the substance that keeps the Queen Bee thriving, can give your body just as much of a healthy buzz. Secreted from the head of a worker bee, the milky liquid is fed to both young larvae for the first three days of their lives and to the Queen Bee, who receives a daily dosage throughout her life. Containing a plethora of proteins, minerals, and vitamins, it is no surprise that the Queen’s five-year lifespan vastly outnumbers that of her minions, who merely live for 40 days...

What are the Health Benefits of Royal Jelly?

In the health field, the buzz on royal jelly is purely positive. Subscribers say the boost of vitamins and nutrients works wonders on everything from bronchial asthma to bad skin (in fact, the popular Burts Bees line of skincare products offers soaps and creams specially blended with royal jelly). Plus, its high amino acid content benefits the body’s ability to fight infection and disease. In addition, many cancer patients who have recently undergone radiation and chemotherapy take royal jelly supplements to boost their immune systems and rebuild destroyed cells...

Turkish Beekeepers Interested in Producing Royal Jelly

Turkish honey producers eye ‘bee milk’ production

DAILY SABAH

Turkish honey producers are becoming more interested in producing the royal jelly along with honey, head of the Ordu Association of Beekeepers (ORAY-BİR) Akın Çiftçi said.

The royal jelly, known in Turkish as "arı sütü" which means "bee milk," is a milky secretion produced by worker honey bees.

According to Çiftçi, the interest in producing the royal jelly is largely boosted by its high price despite how hard and troublesome it is to produce it.

"A gram of royal jelly is sold for seven [Turkish] liras ($1.85), while a kilogram — for 7,000 liras," Çiftçi said.

He also said the royal jelly has to be kept in 10-gram tubes away from direct sunlight in a fridge.

"The royal jelly should definitely not see the sun. If it sees the sun, it will be spoiled and it will not have any benefits afterwards," Çiftçi added.

Turkish honey producers eye ‘bee milk’ production

The head of the ORAY-BİR warned that some products sold in stores as royal jelly were not actually real.

Royal jelly is known for a wide range of medical benefits, including boost of immune system, and counters allergic reactions, helping Alzheimer's Patients and containing beneficial probiotics. It is also used as a general health tonic for fighting the effects of aging and skin disorders...

Major Royal Jelly Allergens Identified

Characterization of Major Allergens of Royal Jelly Apis mellifera
Trop Biomed, 2008, Dec;25(3):243-51

Royal jelly is widely consumed in the community and has perceived benefits ranging from promoting growth in children and improvement of general health status to enhancement of longevity for the elderly. However, royal jelly consumption has been linked to contact dermatitis, acute asthma, anaphylaxis and death.

High prevalence of positive skin tests to royal jelly have been reported among atopic populations in countries with a high rate of royal jelly consumption. The present study is aimed to identify the major allergens of royal jelly…

In conclusion, the major allergens of royal jelly are MRJ1 and MRJ2 in our patients' population.

The Health Benefits of Royal Jelly

Health Tip of the Day: Benefits of Royal Jelly
Tayyar, 9/5/2009

For decades Royal Jelly has been widely used as an addition to man’s diet acting as a natural 'health supplement'. Royal Jelly is an entirely natural substance that is created by bees that is packed full of nutritional bounty…

Health benefits of Royal Jelly

People who intake Royal Jelly commonly express the opinion that it helps slow down the ageing process, improves a person’s vitality and energy levels, improves the condition of the skin and improves the strength and condition of the hair and nails. It has also been used for helping control cholesterol levels and to improve sexual vitality.

The range of nutritional content in Royal Jelly is impressive. It includes Vitamins: A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. It is also a good source of Folic acid.

It is around 12% protein and has all 8 of the essential amino acids that the body cannot manufacture, but needs to be supplied with. These amino acids are essential for growth and repair of our cells and tissues and are thought to be of great importance in helping combat 'free radicals' in the body.

It also has a good balance of lipids and carbohydrates as well as aspartic acid which is used in growth and repair of cells and tissues.

Royal Jelly also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Royal Jelly Has Skin-Whitening, Therapeutic Properties

Royal Jelly Reduces Melanin Synthesis Through Down-Regulation of Tyrosinase Expression
Am J Chin Med, 2011;39(6):1253-60

For cosmetic reasons, the demand for effective and safe skin-whitening agents is high. Since the key enzyme in the melanin synthetic pathway is tyrosinase, many depigmenting agents in the treatment of hyperpigmentation act as tyrosinase inhibitors.

In this study, we have investigated the hypo-pigmentary mechanism of royal jelly in a mouse melanocyte cell line, B16F1. Treatment of B16F1 cells with royal jelly markedly inhibited melanin biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Decreased melanin content occurred through the decrease of tyrosinase activity. The mRNA levels of tyrosinase were also reduced by royal jelly.

These results suggest that royal jelly reduces melanin synthesis by down-regulation of tyrosinase mRNA transcription and serves as a new candidate in the design of new skin-whitening or therapeutic agents.

Royal Jelly Suppresses Skin Pigmentation

The functional property of royal jelly 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid as a melanogenesis inhibitor

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Aug 9;17(1):392

BACKGROUND:

It has been reported that royal jelly would reduce melanin synthesis and inhibit the expression of melanogensis related proteins and genes. In this study, we evaluate the anti-melanogenic and depigmenting activity of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) from royal jelly of Apis mellifera.

METHODS:

In this study, we assesses the 10-HDA whitening activity in comparison with the changes in the intracellular tyrosinase activity, melanin content and melanin production related protein levles in B16F1 melanoma cells after treating with 10-HDA. Furthermore, the skin whitening effect was evaluated by applying a cream product containing with 0.5%, 1% and 2% of 10-HDA onto the skin of mice (C57BL/6 J) for 3 week to observe the effect of DL*-values.

RESULTS:

The results showed that 10-HDA inhibited the MITF protein expression (IC50 0.86 mM) in B16F1 melanoma cells. Western blot analysis revealed that 10-HDA inhibited the activity of tyrosinase and the expression of tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), TRP-2, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in B16F1 melanoma cells. In addition, the 10-HDA was applied on the skin of mice show significantly increased the average skin-whitening index (L value).

CONCLUSIONS:

The validation data indicated the potential of 10-HDA for use in suppressing skin pigmentation. The 10-HDA is proposed as a candidate to inhibit melanogenesis, thus it could be developed as cosmetics skin care products.

Royal Jelly Could Aid Human Stem Cell Therapies

A Compound that Makes Bees Into Queens Could also Aid Human Stem Cell Therapies

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules 

By Anna Groves | December 5, 2018

Scientists have announced a breakthrough in stem cell research that could have major implications for medical treatments that involve regenerating human cells. And their discovery came from an unlikely source: royal jelly. It’s the same substance honey bees use to turn a common bee larvae into a queen.

Royal Jelly

A queen bee starts her life just like any other bee – a larva in the honey bee hive, taken care of by her siblings. But when it’s time for a new queen, this larva is pulled aside and fed copious amounts of royal jelly, a nutritious goop secreted by the hive’s nurse bees. This, rather than any genetic differences, is what makes her a queen.

This queen bee grows larger than the other bees in the hive, which means she ends up with substantially more cells in her body, despite being genetically similar to her sisters. Royal jelly is thought to increase her cell count by somehow triggering an increase in stem cells — cells that haven’t yet differentiated into specialized cells — early in her development.

Royal jelly is popular as a dietary supplement in many areas of the world. Though many of the claimed effects on human health are of dubious merit, a few have been supported by randomized controlled trials. The latter inspired researchers to examine what effects the jelly might have outside of a bee hive.

Now, a research team out of Stanford University has found that the active compound in royal jelly, royalactin, prevents stem cells from differentiating, or growing into mature versions of, say, muscle or skin cells. This means that as they continue to grow and multiply they create more stem cells, increasing their therapeutic potential.

Thai Firm Launches Royal Jelly Skin Care Line

Watsons’ ‘Be Gorgeous’ Skincare Nature’s Secret with Benefits of Royal Jelly
ThaiPR.net, 1/15/2009

Watsons Your Personal Store is offering a beauty secret of nature with its latest ‘Be Gorgeous’ skincare collection infused with benefits of natural Royal Jelly, acknowledged for its moisture preserving benefits and gentle nourishing qualities that result in a gorgeous skin glow.

The ‘Be Gorgeous’ line comprises eight different products for a complete skin pampering:

Be Gorgeous Shower Cream (at 99 Baht) Users will experience soft skin after cleansing it with the sweet-scented shower cream enriched with honey and natural royal jelly…

Watsons’ Be Gorgeous will be on the shelves at all Watsons outlets from 22 January 2009 onwards. More information, please visit http://www.watsons.co.th/

Royal Jelly May Protect Against Skin Aging

Royal Jelly Increases Collagen Production in Rat Skin After Ovariectomy
J Med Food, 2012 Apr 2

Royal jelly (RJ) is a honeybee product that contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, free amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. RJ has been reported to have antitumor, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities.

We previously reported that RJ enhanced the migration of human dermal fibroblasts and altered the levels of cholesterol and sphinganine in an in vitro wound-healing model in addition to regulating skin photoaging following exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation.

We established an animal model of skin aging in the context of estrogen deficiency and assessed the antiaging effects of RJ on skin.

To establish an in vivo model of skin aging, bilateral ovariectomies were performed in 12-week-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats. Induction of osteoporosis was confirmed through two-dimensional images of the trabecular bone in the left femoral necks using microcomputed tomography. The protective effects of RJ ovariectomy-induced skin aging were examined by determining the protein expression of type I procollagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1. The collagen content and epidermal thickness of skin tissue were measured by staining techniques. There was a significant difference in weight between sham-operated and ovariectomized groups. Food efficiency ratio did not differ significantly among the groups.

The level of procollagen type I protein was increased in the dorsal skin of ovariectomized rats fed with a dietary supplement containing 1% RJ extract, but the level of MMP-1 was not altered. In particular, the amount of collagen recovered was close to the normal level.

RJ may protect against skin aging by enhancing collagen production in rats with ovariectomy-induced estrogen deficiency.

The Role of Apitherapy in Human Health

By Dr. Seema Rathour1 and Dr. D.C. Karnatak

[Editor’s Note: This poster is part of the Second National Apitherapy Congress, Expo and Workshops with International Participation held November 21-24, 2008, in Iasi, Romania.]

Apitherapy is the use of bee hive products such as bee venom, bee-collected pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beeswax, and honey to maintain good health and in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions.

Honey – Honey is the pre-digested food made by bees from nectar. The bees collect the nectar from flowers and store it in their primary or honey stomach. There it is partially digested and converted into the substance we call honey. In past societies, honey was of great importance, particularly for its medicinal purposes. It was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and a valuable antibacterial wound dressing.

Health Benefits of Honey - Taking raw honey is a healthy way to get an energy boost. Its carbohydrates supply us with energy and strength. It can boost your endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. Honey is a great aid in relieving morning sickness, reportedly even more effective than traditional soda crackers. It's also good for sore throats including laryngitis and pharyngitis.

Honey and cinnamon can help in many areas including relief from bladder infections, arthritis, upset stomach and bad breath. It's even supposed to be able to slow down hair loss. Honey can be used as a medication for men with problems of impotence and women with problems related to infertility. Warm raw goat milk and raw honey is believed to increase sperm count considerably.

A salve made of honey has been proven effective for diabetic ulcers when other topical antibiotics are not well tolerated. It can be applied to eczema, canker sores or bleeding gums. Honey and lemon goes to work in the body shifting the extra fat stores, thus making it usable energy for regular body functions. And, honey is cholesterol-free. It reportedly can even help to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Honey has a viscous texture due to its low water content. It also establishes a poor environment for bad bacteria to grow, and is a good natural preservative. Doctors have combined sterile honey from Australian bees with seaweed to clean wounds infected after heart surgery.

Royal Jelly - Royal Jelly is derived from a combination of honey and bee pollen, combined with enzymes that nurse bees produce in their salivary glands and feed to the larvae. Royal jelly has traditionally been used through the centuries to improve skin tone, to bolster the immune system, and to increase energy levels. Recent human studies using royal jelly have looked at its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels. Studies show that royal jelly may stimulate the reproductive system. Some studies have indicated that fresh royal jelly can stimulate the immune system and help fight off viral infection.

Propolis – Propolis is a resinous substance gathered by bees from trees. It is used to fill holes and varnish and strengthen the hive. Bees also use it as a natural antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal agent. It is used as a medicine and food supplement. The antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal activities of propolis offer scope for applications in food technology. Propolis is a bee product used in some cultures as treatment for mouth ulcers.

Propolis Decreases Cancer Cell Division - The in vitro anticarcinogenic and antimitotic effects of propolis and mitomycin-C (MMC) on transitional carcinoma cell cultures were investigated. Tissue samples were obtained from 22 patients with bladder carcinomas, which were exposed to propolis (0.1 mL) and MMC (1.6 µL). The differences between the control and exposed cells were significant. We conclude that exposure to propolis can decrease cell division and it may be used as an antimitotic and anticarcinogenic agent.

Bee Pollen - Collected from flowers and brought back to the hive as a load on the hind legs. It is a food source for the bee and is stored in the hive. Bee pollen is used as a food supplement. Bee pollen rejuvenates your body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances vitality, and brings about a longer life span.

Principal Project Manager, Biotech Park, Sector G, Jankipuram, Lucknow-226021
E-mail: seemarathour@gmail.com
Senior Research Fellow, G.B.P.U.A & T, Pantnagar-263145, Uttarakhand
E-mail: dineshkarnatak@gmail.com

Royal Jelly Used in New Skin Care Serum

Guerlain Offers Healing Honey
Bee goodness is harnessed in Guerlain’s latest serum.
By Patsy Kam, The Star (Malaysia), 10/7/2010

According to French skincare brand Guerlain, research has demonstrated that the tissue reconstruction process, responsible for the repair of both wrinkles and loss of firmness, shares biological factors with the healing process.

Look young: Guerlain’s latest Youth Serum containing royal jelly…

Guerlain believes in harnessing the best that nature has to offer and this has led it to identify natural bee products, which are known to be some of the world’s most effective natural healing substances.

The ingredients of the Pure Royal Concentrate (royal jelly) act on key biological factors involved in tissue reconstruction: migration of cells to damaged areas that will help reconstruct the skin, tissue reproduction whereby the skin repairs itself and tissue remodelling to ensure skin firmness. This concentrate is found in Guerlain’s latest Abeile Royale Youth Serum Firming Lift, Wrinkle Correction…

The concentrate acts like an “orchestra leader” to set into motion and activate the combination of these mechanisms that participate in the skin’s self-repair and stimulate the activation of target genes, said Dr Frédéric Bonté, director of Guerlain Research.

The brand also discovered an extraordinary bee – the Black Bee from Ouessant – that are free to gather nectar from the wilderness to produce honey of exceptional purity. To guarantee the highest quality, only royal jelly of French origin with controlled traceability is used…