Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
Royal Jelly is a viscous substance secreted by worker bees and constitutes the essential food for queen bees and their larvae. It is consumed as a health food around the world. It demonstrated vasodilatory, hypotensive, antihypercholesterolemic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory effects and estrogenic activity (1) (3) (9) but its affinity for estrogen receptors is weaker compared to diethylstilbestrol and phytoestrogens (3). Royal Jelly was shown to stimulate MCF-7 cell proliferation which was reversed by tamoxifen (3). It also stimulated the production of collagen as well as other actions needed for bone formation via its action on osteoblasts (4). Royal Jelly may be effective against colitis (10). Oral administration of royal jelly improved testostrerone levels in male rabbits (19).
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Royal Jelly lowered total serum lipid levels and total serum cholesterol in individuals with moderately elevated cholesterol levels (5).
Mid-cycle peri-coital intravaginal applications of a combination of Egyptian bee honey and Royal Jelly improved infertility due to idiopathic asthenozoospermia (2). In an uncontrolled prospective observational study, Royal Jelly improved menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women (6).
Because Royal Jelly has estrogenic effects, women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer should avoid this product; prostate cancer patients should also use caution as royal jelly increased testosterone levels in male rabbits.
Purported Uses
- Menopausal symptoms
- Osteoporosis
- Cholesterol management
- Male infertility
Constituents
- Lipids — 3-7% ,
- Carbohydrates — 10-12%
- Proteins — 12-15%
- Water — 60-70%
- Traces of minerals and vitamins
(1) (2)
Mechanism of Action
Royal Jelly has demonstrated vasodilatory, hypotensive, antihypercholesterolemic and anti-inflammatory effects. It has also shown weak estrogenic activity (1). Four compounds have been identified in Royal Jelly that exhibit estrogenic activity; 1-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, trans-2-decenoic acid and 24-methylenecholesterol. They inhibited the binding of estradiol to estrogen receptor beta but had little or no effects on binding to estrogen receptor alpha (4). Royal Jelly has been shown to inhibit the growth-promoting effects of the environmental estrogen bisphenol A on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in-vitro (7). In-vitro studies also suggest that Royal Jelly stimulates the production of type 1 collagen as well as other actions needed for bone formation through its action on osteoblasts (4). The mechanism of action for the cholesterol-lowering effects of Royal Jelly is not yet known (5). It has previously been suggested that Royal Jelly decreases reabsorption of cholesterol in the GI tract and increases its excretion in the bile due to the presence of phytosterols, mainly B-sitosterol. Another explanation offered is that royal jelly suppresses hepatic cholesterol synthesis (8).
Contraindications
Women with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer should avoid products containing Royal Jelly as they may stimulate the cancer.
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Cholesterol-lowering medications: Theoretically, royal jelly may have additive effects (5).
- Warfarin: Royal jelly can enhance its effects (18).
Herb Lab Interactions
- Royal Jelly lowered both the total and LDL cholesterol levels in humans (5).
- Royal Jelly increased prothrombin time and fibrinolytic activity in rats (8).
Literature Summary and Critique
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- Suzuki KM, Isohama Y, Maruyama H, et al. Estrogenic activities of Fatty acids and a sterol isolated from royal jelly. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Sep 2008;5(3):295-302.
- Abdelhafiz AT, Muhamad JA. Midcycle pericoital intravaginal bee honey and royal jelly for male factor infertility. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. May 2008;101(2):146-149
- Mishima S, Suzuki KM, Isohama Y, et al.Royal jelly has estrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo.J Ethnopharmacol. Oct 3 2005;101(1-3):215-220.
- Miyata T. Pharmacological basis of traditional medicines and health supplements as curatives. J Pharmacol Sci. Feb 2007;103(2):127-131.
- Guo H, Saiga A, Sato M, et al. Royal jelly supplementation improves lipoprotein metabolism in humans. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). Aug 2007;53(4):345-348.
- Georgiev DB, Metka M, Huber JC, Goudev AR, Manassiev N. Effects of an herbal medication containing bee products on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk markers: results of a pilot open-uncontrolled trial.MedGenMed. 2004;6(4):46.
- Nakaya M, Onda H, Sasaki K, Yukiyoshi A, Tachibana H, Yamada K. Effect of royal jelly on bisphenol A-induced proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. Jan 2007;71(1):253-255.
- Vittek J. Effect of royal jelly on serum lipids in experimental animals and humans with atherosclerosis. Experientia. Sep 29 1995;51(9-10):927-935.
- Moutsatsou P, Papoutsi Z, Kassi E, et al. Fatty acids derived from royal jelly are modulators of estrogen receptor functions. PLoS One. 2010 Dec 22;5(12):e15594.
- Karaca T, Bayiroglu F, Yoruk M, et al. Effect of royal jelly on experimental colitis Induced by acetic acid and alteration of mast cell distribution in the colon of rats. Eur J Histochem. 2010 Oct 21;54(4):e35.
- Takahama H, Shimazu T. Food-induced anaphylaxis caused by ingestion of royal jelly. J Dermatol. 2006 Jun;33(6):424-6.
- Testi S, Cecchi L, Severino M, et al. Severe anaphylaxis to royal jelly attributed to cefonicid. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2007;17(4):281.
- Katayama M, Aoki M, Kawana S. Case of anaphylaxis caused by ingestion of royal jelly. J Dermatol. 2008 Apr;35(4):222-4.
- Harwood M, Harding S, Beasley R, Frankish PD. Asthma following royal jelly. N Z Med J. 1996 Aug 23;109(1028):325.
- Bullock RJ, Rohan A, Straatmans JA. Fatal royal jelly-induced asthma. Med J Aust. 1994 Jan 3;160(1):44.
- Thien FC, Leung R, Plomley R, Weiner J, Czarny D. Royal jelly-induced asthma. Med J Aust. 1993 Nov 1;159(9):639.
- Yonei Y, Shibagaki K, Tsukada N, et al. Case report: haemorrhagic colitis associated with royal jelly intake. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1997 Jul;12(7):495-9.
- Lee NJ, Fermo JD. Warfarin and royal jelly interaction. Pharmacotherapy. 2006 Apr;26(4):583-6.
- Elnagar SA. Royal jelly counteracts bucks' “summer infertility”. Anim Reprod Sci. 2010 Aug;121(1-2):174-80.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Royal Jelly may benefit those with high cholesterol. But it has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.
Royal Jelly is a viscous substance secreted by the worker bees and makes up the essential food for queen bees and their larvae. It is consumed as a health food around the world. Royal jelly has been shown to lower blood pressure; lower cholesterol levels; and reduce inflammation in laboratory and animal studies. It has not been studied as a cancer treatment in humans. Royal Jelly has weak estrogenic activity and should not be used by patients with hormone-sensitive cancer.
Purported Uses
- Menopausal symptoms
In one uncontrolled prospective study, Royal Jelly improved symptoms in postmenopausal women.
- Osteoporosis
Royal Jelly improved bone health in laboratory and animal studies.
- Cholesterol management
Some research evidence supports its use for hypercholesterolemia.
- Male infertility
One study suggests its use for male infertility but more large scale clinical trials are needed to confirm this effect.
Do Not Take If
- You have estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (Royal jelly can stimulate growth of cancer cells).
- You are taking Cholesterol-lowering medications (Theoretically, Royal Jelly may have additive effects).
- You are taking blood thinners such as Warfarin (Royal jelly can enhance its effects).
Side Effects
- Side effects include anecdotal weight gain, facial rash and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Several cases of anaphylaxis, asthma, and hemorrhagic colitis have been reported with use of royal jelly.
Last updated: December 31, 2012
acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)affinity (uh-FIH-nih-tee)
In chemistry and biology, the strength of the attaction between two substances, such as two chemicals, or an antigen and an antibody.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)asthma (AZ-muh)
A chronic disease in which the bronchial airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. An attack may be brought on by pet hair, dust, smoke, pollen, mold, exercise, cold air, or stress.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bile (bile)
A fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is excreted into the small intestine, where it helps digest fat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast (brest)
Glandular organ located on the chest. The breast is made up of connective tissue, fat, and breast tissue that contains the glands that can make milk. Also called mammary gland.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cholesterol (koh-LES-teh-rol)
A waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver, and found in the blood and in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is important for good health and is needed for making cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol also comes from eating foods taken from animals such as egg yolks, meat, and whole-milk dairy products. Too much cholesterol in the blood may build up in blood vessel walls, block blood flow to tissues and organs, and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)colitis (koh-LY-tis)
Inflammation of the colon.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)collagen (KAH-luh-jen)
A fibrous protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)control group (kun-TROLE groop)
In a clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared to the group that receives the new treatment, to see if the new treatment works.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diethylstilbestrol (dy-EH-thul-stil-BES-trol)
A synthetic form of the hormone estrogen that was prescribed to pregnant women between about 1940 and 1971 because it was thought to prevent miscarriages. Diethylstilbestrol may increase the risk of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer in women who took it. It also has been linked to an increased risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix in daughters exposed to diethylstilbestrol before birth. Also called DES.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)estradiol (es-truh-DY-ol)
A form of the hormone estrogen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)estrogen (ES-truh-jin)
A type of hormone made by the body that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics and the growth of long bones. Estrogens can also be made in the laboratory. They may be used as a type of birth control and to treat symptoms of menopause, menstrual disorders, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)estrogen receptor (ES-truh-jin reh-SEP-ter)
A protein found inside the cells of the female reproductive tissue, some other types of tissue, and some cancer cells. The hormone estrogen will bind to the receptors inside the cells and may cause the cells to grow. Also called ER.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gastrointestinal (GAS-troh-in-TES-tih-nul)
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called GI.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)GI
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hepatic (heh-PA-tik)
Refers to the liver.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)idiopathic (IH-dee-oh-PA-thik)
Describes a disease of unknown cause.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)infertility (IN-fer-TIH-lih-tee)
The inability to produce children.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intravaginal (IN-truh-VA-jih-nul)
Having to do with the inside of the vagina (the birth canal).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lipid (LIH-pid)
Fat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)observational study (OB-ser-VAY-shuh-nul STUH-dee)
A type of study in which individuals are observed or certain outcomes are measured. No attempt is made to affect the outcome (for example, no treatment is given).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pharmacokinetics (FAR-muh-koh-kih-NEH-tix)
The activity of drugs in the body over a period of time, including the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the body, localized in the tissues, and excreted.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)postmenopausal (post-MEH-nuh-PAW-zul)
Having to do with the time after menopause. Menopause (“change of life”) is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prospective (pruh-SPEK-tiv)
In medicine, a study or clinical trial in which participants are identified and then followed forward in time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)randomized
Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments.
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)receptor (reh-SEP-ter)
A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reduction (ree-DUK-shun)
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with hydrogen or another reducing substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)supplementation (SUH-pleh-men-TAY-shun)
Adding nutrients to the diet.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tamoxifen (tuh-MOK-sih-FEN)
A drug used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women and men. It is also used to prevent breast cancer in women who have had ductal carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells in the ducts of the breast) and in women who are at a high risk of developing breast cancer. Tamoxifen is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast. Tamoxifen is a type of antiestrogen. Also called tamoxifen citrate.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)testosterone (tes-TOS-teh-rone)
A hormone made mainly in the testes (part of the male reproductive system). It is needed to develop and maintain male sex characteristics, such as facial hair, deep voice, and muscle growth. Testosterone may also be made in the laboratory and is used to treat certain medical conditions.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
