Royal jelly is a milk-like substance secreted by bees that provides nutrition to developing larvae as well as the queen bee. It's also known as Apilak or Queen Bee Jelly.
Made of proteins, sugar, and fatty acids, royal jelly is a nutritional supplement and a cosmetic agent. Some research suggests it may be helpful for the following:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Premenstrual syndrome
However, there is limited evidence of these benefits.
This article describes royal jelly's uses, side effects, and precautions to be aware of if you decide to try it.
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Uses
Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Royal jelly is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic activity. However, human trials of royal jelly are sparse.
Here's a look at the latest evidence of royal jelly's benefits.
Cancer Care
Royal jelly may benefit cancer care, but treatment benefits remain unproven.
Some studies suggest that royal jelly may limit the harm caused by powerful chemotherapy drugs. Royal jelly benefited oral mucositis, a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was among the beneficial remedies identified by researchers for treating the following:
- Mouth sores
- Bleeding
- Other symptoms
However, further study is needed.
Diabetes
Royal jelly may help regulate blood sugar, but more research is needed.
Based on an evaluation of 18 clinical studies, researchers found only a minimal benefit to royal jelly use for lowering blood sugar. It was determined that the quality of evidence supporting the use of royal jelly in diabetes was low to very low.
Another review concluded that royal jelly does not significantly improve fasting blood sugar levels or hemoglobin A1c, a marker of blood sugar control over time.
High Cholesterol
Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) is a concerning disorder linked to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attack, and stroke.
In a small study, 36 postmenopausal females were given 150 mg of royal jelly daily. They experienced a 7.7% increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol, as well as a 4.1% decrease in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and a 3% drop in total cholesterol.
Similar results were seen in another study of 40 adults with slightly high cholesterol levels. After three months, LDL and total cholesterol levels were reduced in people who took 3,150 mg of royal jelly daily. Conversely, there were no changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight, waist size, or body fat compared to the placebo group.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Menopause Symptoms
Some research suggests that royal jelly may help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause.
In one study, 110 female university students with PMS were given either 1,000 mg of royal jelly or a placebo daily. After two menstrual cycles, females in the royal jelly group had more than a 50% reduction in their PMS symptom score, while females in the placebo group had less than a 5% decrease.
And another study of 200 females that were postmenopausal showed that 1,000 mg of royal jelly daily could decrease menopause symptoms.
Further research is needed to confirm the results and better determine the exact mechanism of action of royal jelly.
Additional Uses
Royal jelly has also been studied in clinical trials for the following indications:
- Dry eye
- Dry skin
- Bone strength
- Kidney disease
- COVID-19
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Infertility
More research is needed before royal jelly can be recommended for these conditions.
Dosage
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF.org. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is essential.
Royal jelly has been used in clinical trials at doses of 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily, depending on the indication.
For example, 1,000 mg daily for eight weeks has been studied to help menopause symptoms. And 3,600 mg daily for two years has been used for people on hemodialysis.
Your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian can help you determine an appropriate dose.
Safety
- Avoid royal jelly if you're allergic to it, its components (parts), or honey.
- Seek medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).
Side Effects
Royal jelly is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used appropriately. However, consuming a supplement like royal jelly, or applying it to the skin, may cause potential side effects.
Royal jelly has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, ranging from mild nasal symptoms to cardiovascular collapse and death. Royal jelly proteins can cause allergic reactions, typically occurring within minutes of using the supplement. They are more likely in people with asthma or atopic diseases like eczema.
Other side effects of royal jelly may include:
- Skin rash
- Cough
- Bloody diarrhea
- Stomach discomfort
If you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
Interactions
Royal jelly may interact with the following medications.
- Chemotherapy drugs. Effectiveness of chemo may be enhanced or side effects reduced if these medicines are taken with royal jelly.
- The blood-thinner warfarin. Bleeding risk may be increased.
- Hormone therapies. Royal jelly may increase levels of estrogen and the hormone DHEA-S, interacting with some hormone treatments.
- Diabetes medications. Effectiveness may be increased, or side effects like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could occur.
Precautions
Do keep the following precautions in mind when using royal jelly:
- Severe allergic reaction: Avoid royal jelly if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.
- Pregnancy: Royal jelly is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: Royal jelly is not recommended during breastfeeding.
- Children: Royal jelly is not recommended for use in children.
- Chronic conditions: People with asthma and eczema should be cautious as they are at increased risk of allergic reactions to royal jelly.
Summary
Bees make royal jelly as a nutrition source for larvae and queen bees.
It's been found to have antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, but there's only limited evidence supporting its use in humans.
It may lower cholesterol, decrease the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, or ameliorate symptoms of PMS- but more research is needed to know for sure.
The most dangerous side effect of royal jelly is anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction most common in people with asthma or a history of bee sting or honey allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between royal jelly and honey?
Royal jelly is a secretion made by worker bees that is used as nutrition for the queen bee.
Honey is a sugary liquid that is processed by bees.
Royal jelly contains much less sugar than honey (15% carbohydrates versus 82%) and is more expensive.
And they've been studied for some different indications. For instance, honey may be helpful for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
What does royal jelly taste like?
Royal jelly has a jelly-like consistency and a sour taste.
How should royal jelly be stored?
It depends on the product.
In capsule form, royal jelly should be fine at room temperature. Store it in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Discard after one year or according to the manufacturer's directions.
Fresh royal jelly should be kept cold. It will last six months in the refrigerator and up to two years in the freezer.
If it's freeze-dried, royal jelly can last for a year in the fridge and over two years in the freezer.
Royal jelly mixed in honey or another vehicle may be stable for two years at room temperature.
Does royal jelly interact with other medications?
Royal jelly may interact with medicines for diabetes and cancer, warfarin, and hormones. Discuss the use of royal jelly (and any other supplements you take) with your healthcare provider to minimize the risk of drug interactions.
