Royal jelly
Synopsis of royal jelly
Royal jelly is a milky, gelatinous secretion produced by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker honeybees (Apis mellifera). It serves as the exclusive food for queen bee larvae throughout their development and sustains the queen bee throughout her life. This nutrient-rich substance contains a high concentration of proteins (notably major royal jelly proteins, or MRJPs), lipids (including 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, or 10-HDA), vitamins (B-complex, especially B5 and B6), minerals, and a small amount of sugars and hormones.
Medicinally, royal jelly has been used as a tonic for longevity, fertility, energy, and hormonal balance. It has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties in various studies. Royal jelly is often promoted for enhancing vitality, supporting skin health, boosting cognitive function, and improving reproductive health in both men and women. Its estrogen-like effects may make it useful in alleviating menopausal symptoms, and its potential for tissue regeneration has made it a popular component in skin care products.
Some modern research has examined its ability to regulate lipid metabolism and blood sugar levels, which may benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. In animal and in vitro studies, royal jelly has demonstrated neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects, and it is sometimes used in nootropic and anti-aging supplement formulations.
Historical Usage:
Though royal jelly's precise biochemical makeup was not fully understood until the 20th century, its use as a health elixir dates back centuries. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese civilizations revered bee products, especially honey and royal jelly, for their rejuvenating and sacred qualities. While honey was more commonly used, royal jelly—being rarer and more difficult to collect—was reserved for royalty, warriors, and healers.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), royal jelly has been used for over a thousand years to tonify qi (vital energy), enhance fertility, support the spleen and liver, and slow the aging process. It was believed to increase yin energy and improve mental clarity and complexion. It appeared in ancient Chinese pharmacopoeias as a tonic that could improve vitality and endurance.
The modern surge in popularity began in the mid-20th century, particularly after studies in the 1950s by French and Russian researchers highlighted its biological potential. Royal jelly gained prominence as part of anti-aging therapies in Europe and Japan, marketed for skin rejuvenation and hormonal regulation. It became a symbol of youth and strength, particularly among post-war societies interested in longevity and preventive medicine.
Royal jelly is used for these health conditions
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Free Radical Damage (Scientific)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Traditional)
Infertility (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Menopause (Scientific)
Nervous Exhaustion (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Osteoporosis (Scientific)
PMS (general) (Scientific)
royal jelly is used to support these body systems
Brain (Traditional)
Female Reproductive System (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Male Reproductive System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Ovaries (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Testes (Traditional)
Products containing royal jelly
Nature's Sunshine Elderberry D3fense
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
