Evidence supporting the use of: Royal jelly
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Royal jelly has garnered interest as a potential neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing agent, primarily based on preclinical (animal and cell culture) studies. Several animal experiments suggest that royal jelly may improve memory, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate neuroinflammation—factors believed to play a role in the development of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The proposed mechanisms include royal jelly’s antioxidant properties, its ability to promote neuronal growth and survival (possibly via increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF), and its anti-inflammatory effects.

However, the evidence supporting royal jelly’s use for dementia in humans is very limited. Only a handful of small clinical studies or pilot trials have explored royal jelly’s effects on cognitive function in elderly subjects, and these studies are generally of low methodological quality with small sample sizes and short durations. No large, rigorous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a clear benefit of royal jelly supplementation in preventing or treating dementia.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary data suggesting possible neuroprotective effects of royal jelly, the current evidence is insufficient to recommend its use for dementia. More robust clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety. Therefore, the evidence is rated as very low (1/5), and its use for this indication should be considered experimental rather than established.

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