Natural Products

Royal jelly

Efficacy

• Indications with proven efficacy:
  None
• Also used for these other indications, but with no proof of efficacy:
  Bronchial asthma
  Fractures
  Insomnia
  Kidney disease
  Liver disease/pancreatitis
  Rejuvenation
  Skin disorders
  Stomach ulcers
  To reduce blood cholesterol
  To stimulate hair growth (topically)
  To stimulate the immune system
  Tonic action

Security

• Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
• Adverse Effects: Rare

What is it?

Royal jelly is a milky secretion produced by worker bees (Apis mellifera) for the exclusive development and nurture of the queen bee. Young worker bees nourish the queen bee with this secretion from their pharyngeal glands This nutritive nectar may be why there are significant differences between the sizes, fertility and longevity of the queen bees and worker bees. This important differences may be why some people have believed (probably wrongly) that humans taking this product may benefit from the same results as those observed in queen bees. Royal jelly is rich in proteins (12%), lipids (8%), carbohydrates (12%) and B vitamins, especially panthotenic acid. The product's proposed antitumoral and antibacterial effects have not been clearly established.

Warning

In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) or homeopathic medicine number (DIN-HM) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.

Medicinal plants content varies naturally from plant to plant – just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.

For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.

Does it work?

There is no evidence that royal jelly is effective in any indication. However it is used to treat certain conditions:

• To reduce blood cholesterol:
  Cholesterol reduction has been observed in people taking 50 to 100 mg of royal jelly daily, on a regular basis. The exact mechanism of action is not known.

There is insufficient reliable information to conclude that royal jelly is effective in any other indication, including topically.

Is it safe?

• Royal jelly is usually not associated with any severe toxicity. However, people known to be allergic to bees may be allergic to royal jelly. In people with a history of atopy or asthma, royal jelly appears to cause a high rate of allergic symptoms.
• Since there is no safety data available concerning its use during pregnancy and breast-feeding, pregnant and lactating women should not take royal jelly.
• Peoples taking warfarin (Coumadin) should limit or avoid taking royal jelly because of the risk of hemorrhage.

Clinical notes

• Royal jelly may not offer its users the benefits they hoped for. This harmless and nutritive product offers nothing more than what can be found in other cheaper foods or a well-balanced diet.

References

1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2007
2. Pierce Andrea, Practical Guide to Natural Medicines, 1999
3. Facts & Comparisons, The Lawrence review of natural products, 1998
4. Passeportsanté.net. Gelée royale. http://www.passeportsante.net