Royal Jelly
Uses
Royal jelly is a thick, milky substance produced by worker bees to feed the queen bee. The worker bees mix honey and bee pollen with enzymes in the glands of their throats to produce royal jelly.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
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2 Stars
High Cholesterol
150 to 6,000 mg daily
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Supplementing with royal jelly may improve cholesterol levels.
contains various sugars, proteins, and medium-chain fatty acids and has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Royal jelly was found to lower total, LDL-, and non-HDL cholesterol levels in subjects with type 2 diabetes in a meta-analysis of findings from 12 randomized controlled trials. In a placebo-controlled trial in 40 subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels, 3,150 mg royal jelly daily resulted in an 11.5% reduction in total cholesterol levels and a 4.8% reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels. In an eight-week placebo-controlled trial with 60 healthy overweight participants, 666 mg of royal jelly per day was found to lower total cholesterol levels and improve antioxidant status. A small controlled trial in 15 healthy volunteers found 6 grams of royal jelly per day for four weeks reduced total and LDL-cholesterol levels. In an uncontrolled trial, 36 healthy postmenopausal women received 150 mg of a high-potency royal jelly product daily for three months; at the end of the trial, HDL-cholesterol levels had increased by 7.7%, total cholesterol levels had decreased by 3.09 %, and LDL-cholesterol levels had decreased by 4.1%.
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How It Works
How to Use It
Royal jelly in the amount of 50–100 mg per day has been used in most of the studies on cholesterol lowering.
Where to Find It
Royal jelly is available in liquid form (usually in glass vials), tablets, and capsules.
Possible Deficiencies
Because royal jelly is not an essential nutrient, deficiencies do not occur.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
Side Effects
Allergic reactions are the most common side effect. Allergic reactions from oral intake of royal jelly can range from very mild (e.g., mild gastrointestinal upset) to more severe reactions, including asthma, anaphylaxis (shock), intestinal bleeding, and even death in people who are extremely allergic to bee products.1, 2, 3 People who are allergic to bee pollen, honey, or conifer and poplar trees should not use royal jelly orally. Topical use of royal jelly has been reported to cause skin irritations in some people.4
References
1. Thien FCK, Leung R, Baldo BA, et al. Asthma and anaphylaxis induced by royal jelly. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:216–22.
2. Leung R, Ho A, Chan J, et al. Royal jelly consumption and hypersensitivity in the community. Clin Exp Allergy 1997;27:333–6.
3. Yonei Y, Shibagaki K, Tsukada N, et al. Case report: haemorrhagic colitis associated with royal jelly intake. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997;12:495–9.
4. Takahashi M, Matsuo I, Ohkido M. Contact dermatitis due to honeybee royal jelly. Contact Dermatitis 1983;9:452–5.
Last Review: 05-23-2015
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.
