Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a yellowish-white and acidic secretion of hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees used to feed young worker larvae during the first three days and the entire life of queen bees. RJ is one of the most appreciated and valued natural product which has been mainly used in traditional medicines, health foods, and cosmetics for a long time in different parts of the world. It is also the most studied bee product, aimed at unravelling its bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, and general tonic action against laboratory animals, microbial organisms, farm animals, and clinical trials. It is commonly used to supplement various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we highlight the recent research advances on the main bioactive compounds of RJ, such as proteins, peptides, fatty acids, and phenolics, for a comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry, biological, and pharmaceutical responses to human health promotion and life benefits. This is potentially important to gain novel insight into the biological and pharmaceutical properties of RJ.
Highlights
Royal jelly (RJ) is known as a “superfood” which is produced by nurse bees to feed young worker larvae and queen bees [1,2]
Bioactive Substances RJ is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds with the potential to play a vital part in their bioloRgJ iicsaal raicchtivsoituiercseaonfdnupthriaernmtsaacnedutbiicoaalctaipveplciocmatpioounnsd[2s 6w].itIht thhaespboeteennticaol ntofiprmlayeda vthitaatl pparrotteins, peptiipdneeptsht,eidilriepbs,iidolilspo,gidpicsha, elpnahcoetlinvicoistlii,ecssa,naandnddflpafhlvaaorvmonnoaocideidusstiacarareel attphhpeelimmcaaatiiinonnbsbio[i2oa6ca]tc.ivIttievhecaoscmboepmeonpucnoodunsnfidrremssperdoenstphsiaobtnlepsrifobotrleeitnhfsoe,r the variovuasripohusarpmhaarcmeuacteicuatlicpalropproepretiretisesofofRRJ J(F(Figiguurree 33))
After rats exposed to cisplatin and carbon tetrachloride, RJ administration could resist against oxidative stress in liver and renal tissues, which is achieved by decreasing MDA production and increasing the concentration of cellular antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) [122]
Summary
Royal jelly (RJ) is known as a “superfood” which is produced by nurse bees to feed young worker larvae and queen bees [1,2]. The origin and function of RJ, such as major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) for the development of the larvae [21], antimicrobial properties [9], medicinal value [20,22], proteins and peptides [23], the potential applications for cancer treatment [24], and health aging and longevity [25] have been reported. Our major focus is on the bioeffects of RJ, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertension, hepato-renal protective, neuroprotective, estrogenic, and fertility effects This evidence is a potentially valuable resource for further studies of the health potential properties of RJ for both humans and honeybees. FigurFeig2u.rNe 2u.mNbuemrbseorfs pofupbulibclaictaiotinosnsoonnRRJJtthhaatt apppeeaarrffrroomminitnetrenrantiaotnioanl jaolujronuarlsnarlse ianrcereinascirnegaseivnegryevery year (ydeaarta(dfarotamfrtohme tchoerecocroelcleocllteicotnionofotfhteheWWeebbooffSScciieennccee))
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