High-efficiency extraction of multiple flavonoids from royal jelly: optimization of carbon nanocage–assisted dispersive microsolid-phase extraction using response surface methodology and integrated greenness assessment

Effect of Moringa leaf extract capsules enriched with royal jelly on the growth and development of infants aged 0-3 months

It is well established that inhalation exposure to xylene causes significant learning impairments and neurobehavioral toxicity by altering lipid environments in nerve membranes and affecting neurotransmitter levels. Royal jelly (RJ) has been shown to exhibit potent antioxidant properties that can protect the hippocampus from oxidative damage. The present research was designed to investigate the neuroprotective potential of RJ in mitigating hippocampal injury induced by short-term and long-term xylene inhalation exposure. In this experiment, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to short-term and long-term groups, each consisting of control, RJ, xylene, and xylene + RJ treatments. Rats were exposed to xylene via inhalation for 6 h daily at a concentration of 500 ppm, while RJ was administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg. After 8 weeks, spatial memory and anxiety level were evaluated. Apoptosis and cell necrosis in the hippocampus were identified using the TUNEL method and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of apoptosis-related genes in hippocampal tissue were investigated. The results revealed that xylene exposure caused a significant impairment in spatial working memory performance, as reflected by reductions in arm entries and alternation percentage, along with a significant suppression of antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, TAC, SOD, and GPx) compared to the control group. Additionally, xylene exposure significantly heightened anxiety-like behaviors, elevated MDA levels, increased the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in the hippocampus, and upregulated the expression of apoptotic markers including caspase-3, Bax, and p53 genes, alongside promoting necrotic cell death. Co-treatment with RJ significantly improved behavioral alterations, enhanced antioxidant activity, and decreased hippocampal apoptosis/necrosis. In conclusion, RJ mitigates xylene-induced neurotoxicity via antioxidant and anti-apoptotic pathways, suggesting therapeutic potential against xylene-related cognitive and neuronal damage.

A novel green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Syrian royal jelly with chemical profiling and biological evaluation

Background: Imipramine is an antidepressant drug that with repeated administration can cause hepatic toxicity, which results in hepatic injury; hence the need for liver protection from toxicity by the use of hepatoprotactants, like milk thistle and royal jelly. Objective: This study aims to comparatively evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of milk thistle and royal jelly, both as monotherapies and in combination, in a rat model of imipramine-induced hepatotoxicity. Methodology: Thirty adult female Albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6). Group A: Negative control (1ml D.W.); group B imipramine (10 mg/kg/day); group C milk thistle (140 mg/kg/day) and royal jelly (150 mg/kg/day); group D milk thistle (140 mg/kg/day ) and imipramine (10 mg/kg); group E royal jelly (150 mg/kg/day) and imipramine (10 mg/kg); group F milk thistle (140 mg/kg/day ), royal jelly (150 mg/kg/day) and imipramine (10 mg/kg). All treatments were taken orally. At 4 weeks of treatment, rats will be sacrificed and anesthetized. Serum for the assessment of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Glutathione (GSH), and Malondialdehyde (MDA) will be collected. All the parameters were determined by ELISA. Results: Imipramine group exhibited hepatotoxicity as reflected by the elevation of MDA and TNF alpha and reduction of GSH compared to the control group. In contrast, the change in IL-10 was insignificant. Royal jelly and milk thistle had a remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect by way of reduction of MDA and TNF alpha and elevation of GSH when compared to imipramine. Conclusion: Both milk thistle and royal jelly have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action against imipramine hepatotoxicity..

This study aimed to identify novel angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides from royal jelly proteins (RJPs) by integrating in silico digestion, virtual screening, and in vitro evaluation. Three major royal jelly proteins (MRJP1-3) were subjected to in silico digestion using 16 enzymatic systems, yielding 1411 unique peptides. Virtual screening based on predicted bioactivity, toxicity, water solubility, and ADMET profiles resulted in the selection of 27 candidate peptides. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities for these peptides compared with the positive control captopril, among which PYPDWSFAK and RPYPDWSF exhibited potent ACE-inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 110 ± 1.02 μmol/L and 204 ± 0.61 μmol/L, respectively. Kinetic analysis indicated that PYPDWSFAK acts as a mixed-type ACE inhibitor. Docking visualization demonstrated that PYPDWSFAK forms multiple hydrogen bonds with key residues in the ACE active pocket and directly coordinates with the catalytic Zn2+ ion. Cellular assays showed that PYPDWSFAK was non-cytotoxic, suppressed Ang II–induced endothelial cell migration, restored NO and ET-1 balance, and enhanced SOD and GSH-Px activities. Overall, this study enriches the repertoire of ACE-inhibitory peptides derived from royal jelly proteins. Furthermore, PYPDWSFAK is identified as a promising ACE-inhibitory peptide with potential for incorporation into natural antihypertensive ingredients or functional foods.

Royal jelly, owing to its rich biochemical composition, is widely used in apitherapy and human nutrition. To enhance its production, honeybee colonies are often supplemented with industrial carbohydrate sources. This study aimed to investigate how different locations (Doğanşehir and Uluköy) and carbohydrate types influence the biochemical composition of royal jelly, including sugar content, enzymatic activity, and phenolic compounds. The results revealed that both location and carbohydrate source significantly affected the biochemical profile of the samples. The Doğanşehir-glucose-fed group exhibited the highest 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10-HAD) content (2.77%, w/w; p < 0.001), whereas the Doğanşehir-control group had the lowest (1.41%, w/w; p < 0.001). Environmental conditions in Doğanşehir appeared to promote 10-HDA production, and glucose feeding proved to be an effective strategy for optimizing it. Although glucose, fructose, and sucrose levels were similar between locations, maltose content differed significantly. The highest glucose ratios were detected in the Doğanşehir bee-feed group (3.82%) and the Uluköy bee-feed group (3.57%). Invertase activity (4.51 ± 1.34 U/mL) and catalase activity (21.78 ± 0.80 U/mL) were highest in glucose-fed bees, whereas these parameters were lowest in the sucrose-fed group (0.72 ± 0.16 and 11.25 ± 2.66 U/mL, respectively; p < 0.01). Glucose feeding markedly increased the levels of invertase, catalase, total protein, amino acids, proline, and 10-HDA in royal jelly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, both environmental factors and carbohydrate-based feeding exert significant effects on the biochemical composition of royal jelly.

Currently, many postmenopausal women experience symptoms related to the cessation of hormone production, and hormone therapy is the most commonly used treatment to alleviate these symptoms. However, it is contraindicated in several situations, which highlights the importance of alternative therapies such as royal jelly (RJ), particularly given the limited number of studies demonstrating its effectiveness. To evaluate the effects of RJ supplementation on postmenopausal symptoms in women. We developed a search strategy using "royal jelly" and "menopause" with their synonyms. Terms were combined using Boolean operators (OR for synonyms, AND between concepts). We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), LILACS (BVS), Embase (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library through May 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated interventions for postmenopausal symptoms, with outcomes including genitourinary symptoms and quality of life measures. A total of 281 studies were identified; 262 were excluded. Of the remaining 19, 14 were selected for full-text reading, and 6 studies involving 471 postmenopausal women were included in the final analysis. The studies were published between 2011 and 2021. RJ supplementation significantly improved postmenopausal symptoms compared with placebo (standardized mean difference=0.73; 95% confidence interval=0.50-0.96; P <0.00001; I2=0%, two studies, 312 participants, moderate-quality evidence). RJ supplementation may offer a promising nonhormone option for managing menopausal symptoms and supporting bone and genitourinary health, especially for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy.

Background/Objective: In recent years, there has been a growing public interest in natural products, including those derived from bees. While most scientific research on bee products has focused on their pharmacological properties, insufficient attention has been given to consumer knowledge, consumption habits and attitudes. The aim of this study was to estimate the popularity of use of different bee products and assess consumer knowledge about them in Lithuania. Methods: An online survey was carried out of the general adult population of Lithuania with 421 respondents included. Results: The study revealed that honey, beeswax and royal jelly were the best-known bee products, while bee venom was the least known one. Knowledge levels varied by age and occupation of respondents—older people and those working in pharmacy, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, beekeeping and food production showed better perception. Honey was most often used for treating colds (78.9%), prevention (78.1%) and reducing fever (65.3%). Dietary use of honey depended on demographic factors and was generally low—28.3% consumed it only a few times per year or less. For cosmetics, propolis was the most used product (34.2%). Conclusions: Older individuals and professionals in pharmacy, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, beekeeping and food production, demonstrated better knowledge of bee products. Although honey was rarely consumed as part of the diet, older people tended to use it more often than younger individuals. Men were more likely to use honey for treating digestive and circulatory issues and as an ingredient in food and beverages, whereas women were more inclined to use it for respiratory illnesses and cosmetic treatments.

Royal jelly, a high-value natural product rich in bioactive compounds, is highly susceptible to quality deterioration during storage and processing. However, current quality standards rely predominantly on basic physicochemical parameters and measuring the content of 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which fail to capture the comprehensive and dynamic nature of its freshness. This significant knowledge gap hinders the accurate assessment, prediction, and control of royal jelly quality throughout its supply chain. To address this limitation, this review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying the deterioration of royal jelly freshness, including key pathways such as protein denaturation, Maillard reactions, enzymatic inactivation, and lipid oxidation, and analyzes the combined effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on its quality stability. It highlights the potential applications of novel biochemical markers-including major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), Maillard reaction products, enzymatic activity indicators, and energy metabolites-while comparing the advantages and limitations of traditional chromatographic techniques with modern rapid sensing and spectroscopic analysis methods. Regarding preservation, a critical yet inadequately summarized area, this review systematically evaluates the applicability and limitations of various approaches, including low-temperature storage, drying treatments, non-thermal sterilization, microencapsulation, and modified atmosphere packaging. Future directions for integrated quality control are outlined, providing a theoretical basis for holistic quality management of royal jelly.

Neuroprotective efficacy of royal jelly and propolis against cadmium-induced dysregulation of neurogenesis and neurotransmitters in the brain of rats: Molecular mechanisms and ultrastructure investigations.

Abstract The study aimed to investigate the role of magnesium citrate and royal jelly in weight loss caused by PCOS and modifying dietary patterns This experiment was conducted in the animal house of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq. Thirty rats weighing 100-150 grams were purchased and randomly distributed into 6 groups. The results of the current study showed a significant increase (P≥0.05) in total ovarian weight, ovarian weight, peri-ovarian fat weight, ovarian volume, GSI, and BMI phase. II, initial weight, final weight, consumed food in phase I, consumed food in phase II, consumption rate in phase I, and consumption rate in phase II in the group treated with letrozole (PCOS) compared to the normal control, while no significant differences were found in BMI Phase I and change in weight. When rats with PCOS were treated with magnesium citrate and royal jelly, there was a significant decrease (P≥0.05) in the total volume and weight, periovarian fat, GSI, initial weight and final weight, while the studied groups did not show any significant differences in ovarian weight, BMI Phase I, BMI Phase II, Change the weight, Consumed food in phase I, Consumed food in phase II, Consumption rate in phase I and Consumption rate in phase II. We conclude from the above that magnesium citrate and royal jelly are promising treatments for PCOS.

The study investigates the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), focusing on its potential to reduce oxidative stress, improve antioxidant levels, and enhance quality of life. A total of 61 RRMS patients were randomly assigned to either a RJ group or a placebo group, receiving a daily dose of 500 mg for 45 days. Key outcomes measured included expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activities of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with assessments of fatigue and quality of life. Results indicated that the RJ group experienced a significant reduction in EDSS scores (P < 0.001) and MDA levels (P < 0.0001). The activity of SOD and CAT after consumption of RJ had increased significantly (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, improvements were noted in some parameters of fatigue and quality of life measures. The findings suggest that RJ may help decrease oxidative stress and improve motor function and anti-oxidant capacity in MS patients, potentially slowing disease progression. This study was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration No. IRCT20220116053732N1) on 2022.05.08.

Royal Jelly as A Natural Analgesic and Antipyretic: Experimental Insights and PGE2 Modulation

Abstract The composition of extractive organic compounds of seven samples of Tenerife honey is reported here for the first time. In the extractive composition of the studied samples, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified between 74 and 124 representatives of various classes of organic compounds, including aromatics, aliphatic acids, alcohols, and esters, as well as furofuran lignans, which are rarely found in honey. The chemical composition of extractives in the studied samples was highly specific: among 160 registered compounds, only forty were present in all seven samples. The most numerous groups, making the greatest contribution to the total ion current of the chromatograms, were formed by aromatic compounds, the main one being methyl syringate. The second most important group consisted of aliphatic acids, including a series of eleven even hydroxy acids C 8 ‒C 12 , characteristic of royal jelly and largely responsible for its outstanding antimicrobial activity. The high content of compounds with documented biological activity suggests the high therapeutic potential of the studied Tenerife honey samples.

The liver, the largest internal organ in the human body, regulates multiple reactions and processes, including detoxification, regeneration, and immune defense. Liver diseases have emerged as a significant global public health issue. Numerous studies have indicated that the mitochondrial deacetylase SIRT3 has played various roles in the pathogenesis and pathological progression of liver diseases. Objectives: This review aims to explore the advances in the study of SIRT3 and liver disease and review possible mechanisms. Natural and chemical activators of SIRT3 are also discussed. The role of SIRT3 in the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of liver disease is summarized by reviewing Pubmed. SIRT3 alleviates liver diseases by regulating fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and immune-inflammatory response. Meanwhile, Withaferin A, lipoic acid, major royal jelly proteins, and berberine can activate SIRT3 or upregulate its expression, thereby alleviating liver damage. SIRT3 can effectively slow down the progression of liver disease and protect the liver from further damage. The use of SIRT3 as a pharmacological target for the treatment of liver disease is a potential therapeutic approach.

Antiviral potential of major royal jelly proteins.

Allergy to Bee Pollen Supplement: Identification of Major Royal Jelly Protein 1 as the Culprit Allergen.

Abstract This study investigates the green synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic potential of royal jelly-selenium nanoparticles (RJ-SeNPs) synthesized using royal jelly (RJ) in comparison to raw RJ. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed major compounds such as quinic acid (0.2396 mg) and rutin (6.1013 mg), while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry identified bioactive molecules, including n -hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, limonene, and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA). RJ extract served as a reducing and stabilizing agent for nanoparticle (NP) synthesis. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray confirmed NP formation. RJ-SeNPs exhibited a broad absorption band (250–500 nm) with a shoulder at 450 nm, and TEM revealed spherical particles of size 28–94.6 nm, whereas DLS indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 223.8 nm, reflecting surface interactions. A strong colloidal stability was observed with a zeta potential of –57 mV. Molecular docking showed that 10-HDA had the highest binding affinity to the human free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) (Δ G = –6.8 kcal/mol) and moderate binding to bacterial proteins from Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Biologically, RJ-SeNPs demonstrated superior antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against S. aureus and Aspergillus niger , with larger inhibition zones and lower minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations compared to RJ. Furthermore, RJ-SeNPs exhibited potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC 50 : 7.23 μg/mL), comparable to doxorubicin. Collectively, these results highlight RJ-SeNPs as a promising multifunctional therapeutic candidate with enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer properties, warranting further in vivo and clinical investigation.

Comparative Study on Boosting Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Chitosan-based Nanoparticles and Films Infused with Royal Jelly, Grape Seed Extract, and Garlic Extract