Effect of Royal Jelly on premenstrual syndrome among Iranian medical sciences students: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study

The effect of hydrogen-rich water consumption on premenstrual symptoms and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of psychiatric or somatic symptoms negatively affecting the daily life. PMS treatment can involve the use of complementary-alternative approaches. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may treat PMS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of drinking HRW on the severity of premenstrual symptoms and the quality of life of women who suffer from PMS.

METHODS

This study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into two groups (intervention group=33, control group=32) using the block randomization method. Participants were requested to consume 1500-2000 mL of HRW daily in the intervention group and drink water in the placebo group. Participants began drinking either HRW or placebo water from day 16 of their menstrual cycle until day 2 of the following cycle for three menstrual cycles. The research data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), and Short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF).

RESULTS

The intervention group had significantly lower mean scores than the control group in both the first and second follow-ups on the PMSS (P<0.05). In the first follow-up, the intervention group had significantly higher mean scores in the Physical Health and Psychological domains of the WHOQOL-BREF compared to the control group (P<0.05). Group × time interaction was significant for PMSS (F = 10.54, P<0.001). Group × time interaction was insignificant for WHOQOL- BREF (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of HRW reduces the severity of premenstrual symptoms and improves individuals' quality of life in physical and psychological domains.

Royal Jelly and Fermented Soy Extracts-A Holistic Approach to Menopausal Symptoms That Increase the Quality of Life in Pre- and Post-menopausal Women: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of royal jelly and fermented soy extracts on menopausal symptoms and on quality of life in pre- and post-menopausal women.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This prospective observational study was carried out in a Clinical Hospital of Brasov, Romania, during June 2020 and December 2021. Eighty pre- and post-menopausal women, aged between 45 and 60 years, were included in two groups. The first group (40 women) received a dietary supplement with fermented soy extract twice a day for eight weeks and the second group (40 women) received the same dietary supplement with fermented soy extracts and 1500 mg of royal jelly capsules for eight weeks. After the treatment, the MENQOL score, DASS-21 score, and the mean number and intensity of daily hot flushes were recorded and compared with baseline values.

RESULTS

After eight weeks of treatment, the score of the MENQOL questionnaire and all its domains' scores decreased in comparison with the baseline in both groups (p < 0.001). Also, the DASS-21 score (p < 0.001), depression score (p < 0.001), anxiety score (p < 0.001), and stress score (p < 0.001) improved. The mean number and the intensity of hot flushes decreased in both groups (p < 0.001). Comparing these variables after the treatment in both groups, we observed that the women who received dietary supplements with fermented soy extracts and royal jelly capsules recorded better scores for MENQOL (vasomotor, physical, and psychosocial domains) and a more reduced mean number of daily hot flushes.

CONCLUSIONS

This observational study suggests that both dietary fermented soy supplements and royal jelly capsules possess beneficial effects against menopausal symptoms, increase the quality of life in pre- and post-menopausal women, and that the effects might be significantly improved if those dietary supplements are administered in association.

Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refer to physical, cognitive, or affective symptoms that arise in the late luteal phase and remit with menses. The present work is a clinically focused scoping review of the last twenty years of research on treatment for these disorders. A search of key terms using the PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed, and 194 studies of adult women met initial inclusion criteria for review. Research studies concerning medications, pharmacological and non-pharmacological complementary and alternative medicine treatments, and surgical interventions with the most available evidence were appraised and summarized. The most high-quality evidence can be found for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs), with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and surgical interventions showing efficacy for refractory cases. While there is some evidence of the efficacy of alternative and complementary medicine treatments such as nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and yoga, variability in quality and methods of studies must be taken into account. Reprinted from Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:1783-1801, with permission from Dove Medical Press Ltd. Copyright © 2022.

Effectiveness of a school-based health education program to improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in high school girls in Ilam

BACKGROUND

The premenstrual syndrome happens periodically and affects both the individual and family. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the health education program on reducing premenstrual syndrome in high school girls in Ilam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experimental study was conducted in girls' high schools in Ilam, in 2017-2018. In total, 120 students were enrolled in the study (intervention group = 61 and control group = 59) and selected through convenience sampling. In this study, a standard Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) was used to diagnose students with premenstrual syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The educational program for the intervention group was held in four sessions of 30 min for 4 consecutive weeks. The obtained data were analyzed by the SPSS statistical software at a significance level of less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant difference in the proportion of cases with moderate and severe PMS and PMDD between intervention and control groups in follow-up (P < 0.001). However, these proportions were not significantly different between the two groups in the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, the educational program can be recommended as an effective intervention for girls with moderate-to-severe premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Scoping Review

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refer to physical, cognitive, or affective symptoms that arise in the late luteal phase and remit with menses. The present work is a clinically focused scoping review of the last twenty years of research on treatment for these disorders. A search of key terms using the PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed, and 194 studies of adult women met initial inclusion criteria for review. Research studies concerning medications, pharmacological and non-pharmacological complementary and alternative medicine treatments, and surgical interventions with the most available evidence were appraised and summarized. The most high-quality evidence can be found for the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs), with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and surgical interventions showing efficacy for refractory cases. While there is some evidence of the efficacy of alternative and complementary medicine treatments such as nutraceuticals, acupuncture, and yoga, variability in quality and methods of studies must be taken into account.

The therapeutic potential of Crocus sativus Linn.: A comprehensive narrative review of clinical trials

Crocus sativus Linn. (Saffron) is valued worldwide for its potential use in the management of various degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, cancer, metabolic syndrome (MetS), neurodegenerative diseases, immune disorders, and sexual dysfunction. Previous reports, based on clinical trials, suggest that crocetin, crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are the main bioactive components of saffron with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. In this comprehensive narrative review, we studied the recent clinical trials, investigating the medicinal applications of saffron and/or its components. The present results can provide important insights into the potential of saffron in preventing and treating different disorders, with a special focus on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of saffron in treating some degenerative diseases.

Health Promoting Properties of Bee Royal Jelly: Food of the Queens

Royal jelly (RJ) demand is growing every year and so is the market for functional foods in general. RJ is formed by different substances, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, but also vitamins, minerals, and phenolic or volatile compounds in lower proportion. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJP) are, together with 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), key substances of RJ due to their different biological properties. In particular, 10-HDA is a unique substance in this product. RJ has been historically employed as health enhancer and is still very relevant in China due to the traditional medicine and the apitherapy. Nowadays, it is mainly consumed as a functional food or is found in supplements and other formulations for its health-beneficial properties. Within these properites, anti-lipidemic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiaging, and estrogenic activities have been reported for RJ or its specific components. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the current knowledge on RJ components, their assessment in terms of authenticity, their biological activities, and related health applications.

Saffron for the Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are among the most common agents have been used for the treatment of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); however, due to the diversity in the outcomes and adverse effects, efforts are in progress to find an agent with maximal efficacy and minimal adverse effects. Saffron is an herbal agent consisted of ingredients shown to act as an antidepressant, pain tranquilizer, and antioxidant. In the current study, it is aimed to assess the efficacy of saffron on PMDD treatment.

Materials and Methods:

In the current randomized controlled trial, 120 females with the diagnosis of PMDD were randomly allocated to three groups of treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg, twice daily), saffron (15 mg, twice daily) or placebo for 2 weeks in the luteal phase of two menstruation cycles. Daily record of severity of problems (DRSP) and Hamilton questionnaires had been filled before the interventions and then following the treatment cessation. The questionnaires' scores and drug-related adverse effects were compared among the studied groups.

Results:

Post-intervention assessment of three groups revealed significant improvement in all of the treatment approaches in terms of DRSP and Hamilton assessments (P < 0.001). Although DRSP assessments showed remarkable superiority of saffron to placebo (P = 0.027), Hamilton evaluations showed insignificant differences among the three interventions (P > 0.05). Fluoxetine posed a significantly higher rate of adverse effects as compared to the other agents (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Based on the findings of this study, saffron was an efficacious herbal agent for the treatment of PMDD with minimal adverse effects.

Royal Jelly-A Traditional and Natural Remedy for Postmenopausal Symptoms and Aging-Related Pathologies

Women's life stages are based on their reproductive cycle. This cycle begins with menstruation and ends with menopause. Aging is a natural phenomenon that affects all humans, and it is associated with a decrease in the overall function of the organism. In women, aging is related with and starts with menopause. Also, during menopause and postmenopausal period, the risk of various age-related diseases and complaints is higher. For this reason, researchers were pushed to find effective remedies that could promote healthy aging and extended lifespan. Apitherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses natural products from honeybees, such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, etc. Royal jelly is a natural yellowish-white substance, secreted by both hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees, usually used to feed the queen bees and young worker larvae. Over the centuries, this natural product was considered a gold mine for traditional and natural medicine, due to its miraculous effects. Royal jelly has been used for a long time in commercial medical products. It has been demonstrated to possess a wide range of functional properties, such as: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatative, hypotensive, anticancer, estrogen-like, antihypercholesterolemic, and antioxidant activities. This product is usually used to supplement various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, sexual dysfunctions, diabetes or cancer. The main objective of this study is to highlight the effectiveness of royal jelly supplementation in relieving menopause symptoms and aging-related diseases. We also aimed to review the most recent research advances regarding the composition of royal jelly for a better understanding of the effects on human health promotion.

Studies of royal jelly and associated cross-reactive allergens in atopic dermatitis patients

Royal jelly (RJ), a creamy substance secreted by honeybees, is the exclusive diet for queen bee differentiation and life maintenance. RJ has been used in cosmetics, beverages, medicines, and supplements worldwide. However, allergy is a concerning issue for RJ, especially in atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma patients. In some cases, allergic reactions are seen after the first intake of RJ, suggesting the existence of allergens cross-reactive with RJ. Information about the cross-reactive allergens is very important for the safe application of RJ; however, study of this cross-reactivity is quite limited. In this study, we attempted to identify allergens cross-reactive with RJ by using serum samples from 30 AD patients who had never been exposed to RJ. In an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiment, RJ-binding IgE antibodies were detected in the serum of 10 out of 30 patients, and their antibody titers ranged from 4- to 2,048-fold dilution ratios. Additionally, 3 AD patients were determined to be positive in a skin-prick test (SPT) with an RJ solution. Significant correlations were observed between the anti-RJ antibody titer and nonspecific IgE and between the anti-RJ antibody titer and the Eczema Area and Severity Index score. We further examined the cross-reactivity between RJ and 14 typical allergens by using an ELISA-inhibition assay and demonstrated that the following 6 allergens showed cross-reactivity with RJ: the European house dust mite (HDM) (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), American HDM (Dermatophagoides farinae), snow crab (Chionocetes spp.), edible crab (Cancer pagurus), German cockroach (Blatella germanica), and honeybee venom (Apis mellifera). In conclusion, people with a history of allergic diseases, including AD, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, should be cautioned against consuming RJ products because of the potential for cross-reactive responses to ensure the safe and successful use of RJ supplements.

New Insights into the Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Royal Jelly

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.

The Effect of Oral Intake of Honey Syrup on the Pain Intensity of Active Phase of Parturition of nulliparous women: A Randomized clinical trial

Background

Labor is a natural pain despite the fact that the severity of the pain and response to it differ in various people, but most women refer to labor as an unpleasant experience of their lives. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of honey on the severity of labor in primigravida women.

Methods

In this study, 80 healthy volunteer primigravida women were entered to the research as randomized clinical trial (40 subjects in each group) after studying and signing consent form and they were randomly divided into two intervention honey group and control group. The data gathering tool comprised four main parts of the personal profile questionnaire, controls performance in the labor, records fluid intake rate and pain intensity using a 0-10 cm ruler.

Results

The mean of pain intensity in the honey syrup intervention group was significant.

Conclusion

Honey syrup consumption without side effects significantly affected the severity of labor.

[Salvia officinalis Reduces the Severity of the Premenstrual Syndrome]

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the effects of Salvia officinalis on the severity of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

METHODS

This was a triple-blinded randomized clinical trial on 90 college students in Tehran, Iran. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups who were treated with 500-mg Salvia officinalis capsules or placebo once a day for 2 consecutive months. Data were collected using a questionnaire and a daily form for recording symptoms of PMS.

RESULTS

The mean decreases in severity of the symptoms in the Salvia officinalis extract-treated group during the first and second months after treatment were 19.84% and 23.42%, respectively. The comparison of the PMS physical and psychological symptoms demonstrated a decrease following treatment in both groups, with more remarkable reduction in the Salvia officinalis group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Salvia officinalis is an effective alternative agent to reduce the severity of psychological and physical symptoms of PMS.

Royal Jelly Supplementation Improves Menopausal Symptoms Such as Backache, Low Back Pain, and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Japanese Women

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Royal Jelly (RJ) at a dose of 800 mg/day on menopausal symptoms in healthy Japanese postmenopausal women with placebo-controlled design.

Material and Methods

A total of 42 healthy Japanese postmenopausal women have been recruited for this study. The subjects were randomized to oral treatment with either 800 mg of protease-digested lyophilized powder of RJ (enzyme-treated RJ) or placebo (800 mg of dextrin) daily for 12 weeks. The level of menopausal symptoms has been evaluated every 4 weeks, using menopausal symptoms questionnaire of Japanese women. Independent t-test was used to evaluate statistical significance of the treatment effects between the two groups.

Results and Conclusion

All of the 42 women have completed the trial. There were significant differences related to the anxiety score (P = 0.046) and backache and low back pain score (P = 0.040) between 800 mg/day enzyme-treated RJ and placebo-treated groups after 12 weeks of administration, and no significant differences were found between the two groups in 4 weeks after intervention. No side effects were observed in either group. This study demonstrates that enzyme-treated RJ supplementation with doses of 800 mg/day is effective in relieving menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, backache, and low back pain in Japanese postmenopausal women.

The effect of royal jelly on the growth of breast cancer in mice

Due to various pharmacological properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, royal jelly (RJ) has been widely consumed in daily diets in numerous countries. In the present study, the effect of RJ on 4T1-bearing mice was investigated. The study was performed by feeding 4T1-bearing mice with RJ using either the prophylactic-therapeutic (PTRJ) or therapeutic (TRJ) method. The experimental results for the PTRJ group demonstrated that the weight of tumor was significantly reduced (RJ 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg); and in the serum, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2 (RJ 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg), interferon (IFN)-α, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were significantly elevated, but the concentrations of IL-4 (RJ 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg) and IL-10 (RJ 1.0 g/kg) were significantly decreased. In addition, the activities of T-AOC and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly improved in the liver, whereas in the kidney, the activities of T-AOC and GR were significantly increased only under the dose of 0.5 g/kg. For the TRJ group, the antitumor effect of RJ was not significant; the change in IL-2, IFN-α, SOD and T-AOC levels in the serum, and the change in T-AOC and GR in liver were similar to those observed in the PTRJ groups. RJ treatment was demonstrated to reduce the development of breast tumor in mice, and simultaneously improve the antioxidant capacity of the serum, liver and kidney, particularly using the prophylactic-therapeutic method. These results corroborated the efficacy of RJ supplementation in diets. The results of the present study suggest that the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of RJ serve an important role on antitumor growth.

Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits

BACKGROUND

There are several health benefits that honeybee products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly claim toward various types of diseases in addition to being food.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

In this paper, the effects of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on different metabolic diseases, cancers, and other diseases have been reviewed. The modes of actions of these products have also been illustrated for purposes of better understanding.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

An overview of honey, propolis, and royal jelly and their biological potentials was highlighted. The potential health benefits of honey, such as microbial inhibition, wound healing, and its effects on other diseases, are described. Propolis has been reported to have various health benefits related to gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and gynecological, oral, and dermatological problems. Royal jelly is well known for its protective effects on reproductive health, neurodegenerative disorders, wound healing, and aging. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of action of honey, propolis, and royal jelly on the abovementioned diseases and activities have not been not fully elucidated, and further research is warranted to explain their exact contributions.

Effect of Melissa officinalis Capsule on the Intensity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in High School Girl Students

BACKGROUND

Several studies are conducted on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). However, a few herbal surveys exist on the treatment of PMS in Iran. Due to the sedative effects of Melissa officinalis (M. officinalis), this question comes to mind that "can it be used in the treatment of PMS symptoms?"

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to assess the effect of M. officinalis capsule on the intensity of PMS in high-school girls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed on 100 high school girls from 2013 to 2014. The intervention group (n = 50) received 1200 mg of M. officinalis essence daily from the first to the last day of their menstrual cycle for three consecutive cycles. The second group (n = 50) received the placebo. The premenstrual symptoms screening tool was used to assess the intensity of PMS symptoms in the two groups before and one, two, and three months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The results of repeated measures test revealed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in PMS symptoms. Overall, the mean score of PMS intensity in the intervention group was 42.56 + 15.73 before the intervention and changed to 32.72 ± 13.24, 30.02 ± 12.08, and 13.90 ± 10.22 at the three consecutive months after the intervention, respectively (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

M. officinalis capsules were effective in reduction of the PMS symptoms. Yet, application of this medication requires further investigations.