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Oršolić N, Jazvinšćak Jembrek M. Royal Jelly: Biological Action and Health Benefits. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6023. [PMID: 38892209 PMCID: PMC11172503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a highly nutritious natural product with great potential for use in medicine, cosmetics, and as a health-promoting food. This bee product is a mixture of important compounds, such as proteins, vitamins, lipids, minerals, hormones, neurotransmitters, flavonoids, and polyphenols, that underlie the remarkable biological and therapeutic activities of RJ. Various bioactive molecules like 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), antibacterial protein, apisin, the major royal jelly proteins, and specific peptides such as apisimin, royalisin, royalactin, apidaecin, defensin-1, and jelleins are characteristic ingredients of RJ. RJ shows numerous physiological and pharmacological properties, including vasodilatory, hypotensive, antihypercholesterolaemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, estrogenic, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumor effects. Moreover, RJ may reduce menopause symptoms and improve the health of the reproductive system, liver, and kidneys, and promote wound healing. This article provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of RJ in various diseases, aging, and aging-related complications, with special emphasis on the bioactive components of RJ and their health-promoting properties. The data presented should be an incentive for future clinical studies that hopefully will advance our knowledge about the therapeutic potential of RJ and facilitate the development of novel RJ-based therapeutic opportunities for improving human health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Oršolić
- Division of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Jazvinšćak Jembrek
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Protein Dynamics, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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2
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Chen L, Zhao L, Zhang G, Li Z, Qu L, Luo L. Long-term administration of royal jelly regulates age-related disorders and improves gut function in naturally aging mice. Food Funct 2024; 15:5272-5286. [PMID: 38629388 DOI: 10.1039/d4fo00781f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
A natural aging mouse model can exhibit physiological characteristics that closely resemble those of human aging. Through long-term observation, it reflects the occurrence and development of the aging process more accurately. Although numerous beneficial effects of royal jelly (RJ) have been extensively demonstrated in multiple experimental models, the effects of RJ on naturally aging mice have not yet been investigated. In this study, middle-aged male C57BL/6J mice were given RJ for 9 consecutive months to investigate its impact on the intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content and possible mechanisms. The results confirmed that RJ modulated serum lipids by reducing the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Additionally, it protected the liver by increasing antioxidant enzyme levels while decreasing inflammatory cytokines TNF-α (by 51.97%), IL-6 (by 29.73%), and IL-1β (by 43.89%). Furthermore, RJ inhibited the expression of cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitors including p16, p21, and p53. Importantly, RJ ameliorated gut dysfunctions by inhibiting reduction of tight junction proteins and reducing inflammatory cytokines content in the colon. We also observed an alteration in gut microbiota characterized by an elevated ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides (F/B) along with increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, i.e., Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and Akkermansia. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between most bacterial genera and SCFAs production. Functional profiling of gut microbiota composition indicated that RJ intervention regulated amino acid metabolism, glycan biosynthesis, and cofactor/vitamin metabolism. Overall, our findings provide an effective dietary intervention strategy for modulating age-associated frailty through the modulation of the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health Ministry of Education, College of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Life Science, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China.
| | - Gaowei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health Ministry of Education, College of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Zhuozhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health Ministry of Education, College of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Liangliang Qu
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health Ministry of Education, College of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Liping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health Ministry of Education, College of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Baptista BG, Lima LS, Ribeiro M, Britto IK, Alvarenga L, Kemp JA, Cardozo LFMF, Berretta AA, Mafra D. Royal jelly: a predictive, preventive and personalised strategy for novel treatment options in non-communicable diseases. EPMA J 2023; 14:381-404. [PMID: 37605655 PMCID: PMC10439876 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-023-00330-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product produced by young adult worker bees, composed of water, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, rich in bioactive components with therapeutic properties, such as free fatty acids, mainly 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10-H2DA) and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDA), and major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), as well as flavonoids, most flavones and flavonols, hormones, vitamins and minerals. In vitro, non-clinical and clinical studies have confirmed its vital role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This narrative review discusses the possible effects of royal jelly on preventing common complications of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as inflammation, oxidative stress and intestinal dysbiosis, from the viewpoint of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM). It is concluded that RJ, predictively, can be used as a non-pharmacological therapy to prevent and mitigate complications related to NCDs, and the treatment must be personalised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz G. Baptista
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Ligia S. Lima
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences – Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Marcia Ribeiro
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences – Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Isadora K. Britto
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences – Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
| | - Livia Alvarenga
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences – Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
- Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Julie A. Kemp
- Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Ludmila FMF Cardozo
- Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
| | - Andresa A. Berretta
- Research, Development, and Innovation Department, Apis Flora Indl. Coml. Ltda, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Denise Mafra
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences – Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil
- Graduate Program in Nutrition Sciences, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Niterói, RJ Brazil
- Unidade de Pesquisa Clínica, UPC, Rua Marquês de Paraná, 303/4 Andar, Niterói, RJ 24033-900 Brazil
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Giampieri F, Quiles JL, Cianciosi D, Forbes-Hernández TY, Orantes-Bermejo FJ, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Battino M. Bee Products: An Emblematic Example of Underutilized Sources of Bioactive Compounds. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:6833-6848. [PMID: 34974697 PMCID: PMC9204823 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Beside honey, honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are able to produce many byproducts, including bee pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly, and beeswax. Even if the medicinal properties of these byproducts have been recognized for thousands of years by the ancient civilizations, in the modern era, they have a limited use, essentially as nutritional supplements or health products. However, these natural products are excellent sources of bioactive compounds, macro- and micronutrients, that, in a synergistic way, confer multiple biological activities to these byproducts, such as, for example, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This work aims to update the chemical and phytochemical composition of bee pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly, and beeswax and to summarize the main effects exerted by these byproducts on human health, from the anticancer and immune-modulatory activities to the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, and anti-allergic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Giampieri
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, King
Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Research
Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Quiles
- Research
Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Department
of Physiology, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology ‘‘José
Mataix”, Biomedical Research Centre, University of Granada, 1800 Granada, Spain
| | - Danila Cianciosi
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University
of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - José Miguel Alvarez-Suarez
- Departamento
de Ingeniería en Alimentos, Colegio de Ciencias e Ingenierías, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- King
Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz
University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Instituto
de Investigaciones en Biomedicina iBioMed, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito 170157, Ecuador
- E-mail:
| | - Maurizio Battino
- Research
Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Department
of Clinical Sciences, Polytechnic University
of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
- International
Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-products
Processing, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, People’s Republic
of China
- E-mail:
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5
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Bee Products as Interesting Natural Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Common Cardiovascular Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112267. [PMID: 35684067 PMCID: PMC9182958 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy is a form of alternative therapy that relies on the use of bee products, i.e., honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, and bee venom (known as apitoxin), for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Various in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that these products may be effective in the prophylaxis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This mini-review of papers identified in various electronic databases describes new aspects of the bioactivity of certain bee products, viz. bee pollen, royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, and bee bread, as natural interesting products for the prevention and treatment of common CVDs.
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Hadi A, Rafie N, Arab A. Bee products consumption and cardiovascular diseases risk factors: a systematic review of interventional studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2020.1867568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hadi
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Rafie
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arman Arab
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Matsushita H, Shimizu S, Morita N, Watanabe K, Wakatsuki A. Effects of royal jelly on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled study. Climacteric 2020; 24:164-170. [PMID: 32880201 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1806815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effects of royal jelly (RJ) supplementation on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Seventy-two healthy postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years within 5 years after menopause were randomized into two groups: women in the RJ group (n = 36) received capsules containing dried RJ (equivalent to 3000 mg of fresh RJ); and women in the placebo group (n = 36) received placebo daily for 6 months. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (L2-L4) and left proximal femur, hip structural analysis (HSA) of the left hip, and bone turnover markers were measured. RESULTS Although women in the placebo group experienced a significant loss of BMD and deterioration in HSA parameters of the femur, no significant differences were found in these parameters in women in the RJ group. The levels of total procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase decreased significantly in the placebo group; however, the total P1NP level, a marker of bone formation, was not significantly different in the RJ group at postintervention compared with baseline. CONCLUSION RJ consumption may ameliorate decreases in femoral BMD and strength in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matsushita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - S Shimizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - N Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - K Watanabe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - A Wakatsuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
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Bălan A, Moga MA, Dima L, Toma S, Elena Neculau A, Anastasiu CV. Royal Jelly-A Traditional and Natural Remedy for Postmenopausal Symptoms and Aging-Related Pathologies. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143291. [PMID: 32698461 PMCID: PMC7397171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Bălan
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania; (A.B.); (M.A.M.); (C.V.A.)
| | - Marius Alexandru Moga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania; (A.B.); (M.A.M.); (C.V.A.)
| | - Lorena Dima
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania;
| | - Sebastian Toma
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania;
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (A.E.N.); Tel.: +40-0268-412-185 (S.T. & A.E.N.)
| | - Andrea Elena Neculau
- Department of Fundamental, Prophylactic and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania;
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (A.E.N.); Tel.: +40-0268-412-185 (S.T. & A.E.N.)
| | - Costin Vlad Anastasiu
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Transylvania University of Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania; (A.B.); (M.A.M.); (C.V.A.)
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New Insights into the Biological and Pharmaceutical Properties of Royal Jelly. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020382. [PMID: 31936187 PMCID: PMC7014095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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.
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You MM, Liu YC, Chen YF, Pan YM, Miao ZN, Shi YZ, Si JJ, Chen ML, Hu FL. Royal jelly attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating the expression of circadian genes in ovariectomized rats. J Food Biochem 2020; 44:e13138. [PMID: 31894585 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a high incidence in postmenopausal women and is accompanied by insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Royal jelly (RJ), a natural substance derived from hive, possesses numerous health-beneficial properties. Here, we evaluated the effects of RJ (150, 300, and 450 mg kg-1 day-1 , 8 weeks) on NAFLD in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Based on the results, RJ ameliorated the degree of anxiety, improved serum lipid profile, and attenuated the hepatic steatosis and liver injury in OVX rats. Furthermore, the protective effects of RJ could be attributed to its antioxidant properties, which enhance the levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes. The qRT-PCR results also suggest that RJ improves the disturbances of circadian genes by downregulating their expression, including that of Per1 and Per 2, in the liver of OVX rats. Altogether, our findings suggest that RJ may be a promising agent for the treatment of NAFLD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of NAFLD. Currently, there are no licensed therapies for NAFLD. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is reported to inhibit the development of NAFLD, it causes unexpected adverse effects. As HRT is controversial, the use of natural supplements to counteract the detrimental effects of menopause has recently attracted more attention. RJ is a natural product secreted from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of worker bees. The present study illustrates the protective effect of the natural product, RJ, and its underlying mechanisms on NAFLD. This is the first study to assess the effect of RJ on NAFLD under estrogen deficiency. Such findings contribute to the further utilization of RJ, which might serve as a promising therapeutic option and natural food for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng You
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Chen Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Ming Pan
- Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Ning Miao
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Zhen Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan-Juan Si
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min-Li Chen
- Experimental Animal Research Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Liang Hu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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11
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Kunugi H, Mohammed Ali A. Royal Jelly and Its Components Promote Healthy Aging and Longevity: From Animal Models to Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194662. [PMID: 31547049 PMCID: PMC6802361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all living organisms. In humans, aging is associated with lowered overall functioning and increased mortality out of the risk for various age-related diseases. Hence, researchers are pushed to find effective natural interventions that can promote healthy aging and extend lifespan. Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural product that is fed to bee queens throughout their entire life. Thanks to RJ, bee queens enjoy an excellent reproductive function and lengthened lifespan compared with bee workers, despite the fact that they have the same genome. This review aimed to investigate the effect of RJ and/or its components on lifespan/healthspan in various species by evaluating the most relevant studies. Moreover, we briefly discussed the positive effects of RJ on health maintenance and age-related disorders in humans. Whenever possible, we explored the metabolic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms through which RJ can modulate age-related mechanisms to extend lifespan. RJ and its ingredients—proteins and their derivatives e.g., royalactin; lipids e.g., 10-hydroxydecenoic acid; and vitamins e.g., pantothenic acid—improved healthspan and extended lifespan in worker honeybees Apis mellifera, Drosophila Melanogaster flies, Gryllus bimaculatus crickets, silkworms, Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes, and mice. The longevity effect was attained via various mechanisms: downregulation of insulin-like growth factors and targeting of rapamycin, upregulation of the epidermal growth factor signaling, dietary restriction, and enhancement of antioxidative capacity. RJ and its protein and lipid ingredients have the potential to extend lifespan in various creatures and prevent senescence of human tissues in cell cultures. These findings pave the way to inventing specific RJ anti-aging drugs. However, much work is needed to understand the effect of RJ interactions with microbiome, diet, activity level, gender, and other genetic variation factors that affect healthspan and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan.
| | - Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan.
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21527, Egypt.
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Effects of Royal Jelly Administration on Lipid Profile, Satiety, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Capacity in Asymptomatic Overweight Adults. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4969720. [PMID: 31312222 PMCID: PMC6595335 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4969720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Obesity and overweight are chronic disorders of multifactorial origin that are characterized by high oxidative status and by chronic activation of macrophages in peripheral tissues. Effective therapeutic approaches to lower inflammation and oxidative stress are currently of general interest. Royal jelly (RJ) is a functional food with a broad range of pharmacological activities, mainly used by healthy individuals or borderline patients to protect themselves against disease onset. The objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the effects of RJ supplementation on metabolic profile and oxidative and inflammatory parameters in asymptomatic overweight adults, considered at an early stage of developing metabolic syndrome. Material and Methods The experimental group (n=30) was given RJ and the control group (n=30) was provided with a placebo for eight weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and inflammation were assessed at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of the intervention, and after additional 2 weeks of follow up. Results and Conclusion Compared with the placebo, RJ supplementation demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol (6.7%; p=0.041) and inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (19%; p=0.027), whereas significant increases were observed in anti-inflammatory marker adiponectin (34%; p=0.011), endogenous antioxidants bilirubin (35%; p=0.002) and uric acid (5%; p=0.018), total antioxidant capacity in serum (54%; p=0.005), and leptin (17%; p=0.025). The present study demonstrated positive effects of RJ administration on lipid profile, satiety, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity in overweight adults. Therefore, our study supports the benefits of RJ supplementation for the improvement of human health.
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Hossen MS, Nahar T, Gan SH, Khalil MI. Bioinformatics and Therapeutic Insights on Proteins in Royal Jelly. CURR PROTEOMICS 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1570164615666181012113130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
To date, there is no x-ray crystallography or structures from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on royal jelly proteins available in the online data banks. In addition, characterization of proteins in royal jelly is not fully accomplished to date. Although new investigations unravel novel proteins in royal jelly, the majority of a protein family is present in high amounts (80-90%).
Objective:
In this review, we attempted to predict the three-dimensional structure of royal jelly proteins (especially the major royal jelly proteins) to allow visualization of the four protein surface properties (aromaticity, hydrophobicity, ionizability and (hydrogen (H)-bond) by using bioinformatics tools. Furthermore, we gathered the information on available therapeutic activities of crude royal jelly and its proteins.
Methods:
For protein modeling, prediction and analysis, the Phyre2 web portal systematically browsed in which the modeling mode was intensive. On the other side, to build visualized understanding of surface aromaticity, hydrophobicity, ionizability and H-bond of royal jelly proteins, the Discovery Studio 4.1 (Accelrys Software Inc.) was used.
Results:
Our in silico study confirmed that all proteins treasure these properties, including aromaticity, hydrophobicity, ionizability and (hydrogen (H)-bond. Another finding was that newly discovered proteins in royal jelly do not belong to the major royal jelly protein group.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the three dimensional structure of royal jelly proteins along with its major characteristics were successfully elucidated in this review. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the detailed physiochemical properties and pharmacotherapeutics of royal jelly proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sakib Hossen
- Laboratory of Preventive and Integrative Biomedicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | - Taebun Nahar
- Laboratory of Preventive and Integrative Biomedicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | - Siew Hua Gan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Md. Ibrahim Khalil
- Laboratory of Preventive and Integrative Biomedicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
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14
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Shimizu S, Matsushita H, Minami A, Kanazawa H, Suzuki T, Watanabe K, Wakatsuki A. Royal jelly does not prevent bone loss but improves bone strength in ovariectomized rats. Climacteric 2018; 21:601-606. [PMID: 30296854 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1517739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Royal jelly (RJ) has been used for medical and nutritional purposes, and previous studies have indicated that it may have estrogenic activity. The present study investigated the effects of RJ on bone metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS Rats (12 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups, namely Baseline, Sham, OVX, and OVX + RJ groups. Rats in the Baseline group were killed immediately, whereas rats in the OVX and OVX + RJ groups underwent bilateral ovariectomy and those in the Sham group underwent sham operation. RJ was administered to rats in the OVX + RJ group daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12-week period, bone mass, bone histomorphometry, and bone mechanics were analyzed. RESULTS Femur bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly lower in the OVX group than in the Sham group, and this decrease in BMD was not ameliorated by RJ administration. However, femur stiffness, as evaluated by a three-point bending test, was significantly higher in the OVX + RJ group than in the OVX group. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study suggest that RJ does not prevent bone loss, but does improve bone strength in OVX rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shimizu
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine , Aichi Medical University , Nagakute , Japan
| | - H Matsushita
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine , Aichi Medical University , Nagakute , Japan
| | - A Minami
- b Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Shizuoka , Shizuoka , Japan
| | - H Kanazawa
- c Department of Functional Anatomy, School of Nursing , University of Shizuoka , Shizuoka , Japan
| | - T Suzuki
- b Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Shizuoka , Shizuoka , Japan
| | - K Watanabe
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine , Aichi Medical University , Nagakute , Japan
| | - A Wakatsuki
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine , Aichi Medical University , Nagakute , Japan
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15
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Hadi A, Najafgholizadeh A, Aydenlu ES, Shafiei Z, Pirivand F, Golpour S, Pourmasoumi M. Royal jelly is an effective and relatively safe alternative approach to blood lipid modulation: A meta-analysis. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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16
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10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid in Royal Jelly Extract Induced Both Filaggrin and Amino Acid in a Cultured Human Three-Dimensional Epidermis Model. COSMETICS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics4040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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