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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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Çiçek G, Öz Bağcı F. Effects of royal jelly on the antisenescence, mitochondrial viability and osteogenic differentiation capacity of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:183-193. [PMID: 37814144 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that have the ability to self-renew and regulate paracrine signalling and immune system processes. MSCs have extensive clinical applications in regeneration, functional reconstruction and cellular therapies. However, studies are needed to discover ways to improve the properties of MSCs, such as differentiation, and prevent senescence in culture, which are both very important for cell therapies. Royal jelly (RJ) is a nutritional substance produced by worker bees that contains a substantial amounts of proteins that are beneficial for cell growth and proliferation. RJ is widely used in traditional medicine today, and due to the specific components in its content, it has been reported to have antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-ageing properties. In our study, human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) derived from umbilical cord matrix were grown in culture medium supplemented with RJ. The control group comprised minimum essential medium (MEM) and 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS); RJ groups were formed using MEM, 10% FBS and 0.075 mg/ml or 0.150 mg/ml RJ. In our study, we evaluated the effect of RJ on WJ-MSC growth by MTT assay, proliferating cell nuclear antigen ELISA, β-galactosidase activity assay, MitoTracker Green staining and differentiation tests in adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic cell lines. It was observed that the number of mitochondria increased, senescence decreased and osteogenic differentiation increased after differentiation induction after the addition of RJ to MSC culture. In general, the results of this study indicate that WJ-MSCs enhance mitochondrial numbers and important cellular activities, such as antisenescence and osteogenic differentiation, and with increasing evidence from further studies, RJ supplementation may be found beneficial for the use of MSCs in bone engineering regenerative medicine or cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülsemin Çiçek
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Fatma Öz Bağcı
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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Botezan S, Baci GM, Bagameri L, Pașca C, Dezmirean DS. Current Status of the Bioactive Properties of Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Its Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Effects. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031510. [PMID: 36771175 PMCID: PMC9921556 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) has been one of the most widely used natural products in alternative medicine for centuries. Being produced by both hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands, RJ exhibits an extraordinary complexity in terms of its composition, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, polyphenols, vitamins, and hormones. Due to its heterogeneous structure, RJ displays various functional roles for honeybees, including being involved in nutrition, learning, memory, and social behavior. Furthermore, a wide range of studies reported its therapeutic properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, to name a few. In this direction, there is a wide range of health-related problems for which the medical area specialists and researchers are continuously trying to find a cure, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, or infertility. For the mentioned diseases and more, it has been proven that RJ is a key player in finding a valuable treatment. In this review, the great impact of RJ as an alternative medicine agent is highlighted, with a focus on its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Moreover, we link it to its apitherapeutic potential by discussing its composition. Herein, we discuss a wide range of novel studies and present the latest research work.
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Mureşan CI, Dezmirean DS, Marc BD, Suharoschi R, Pop OL, Buttstedt A. Biological properties and activities of major royal jelly proteins and their derived peptides. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Royal Jelly Components Encapsulation in a Controlled Release System—Skin Functionality and Biochemical Activity for Skin Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15080907. [PMID: 35893731 PMCID: PMC9332036 DOI: 10.3390/ph15080907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly is a yellowish-white substance with a gel texture that is secreted from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of young worker bees. It consists mainly of water (50–56%), proteins (18%), carbohydrates (15%), lipids (3–6%), minerals (1.5%), and vitamins, and has many beneficial properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and anti-aging. Royal jelly has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine, cosmetics and as a functional food due to its high nutritional value. The main bioactive substances are royalactin, and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA). Other important bioactive molecules with antioxidant and photoprotective skin activity are polyphenols. However, they present difficulties in extraction and in use as they are unstable physicochemically, and a higher temperature causes color change and component degradation. In the present study, a new encapsulation and delivery system consisting of liposomes and cyclodextrins incorporating royal jelly has been developed. The new delivery system aims to the elimination of the stability disadvantages of royal jelly’s sensitive component 10-HDA, but also to the controlled release of its ingredients and, more particularly, 10-HDA, for an enhanced bioactivity in cosmeceutical applications.
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Aslan A, Gok O, Beyaz S, Can MI, Parlak G, Gundogdu R, Ozercan IH, Baspinar S. Royal jelly regulates the caspase, Bax and COX-2, TNF-α protein pathways in the fluoride exposed lung damage in rats. Tissue Cell 2022; 76:101754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Wang B, Cheng ZJ, Xu Q, Zhu T, Su L, Xue M, Pei L, Zhu L, Liu P. Dietary Structure and Nutritional Status of Chinese Beekeepers: Demographic Health Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e28726. [PMID: 33938812 PMCID: PMC8129875 DOI: 10.2196/28726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beekeeping and honey gathering are traditional forms of agricultural farming in China. However, only few studies have focused on the nutritional status and health level of this special occupational group. OBJECTIVE By comparing the health status of apiculturists (beekeepers) and vegetable farmers in plain areas of Hubei Province, and analyzing the influence of dietary structure and intake on their nutritional level, this paper provides a scientific theoretical basis for the further development of health education and disease prevention for beekeepers. METHODS From February to April 2016, 191/236 beekeepers (80.9% of the total beekeepers) with large-scale breeding (300-500 colonies) and 182 vegetable farmers in the same area were sampled by the cluster sampling method. Their nutrient composition was analyzed using a human body composition analyzer, dietary structure information was collected using the dietary frequency query method, and cognitive function was investigated. In addition, blood samples of both groups were collected. RESULTS A total of 362 valid questionnaires (beekeepers/vegetable farmers: 185/177) were collected, with an effective response rate of 97.1% (362/373). Both beekeepers and vegetable farmers were overweight, and the beekeepers' grip strength was much stronger than that of the vegetable farmers' regardless of gender. The dietary structure of beekeepers is very unique: 29.7% (55/185) of beekeepers indicated consuming royal jelly regularly for more than 10 years. Their main foods are grain, cereals, and fresh vegetables; 68.1% (126/185) of the beekeepers never drank milk and other dairy products, and their overall nutrient intake is unbalanced. The average intake of cellulose in this group was also significantly higher than that in the epidemiological survey in the same sex and age group. The intake of vitamin A and selenium in the beekeepers group was significantly higher than that in the vegetable-farmers group (all P<.001). The blood indices of creatinine (P=.03) and blood copper (P<.001) in the beekeepers group were significantly higher than those in the vegetable-farmers group, and the total protein, albumin, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid, and vitamin B12 in the beekeepers group were significantly lower than those in the vegetable-farmers group (P<.03 for potassium and P<.001 for others). The total Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of the beekeepers group was 28.1, significantly higher (P=.006) than that of the vegetable-farmers group (23.3). CONCLUSIONS The beekeepers in this area have their special dietary structure, body nutrient level, and disease characteristics. The cognitive level of the beekeepers who regularly consume royal jelly is significantly higher than that of their peers. The chronic diseases of this special occupational group are closely related to their lifestyle and nutritional status, so more attention and in-depth studies are needed to improve the quality of life of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boshi Wang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangkai Jason Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tiangang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Su
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingshan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Pei
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Wuhan Bao Chun Royal Jelly Co, Ltd, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Uversky VN, Albar AH, Khan RH, Redwan EM. Multifunctionality and intrinsic disorder of royal jelly proteome. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000237. [PMID: 33463023 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Royal Jelly (RJ) is a gelatinous white-yellowish fluid, possessing a sour taste and a slight phenolic smell that is secreted by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular salivary glands of the nurse honeybees, and is used in nutrition of larvae and adult queens. Similar to other substances associated with the activities of honeybees, RJ not only contains nutritive components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, peptides, lipids, vitamins, and mineral salts, but also represents a natural ingredient with cosmetic and health-promoting properties. RJ is characterized by remarkable multifunctionality, possessing numerous biological activities. Although this multifunctionality of RJ can be considered as a consequence of its complex nature, many proteins and peptides in RJ are polyfunctional entities themselves. In this article, we show that RJ proteins contain different levels of intrinsic disorder, have sites of post-translational modifications, can be found in multiple isoforms, and many of them possess disorder-based binding sites, suggesting that the conformational ensembles of the RJ proteins might undergo change as a result of their interaction with specific binding partners. All these observations suggest that the multifunctionality of proteins and peptides from RJ is determined by their structural heterogeneity and polymorphism, and serve as an illustration of the protein structure-function continuum concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 80203, Saudi Arabia.,Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Pushchino, Moscow region 142290, Russia.,Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Abdulgader H Albar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 80203, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rizwan H Khan
- Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589 80203, Saudi Arabia
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Ali AM, Kunugi H. Apitherapy for Parkinson's Disease: A Focus on the Effects of Propolis and Royal Jelly. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:1727142. [PMID: 33123309 PMCID: PMC7586183 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1727142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The vast increase of world's aging populations is associated with increased risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a widespread disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which encompasses a wide range of debilitating motor, emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms. PD threatens the quality of life of millions of patients and their families. Additionally, public welfare and healthcare systems are burdened with its high cost of care. Available treatments provide only a symptomatic relief and produce a trail of noxious side effects, which increase noncompliance. Hence, researchers have recently focused on the use of nutraceuticals as safe adjunctive treatments of PD to limit its progress and associated damages in affected groups. Propolis is a common product of the beehive, which possesses a large number of therapeutic properties. Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product that is fed to bee queens during their entire life, and it contributes to their high physical fitness, fertility, and long lifespan. Evidence suggests that propolis and RJ can promote health by preventing the occurrence of age-related debilitating diseases. Therefore, they have been used to treat various serious disorders such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Some evolving studies used these bee products to treat PD in animal models. However, a clear understanding of the collective effect of propolis and RJ as well as their mechanism of action in PD is lacking. This review evaluates the available literature for the effects of propolis and RJ on PD. Whenever possible, it elaborates on the underlying mechanisms through which they function in this disorder and offers insights for fruitful use of bee products in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 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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Jagua-Gualdrón A, Peña-Latorre JA, Fernadez-Bernal RE. Apitherapy for Osteoarthritis: Perspectives from Basic Research. Complement Med Res 2020; 27:184-192. [PMID: 31896107 DOI: 10.1159/000505015] [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] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common rheumatic disease in the world and one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. There is still no curative management for the disease, so the search for new therapeutic alternatives continues. -Apitherapy is a therapeutic tool based on the use of beehive products used since ancient times and, at present, their mechanism of action begins to be known. Many of the mechanisms of action of the beehive products are useful for chronic articular pathophysiological processes such as those described in osteoarthritis. This article presents a review of the current state of understanding of the mechanisms through which bee venom, propolis, honey, pollen, and royal jelly may act on osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Jagua-Gualdrón
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia, .,Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia,
| | - José Adolfo Peña-Latorre
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.,Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia.,Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Roger Edwin Fernadez-Bernal
- Apitherapy Investigation and Development Group, Sociedad Colombiana de Apiterapia - Colombian Apitherapy Society, Bogotá, Colombia.,Universidad Provada del Valle, Cochabamba Bolivia Medical Director Medizen Bolivia, Cochabamba, Bolivia
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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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