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Kumar R, Thakur A, Kumar S, Hajam YA. Royal jelly a promising therapeutic intervention and functional food supplement: A systematic review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e37138. [PMID: 39296128 PMCID: PMC11408027 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37138] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ), a secretion produced by honeybees, has garnered significant interest for its potential as a therapeutic intervention and functional food supplement. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research on the health benefits, bioactive components, and mechanisms of action of RJ. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published from 2000 to 2024 (April). Findings indicate that RJ exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects. Beneficial biological properties of RJ might be due to the presence of flavonoids proteins, peptides, fatty acids. Both preclinical and clinical studies have reported that RJ improves the immune function such as wound healing, and also decreases the severity of chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects involve modulation of signalling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and AMPK. Despite promising results, the review identifies several gaps in the current knowledge, including the need for standardized dosing regimens and long-term safety assessments. Furthermore, variations in RJ composition due to geographic and botanical factors necessitate more rigorous quality control measures. This review underscores the potential of RJ as a multifunctional therapeutic agent and highlights the necessity for further well designed studies to fully elucidate its health benefits and optimize its use as a functional food supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kumar
- Department Biosciences, Himachal University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh-171005, India
| | - Ankita Thakur
- Department Biosciences, Himachal University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh-171005, India
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Department Biosciences, Himachal University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh-171005, India
| | - Younis Ahmad Hajam
- Department of Life Sciences and Allied Health Sciences, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, Jalandhar, Punjab -144030, India
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Stevanović J, Glavinić U, Ristanić M, Erjavec V, Denk B, Dolašević S, Stanimirović Z. Bee-Inspired Healing: Apitherapy in Veterinary Medicine for Maintenance and Improvement Animal Health and Well-Being. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:1050. [PMID: 39204155 PMCID: PMC11357515 DOI: 10.3390/ph17081050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to present current knowledge on the effects of honey bee products on animals based on in vivo studies, focusing on their application in clinical veterinary practice. Honey's best-proven effectiveness is in treating wounds, including those infected with antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, as evidenced in horses, cats, dogs, mice, and rats. Propolis manifested a healing effect in numerous inflammatory and painful conditions in mice, rats, dogs, and pigs and also helped in oncological cases in mice and rats. Bee venom is best known for its effectiveness in treating neuropathy and arthritis, as shown in dogs, mice, and rats. Besides, bee venom improved reproductive performance, immune response, and general health in rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Pollen was effective in stimulating growth and improving intestinal microflora in chickens. Royal jelly might be used in the management of animal reproduction due to its efficiency in improving fertility, as shown in rats, rabbits, and mice. Drone larvae are primarily valued for their androgenic effects and stimulation of reproductive function, as evidenced in sheep, chickens, pigs, and rats. Further research is warranted to determine the dose and method of application of honey bee products in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jevrosima Stevanović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Uroš Glavinić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Marko Ristanić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
| | - Vladimira Erjavec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Barış Denk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar 03204, Turkey;
| | | | - Zoran Stanimirović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (J.S.); (U.G.); (Z.S.)
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Rishabh, Rohilla M, Bansal S, Bansal N, Chauhan S, Sharma S, Goyal N, Gupta S. Estrogen signalling and Alzheimer's disease: Decoding molecular mechanisms for therapeutic breakthrough. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:3466-3490. [PMID: 38726764 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16360] [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] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
In females, Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidences increases as compared to males due to estrogen deficiency after menopause. Estrogen therapy is the mainstay therapy for menopause and associated complications. Estrogen, a hormone with multifaceted physiological functions, has been implicated in AD pathophysiology. Estrogen plays a crucial role in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and overall neuronal health by regulating various factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), intracellular calcium signalling, death domain-associated protein (Daxx) translocation, glutamatergic excitotoxicity, Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor, estrogen-metabolising enzymes and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein polymorphisms. All these factors impact the physiology of postmenopausal women. Estrogen replacement therapies play an important treatment strategy to prevent AD after menopause. However, use of these therapies may lead to increased risks of breast cancer, venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease. Various therapeutic approaches have been used to mitigate the effects of estrogen on AD. These include hormone replacement therapy, Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ)-Selective Agonists, Transdermal Estrogen Delivery, Localised Estrogen Delivery, Combination Therapies, Estrogen Metabolism Modulation and Alternative Estrogenic Compounds like genistein from soy, a notable phytoestrogen from plant sources. However, mechanism via which these approaches modulate AD in postmenopausal women has not been explained earlier thoroughly. Present review will enlighten all the molecular mechanisms of estrogen and estrogen replacement therapies in AD. Along-with this, the association between estrogen, estrogen-metabolising enzymes and ApoE protein polymorphisms will also be discussed in postmenopausal AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh
- Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Manni Rohilla
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Seema Bansal
- Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Nitin Bansal
- Department of Pharmacy, Chaudhary Bansilal University, Bhiwani, India
| | - Samrat Chauhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Sheenam Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Navjyoti Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Ambala, Haryana, India
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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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Ibrahim DS, Shahen EMS. Effect of royal jelly on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 134:102358. [PMID: 37925036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102358] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Royal Jelly (RJ) is a natural product made by nurse bees known for its multiple therapeutic properties. The research aims to discover the ability of RJ to improve the hematological alterations and neurotoxicity caused by acrylamide (AA). The study rats were separated equally into four groups (6 in each group), the control group, the AA (38.27 mg/kg bw) group, the RJ (150 mg/kg bw) + AA group, and the RJ (300 mg/kg bw) + AA group. Blood and brain samples were collected after 10 days to evaluate haematological and biochemical parameters and to examine histopathological and immunohistochemistry. The administration of AA increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), decreases levels of haematological parameters, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine), and cleaved caspase-3, as well as increase the damage to the brain tissues. Meanwhile, RJ improved levels of haematological parameters, oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, and GSH), BDNF, neurotransmitters, cleaved caspase-3, and brain tissue damage induced by AA. The study demonstrated the protective impact of RJ against the haematological alterations and neurotoxicity caused by AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa S Ibrahim
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
| | - Eman M S Shahen
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
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Parlak G, Aslan A, Turk G, Kuloglu T, Balgetir MK, Gok O, Beyaz S, Parlak AE, Cinkara SD. Activation of Nrf-2 Transcription Factor and Caspase Pathway with Royal Jelly Reduces Fluoride Induced Testicular Damage and Infertility in Rats. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:3103-3122. [PMID: 37171774 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01265-1] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the protective properties of royal jelly on the testicular tissue of rats with testicular damage by giving fluoride. Sperm motility, epididymal sperm density and abnormal sperm ratios were examined and visualized with a light microscope. Expression levels of Caspase-3, Bcl-2, Nrf-2, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins in testis tissue were determined by western blot technique. As a result of the study, MDA level, expression level of Bcl-2, NFҡB, COX-2, TNF-α and IL1-α proteins, abnormal sperm rates were found higher in Fluoride-50 and Fluoride100 groups compared to other groups. In addition GSH, Catalase enzyme levels, expression levels of Caspase-3 and Nrf-2 proteins were found to be higher in Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to Fluoride-50 and Fluoride-100 groups. In addition, lower degeneration of testicular tissue was found in the histological evaluation in the Fluoride + Royal Jelly groups compared to the other groups. When the data are evaluated royal jelly provides effective protection against testicular damage. From this point of view, we hope that similar results will be obtained when royal jelly is tested on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Parlak
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Abdullah Aslan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye.
| | - Gaffari Turk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Tuncay Kuloglu
- School of Medicine Department of Histology, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | | | - Ozlem Gok
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Seda Beyaz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Akif Evren Parlak
- Department of Environmental Protection Technologies, Keban Vocational School, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
| | - Serap Dayan Cinkara
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Firat University, Elazig, Türkiye
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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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Targeted and Suspect Fatty Acid Profiling of Royal Jelly by Liquid Chromatography—High Resolution Mass Spectrometry. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030424. [PMID: 36979357 PMCID: PMC10046394 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product produced by the mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands of worker honeybees which has attracted special attention because of its numerous pharmacological activities and its applications to dermatology and cosmetics. In 2020, we demonstrated a liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) method for the determination of seven medium-chain FFAs in RJ samples. The aim of the present work was to extend our studies on FA profiling of RJ, exploring the presence of common long-chain saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated free FAs in RJ samples using this LC–HRMS method. Among twenty common FAs studied by a targeted approach, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid were found at concentrations higher than the rest of the FAs (the concentrations of these three acids ranged from 37.4 to 48.0, from 17.7 to 24.0 and from 9.4 to 11.1 mg/100 g of fresh RJ, respectively). The high mass accuracy of LC–HRMS allowed the application of a suspect approach, which enabled the exploration of various C9 and C11 FAs, as well as hydroxylated C12 FAs. Nonenoic acid was indicated as the most abundant among these acids. In addition, for the first time, the presence of a variety of regio-isomers of hydroxymyristic, hydroxypalmitic and hydroxystearic acids was demonstrated in RJ samples.
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Raoufi S, Salavati Z, Komaki A, Shahidi S, Zarei M. Royal jelly improves learning and memory deficits in an amyloid β-induced model of Alzheimer's disease in male rats: Involvement of oxidative stress. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:1239-1248. [PMID: 36809522 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) as the commonest type of dementia is associated with the cognitive function failure. Oxidative stress performs an essential role in the progression of AD. Royal jelly (RJ) is a natural product of bees with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present research aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of RJ on learning and memory in a rat model of Aβ-induced AD. Forty male adult Wistar rats were equally distributed into five groups: control, sham-operated, Aβ (receiving intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of amyloid beta (Aβ1-40)), Aβ + RJ 50 mg/kg, and Aβ + RJ 100 mg/kg. RJ was administered daily post-surgery by oral gavage for four weeks. Behavioral learning and memory were examined using the novel object recognition (NOR) and passive avoidance learning (PAL) tests. Also, oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were assessed in the hippocampus. Aβ reduced step-through latency (STLr) and increased time spent in the dark compartment (TDC) in the PAL task and also decreased discrimination index in the NOR test. Administration of RJ ameliorated the Aβ-related memory impairment in both NOR and PAL tasks. Aβ decreased TAC and increased MDA and TOS levels in the hippocampus, whereas RJ administration reversed these Aβ-induced alterations. Our results indicated that RJ has the potential to ameliorate learning and memory impairment in the Aβ model of AD via attenuating oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Raoufi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Zahra Salavati
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Alireza Komaki
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Siamak Shahidi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zarei
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Aslan A, Beyaz S, Gok O, Parlak G, Can MI, Agca CA, Ozercan IH, Parlak AE. Royal jelly protects brain tissue against fluoride-induced damage by activating Bcl-2/NF-κB/caspase-3/caspase-6/Bax and Erk signaling pathways in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:49014-49025. [PMID: 36759409 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25636-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed at determining whether royal jelly (RJ) which has a powerful antioxidant property prevents fluoride-induced brain tissue damage and exploring whether Bcl-2/NF-κB/ and caspase-3/caspase-6/Bax/Erk pathways play a critical role in the neuroprotective effect of RJ. Wistar albino rats were chosen for the study, and they were randomly distributed into six groups: (i) control; (ii) royal jelly; (iii) fluoride-50; (iv) fluoride-100; (v) fluoride-50 + royal jelly; (vi) fluoride-100 + royal jelly. We established fluoride-induced brain tissue damage with 8-week-old male Wistar albino rats by administration of fluoride exposure (either 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg bw) through drinking water for 8 weeks. Then, the study duration is for 56 days where the rats were treated with or without RJ (100 mg/kg bw) through oral gavage. The effects of RJ on glutathione (GSH), catalase activity (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined via spectrophotometer. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the effects of royal jelly on the protein expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-6, Bcl-2, NF-κB, COX-2, and Erk. It was also studied the effects of RJ on histopathological alterations in fluoride-induced damage to the rat brain. As a result, the Bcl-2, NF-κB, and COX-2 protein expression levels were increased in the fluoride-treated (50 and 100 mg/kg) groups but they were decreased significantly by RJ treatment in the brain tissue. Additionally, the protein expression of caspase-3, caspase-6, Bax, and Erk were decreased in fluoride-treated groups and they were significantly increased by RJ treatment compared to the un-treated rats. Our results suggested that RJ prevented fluoride-induced brain tissue damage through anti-antioxidant activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Aslan
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Seda Beyaz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Gok
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gozde Parlak
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology-Molecular Biology and Genetics Program, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Ismail Can
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Can Ali Agca
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics 12000, Bingol University, Bingol, Turkey
| | | | - Akif Evren Parlak
- Department of Environmental Protection Technologies, Keban Vocational School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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11
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Wu M, Zhai Y, Liang X, Chen W, Lin R, Ma L, Huang Y, Zhao D, Liang Y, Zhao W, Fang J, Fang S, Chen Y, Wang Q, Li W. Connecting the Dots Between Hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Mechanism Based on 27-Hydroxycholesterol. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:842814. [PMID: 35464321 PMCID: PMC9021879 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.842814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a complex and multifactorial disease involving genetic and environmental factors, with hypercholesterolemia considered as one of the risk factors. Numerous epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between AD and serum cholesterol levels, and experimental studies also provide evidence that elevated cholesterol levels accelerate AD pathology. However, the underlying mechanism of hypercholesterolemia accelerating AD pathogenesis is not clear. Here, we review the metabolism of cholesterol in the brain and focus on the role of oxysterols, aiming to reveal the link between hypercholesterolemia and AD. 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) is the major peripheral oxysterol that flows into the brain, and it affects β-amyloid (Aβ) production and elimination as well as influencing other pathogenic mechanisms of AD. Although the potential link between hypercholesterolemia and AD is well established, cholesterol-lowering drugs show mixed results in improving cognitive function. Nevertheless, drugs that target cholesterol exocytosis and conversion show benefits in improving AD pathology. Herbs and natural compounds with cholesterol-lowering properties also have a potential role in ameliorating cognition. Collectively, hypercholesterolemia is a causative risk factor for AD, and 27-OHC is likely a potential mechanism for hypercholesterolemia to promote AD pathology. Drugs that regulate cholesterol metabolism are probably beneficial for AD, but more research is needed to unravel the mechanisms involved in 27-OHC, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingan Wu
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhai
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weichun Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyi Lin
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linlin Ma
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuhuan Fang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunbo Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Wang,
| | - Weirong Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Weirong Li,
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GuanXinNing Tablet Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease via Improving Gut Microbiota, Host Metabolites, and Neuronal Apoptosis in Rabbits. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9253281. [PMID: 34745305 PMCID: PMC8568547 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9253281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Based on accumulating evidence, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is related to hypercholesterolemia, gut microbiota, and host metabolites. GuanXinNing Tablet (GXN) is an oral compound preparation composed of two Chinese herbs, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., both of which exert neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, the effect of GXN on AD is unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether GXN alters cholesterol, amyloid-beta (Aβ), gut microbiota, serum metabolites, oxidative stress, neuronal metabolism activities, and apoptosis in an AD model rabbit fed a 2% cholesterol diet. Our results suggested that the GXN treatment significantly reduced cholesterol levels and Aβ deposition and improved memory and behaviors in AD rabbits. The 16S rRNA analysis showed that GXN ameliorated the changes in the gut microbiota, decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and improved the abundances of Akkermansia and dgA-11_gut_group. 1H-NMR metabolomics found that GXN regulated 12 different serum metabolites, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and glutamate (Glu). In addition, the 1H-MRS examination showed that GXN remarkably increased N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and Glu levels while reducing myo-inositol (mI) and choline (Cho) levels in AD rabbits, consequently enhancing neuronal metabolism activities. Furthermore, GXN significantly inhibited oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that GXN attenuates AD via improving gut microbiota, host metabolites, and neuronal apoptosis.
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Chi X, Liu Z, Wei W, Hu X, Wang Y, Wang H, Xu B. Selenium-rich royal jelly inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through PI3K/AKT and VEGF pathways in H22 tumor-bearing mice. Food Funct 2021; 12:9111-9127. [PMID: 34397053 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo01070k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) and selenium (Se)-rich foods have well-known health benefits that are attributable to a broad range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-tumor, and immunoregulatory activities. However, the physiological effects of Se-rich RJ, which is produced by feeding Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) sodium selenite sucrose solution, are not well understood. The anti-hepatoma activity and mechanism of Se-rich RJ in H22 tumor-bearing mice were investigated in the current study. The findings showed that the content of organic and inorganic Se in Se-rich RJ was significantly higher than that in RJ. Furthermore, interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in serum were increased and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver was decreased in mice fed RJ and Se-rich RJ. 16SrRNA sequencing and serum untargeted metabolomics showed that RJ and Se-rich RJ could modulate the gut microbiota, and fisetin and l-glutathione oxidized were the main anti-tumor components in RJ and Se-rich RJ. Further analysis showed 11-deoxy prostaglandin F1β was the specific anti-tumor metabolite in mice treated with Se-rich RJ compared with RJ. The results indicated that RJ and Se-rich RJ could inhibit the expression of PI3K and phosphorylation of AKT, induce cell apoptosis through the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and regulate Bcl-2/Bax expression. RJ and Se-rich RJ also inhibited the expression of COX-2 and VEGF. To summarize, the findings clearly demonstrate that Se-rich RJ could inhibit tumor growth by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis as well as exhibit anti-tumor effects by improving immune function and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that Se-rich RJ could be a potential functional food for the management and prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuepeng Chi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Xiyi Hu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Ying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Hongfang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
| | - Baohua Xu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai' an, Shandong 271018, China.
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Guo J, Wang Z, Chen Y, Cao J, Tian W, Ma B, Dong Y. Active components and biological functions of royal jelly. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Mitić M, Lazarević-Pašti T. Does the application of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease lead to depression? Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:841-856. [PMID: 33999717 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1931681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease and depression are health conditions affecting millions of people around the world. Both are strongly related to the level of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Since cholinergic deficit is characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are applied as relevant drugs for the treatment of this disease, elevating the level of acetylcholine. On the other hand, a high level of acetylcholine is found to be associated with the symptoms of clinical depression.Areas covered: This article aims to discuss if acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used as anti-Alzheimer's drugs could be the cause of the symptoms of clinical depression often linked to this neurological disorder. Emphasis will be put on drugs currently in use and on newly investigated natural products, which can inhibit AChE activity.Expert opinion: Currently, it is not proven that the patient treated for Alzheimer's disease is prone to increased risk for depression due to the acetylcholinesterase inhibition, but there are strong indications. The level of acetylcholine is not the only factor in highly complicated diseases like AD and depression. Still, it needs to be considered isolated, keeping in mind the nature of presently available therapy, especially during a rational drug design process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloš Mitić
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Lazarević-Pašti
- Department of Physical Chemistry, VINČA Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Mining the Royal Jelly Proteins: Combinatorial Hexapeptide Ligand Library Significantly Improves the MS-Based Proteomic Identification in Complex Biological Samples. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 26:molecules26092762. [PMID: 34067143 PMCID: PMC8125745 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26092762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a complex, creamy secretion produced by the glands of worker bees. Due to its health-promoting properties, it is used by humans as a dietary supplement. However, RJ compounds are not fully characterized yet. Hence, in this research, we aimed to broaden the knowledge of the proteomic composition of fresh RJ. Water extracts of the samples were pre-treated using combinatorial hexapeptide ligand libraries (ProteoMinerTM kit), trypsin-digested, and analyzed by a nanoLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF MS system. To check the ProteoMinerTM performance in the MS-based protein identification, we also examined RJ extracts that were not prepared with the ProteoMinerTM kit. We identified a total of 86 proteins taxonomically classified to Apis spp. (bees). Among them, 74 proteins were detected in RJ extracts pre-treated with ProteoMinerTM kit, and only 50 proteins were found in extracts non-enriched with this technique. Ten of the identified features were hypothetical proteins whose existence has been predicted, but any experimental evidence proves their in vivo expression. Additionally, we detected four uncharacterized proteins of unknown functions. The results of this research indicate that the ProteoMinerTM strategy improves proteomic identification in complex biological samples. Broadening the knowledge of RJ composition may contribute to the development of standards and regulations, enhancing the quality of RJ, and consequently, the safety of its supplementation.
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Ghorbanpour AM, Saboor M, Panahizadeh R, Saadati H, Dadkhah M. Combined effects of royal jelly and environmental enrichment against stress-induced cognitive and behavioral alterations in male rats: behavioral and molecular studies. Nutr Neurosci 2021; 25:1860-1871. [PMID: 33814002 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1909205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to chronic stress has detrimental effects on cognitive and emotional processing. Also, the neuroprotective influences of environmental enrichment (EE) and royal jelly (RJ) have been indicated in previous studies. AIMS To our knowledge, to date, there are no studies about the synergistic effects of EE and RJ on cognitive changes induced by stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of RJ, and EE on anxiety-like behaviors, cognitive functions, and expression of hippocampal and also prefrontal cortex (PFC) brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in stressed rats. METHODS By using restraint and cold temperature, rats were exposed to stressful situations and then subjected to treatment with RJ or/ and EE for 14 days. Stress induction was done 14 days before treatments by placing the rats in the restrainer under 4°C. Following the interventions, anxiety-like behaviors, novel object recognition memory (NORM), inhibitive avoidance performance, hippocampal, and PFC BDNF expression were examined. The plasma corticosterone level of all groups was also evaluated. RESULTS Results showed increased plasma corticosterone levels, stress-induced deficits in the NORM and IA tests, and increased anxiety-like behaviors. EE and RJ improved these deficits with a decline in serum corticosterone and also increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus and PFC in stressed ones. CONCLUSION The EE and the RJ prevented the detrimental effects of stress on anxiety-like behaviors and memory processes. These treatments can protect susceptible brain areas against chronic stress via improvement in behavioral and cognitive impairments through mediating BDNF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meysam Saboor
- Students Research Committee, Pharmacy School, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Reza Panahizadeh
- Students Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Saadati
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Collazo N, Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Otero P, Simal-Gandara J, Prieto MA. Health Promoting Properties of Bee Royal Jelly: Food of the Queens. Nutrients 2021; 13:543. [PMID: 33562330 PMCID: PMC7915653 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Collazo
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
| | - Maria Carpena
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
| | - Bernabe Nuñez-Estevez
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Paz Otero
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
| | - Miguel A. Prieto
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Ourense Campus, University of Vigo, E32004 Ourense, Spain; (N.C.); (M.C.); (B.N.-E.); (P.O.)
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
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Ali AM, Kunugi H. Royal Jelly as an Intelligent Anti-Aging Agent-A Focus on Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer's Disease: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E937. [PMID: 33003559 PMCID: PMC7601550 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The astronomical increase of the world's aged population is associated with the increased prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, heightened disability, and extremely high costs of care. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a widespread, age-related, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that has enormous social and financial drawbacks worldwide. The unsatisfactory outcomes of available AD pharmacotherapy necessitate the search for alternative natural resources that can target various the underlying mechanisms of AD pathology and reduce disease occurrence and/or progression. Royal jelly (RJ) is the main food of bee queens; it contributes to their fertility, long lifespan, and memory performance. It represents a potent nutraceutical with various pharmacological properties, and has been used in a number of preclinical studies to target AD and age-related cognitive deterioration. To understand the mechanisms through which RJ affects cognitive performance both in natural aging and AD, we reviewed the literature, elaborating on the metabolic, molecular, and cellular mechanisms that mediate its anti-AD effects. Preclinical findings revealed that RJ acts as a multidomain cognitive enhancer that can restore cognitive performance in aged and AD models. It promotes brain cell survival and function by targeting multiple adversities in the neuronal microenvironment such as inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial alterations, impaired proteostasis, amyloid-β toxicity, Ca excitotoxicity, and bioenergetic challenges. Human trials using RJ in AD are limited in quantity and quality. Here, the limitations of RJ-based treatment strategies are discussed, and directions for future studies examining the effect of RJ in cognitively impaired subjects are noted.
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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 187-0031, Japan;
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21527, Egypt
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8605, Japan
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Apitherapy for Age-Related Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction (Sarcopenia): A Review on the Effects of Royal Jelly, Propolis, and Bee Pollen. Foods 2020; 9:foods9101362. [PMID: 32992744 PMCID: PMC7601109 DOI: 10.3390/foods9101362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The global pandemic of sarcopenia, skeletal muscle loss and weakness, which prevails in up to 50% of older adults is increasing worldwide due to the expansion of aging populations. It is now striking young and midlife adults as well because of sedentary lifestyle and increased intake of unhealthy food (e.g., western diet). The lockdown measures and economic turndown associated with the current outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are likely to increase the prevalence of sarcopenia by promoting sedentarism and unhealthy patterns of eating. Sarcopenia has multiple detrimental effects including falls, hospitalization, disability, and institutionalization. Although a few pharmacological agents (e.g., bimagrumab, sarconeos, and exercise mimetics) are being explored in different stages of trials, not a single drug has been approved for sarcopenia treatment. Hence, research has focused on testing the effect of nutraceuticals, such as bee products, as safe treatments to prevent and/or treat sarcopenia. Royal jelly, propolis, and bee pollen are common bee products that are rich in highly potent antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, and amino acids. These products, in order, stimulate larval development into queen bees, promote defenses of the bee hive against microbial and environmental threats, and increase royal jelly production by nurse bees. Thanks to their versatile pharmacological activities (e.g., anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, etc.), these products have been used to treat multiple chronic conditions that predispose to muscle wasting such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorder, and cancer, to name a few. They were also used in some evolving studies to treat sarcopenia in laboratory animals and, to a limited degree, in humans. However, a collective understanding of the effect and mechanism of action of these products in skeletal muscle is not well-developed. Therefore, this review examines the literature for possible effects of royal jelly, bee pollen, and propolis on skeletal muscle in aged experimental models, muscle cell cultures, and humans. Collectively, data from reviewed studies denote varying levels of positive effects of bee products on muscle mass, strength, and function. The likely underlying mechanisms include amelioration of inflammation and oxidative damages, promotion of metabolic regulation, enhancement of satellite stem cell responsiveness, improvement of muscular blood supply, inhibition of catabolic genes, and promotion of peripheral neuronal regeneration. This review offers suggestions for other mechanisms to be explored and provides guidance for future trials investigating the effects of bee products among people with sarcopenia.
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El-Guendouz S, Machado AM, Aazza S, Lyoussi B, Miguel MG, Mateus MC, Figueiredo AC. Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties of Royal Jelly Samples From the Mediterranean Area. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20908080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product that has high nutritional value and is beneficial for the human health, earning importance as a functional food. Thus, the characterization of its main biological properties is with high importance. In this work, 6 RJ samples obtained in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain were evaluated in terms of total phenol and flavone/flavonol contents; total protein; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA); volatiles composition; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; and inhibition of tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase (XO), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Total phenolic content ranged from 3 to 9 mg gallic acid equivalent/g RJ, and flavone/flavonol content from 0.1 to 0.5 mg quercetin equivalent/g RJ. 10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid content varied from 0.9% to 1.2% and total protein from 5.5% to 29.7%. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed RJ volatiles dominated by linolenic acid, 2-decenoic acid, and octanoic acid in variable amounts. The antioxidant activity was monitored through nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging capacity, where the IC50 ranged from 2.3 to 3.4 and 0.2 to 1.5 mg/mL, respectively. Anti-AChE activity IC50 ranged from 0.7 to 4.6 mg/mL, while XO inhibition IC50 ranged from 3.3 to 11.9 mg/mL. The results showed that phenols and flavonoids highly contributed to the RJ biological properties in contrast to 10-HDA and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soukaïna El-Guendouz
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Alexandra M. Machado
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar Lisboa (CESAM Lisboa), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal (CBV), DBV, C2, Campo Grande, Portugal
| | - Smail Aazza
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry, National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ANPMA), Taounate, Morocco
| | - Badiaâ Lyoussi
- Laboratory of Physiology, Pharmacology and Environmental Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mehraz, University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Maria G. Miguel
- Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Departamento de Química e Farmácia, MED – Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Maria C. Mateus
- Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Departamento de Química e Farmácia, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - A. Cristina Figueiredo
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar Lisboa (CESAM Lisboa), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Centro de Biotecnologia Vegetal (CBV), DBV, C2, Campo Grande, Portugal
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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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Zhang Z, Zhang S, Lui CNP, Zhu P, Zhang Z, Lin K, Dai Y, Yung KKL. Traditional Chinese medicine-based neurorestorative therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2019.9040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), has been dramatically increasing, particularly in the aging population. However, the currently available therapies merely alleviate the symptoms of these diseases and are unable to retard disease progression significantly. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years for ameliorating symptoms or interfering with the pathogenesis of aging- associated diseases. Modern pharmacological studies have proved that TCM imparts disease-modifying therapeutic effects against these diseases, such as protection of neurons, clearance of protein aggregates, and regulation of neuroinflammation. This review summarizes the evidence from recent studies on AD and PD therapies regarding the neuroprotective activities and molecular mechanisms of a series of TCM formulations comprising herbs and their active ingredients. The findings of this review support the use of TCM as an alternative source of therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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