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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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Aslan A, Gok O, Beyaz S, Parlak G, Can MI, Gundogdu R, Baspinar S, Ozercan IH, Parlak AE. Royal jelly arranges apoptotic and oxidative stress pathways and reduces damage to liver tissues of rats by down-regulation of Bcl-2, GSK3 and NF-κB and up-regulation of caspase and Nrf-2 protein signalling pathways. Biomarkers 2023; 28:217-226. [PMID: 36520139 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2022.2159526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionRoyal jelly (RJ) from the honey bee, Apis mellifera, is a traditional product that is widely used as a food supplement to support the medical treatment of various diseases.Material and methodsOur study continued for 8 weeks. 42 Wistar albino (8 weeks old) male rats were used in the study. The study included 6 groups; Group 1: Control group (fed with standard diet), Group 2: RJ (100 mg/kg, bw), Group 3: F-50 (50 mg/kg, bw), group 4: F-100 (100 mg/kg, bw) group 5: F-50 (50 mg/kg, bw) + RJ (100 mg/kg, bw) Group 6: F-100 (100 mg/kg, bw) + RJ (100 mg/kg, bw). Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) activities in liver tissue were determined by spectrophotometer. Liver tissue samples were examined histopathologically and various protein levels were determined by Western blotting technique.ResultsRJ caused a significant decrease in MDA level, Bcl-2, GSK3 and NF-κB protein expression levels, whereas induced a significant increase in GSH level, CAT activities and Bax, BDNF, caspase-6, caspase-3, Nrf-2 protein expression levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest RJ to be used as a hepatoprotective agent in the clinic to modulate the toxic effects of fluoride and other chemicals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Aslan
- 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
| | - Seda Beyaz
- 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
| | - Ramazan Gundogdu
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Bingol University, Bingol, 12000, Turkey
| | - Serpil Baspinar
- Department of Medical Imaging, Health Services Vocational High School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | | | - Akif Evren Parlak
- Department of Environmental Protection Technologies, Keban Vocational School, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Salama S, Shou Q, Abd El-Wahed AA, Elias N, Xiao J, Swillam A, Umair M, Guo Z, Daglia M, Wang K, Khalifa SAM, El-Seedi HR. Royal Jelly: Beneficial Properties and Synergistic Effects with Chemotherapeutic Drugs with Particular Emphasis in Anticancer Strategies. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194166. [PMID: 36235818 PMCID: PMC9573021 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of death globally. Currently, various methods are used to treat cancer, including radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, all of which have serious adverse effects. A healthy lifestyle, especially a nutritional diet, plays a critical role in the treatment and prevention of many disorders, including cancer. The above notion, plus the trend in going back to nature, encourages consumers and the food industry to invest more in food products and to find potential candidates that can maintain human health. One of these agents, and a very notable food agent, is royal jelly (RJ), known to be produced by the hypopharyngeal and mandibular salivary glands of young nurse honeybees. RJ contains bioactive substances, such as carbohydrates, protein, lipids, peptides, mineral salts and polyphenols which contribute to the appreciated biological and pharmacological activities. Antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antibacterial impacts are among the well-recognized benefits. The combination of RJ or its constituents with anticancer drugs has synergistic effects on cancer disorders, enhancing the drug’s effectiveness or reducing its side effects. The purpose of the present review is to emphasize the possible interactions between chemotherapy and RJ, or its components, in treating cancer illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Salama
- Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage Center, Ghibaish College of Science and Technology, Ghibaish 51111, Sudan
| | - Qiyang Shou
- Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Correspondence: (Q.S.); (S.A.M.K.); (H.R.E.-S.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Aida A. Abd El-Wahed
- Department of Bee Research, Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Giza 12627, Egypt
| | - Nizar Elias
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kalamoon, Dayr Atiyah P.O. Box 222, Syria
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Ahmed Swillam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Chemistry and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiming Guo
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (Q.S.); (S.A.M.K.); (H.R.E.-S.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
| | - Hesham R. El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 591, SE 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Koom 32512, Egypt
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu Education Department, Jiangsu University, Nanjing 210024, China
- Correspondence: (Q.S.); (S.A.M.K.); (H.R.E.-S.); Tel.: +46-700-43-43-43 (H.R.E.-S.)
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Bagameri L, Baci GM, Dezmirean DS. Royal Jelly as a Nutraceutical Natural Product with a Focus on Its Antibacterial Activity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1142. [PMID: 35745715 PMCID: PMC9227439 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is one of the most valued natural products and is known for its health-promoting properties. Due to its therapeutic effects, it has been used in medicine since antiquity. Nowadays, several studies indicate that RJ acts as a powerful antimicrobial agent. Indeed, researchers shed light on its antioxidant and anticancer activity. RJ's biological properties are related to its bioactive compounds, such as proteins, peptides, phenolic, and fatty acids. The aim of this review is to highlight recent findings on RJ's main bioactive compounds correlated with its health-promoting properties. The available literature suggests that these bioactive compounds can be used as an alternative approach in order to enhance human health. Moreover, throughout this paper, we underline the prominent antibacterial effect of RJ against several target bacterial strains. In addition, we briefly discuss other therapeutic activities, such as antioxidative and anticancer effects, of this outstanding natural product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Bagameri
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Gabriela-Maria Baci
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Antitumor Activity of Royal Jelly and Its Cellular Mechanisms against Ehrlich Solid Tumor in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7233997. [PMID: 35528154 PMCID: PMC9071879 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7233997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present study was aimed at evaluating the antitumor effects of royal jelly (RJ) obtained from Apis mellifera compared with cyclophosphamide against the Ehrlich solid tumors (EST) in mice. Methods Tumor growth inhibition, body weight, the serum level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen tumor (CAE), liver and kidney enzymes, tumor lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase enzyme (CAT), and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (SOD)), tumor necrosis factor alpha level (TNF-α), and the apoptosis-regulatory genes expression were assessed in EST mice treated with RJ (200 and 400 mg/kg orally once a day for 2 weeks). Results The results showed that treatment of EST-suffering mice with RJ at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg causes significant reduction in tumor volume and inhibition rate, body weight, tumor markers (AFP and CEA), serum level of liver and kidney, LPO and NO, TNF-α level, as well as the expression level of Bcl-2 in comparison with the EST mice receiving the normal saline; whereas RJ at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of antioxidant enzymes of GPx, CAT, and SOD and the expression level of caspase-3 and Bax genes. Conclusion The findings revealed that oral administration of royal jelly especially at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited promising antitumor effects against EST in mice through induction of apoptosis as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which suggest it as a novel anticancer agent against tumor; however, additional surveys especially in clinical setting are necessary to approve these findings.
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Farahani ZK, Taherianfard M, Naderi MM, Ferrero H. Possible therapeutic effect of royal jelly on endometriotic lesion size, pain sensitivity, and neurotrophic factors in a rat model of endometriosis. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15117. [PMID: 34806344 PMCID: PMC8606856 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue. The goals of the study are: (1) Is any correlation between endometriosis pain and neurotrophins in the serum, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and peritoneal fluid (PF) in rat models of experimental endometriosis?, (2) Possible therapeutic effects of royal jelly (RJ) on pain scores, size of endometriotic lesion, and neurotrophic factors. Forty-eight Sprague Dawley female rats weighing 205.023 ± 21.54 g were maintained in a standard condition. The rats were randomly divided into one of the six groups: Control (no intervention), Sham-1 (remove of uterine horn), RJ (administration of 200 mg/kg/day RJ for 21 days), Endometriosis (induction of endometriosis), Treatment (induction of endometriosis+administration of 200 mg/kg/day RJ for 21 days), and Sham-2 (induction of endometriosis+administration of water). Formalin test performed for pain evaluation. The levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean pain scores in all three phases of the formalin test were significantly increased by endometriosis induction (p < 0.05). The concentrations of BDNF, NGF, and CGRP in DRG of the endometriosis group were significantly higher than these factors in the Control, Sham-1, and RJ groups (p < 0.05). RJ could significantly (p < 0.001) decrease the mean lesion size and the mean pain score in the late phase (p < 0.05). The present results determine that endometriosis pain may be related to nervous system neurotrophic factors. Treatment with RJ could decrease the size of endometriosis lesions as well as pain scores. The findings may shed light on other complementary and alternative remedies for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra K. Farahani
- Physiology Division of Basic Sciences DepartmentSchool of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
- Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Research CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mahnaz Taherianfard
- Physiology Division of Basic Sciences DepartmentSchool of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - Mohamad Mehdi Naderi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research CenterAvicenna Research InstituteACECRTehranIran
| | - Hortensia Ferrero
- Institute of Treatment and Diagnosis of Uterine DiseasesIVI FoundationValenciaSpain
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Nainu F, Masyita A, Bahar MA, Raihan M, Prova SR, Mitra S, Emran TB, Simal-Gandara J. Pharmaceutical Prospects of Bee Products: Special Focus on Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070822. [PMID: 34356743 PMCID: PMC8300842 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bee products have long been used in traditional healing practices to treat many types of disorders, including cancer and microbial-related diseases. Indeed, several chemical compounds found in bee products have been demonstrated to display anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. With the improvement of research tools and in view of recent advances related to bee products, this review aims to provide broad yet detailed insight into the pharmaceutical prospects of bee products such as honey, propolis, bee pollen, royal jelly, bee bread, beeswax, and bee venom, in the domain of cancer and infectious disease management. Available literature confirms the efficacy of these bee products in the alleviation of cancer progression, inhibition of bacterial and viral proliferation, and mitigation of parasitic-related symptoms. With such potentials, bioactive components isolated from the bee products can be used as an alternative approach in the long-run effort to improve humans’ health at a personal and community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firzan Nainu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Ayu Masyita
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muh. Akbar Bahar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Muhammad Raihan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia; (A.M.); (M.A.B.); (M.R.)
| | - Shajuthi Rahman Prova
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; (S.R.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.N.); (T.B.E.); (J.S.-G.); Tel.: +62-821-9131-0384 (F.N.); +88-01819-942214 (T.B.E.); +34-988-387-001 (J.S.-G.)
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Moubarak MM, Chanouha N, Abou Ibrahim N, Khalife H, Gali-Muhtasib H. Thymoquinone anticancer activity is enhanced when combined with royal jelly in human breast cancer. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:342-354. [PMID: 34131566 PMCID: PMC8173327 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i5.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cause of the majority of cancer-related deaths in women, among which triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive type of breast cancer diagnosed with limited treatment options. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main bioactive constituent of Nigella sativa, has been extensively studied as a potent anticancer molecule against various types of cancers. Honeybee products such as the royal jelly (RJ), the nutritive secretion fed to honeybee queens, exhibit a variety of biological activities besides its anticancer effect. However, the anticancer activity of the combination of TQ and RJ against breast cancer is still unknown.
AIM To investigate cytotoxicity of RJ in FHs 74 Int cells and the anticancer effects of TQ, RJ, and their combinations in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.
METHODS Cells were treated with TQ, RJ, and their combinations for 24 h. Using 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, we determined the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of TQ. Trypan blue and 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays were then performed to assess the cell viability in response to different treatment conditions. Cell death and cycle regulation were investigated using propidium iodide deoxyribonucleic acid staining followed by flow cytometry in response to a single dose of TQ, RJ, and their combination. Immunostaining for cleaved caspase 3 and Ki67 expression was used to determine apoptosis induction and changes in cell proliferation.
RESULTS TQ alone inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations below and above the half-maximal inhibitory concentration. RJ exhibited relatively nontoxic effects against MDA-MB-231 cells and FHs 74 Int small intestinal cells at concentrations below 5 µg/mL. High doses of RJ (200 µg/mL) had greater toxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells. Interestingly, the inhibition of cell viability was most pronounced in response to 15 µmol/L TQ and 5 µg/mL RJ. A dose of 15 µmol/L TQ caused a significant increase in the PreG1 population, while a more pronounced effect on cell viability inhibition and PreG1 increase was observed in response to TQ and RJ combinations. TQ was the main inducer of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis when applied alone and in combination with RJ. In contrast, no significant regulation of Ki67 expression was observed, indicating that the decrease in cell viability was due to apoptosis induction rather than to inhibition of cell proliferation.
CONCLUSION This study is the first to report enhanced anticancer effects of TQ and RJ combination against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, which could confer an advantage for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya M Moubarak
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Nour Chanouha
- Department of Biology, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Najwa Abou Ibrahim
- Rammal Rammal Laboratory (ATAC group), Faculty of Sciences I, Hadath 1003, Lebanon
| | - Hala Khalife
- Rammal Rammal Laboratory (ATAC group), Faculty of Sciences I, Hadath 1003, Lebanon
| | - Hala Gali-Muhtasib
- Department of Biology and Center for Drug Discovery, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
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Miyata Y, Araki K, Ohba K, Mastuo T, Nakamura Y, Yuno T, Mukai Y, Otsubo A, Mitsunari K, Mochizuki Y, Sakai H. Oral intake of royal jelly improves anti-cancer effects and suppresses adverse events of molecular targeted therapy by regulating TNF-α and TGF-β in renal cell carcinoma: A preliminary study based on a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Mol Clin Oncol 2020; 13:29. [PMID: 32765876 PMCID: PMC7403815 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2020.2099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapies are commonly used in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the efficacy and safety of these therapeutic interventions require enhancement to improve prognosis in these patients. Royal jelly (RJ) has anti-cancer effects and adverse events across a variety of types of malignancy. The present study investigated the detailed mechanism underlying the effects of oral administration of RJ in patients with advanced RCC that were treated with molecular targeted agents in a randomized clinical trial. The study cohort comprised 16 patients treated with RJ and 17 patients treated with a placebo. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The results of the present study demonstrated a larger decrease in tumor size upon supplementing patients with RJ following molecular targeted therapy compared with that in patients administered with the placebo. Patients exhibited reduced anorexia and fatigue in the RJ group compared with the placebo group. The relative dose intensity for patients in the RJ group was higher than that in patients in the placebo group. Post- and pre-treatment ratios of the serum levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in patients in the RJ group were lower than those in patients in the placebo group, and these ratios correlated with decreasing tumor size and frequency of anorexia or fatigue in patients. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that oral intake of RJ improved the efficacy and safety of molecular targeted therapy in patients with RCC and changed the levels of TNF-α and TGF-β in the serum of patients, which is speculated to serve an important role in RJ-induced biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyoshi Miyata
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kyohei Araki
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kojiro Ohba
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tomhiro Mastuo
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Nakamura
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Yuno
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yuta Mukai
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Asato Otsubo
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kensuke Mitsunari
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yasushi Mochizuki
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hideki Sakai
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
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Royal Jelly Abrogates Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Challenge in Mouse Testes: Involvement of the Nrf2 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123979. [PMID: 30544760 PMCID: PMC6321119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study examined the efficacy of royal jelly (RJ) against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced testicular dysfunction. A total of 28 Swiss male mice were allocated into four groups (n = 7), and are listed as follows: (1) the control group, who was intraperitoneally injected with physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) for 7 days; (2) the RJ group, who was orally supplemented with RJ (85 mg/kg daily equivalent to 250 mg crude RJ) for 7 days; (3) the CdCl2 group, who was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg for 7 days; and (4) the fourth group, who was supplemented with RJ 1 h before CdCl2 injection for 7 days. Cd-intoxicated mice exhibited a decrease in serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. A disturbance in the redox status in the testicular tissue was recorded, as presented by the increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrate/nitrite levels and glutathione (GSH) depletion. Moreover, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factor (Nrf2) and their gene expression were inhibited. In addition, interleukin-1ß (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were elevated. Furthermore, Cd triggered an apoptotic cascade via upregulation of caspase-3 and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Histopathological examination showed degenerative changes in spermatogenic cells, detachment of the spermatogenic epithelium from the basement membrane, and vacuolated seminiferous tubules. Decreased cell proliferation was reflected by a decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Interestingly, RJ supplementation markedly minimized the biochemical and molecular histopathological changes in testes tissue in response to Cd exposure. The beneficial effects of RJ could be attributed to its antioxidative properties.
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Almeer RS, Kassab RB, AlBasher GI, Alarifi S, Alkahtani S, Ali D, Abdel Moneim AE. Royal jelly mitigates cadmium-induced neuronal damage in mouse cortex. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 46:119-131. [PMID: 30414103 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4451-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of royal jelly (RJ) against Cd-induced neuronal damage. Twenty-eight adult mice were placed equally into four groups. The control group received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of normal saline; the cadmium chloride (CdCl2) group was IP-injected 6.5 mg/kg (mg per kg of bodyweight) CdCl2; the RJ group was gavaged 85 mg/kg RJ; and the RJ + CdCl2 group was orally administered 85 mg/kg RJ 2 h before receiving IP-injections of 6.5 mg/kg CdCl2. All groups were treated for seven consecutive days and the mice were decapitated 24 h after the final dose. Cd accumulation was recorded in the cortical homogenates, accompanied by elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and the pro-apoptotic mRNA Bax and caspase-3. Meanwhile, significantly decreased levels of detoxifying antioxidant enzymes including GSH-Px, GSH-R, SOD, and CAT, anti-apoptotic mRNA Bcl-2, and monoamines such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin were also observed, along with reduced gene expression of Nrf2-dependent antioxidants. Interestingly, in mice pretreated with RJ, the assessed parameters remained near normal levels. Our data provide evidence that RJ treatment has the potential to protect cortical neurons in Cd-intoxicated mice via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuromodulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafa S Almeer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Rami B Kassab
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gadah I AlBasher
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saud Alarifi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Daoud Ali
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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Anti-Cancer and Protective Effects of Royal Jelly for Therapy-Induced Toxicities in Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103270. [PMID: 30347885 PMCID: PMC6214034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) is a glandular secretion produced by worker honeybees and is a special food for the queen honeybee. It results in a significant prolongation of the lifespan of the queen honeybee compared with the worker honeybees through anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. Consequently, RJ is used as cosmetic and dietary supplement throughout the world. In addition, in vitro studies and animal experiments have demonstrated that RJ inhibits cell proliferation and stimulates apoptosis in various types of malignant cells and affects the production of various chemokines, anti-oxidants and growth factors and the expression of cancer-related molecules in patients with malignancies, especially in patients treated with anti-cancer agents. Therefore, RJ is thought to exert anti-cancer effects on tumor growth and exhibit protective functions against drug-induced toxicities. RJ has also been demonstrated to be useful for suppression of adverse events, the maintenance of the quality of life during treatment and the improvement of prognosis in animal models and patients with malignancies. To understand the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of RJ, knowledge of the changes induced at the molecular level by RJ with respect to cell survival, inflammation, oxidative stress and other cancer-related factors is essential. In addition, the effects of combination therapies of RJ and other anti-cancer agents or natural compounds are important to determine the future direction of RJ-based treatment strategies. Therefore, in this review, we have covered the following five issues: (1) the anti-cancer effects of RJ and its main component, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid; (2) the protective effects of RJ against anti-cancer agent-induced toxicities; (3) the molecular mechanisms of such beneficial effects of RJ; (4) the safety and toxicity of RJ; and (5) the future directions of RJ-based treatment strategies, with a discussion on the limitations of the study of the biological activities of RJ.
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Abu N, Zamberi NR, Yeap SK, Nordin N, Mohamad NE, Romli MF, Rasol NE, Subramani T, Ismail NH, Alitheen NB. Subchronic toxicity, immunoregulation and anti-breast tumor effect of Nordamnacantal, an anthraquinone extracted from the stems of Morinda citrifolia L. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:31. [PMID: 29374471 PMCID: PMC5787285 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morinda citrifolia L. that was reported with immunomodulating and cytotoxic effects has been traditionally used to treat multiple illnesses including cancer. An anthraquinone derived from fruits of Morinda citrifolia L., nordamnacanthal, is a promising agent possessing several in vitro biological activities. However, the in vivo anti-tumor effects and the safety profile of nordamnacanthal are yet to be evaluated. METHODS In vitro cytotoxicity of nordamnacanthal was tested using MTT, cell cycle and Annexin V/PI assays on human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. Mice were orally fed with nordamnacanthal daily for 28 days for oral subchronic toxicity study. Then, the in vivo anti-tumor effect was evaluated on 4T1 murine cancer cells-challenged mice. Changes of tumor size and immune parameters were evaluated on the untreated and nordamnacanthal treated mice. RESULTS Nordamnacanthal was found to possess cytotoxic effects on MDA-MB231, MCF-7 and 4T1 cells in vitro. Moreover, based on the cell cycle and Annexin V results, nordamnacanthal managed to induce cell death in both MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cells. Additionally, no mortality, signs of toxicity and changes of serum liver profile were observed in nordamnacanthal treated mice in the subchronic toxicity study. Furthermore, 50 mg/kg body weight of nordamncanthal successfully delayed the progression of 4T1 tumors in Balb/C mice after 28 days of treatment. Treatment with nordamnacanthal was also able to increase tumor immunity as evidenced by the immunophenotyping of the spleen and YAC-1 cytotoxicity assays. CONCLUSION Nordamnacanthal managed to inhibit the growth and induce cell death in MDA-MB231 and MCF-7 cell lines in vitro and cease the tumor progression of 4T1 cells in vivo. Overall, nordamnacanthal holds interesting anti-cancer properties that can be further explored.
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