Royal jelly

Royal jelly/Drug Interactions:

  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: In animal research, royal jelly had antiallergic effects in a mouse model of immediate hypersensitivity (78). However, anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions to royal jelly have been shown in numerous human case reports and other reports (56; 57; 58; 41; 59; 60; 61; 47; 48; 62; 63; 65; 49; 66; 67; 68; 69; 64).
  • AntiarrhythmicsAntiarrhythmics: In animal research, royal jelly protected against and reduced adrenaline induced arrhythmia (10).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In vitro, royalisin, a protein in royal jelly, had antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative bacteria (4; 79). In vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of royal jelly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 4% (5), and royal jelly blocked the fucose>fructose/mannose-binding lectin (PA-IIL) (involved in biofilm formation and animal cell adhesion) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6). In vitro, jelleines-I-III had antimicrobial effects (80).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). Hematuria and an elevated INR occurred in an 87 year-old African-American man on stable warfarin for three months who had started taking royal jelly (45).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In a diabetic animal model, there was a reduction in serum levels of insulin and the homeostasis model assessment ratio (18; 50). In human research, royal jelly resulted in an increased insulinogenic index (26).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In animal research, peptides from royal jelly decreased blood pressure in a hypertensive model (20; 42). In a diabetic animal model, there was a tendency to decrease blood pressure (18).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In vitro, royal jelly inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated macrophages (81).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In human research, royal jelly decreased levels of total cholesterol and increased levels of serum phospholipids, resulting in a reduction of the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids (71). In healthy adults, royal jelly decreased total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, perhaps by decreasing levels of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (82). Effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were lacking. In separate human research, nonsignificant decreases in blood lipids occurred (15), or changes were limited (details are lacking) (72). Use of Melbrosia?, a combination product containing royal jelly, reduced total and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (43).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: According to secondary sources, anticancer effects of royal jelly have been shown in animal models. In vitro, protein fractions of royal jelly were cytotoxic to cancer cells (13). In vitro, royal jelly inhibited the bisphenol A-induced proliferation of MCF-7 cancer cells; however, it was without effect in the absence of bisphenol A (14). In animal research, royal jelly protected against the mutagenic effects of Adriamycin? (doxorubicin) and/or cobalt gamma radiation (28).
  • AntipsychoticsAntipsychotics: According to secondary sources, side effects include agitation and anxiety.
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In human research, nonsignificant decreases in fibrinolytic activity occurred (15).
  • CorticoidsCorticoids: The effect of royal jelly on the exertion of corticoids has been discussed (83). Further details are lacking.
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In animal research, royal jelly inhibited the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions (84). In animal research, royal jelly lacked benefit on healing following tympanic membrane perforation; however, use of royal jelly increased the thickness of the membranes by increasing the organization of the connective tissue (33). A component originally labeled honeybee royal jelly-derived collagen production-promoting factor (HRJ-CPF) was found to be 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid increased collagen production in vitro (34). However, allergic reactions to royal jelly have resulted in generalized urticaria (41); severe facial pruritus and erythema, generalized pruritus, and wheals (47); severe facial edema and facial erythema (48); and an exacerbation of dermatitis (49). According to secondary sources, skin irritations and eczema have also been reported.
  • Exercise performance agentsExercise performance agents: In animal research, a protein from royal jelly reduced fatigue and accumulation of serum lactate and ammonia associated with a forced swim (85). In human research, a combination product containing royal jelly improved exercise performance (86; 87).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). A case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis induced by royal jelly was discussed; however, further details are lacking (51). According to secondary sources, adverse effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Growth agentsGrowth agents: In vitro, protein fractions of royal jelly stimulated the growth of insect cells (13).
  • Hepatoprotective agentsHepatoprotective agents: In animal research, royal jelly protected against acetaminophen-induced liver damage (88).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, royal jelly activated estrogen receptors (52) and inhibited the bisphenol A-induced proliferation of MCF-7 cancer cells; however, it was without effect in the absence of bisphenol A (14). The estrogenic activities of royal jelly and its fatty acid and sterol constituents have been the topic of discussion (89; 19; 90). In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased testosterone (26); however, effects on hormone levels were lacking in other human research (53). The influence of royal jelly on the excretion of gonadotropins in healthy males has been discussed (91).
  • Immune agentsImmune agents: Immunological effects have been shown in both animal and in vitro research, such as delayed onset of systemic autoimmunity and decreased IL-10, as well as autoantibodies against ssDNA, dsDNA, and erythrocytes, and the number of splenic autoreactive B cells (21); induced proliferation of lymphocytes and alterations in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels (22); and stimulated or inhibited T cell proliferation and increased or decreased IL-2 production (depending on concentrations) (23).
  • Menopausal agentsMenopausal agents: Use of herbal combination products containing royal jelly reduced symptoms of menopause (54; 43; 53; 55). The effect of royal jelly alone is not clear.
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In isolated and perfused mesenteric vascular beds of a diabetic animal model, royal jelly reduced the sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstrictor response to periarterial nerve stimulation, as well as the potentiation of the calcitonin gene-related peptide nerve-mediated vasodilator response to periarterial nerve stimulation (18). Also, in vitro, royal jelly and 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid increased the generation of neurons and decreased the generation of astrocytes from neural stem/progenitor cells (92). However, in a Japanese man, symptoms of anaphylaxis included vertigo, numbness in his fingers, and impaired consciousness (47), and according to secondary sources, side effects include central nervous system symptoms and insomnia.
  • Ophthalmic agentsOphthalmic agents: An anaphylactic woman presented with congestion of the conjunctivae (48).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: In animal research, royal jelly protected against the mutagenic effects of Adriamycin? (doxorubicin) and/or cobalt gamma radiation (28).
  • Respiratory agentsRespiratory agents: In humans, respiratory distress, bronchospasm, wheezing, dyspnea, and asthma, including a fatal case, have been related to royal jelly use (56; 57; 58; 41; 59; 60; 61; 47; 48; 62; 63). In a Japanese man, symptoms of anaphylaxis included dyspnea and wheezing (47). An anaphylactic woman presented with dyspnea (48). According to secondary sources, adverse reactions to royal jelly have included rhinitis.
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In animal research, a water-soluble fraction of royal jelly had vasodilating effects on dog femoral artery (31).
  • WarfarinWarfarin: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). Hematuria and an elevated INR occurred in an 87 year-old African-American man on stable warfarin for three months who had started taking royal jelly (45).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: In animal research, royal jelly lacked benefit on healing following tympanic membrane perforation; however, use of royal jelly increased the thickness of the membranes by increasing the organization of the connective tissue (33). A component originally labeled honeybee royal jelly-derived collagen production-promoting factor (HRJ-CPF) was found to be 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid increased collagen production in vitro (34).

    • Royal Jelly/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Antiallergy agentsAntiallergy agents: In animal research, royal jelly had antiallergic effects in a mouse model of immediate hypersensitivity (78). However, anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions to royal jelly have been shown in numerous human case reports and other reports (56; 57; 58; 41; 59; 60; 61; 47; 48; 62; 63; 65; 49; 66; 67; 68; 69; 64).
  • AntiarrhythmicsAntiarrhythmics: In animal research, royal jelly protected against and reduced adrenaline induced arrhythmia (10).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In vitro, royalisin, a protein in royal jelly had antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but not Gram-negative bacteria (4; 79). In vitro, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of royal jelly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 4% (5), and royal jelly blocked the fucose>fructose/mannose-binding lectin (PA-IIL) (involved in biofilm formation and animal cell adhesion) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6). In vitro, jelleines-I-III had antimicrobial effects (80).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). Hematuria and an elevated INR occurred in an 87 year-old African-American man on using an anticoagulant for three months who had started taking royal jelly (45).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In a diabetic animal model, there was a reduction in serum levels of insulin and the homeostasis model assessment ratio (18; 50). In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased insulinogenic index (26).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In vitro, royal jelly inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated macrophages (81).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: According to secondary sources, anticancer effects of royal jelly have been shown in animal models. In vitro, protein fractions of royal jelly were cytotoxic to cancer cells (13). In vitro, royal jelly inhibited the bisphenol A-induced proliferation of MCF-7 cancer cells; however, it was without effect in the absence of bisphenol A (14). In animal research, royal jelly protected against the mutagenic effects of Adriamycin? (doxorubicin) and/or cobalt gamma radiation (28).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Enzymatic hydrolysates of royal jelly had antioxidant effects in vitro (7). In vivo and in vitro, peptides from royal jelly inhibited lipid peroxidation (8). Further details are lacking.
  • AntipsychoticsAntipsychotics: According to secondary sources, side effects include agitation and anxiety.
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: In human research, nonsignificant decreases in fibrinolytic activity occurred (15).
  • Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In animal research, royal jelly inhibited the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions (84). In animal research, royal jelly lacked benefit on healing following tympanic membrane perforation; however, use of royal jelly increased the thickness of the membranes by increasing the organization of the connective tissue (33). A component originally labeled honeybee royal jelly-derived collagen production-promoting factor (HRJ-CPF) was found to be 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid increased collagen production in vitro (34). However, allergic reactions to royal jelly have resulted in generalized urticaria (41); severe facial pruritus and erythema, generalized pruritus, and wheals (47); severe facial edema and facial erythema (48); and an exacerbation of dermatitis (49). According to secondary sources, skin irritations and eczema have also been reported.
  • Exercise performance agentsExercise performance agents: In animal research, a protein from royal jelly reduced fatigue and accumulation of serum lactate and ammonia associated with a forced swim (85). In human research, a combination product containing royal jelly improved exercise performance (86; 87).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). A case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis induced by royal jelly was discussed; however, further details are lacking (51). According to secondary sources, adverse effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • GinsengGinseng: Zhang et al. published the analysis of ginseng royal jelly with respect to constituents specific to ginseng, as well as 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (93). According to secondary sources, royal jelly and ginseng may be used in combination.
  • Growth agentsGrowth agents: In vitro, protein fractions of royal jelly stimulated the growth of insect cells (13).
  • Hepatoprotective agentsHepatoprotective agents: In animal research, royal jelly protected against acetaminophen-induced liver damage (88).
  • HoneyHoney: In vitro, honey increased the antibacterial effects of royal jelly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5). According to secondary sources, royal jelly and honey may be used in combination.
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In vitro, royal jelly activated estrogen receptors (52) and inhibited the bisphenol A-induced proliferation of MCF-7 cancer cells; however, it was without effect in the absence of bisphenol A (14). The estrogenic activities of royal jelly and its fatty acid and sterol constituents have been the topic of discussion (89; 19; 90). In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased testosterone (26); however, effects on hormone levels were lacking in other human research (53). The influence of royal jelly on the excretion of gonadotropins in healthy males has been discussed (91).
  • Hypolipidemic agentsHypolipidemic agents: In human research, royal jelly decreased levels of total cholesterol and increased levels of serum phospholipids, resulting in a reduction of the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids (71). In healthy adults, royal jelly decreased total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, perhaps by decreasing levels of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (82). Effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were lacking. In separate human research, nonsignificant decreases in blood lipids occurred (15), or changes were limited (details are lacking) (72). Use of Melbrosia?, a combination product containing royal jelly, reduced total and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (43).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal research, peptides from royal jelly decreased blood pressure in a hypertensive model (20; 42). In a diabetic animal model, there was a tendency to decrease blood pressure (18).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: Immunological effects have been shown in both animal and in vitro research, such as delayed onset of systemic autoimmunity and decreased IL-10, as well as autoantibodies against ssDNA, dsDNA, and erythrocytes, and the number of splenic autoreactive B cells (21); induced proliferation of lymphocytes and alterations in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels (22); and stimulated or inhibited T cell proliferation and increased or decreased IL-2 production (depending on concentrations) (23).
  • Menopausal agentsMenopausal agents: Use of herbal combination products containing royal jelly reduced symptoms of menopause (54; 43; 53; 55). The effect of royal jelly alone is not clear.
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In isolated and perfused mesenteric vascular beds of a diabetic animal model, royal jelly reduced the sympathetic nerve-mediated vasoconstrictor response to periarterial nerve stimulation, as well as the potentiation of the calcitonin gene-related peptide nerve-mediated vasodilator response to periarterial nerve stimulation (18). Also, in vitro, royal jelly and its 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid increased the generation of neurons and decreased the generation of astrocytes from neural stem/progenitor cells (92). However, in a Japanese man, symptoms of anaphylaxis included vertigo, numbness in his fingers, and impaired consciousness (47), and according to secondary sources, side effects include central nervous system symptoms and insomnia.
  • Ocular agentsOcular agents: An anaphylactic woman presented with congestion of the conjunctivae (48).
  • Radioprotective agentsRadioprotective agents: In animal research, royal jelly protected against the mutagenic effects of Adriamycin? (doxorubicin) and/or cobalt gamma radiation (28).
  • Respiratory agentsRespiratory agents: In humans, respiratory distress, bronchospasm, wheezing, dyspnea, and asthma, including a fatal case, have been related to royal jelly use (56; 57; 58; 41; 59; 60; 61; 47; 48; 62; 63). In a Japanese man, symptoms of anaphylaxis included dyspnea and wheezing (47). An anaphylactic woman presented with dyspnea (48). According to secondary sources, adverse reactions to royal jelly have included rhinitis.
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In animal research, a water-soluble fraction of royal jelly had vasodilating effects on dog femoral artery (31).
  • Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: In animal research, royal jelly lacked benefit on healing following tympanic membrane perforation; however, use of royal jelly increased the thickness of the membranes by increasing the organization of the connective tissue (33). A component originally labeled honeybee royal jelly-derived collagen production-promoting factor (HRJ-CPF) was found to be 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid; 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid increased collagen production in vitro (34).

    • Royal Jelly/Food Interactions:

  • HoneyHoney: In vitro, honey increased the antibacterial effects of royal jelly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5). According to secondary sources, royal jelly and honey may be used in combination.

    • Royal Jelly/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood lipidsBlood lipids: In human research, royal jelly decreased levels of total cholesterol and increased levels of serum phospholipids, resulting in a reduction of the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids (71). In healthy adults, royal jelly decreased total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, perhaps by decreasing levels of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (82). Effects on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were lacking. In separate human research, nonsignificant decreases in blood lipids occurred (15), or changes were limited (details are lacking) (72). Use of Melbrosia?, a combination product containing royal jelly, reduced total and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (43).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal research, peptides from royal jelly decreased blood pressure in a hypertensive model (20; 42). In a diabetic animal model, there was a tendency to decrease blood pressure (18).
  • Coagulation parametersCoagulation parameters: In a case report, royal jelly intake was associated with hemorrhagic colitis, including abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea (44). Hematuria and an elevated INR occurred in an 87 year-old African-American man on stable warfarin for three months who had started taking royal jelly (45).
  • Fibrinolytic activityFibrinolytic activity: In human research, nonsignificant decreases in fibrinolytic activity occurred (15).
  • HormonesHormones: In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased testosterone (26); however, effects on hormone levels were lacking in other human research (53). The influence of royal jelly on the excretion of gonadotropins in healthy males has been discussed (91). Further details are lacking. In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased testosterone (26).
  • Immune parametersImmune parameters: Immunological effects have been shown in both animal and in vitro research, such as delayed onset of systemic autoimmunity and decreased IL-10, as well as autoantibodies against ssDNA, dsDNA, and erythrocytes, and the number of splenic autoreactive B cells (21); induced proliferation of lymphocytes and alterations in IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha levels (22); and stimulated or inhibited T cell proliferation and increased or decreased IL-2 production (depending on concentrations) (23). In animal research, royal jelly had antiallergic effects in a mouse model of immediate hypersensitivity, and the major royal jelly protein 3 (MRJP3) was found to suppress IL-4 production, IL-2, and IFN-gamma by T cells (78).
  • Inflammatory parametersInflammatory parameters: In vitro, royal jelly inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines by activated macrophages (81).
  • InsulinInsulin: In a diabetic animal model, there was a reduction in serum levels of insulin and the homeostasis model assessment ratio (18; 50).
  • Red blood cellsRed blood cells: In human research, royal jelly resulted in increased red blood cell counts and hematocrit (26).
  • Serum ammoniaSerum ammonia: In animal research, a protein from royal jelly reduced fatigue and accumulation of serum lactate and ammonia associated with a forced swim (85).
  • Serum lactateSerum lactate: In animal research, a protein from royal jelly reduced fatigue and accumulation of serum lactate and ammonia associated with a forced swim (85).