Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Royal Jelly in Metabolic Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases

Abstract

Metabolic disorders, encompassing diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, etc., pose a substantial global health threat, with rising morbidity and mortality rates. Addressing these disorders is crucial, as conventional drugs often come with high costs and adverse effects. This review explores the potential of royal jelly (RJ), a natural bee product rich in bioactive components, as an alternative strategy for managing metabolic diseases. RJ exhibits diverse therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, estrogen-like, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. This review’s focus is on investigating how RJ and its components impact conditions like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Evidence suggests that RJ serves as a complementary treatment for various health issues, notably demonstrating cholesterol- and glucose-lowering effects in diabetic rats. Specific RJ-derived metabolites, such as 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), also known as the “Queen bee acid,” show promise in reducing insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Recent research highlights RJ’s role in modulating immune responses, enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines, and suppressing key inflammatory mediators. Despite these promising findings, further research is needed to comprehensively understand the mechanisms underlying RJ’s therapeutic effects.

Royal Jelly: Biological Action and Health Benefits

“…RJ contains compounds functionally and structurally similar to insulin [ 160 ]. Moreover, as one of the most powerful therapeutic formulations with regenerative features, RJ may regenerate damaged pancreatic cells and prevent the development of diabetes [ 60 , 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 ]. The regeneration of pancreatic cells and preservation of insulin levels are key factors in lowering blood glucose [ 160 , 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 ].…”

“…Moreover, as one of the most powerful therapeutic formulations with regenerative features, RJ may regenerate damaged pancreatic cells and prevent the development of diabetes [ 60 , 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 ]. The regeneration of pancreatic cells and preservation of insulin levels are key factors in lowering blood glucose [ 160 , 161 , 162 , 163 , 164 ]. In the Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat model of type 2 diabetes, the long-term usage of RJ was effective in the prevention of insulin resistance [ 166 ].…”