Royal jelly has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Asia and in ancient Egyptian bee therapy practices. Today, it appears in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and over-the-counter supplements. If you’re interested in other bee products, you might also want to read about bee pollen, honey, and propolis.

Studies have found that royal jelly has antibacterial activity against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Animal studies suggest it may lower blood pressure, have anti-tumour effects, reduce cholesterol, and decrease inflammation. But what does the human evidence actually show? That’s what this article explores.

What is royal jelly?

Royal jelly is a white or pale yellow, creamy substance secreted by worker bees from their hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands. Queen bees eat nothing else throughout their entire lives, from larval stage to adulthood.

The composition differs from what worker bees eat (a mixture of pollen, nectar, and honey). Royal jelly contains less water but about four times as much sugar, more protein, and different mineral concentrations.

Here’s what makes this genuinely fascinating: genetically identical bee larvae fed royal jelly become queens, while those fed regular food become workers. Queen bees live up to five years and lay 2,000-3,000 eggs daily. Worker bees typically live about 45 days. Same genes, radically different outcomes, all because of diet. This epigenetic phenomenon has driven much of the research interest in royal jelly.

What are the components of royal jelly?

Royal jelly is roughly:

67% water
16% sugars
12.5% proteins and amino acids
5% fats

It also contains about 1.5% minerals (copper, zinc, iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, and sodium) plus small amounts of flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins including biotin, folate, inositol, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin E.

The most studied unique component is 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a fatty acid found only in royal jelly. Researchers believe this compound may be responsible for several of the biological effects attributed to royal jelly.

10 potential benefits of royal jelly

1. Royal jelly may lower cholesterol

Cholesterol travels through your blood packaged with proteins in structures called lipoproteins. High levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

A randomised placebo-controlled study followed 40 patients with mildly elevated cholesterol for three months. Those taking royal jelly orally had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared to the placebo group. Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) didn’t change significantly. [1]

The sample size was small, so we need larger studies to confirm this effect. But for people looking to support healthy cholesterol alongside diet and exercise, it’s worth knowing about.

2. Royal jelly may support general health markers

The World Health Organisation defines health as complete physical, social, and mental wellbeing, not just the absence of disease.

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial gave 61 healthy adults either royal jelly (100ml daily) or placebo for six months. The royal jelly group showed improvements in red blood cell counts, haematocrit levels, fasting blood glucose, and insulinogenic index. Mental health scores on the SF-36 questionnaire also improved. Additionally, DHEA-S and testosterone levels increased. [2]

I find this interesting because it measured multiple markers simultaneously rather than just one endpoint. That said, six months is relatively short, and 61 people isn’t a huge sample.

3. Royal jelly and blood sugar control

For people with diabetes, maintaining good blood sugar control helps prevent complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis pooled data from five randomised controlled trials involving 335 participants. While royal jelly did reduce fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control), the reductions weren’t statistically significant. [3]

The bottom line: current evidence doesn’t strongly support using royal jelly for blood sugar management. If you have diabetes, stick with proven approaches and talk to your doctor.

4. Royal jelly and systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Over 90% of new patients are women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include fever, joint pain, muscle aches, headaches, weight loss, and more serious complications like kidney problems.

In a small open-label study, 20 children with SLE took 2g of fresh royal jelly daily for 12 weeks. Researchers observed increases in CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells (which help maintain immune balance) and reduced numbers of dying immune cells. Disease activity scores also improved. [4]

This is preliminary work. Open-label means patients knew what they were taking, which can affect results. Children may respond differently than adults. But it suggests royal jelly deserves more investigation in autoimmune conditions.

5. Royal jelly may ease premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 30-80% of women of reproductive age. Symptoms range from bloating and headaches to anxiety, depression, breast tenderness, and back pain. The main driver is hormonal fluctuations, though neurotransmitters, prostaglandins, stress, diet, and lifestyle all play roles.

A randomised triple-blind placebo-controlled trial enrolled 110 university students with PMS (but no reproductive diseases and not taking painkillers). Those who took 1,000mg royal jelly daily for two months had significantly improved premenstrual scores, with an average improvement of 11.75 points versus 1.20 points in the placebo group. No side effects were reported. [5]

For more approaches to PMS, see our article on health foods that may relieve premenstrual syndrome.

6. Royal jelly may help with menopausal symptoms

Menopause typically occurs between ages 40 and 50, with symptoms often beginning 8-10 years beforehand. Common complaints include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep difficulties, memory problems, vaginal dryness, headaches, and joint stiffness. An estimated 85% of women experience some menopause-related symptoms.

A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial gave 12 healthy postmenopausal women (who weren’t on hormone replacement) either 800mg royal jelly or placebo daily. The royal jelly group reported improvements in anxiety, back pain, and lower back pain on the menopausal symptom questionnaire. [6]

The mechanism may involve fatty acids in royal jelly (10-HDA and 10-HDAA) that can interact with oestrogen receptor beta, promote serotonin production, and increase blood flow.

This was a tiny study, but if you’re looking for natural approaches to menopause symptoms, royal jelly might be worth trying. For more options, read our article on health foods for menopause.

Cancer-related fatigue is a constant, overwhelming tiredness connected to cancer or its treatment. It doesn’t improve proportionally with rest and can interfere with daily life. Studies report that 30-60% of patients experience moderate to severe fatigue during treatment, and some continue to feel exhausted for years afterward.

A randomised double-blind controlled trial studied 52 cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy over four weeks. Those who took royal jelly combined with honey showed significant improvements in fatigue scores (measured on the Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale) compared to those taking honey alone. [7]

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties of royal jelly may explain this effect. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and struggling with fatigue, this is worth discussing with your oncologist.

8. Royal jelly may help dry eyes

Dry eye is a common condition where tears don’t adequately lubricate the eyes, causing burning, sensitivity to light, and a gritty sensation. Prevalence estimates range from 7% to 34% depending on how it’s defined and the population studied.

An eight-week randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study enrolled 43 patients with dry eyes. Those taking royal jelly lozenges (1,200mg total daily, divided into six doses) had improved tear production, especially those with more severe baseline symptoms (Schirmer value ≤10mm). [8]

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of royal jelly, along with effects on cellular energy production, may explain the benefit.

9. Royal jelly may help with oral mucositis

Oral mucositis is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer treatment, affecting 15-40% of chemotherapy patients and nearly 100% of those receiving radiation to the head and neck. It causes painful mouth ulcers that can interfere with eating, speaking, and swallowing.

One small study of 13 patients found that prophylactic royal jelly use reduced the severity of oral mucositis caused by cancer treatment. After radiotherapy, Grade 3 mucositis (severe) occurred in 71.4% of the royal jelly group versus 100% of controls. [9]

The sample was tiny, but for cancer patients dreading this side effect, royal jelly might offer some protection.

10. Royal jelly may improve skin ageing

About 90% of human skin is collagen, which maintains elasticity and firmness. After about age 25, collagen production gradually declines. After menopause, reduced oestrogen accelerates skin ageing, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity.

An animal study using rats that had their ovaries removed (to simulate menopause) found that royal jelly helped improve collagen production in skin cells. [10]

This is animal data, not human evidence, so we can’t draw strong conclusions. However, it does suggest why royal jelly appears in so many skincare products.

Side effects of royal jelly

For most people, oral royal jelly is safe. However, adverse reactions do occur, particularly in those allergic to bee products.

Reported reactions include:

Asthma attacks
Contact dermatitis
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)

In rare cases, severe allergic reactions have been fatal. The proteins MRJP-1 and MRJP-2 in royal jelly are the main allergens.

7 contraindications and safety precautions

Bee product allergies: Don’t use royal jelly if you’ve had allergic reactions to pollen, honey, propolis, or other bee products. The risk of severe reaction is too high.
Test first if you’re allergy-prone: If you have general allergy tendencies, try about 0.1g first and wait. If you develop throat itching, digestive upset, difficulty breathing, excessive mucus, or rash, stop immediately.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver or kidney problems: Safety hasn’t been established in these groups. Best to avoid.
Low blood pressure or blood pressure medications: Royal jelly may lower blood pressure, which could cause problems if yours is already low or if you’re on antihypertensive drugs.
Anticoagulant medications: Royal jelly may interfere with blood thinners like warfarin, potentially increasing their effect. Don’t combine them.
Oestrogen-sensitive conditions: Animal and laboratory studies suggest that medium-chain fatty acids in royal jelly (sebalenic acid, sebacatenoic acid) have oestrogenic activity. While this effect hasn’t been confirmed in humans, people with oestrogen-sensitive conditions should probably avoid royal jelly. These include:
- Breast fibroids
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Colorectal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Gynaecomastia (male breast enlargement)
- Precocious puberty in girls
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
Children before puberty: Because of potential hormonal effects, royal jelly isn’t recommended for children, as it could affect sexual development.

How to take royal jelly and when

Based on current research, dosing depends on the purpose, but generally 1-5 grams daily for 30-90 days is common, followed by a 10-30 day break.

Royal jelly is typically taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, or at least 15 minutes before eating. Taking it at night isn’t recommended as it may increase energy levels and interfere with sleep.

Fresh royal jelly should be refrigerated. Freeze-dried royal jelly in capsules is more shelf-stable and convenient for many people.

References

Chiu HF, et al. Hypocholesterolemic efficacy of royal jelly in healthy mild hypercholesterolemic adults. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017;55(1):497-502. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6130454/
Morita H, et al. Effect of royal jelly ingestion for six months on healthy volunteers. Nutrition Journal. 2012;11:77. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499288/
Gheflati A, et al. The effect of royal jelly on glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019;44:78-84. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31126561/
Mannoor MK, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of royal jelly on pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):682. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27887663/
Taavoni S, et al. Effect of Royal Jelly on premenstrual syndrome in female college students: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2014;22(4):601-606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25146061/
Yoshimura K, et al. The effect of royal jelly on menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2018;25(8):939-945. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949161/
Mofid B, et al. The effect of royal jelly on cancer-related fatigue. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2016;21:103. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965196/
Inoue S, et al. Royal jelly supplementation improves dry eye symptoms. PLOS ONE. 2017;12(1):e0169069. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5217957/
Yamauchi K, et al. The effect of royal jelly on oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2014;13(2):NP1-NP7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4221863/
Park HM, et al. Royal jelly increases collagen production in rat skin after ovariectomy. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2012;15(6):568-575. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3359633/