Royal jelly is a crucial substance secreted by worker bees from special glands. It serves as a highly nutritious food used primarily to nourish newly hatched worker bees and future queen bees. Though it is produced for both types of bees, its composition differs depending on the purpose — the jelly intended for queen bees contains significantly higher concentrations of certain essential compounds.
From the moment the larvae hatch from the eggs laid by the queen, worker bees feed them royal jelly for the first 2–3 days. However, the royal jelly given to potential queen bees is distinct in its nutritional profile. It contains nearly ten times more juvenile hormone, a vital component in determining the development of a queen. This specially formulated jelly is what’s harvested for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
Unlike worker bees, queen bees continue to be fed royal jelly throughout their entire development. Visually, royal jelly resembles sour cream — it has a creamy white or slightly yellowish tint. It possesses a unique aroma and a sweet yet slightly sour taste. Royal jelly is the only known natural substance that contains all essential amino acids required by the human body.
Chemical Composition of Royal Jelly
Royal jelly contains an impressive array of bioactive substances, including:
- Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B12, C, A, D, PP, and E.
- Nutrients: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fats, free organic amino acids, and mineral compounds.
- Microelements: Zinc, copper, manganese, iron, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, cobalt, nickel, silver, gold, bismuth, aluminum, chromium, and many others — up to 100 different trace elements.
- Amino Acids: Arginine, asparagine, glycine, cysteine, histidine, lysine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine, serine, methionine, glutamine, tryptophan, proline, hydroxyproline, gamma-globulin, gelatin, and more.
In total, royal jelly contains over 400 bioactive compounds, making it one of the most complex and beneficial natural substances known to science.
It’s important to highlight how well-balanced this composition is. The proteins in royal jelly closely resemble those found in human blood. Its amino acid profile is also similar to that of meat, milk, and eggs. However, it contains even higher amounts of certain crucial amino acids such as glutamine, asparagine, lysine, and proline.
Health Benefits and Uses of Royal Jelly
Thanks to its rich and unique composition, royal jelly has been used since ancient times for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Here are some of its well-known benefits:
1. Potent Natural Stimulant
Royal jelly boosts the function of nearly all physiological systems in the human body.
2. Immune System Enhancer
It strengthens the immune system, helping the body resist infections, colds, and viral diseases.
3. Antibacterial Properties
Royal jelly has powerful antibacterial, bacteriostatic (prevents bacterial growth), and bactericidal (kills bacteria) effects due to its unique acids.
4. Cardiovascular Health
It supports the treatment of:
- Atherosclerosis
- Ischemic heart disease
- Angina
- Hypertension and hypotension
- Thrombophlebitis
- Recovery post-heart attack
It enhances metabolism in heart tissue and helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, accelerating regeneration.
5. Infertility and Pregnancy
Royal jelly is unparalleled in nature for its fertility-enhancing properties. During pregnancy, it supports healthy fetal development and stimulates lactation in mothers.
6. Physical and Mental Performance
Royal jelly boosts both physical endurance and cognitive abilities, making it ideal for people undergoing intense physical or mental stress.
7. Nervous System Regulation
It soothes the nervous system, combats stress and depression, and helps alleviate both mental and physical fatigue.
Other Notable Effects
- Stimulates the immune, hormonal, and enzymatic systems
- Enhances metabolism and tissue regeneration
- Supports post-surgery recovery
- Improves memory
- Has anti-tumor effects
- Increases lactation in breastfeeding women
- Promotes the development of underweight or premature babies
- Accelerates child growth
- Acts as a natural antiseptic
- Boosts overall vitality and slows aging
- Strengthens the elderly and those recovering from injuries
How to Take Royal Jelly
Dosage:
- Adults: 0.2 grams per day
- Adolescents: 0.1 grams per day
Method:
Place the jelly under your tongue 30 minutes before meals. Hold it in your mouth without swallowing until it’s completely absorbed (about 15–20 minutes). The jelly mixes with saliva and gradually enters your system.
Take twice daily, with the second dose no later than 6 PM.
Course Duration:
Take for 2–3 weeks, followed by a 10-day break. It can be safely used long-term as a dietary supplement.
