Since the classification of royal jelly is that of a 'vitamin supplement', there are strict regulatory guidelines over what can be said about the product and its potentials benefits. This is rightly the case, since making unsubstantiated claims about any product is not in the publics best interest. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) are the regulatory government agency that control the formulation and labeling of products and it is to their guidelines that any supplement must be measured. However, at this point, the FDA do not 'approve' vitamins for public consumption. What they do however is work to prevent the false misrepresentation about their perceived benefits, as already stated above. So how do we convey the 'benefits' of what we believe to be a very potent and beneficial product to the consumer? - We can do this in several ways. There have been many clinical tests conducted on bee products, outside of the scrutiny of the FDA. That does not mean they are invalid tests, just that they were not overseen or scrutinized by the FDA. Many leading lights in the nutritional industry have conducted these tests using the accpeted scientific methodology. Results are published in various medical journals for all to see.
Bee Products clinical studies and references Include - Burdock GA. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of bee propolis (propolis). Food Chem Toxicol 1998;36:347-63
Qian B, Zang X, Liu X. Effects of bee pollen on lipid peroxides and immune response in aging and malnourished mice. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 1990;15(5):301-3, 319.
Dobrowski JW, Vohora SB, Sharma K, et al. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiamoebic, antiinflammatory and antipyretic studies on propolis bee products. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;35:77-82
Crisan I, Zaharia CN, Popovici F, et al. Natural propolis extract NIVCRISOL in the treatment of acute and chronic rhinopharyngitis in children. Rom J Virol 1995;46:115-33
Khayyal MT, El-Ghazaly MA, El-Khatib AS. Mechanisms involved in the antiinflammatory effect of propolis extract. Drugs Exptl Clin Res 1993;29:197-203
Though many clinical studies have been conducted on royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis and honey, they are still classed as nutritional supplements and therefore the FDA has not approved their use nor provided any consumption guidelines. This is the case with all vitamin supplements.
Given the tests, the wide range of consumer use and the feedback from thousands of individuals over time, there are some 'commonly associated benefits' that emerge from the use of royal jelly and other bee products as nutritional supplements.
Royal jelly contains
energizing nutrients including Vitamin B6 complex (B5
pantothenic and B6 Pyridoxine), all of the essential amino acids
and minerals, (iron, calcium and potassium), unsaturated fats
and natural sugars. Many renowned herbalists and natural
practitioners claim that royal jelly will nourish the body and
provide energy. It is also commonly associated with slowing the
aging process, nourishing the skin and erasing facial blemishes
and wrinkles.
Royal
Jelly is considered by many
to be a potent anti-oxidant that is taken for longevity and to provide
support for healthy immune system function.
A healthy immune system is
vital in helping us as the first line of defense against harmful
free-radicals (toxic agents that attack the immune system).
Protein content of
Royal Jelly.
It is a very complex mixture of compounds and contains roughly
12.34 percent protein, 5.46 percent lipids and 12 to 15 percent
carbohydrates. It is remarkably rich in natural hormones.
Tests have shown
that royal jelly can have an effect on the adrenal cortex,
stimulating the adrenal glands to produce a positive reaction on
increased metabolism and enhanced energy.
The pantothenic acid present in royal jelly has been shown to increase the lifespan of white mice in lab studies. In A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements (Haworth Press 2003) tests on humans demonstrated that hyperlipidemic subjects receiving daily royal jelly supplementation exhibited a significant reduction in total serum lipids (10 percent) and cholesterol (14 percent).
In addition to the above
listed benefits, royal jelly, pollen, propolis and honey have been
documented as providing benefits as follows:
-
lowers blood
lipids and cholesterol
-
rejuvenates the
aged, sick or week.
-
menopause related
symptoms
-
helps endocrine
system disorders
-
hepato-protective
(liver)
-
support during
pregnancy and menopause
-
hormonal
imbalances
-
coronary artery
disease
-
bladder infections
-
wound healing
-
anemia
-
inflammations
-
liver ailments
-
cancer
-
arthritis
-
depression
-
diabetes
-
asthma
-
anabolic support
-
weak or tired eyes
-
arteriosclerosis
-
malnutrition
-
mental exhaustion
-
mononucleosis
-
ulcers
-
eczema
-
impetigo
-
Healthy
Weight Control
-
Allergies
-
Anemia
-
Antibiotic
-
Appetite
- stimulant or suppressant
-
Asthma
-
Blood
Builder
-
Capillary
Weakness
-
Chronic
Fatigue
-
Immune
system booster
-
Reverse
impotence
-
Infertility
-
Kidney
disorders
-
Longevity
-
Menopausal
Symptoms
-
Prostate
diseases
-
Ulcers
-
allergies
-
bruises
-
burns
-
cancer
-
herpes
zoster
-
fatigue
-
sore
throats
-
nasal
congestion
-
respiratory
ailments
-
acne
-
skin
disorders
-
sunburn
-
shingles
-
flu
-
colds
-
coughs
-
ulcers
-
wounds
-
increase
calcium absorption
-
can
increase hemoglobin count and treat or prevent anemia caused by
nutritional factors
-
can
help with gastrointestinal healing of ulcers
-
natural
and gentle laxative
-
vast
array of vitamins and minerals
-
energy
without the insulin surge caused by white sugar
Sources include -
'Healing from the Hive' Rita Elkins M.H
Clearly this is a long list and we don't suggest that all of these 'symptoms' can be positively impacted by the use of royal jelly. Results will most certainly vary from individual to individual.
We suggest you try the product under safe and controlled conditions with the involvement of your health practitioner, and see what the benefits are for yourself.