Royal Jelly (Apis mellifera L.; secretion of the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of nurse bees)

Royal jelly is an apicultural ingredient produced as food for larvae and the queen. It is a semi-solid, opalescent substance, white to yellowish, with a tangy taste and characteristic aroma. It is used in foods and supplements (often freeze-dried or blended with honey) and in cosmetics as a hydrating/conditioning active with a multifunctional profile.

Caloric Value (Per 100 g Of Product)

Fresh royal jelly: ~120–165 kcal/100 g (high moisture).
Freeze-dried royal jelly (powder): ~350–450 kcal/100 g.
Hydroalcoholic extract: ~50–150 kcal/100 g (depends on solids and EtOH residue).
Glyceric/glycolic extract: ~150–300 kcal/100 g.
At typical use levels (hundreds of mg to a few g per day) the energy contribution is modest.

Key Constituents

Water: ~60–70% in fresh material.
Proteins: ~9–18%; dominated by MRJP (major royal jelly proteins, 1–9).
Carbohydrates: ~7–18%; mainly glucose and fructose.
Lipids: ~3–8%; royal-jelly–specific medium-chain fatty acids (e.g., 10-HDA = 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, a quality marker), 10-hydroxydecanoic acid and related dicarboxylics.
Vitamins and minerals: B-vitamins (notably B5), potassium, calcium, magnesium at variable levels.
Other components: trace acetylcholine, bioactive peptides (e.g., royalisin, jelleins), enzymes; trace phenolics from nectar/pollen origin.
Analytical markers: 10-HDA (as-is or dry basis), MRJP profile, ash, moisture, typical pH ~3.4–4.5.

Production Process

Beekeeping and harvest: rearing of queen cells; royal jelly is manually removed at a standardized larval age.
Cold chain: immediate chilling to preserve activity and limit degradation.
Purification and packaging: removal of larval residues; packing in light/oxygen-barrier containers.
Stabilization: refrigeration or freeze-drying to obtain a stable powder; optional blending with honey as carrier.
Standardization: specification for 10-HDA (e.g., typical ≥1.4% on fresh or corresponding dry-basis values), moisture, protein, pH.
Quality controls: authenticity (protein MRJP/10-HDA markers), metals/pesticides, microbiology, solvent residues for extracts; full traceability under GMP/HACCP.

Physical And Technological Properties

Appearance/color: viscous cream, ivory to slightly yellow.
pH and stability: acidic pH ~3.4–4.5; fresh material has high aw and requires cold or freeze-drying.
Aroma/taste: tangy, characteristic; aging and light can induce yellowing and sensory change.
Compatibility: in protein-rich or high-pH matrices, instability/discoloration may occur; oxygen (DO) accelerates rancidity of specific lipids.

Food Applications

Powders or oral vials for supplements, blends with honey/syrups, functional beverages, premium bakery and dairy at micro-dose levels. Indicative dosages: freeze-dried powder 100–1000 mg/serving (to be set technologically); in honey 1–5% depending on positioning. In foods, no health claims should be used without authorization.

Cosmetic Applications

Serums, face/body creams, and haircare as skin conditioning, humectant/hydrating, and mild soothing active; provides peptides and saccharides contributing to sensorial feel. Use aqueous/glyceric extracts or rehydrated freeze-dried powder; ensure appropriate microbiological preservation in water-rich formulas.

Quality And Specifications (Typical Topics)

Assay in 10-HDA (identity/quality marker) and MRJP protein content.
Parameters: moisture/aw, pH, color; for powders, fineness and water activity.
Authenticity: protein profile and sugar ratios; anti-fraud tests (e.g., HPLC, GC–MS, isotopes) to exclude adulteration.
Contaminants: pesticides/metals within limits; compliant microbiology; residual solvents where applicable.
Sensory: free of rancid or oxidative notes.

Storage And Shelf Life

Fresh: refrigerate; protect from light and air; use opaque, low-permeability containers.
Freeze-dried: store cool and dry with controlled RH; reseal tightly after use.
Extracts: prefer protective atmosphere with reduced headspace (DO low).
Apply FIFO rotation and avoid temperature swings.

Allergens And Safety

Allergic reactions can occur in individuals sensitive to bee products (royal jelly/pollen/propoli) or with asthma/atopy—use prudence. Comply with food labeling requirements; in cosmetics, consider individual sensitivity and correct preservation.

INCI Functions In Cosmetics

Typical entries: Royal Jelly; Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly; Royal Jelly Extract; Royal Jelly Powder.
Roles: skin conditioning, humectant, soothing, nutrient.

Troubleshooting

Rancidity/yellowing: exposure to light/oxygen → use barrier packaging, suitable technical antioxidants, protective atmosphere.
Loss of activity: high temperatures or non-optimal pH → process cold; keep solutions acidic.
Microbial contamination: high aw in fresh material → cold chain, strict hygiene, freeze-drying or adequate preservation in formulation.
Lot-to-lot variability: season and colony nutrition → standardize to 10-HDA, MRJP, and sensory specs.

Sustainability And Supply Chain

Responsible apiculture prioritizing colony welfare and biodiversity; batch traceability, ethical harvest, and minimization of hive stress. In-plant: water/energy savings, effluent management to BOD/COD targets; recyclable packaging and temperature-controlled logistics.

Conclusion

Royal jelly offers a unique composition (proteins MRJP and specific fatty acids such as 10-HDA) and valuable applications in foods, supplements, and cosmetics. Performance and stability depend on raw-material quality, proper conservation, management of light/oxygen/pH, and rigorous analytical standardization.

Mini-Glossary

MRJP — Major royal jelly proteins: Signature protein class of royal jelly.
10-HDA — 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid: Royal-jelly-specific fatty acid; quality marker.
EtOH — Ethanol: Hydroalcoholic co-solvent; relevant for labeling if residual.
HPLC — High-performance liquid chromatography: Quantitative analysis of markers (e.g., 10-HDA) and profiles.
GC–MS — Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry: Authentication/volatiles and anti-fraud testing.
aw — Water activity: Fraction of “free” water linked to stability and microbiology.
RH — Relative humidity: Control for powder stability.
DO — Dissolved oxygen: Lowering it limits oxidation.
GMP/HACCP — Good manufacturing practice / Hazard analysis and critical control points: Preventive quality systems with defined CCP.
BOD/COD — Biochemical/chemical oxygen demand: Effluent organic-load indicators.
FIFO — First in, first out: Stock rotation prioritizing older lots.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Oršolić N, Jazvinšćak Jembrek M. Royal Jelly: Biological Action and Health Benefits. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 May 30;25(11):6023. doi: 10.3390/ijms25116023. PMID: 38892209; 

Abstract. Royal jelly (RJ) is a highly nutritious natural product with great potential for use in medicine, cosmetics, and as a health-promoting food. This bee product is a mixture of important compounds, such as proteins, vitamins, lipids, minerals, hormones, neurotransmitters, flavonoids, and polyphenols, that underlie the remarkable biological and therapeutic activities of RJ. Various bioactive molecules like 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), antibacterial protein, apisin, the major royal jelly proteins, and specific peptides such as apisimin, royalisin, royalactin, apidaecin, defensin-1, and jelleins are characteristic ingredients of RJ. RJ shows numerous physiological and pharmacological properties, including vasodilatory, hypotensive, antihypercholesterolaemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, estrogenic, anti-allergic, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumor effects. Moreover, RJ may reduce menopause symptoms and improve the health of the reproductive system, liver, and kidneys, and promote wound healing. This article provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of RJ in various diseases, aging, and aging-related complications, with special emphasis on the bioactive components of RJ and their health-promoting properties. The data presented should be an incentive for future clinical studies that hopefully will advance our knowledge about the therapeutic potential of RJ and facilitate the development of novel RJ-based therapeutic opportunities for improving human health and well-being.

Collazo N, Carpena M, Nuñez-Estevez B, Otero P, Simal-Gandara J, Prieto MA. Health Promoting Properties of Bee Royal Jelly: Food of the Queens. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 7;13(2):543. doi: 10.3390/nu13020543. 

Abstract. Royal jelly (RJ) demand is growing every year and so is the market for functional foods in general. RJ is formed by different substances, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, but also vitamins, minerals, and phenolic or volatile compounds in lower proportion. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJP) are, together with 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), key substances of RJ due to their different biological properties. In particular, 10-HDA is a unique substance in this product. RJ has been historically employed as health enhancer and is still very relevant in China due to the traditional medicine and the apitherapy. Nowadays, it is mainly consumed as a functional food or is found in supplements and other formulations for its health-beneficial properties. Within these properites, anti-lipidemic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiaging, and estrogenic activities have been reported for RJ or its specific components. This manuscript is aimed at reviewing the current knowledge on RJ components, their assessment in terms of authenticity, their biological activities, and related health applications.

Kudłacik-Kramarczyk S, Krzan M, Jamroży M, Przybyłowicz A, Drabczyk A. Exploring the Potential of Royal-Jelly-Incorporated Hydrogel Dressings as Innovative Wound Care Materials. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 14;24(10):8738. doi: 10.3390/ijms24108738. Erratum in: Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 12;25(8):4280. doi: 10.3390/ijms25084280. 

Abstract. The development of multifunctional dressing materials with beneficial properties for wound healing has become a recent focus of research. Many studies are being conducted to incorporate active substances into dressings to positively impact wound healing processes. Researchers have investigated various natural additives, including plant extracts and apiproducts such as royal jelly, to enhance the properties of dressings. In this study, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based hydrogel dressings modified with royal jelly were developed and analyzed for their sorption ability, wettability, surface morphology, degradation, and mechanical properties. The results showed that the royal jelly and crosslinking agent content had an impact on the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels and their potential for use as innovative dressing materials. This study investigated the swelling behavior, surface morphology, and mechanical properties of hydrogel materials containing royal jelly. The majority of the tested materials showed a gradual increase in swelling ratio with time. The pH of the incubated fluids varied depending on the type of fluid used, with distilled water having the greatest decrease in pH due to the release of organic acids from the royal jelly. The hydrogel samples had a relatively homogeneous surface, and no dependence between composition and surface morphology was observed. Natural additives like royal jelly can modify the mechanical properties of hydrogels, increasing their elongation percentage while decreasing their tensile strength. These findings suggest possible future applications in various fields requiring high flexibility and elasticity.

Kurek-Górecka A, Górecki M, Rzepecka-Stojko A, Balwierz R, Stojko J. Bee Products in Dermatology and Skin Care. Molecules. 2020 Jan 28;25(3):556. doi: 10.3390/molecules25030556.

Abstract. Honey, propolis, bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly, beeswax and bee venom are natural products which have been used in medicine since ancient times. Nowadays, studies indicate that natural bee products can be used for skin treatment and care. Biological properties of these products are related to flavonoids they contain like: chrysin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, galangin, pinocembrin or naringenin. Several pharmacological activities of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and also 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, which is present in royal jelly, have been reported. Royal jelly has multitude of pharmacological activities: antibiotic, antiinflammatory, antiallergenic, tonic and antiaging. Honey, propolis and pollen are used to heal burn wounds, and they possess numerous functional properties such as: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, disinfectant, antifungal and antiviral. Beeswax is used for production of cosmetics and ointments in pharmacy. Due to a large number of biological activities, bee products could be considered as important ingredients in medicines and cosmetics applied to skin.

Sugiyama T, Takahashi K, Mori H. Royal jelly acid, 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, as a modulator of the innate immune responses. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2012 Dec;12(4):368-76. doi: 10.2174/187153012803832530. 

Abstract. Royal jelly is a food for queen and larvae honeybees. 10-Hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA; "royal jelly acid") is the principal lipid component in royal jelly. Several pharmacological activities of 10H2DA have been reported: anti-tumor, anti-biotic, immunomodulatory, estrogenic and neurogenic. We recently revealed an inhibitory effect of 10H2DA in innate immune signals. Despite appreciable advances in studies on innate immune signals after the identification of Toll-like receptors as innate immune receptors, few studies have reported the effect of 10H2DA on innate immune signals. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the evaluation of the biological activities of 10H2DA (especially immunomodulatory activities). We also discuss the molecular mechanisms underpinning these biological activities, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for the treatment of immune disorders.

Li S, Tao L, Yu X, Zheng H, Wu J, Hu F. Royal Jelly Proteins and Their Derived Peptides: Preparation, Properties, and Biological Activities. J Agric Food Chem. 2021 Dec 8;69(48):14415-14427. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c05942. 

Abstract. Royal jelly, also called bee milk, is a source of high-quality proteins. Royal jelly proteins serve as not only a rich source of essential amino acids and functional donors but also an excellent substrate for preparing bioactive peptides. Most naturally occurring bioactive peptides in royal jelly are antibacterial, while peptides derived from proteolytic reactions are shown to exert antihypertensive, antioxidative, and anti-aging activities. Further studies are warranted to characterize the functional properties of major royal jelly proteins and peptides, to explore the preparation of bioactive peptides and the potential novel activities, to improve their bioavailability, to enhance the production efficiency for commercial availability, and finally to open up new applications for royal jelly as a functional food and potential therapeutic agent.

Moriyama M, Miyake Y, Okumura N, Moriyama H. Royal Jelly Maintains Epidermal Stem Cell Properties by Repressing Senescence. Biol Pharm Bull. 2024;47(12):2041-2049. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b24-00607.

Abstract. Royal jelly (RJ), a natural product secreted by honeybees, is widely used in topical skincare products to help maintain cutaneous homeostasis. Despite its popularity, the mechanism through which RJ exerts its effects on the skin has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the impact of RJ on the proliferative ability and senescence of human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HPEKs). Our data suggested that epidermal equivalents became thicker with more p63-expressing proliferative cells upon RJ addition to the culture medium. In a two-dimensional culture system, we evaluated the effect of RJ on the proliferation of HPEKs and observed only a slight increase in cell proliferation. This suggests that RJ does not significantly enhance the proliferation of HPEKs in the short term. However, long-term culture experiments demonstrated enhanced population doubling in the RJ-treated group, indicating that RJ inhibits senescence. RJ was found to suppress cellular senescence by modulating the expression levels of ΔNp63, p16, and p21. These results were further supported by the identification of major fatty acids, such as 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid, in RJ. Our findings indicate that RJ can maintain epidermal stem cell properties by repressing cellular senescence, providing insights into its mechanism of action in skincare applications.