Polvere di pappa reale o Pappa reale liofilizzata (Apis mellifera L.; secrezione delle ghiandole ipofaringee e mandibolari delle api nutrici)

Ingrediente apistico ottenuto dalla liofilizzazione della pappa reale fresca per rimuovere l’acqua e stabilizzare i componenti sensibili. Si presenta come polvere igroscopica, color avorio–giallo pallido, dal sapore acidulo caratteristico. È impiegata in alimenti e integratori (capsule, compresse, bustine, miscele con miele) e in cosmesi come attivo idratante/condizionante.

Valore calorico (per 100 g di prodotto)

Pappa reale liofilizzata (polvere): ~350–450 kcal/100 g.
Estratto idroalcolico: ~50–150 kcal/100 g (in funzione dei solidi e dell’EtOH residuo).
Estratto glicerico/glicolico: ~150–300 kcal/100 g.
Nota d’uso: 1 g di polvere liofilizzata corrisponde in media a ~3 g di pappa reale fresca (rapporto ~1:3). Ai dosaggi tipici (100–1000 mg/porzione) l’apporto energetico è modesto.

Principali sostanze contenute (su base secca)

Proteine: 30–45%, predominano le MRJP (major royal jelly proteins 1–9).
Carboidrati: ~30–40% (soprattutto glucosio e fruttosio).
Lipidi: ~8–19%; acidi grassi specifici, in particolare 10-HDA (10-idrossi-2-decenoico, marker di qualità), 10-idrossidecanoico e correlati.
Vitamine e minerali: soprattutto vitamine del gruppo B (es. B5), potassio, calcio, magnesio (tenori variabili).
Altri componenti: peptidi bioattivi (royalisin, jelleine), tracce di acetilcolina ed enzimi; fenolici di origine nettarifera/pollinica in tracce.
Marcatori analitici: 10-HDA (su tal quale o su secco), profilo MRJP, pH della soluzione ricostituita (~3,4–4,5), ceneri, umidità residua.

Processo di produzione

Raccolta e filtrazione: prelievo della pappa reale fresca dalle celle reali; rimozione di residui larvali.
Liofilizzazione: congelamento rapido e sublimazione sotto vuoto per preservare i componenti termolabili; umidità finale tipica ≤4–6%.
Macinazione e setacciatura: omogeneizzazione della polvere e controllo della granulometria.
Standardizzazione: definizione del titolo in 10-HDA (es. ≥4–6% su secco), contenuto proteico MRJP, umidità residua.
Controlli qualità: autenticità (MRJP/10-HDA), metalli/pesticidi, microbiologia, eventuali solventi per estratti; confezionamento secondo GMP/HACCP.

Proprietà fisiche e tecnologiche

Aspetto e flusso: polvere fine e igroscopica; può richiedere antiagglomeranti ammessi in miscele secche.
Solubilità/ricostituzione: dispersibile in acqua tiepida; soluzione a pH acido, leggermente opalescente.
Stabilità: bassa aw e umidità ridotta migliorano la shelf-life; sensibilità a luce, calore e ossigeno (DO).
Compatibilità: in matrici ad pH elevato o ricche di proteine possono verificarsi variazioni di colore/sapore; evitare ossidazione lipidica.

Impieghi alimentari

Integratori (capsule, compresse, bustine), miscele con miele, bevande funzionali, lattiero-caseari “premium” e prodotti da forno in microdosaggio.
Dosaggi indicativi: polvere liofilizzata 100–1000 mg/porzione (da ottimizzare con prove tecnologiche); in miele 0,3–1,5% a seconda del posizionamento. In ambito alimentare non si attribuiscono claim salutistici senza specifica autorizzazione.

Impieghi cosmetici

Sieri, creme viso/corpo e haircare come skin conditioning, umettante/idratante e blando lenitivo; uso della polvere reidratata o di estratti acquosi/glicerici. Curare la conservazione microbiologica nelle formule ad alta acqua.

Qualità e specifiche (temi tipici)

Titolo in 10-HDA e contenuto proteico MRJP come indici di identità/qualità.
Parametri: umidità residua/aw, pH della soluzione ricostituita, colore; per polveri, granulometria per miscelazione uniforme.
Autenticità: profilo proteico e rapporti zuccherini; controlli antifrode (HPLC, GC–MS, analisi isotopiche).
Contaminanti: pesticidi/metalli entro limiti; microbiologia conforme; residui di solventi ove applicabile.
Sensoriale: assenza di note rancide o ossidate.

Conservazione e shelf-life

Proteggere da luce, calore e umidità; imballi barriera a bassa permeabilità con essiccanti e testa d’aria ridotta (DO basso).
Stoccare in luogo fresco e asciutto con RH controllata; richiudere accuratamente dopo l’uso.
Soluzioni ricostituite: preparare al bisogno; mantenere pH acido e limitare l’esposizione all’ossigeno. Applicare rotazione FIFO.

Allergeni e sicurezza

Possibili reazioni in soggetti allergici ai prodotti dell’alveare o con asma/atopia; uso prudente e corretta etichettatura. Per cosmetici considerare sensibilità individuali e adeguata preservazione.

Funzioni INCI in cosmesi

Voci tipiche: Royal Jelly Powder; Royal Jelly Extract; Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly.
Ruoli: skin conditioning, umettante/idratante, lenitivo, nutrient.

Troubleshooting

Caking/agglomerazione: assorbimento di umidità → migliorare barriera, usare essiccanti, setacciare prima dell’uso.
Ingegiallimento/irrancidimento: luce/ossigeno/temperatura → imballi opachi, atmosfera protettiva, eventuali antiossidanti tecnici idonei.
Perdita di attività: pH non ottimale o calore eccessivo → lavorare a freddo, mantenere pH acido.
Variabilità lotto-lotto: stagionalità/alimentazione delle colonie → specifiche strette su 10-HDA, MRJP e profilo sensoriale.

Sostenibilità e filiera

Apicoltura responsabile con tutela del benessere delle colonie e della biodiversità; pratiche di raccolta etiche e tracciabilità completa. In stabilimento: efficienza idrica/energetica, gestione degli effluenti con target BOD/COD, packaging riciclabile e logistica a temperatura/umidità controllate.

Conclusione

La pappa reale liofilizzata è una forma stabile e concentrata della pappa reale, con composizione peculiare (proteine MRJP e acidi grassi specifici come 10-HDA) e ampie possibilità applicative in alimenti, integratori e cosmesi. Prestazioni e stabilità dipendono da qualità della materia prima, standardizzazione analitica e controllo di luce/ossigeno/umidità e pH.

Mini-glossario

MRJP — major royal jelly proteins: classe proteica caratteristica della pappa reale.
10-HDA — 10-idrossi-2-decenoico: acido grasso specifico della pappa reale; marker di qualità.
EtOH — etanolo: co-solvente idroalcolico; rilevante in etichetta se residuo.
HPLC — high-performance liquid chromatography: analisi quantitativa di marker (es. 10-HDA) e profili.
GC–MS — gascromatografia–spettrometria di massa: autenticità/volatili e test antifrode.
aw — attività dell’acqua: quota di acqua “libera”, legata a stabilità e microbiologia.
RH — umidità relativa: da controllare per stabilità delle polveri.
DO — dissolved oxygen (ossigeno disciolto): ridurlo limita ossidazioni.
GMP/HACCP — buone pratiche di produzione / analisi dei pericoli e punti critici di controllo.
BOD/COD — domanda biochimica/chimica di ossigeno: indicatori del carico organico degli effluenti.
FIFO — first in, first out: rotazione scorte che privilegia i lotti più vecchi.

Bibliografia__________________________________________________________________________

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.