Royal Jelly
Royal jelly: what two meta-analyses found for blood sugar and liver enzymes (no significant effect overall) and what is documented about allergic reactions.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Supplements can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read mushroom safety and interactions before you use any mushroom product.
Overview and identity
Royal jelly is a secretion that honeybees feed to developing queen bees. Bee products including propolis, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly have been used as medicine since ancient times. [1]What the research shows
| Use | What the review found | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Blood sugar | A 2019 meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials (205 people for fasting glucose) found no significant effects on fasting glucose or HbA1c; the authors cite methodological issues. [1] | No significant effect |
| Liver enzymes and glycemic indices | A 2023 meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials found no significant effect overall; fasting glucose fell only in subgroups of trials of at least 8 weeks and in non-healthy populations. [2] | No overall effect |
| Other uses | We did not read sourced trials, so we make no other claim. | Not assessed |
Allergy
Allergic reactions to bee products are documented; the Italian propolis surveillance report notes that atopic and asthmatic people may be at increased risk from products derived from bees, including royal jelly. [3] See Safety. We found no readable source on royal jelly doses or interactions.
Frequently asked questions
Does royal jelly lower blood sugar?
Two meta-analyses found no significant overall effect. [1][2]
References
- Mahboobi S, Jafarnejad S, Eftekhari MH. Royal jelly does not improve markers of glycemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019;44:235-241. PubMed 31126561.
- Bahari H, et al. The effect of Royal jelly on liver enzymes and glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2023;77:102974. PubMed 37619715.
- Menniti-Ippolito F, et al. Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products: the case of propolis. Drug Saf. 2008;31(5):419-23. PubMed 18422383. Italian national surveillance, 18 reports.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.