The effects of royal jelly supplementation on anthropometric indices: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Inconsistent data are available about the effect of royal jelly supplementation on anthropometric indices in humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to summarize data from available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of royal jelly supplementation on anthropometric indices such as body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and fat mass (FM) in adults. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases up to March 2023. All RCTs assessing the effect of royal jelly on anthropometric indices were included. Data were pooled using the random-effects method and were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Out of 1,492 records, 10 studies that enrolled 512 participants were included. There was no significant effect on BW (WMD: −0.29 kg, 95% CI: −1.24, 0.65, p = 0.543), BMI (WMD: 0.11 kg/m2, 95% CI: −0.29, 0.52, p = 0.583), and FM (WMD: 0.02%, 95% CI: −0.41, 0.46, p = 0.84). However, we observed a reduction in BW and BMI following royal jelly intake in subgroup of royal jelly dosage <3,000 mg/day. Although the royal jelly supplementation significantly reduced BW and BMI at the dosages <3,000 mg/day, until additional trials have been conducted to assess the effects on obesity measures, it is best to prescribe royal jelly with caution.

Royal Jelly: Biological Action and Health Benefits

“…According to Vajdi et al [ 180 ] supplementation with RJ reduces body weight (BW) and the body mass index (BMI) at the dosages <3000 mg/day. On the other hand, as mentioned previously, numerous data show that dietary supplementation with RJ improves oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity [ 167 , 168 , 169 ], suggesting its potential use in the prevention of obesity-related metabolic disorders.…”

“…The benefits of RJ might be attributed to an increased oxygen metabolism, cellular respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, 10-HDA from RJ stimulated thermogenesis and energy expenditure by activating TRPA1 (transient receptor potential Ankyrin 1) and TRPV1 (vanilloid1) channels [ 180 ].…”

“…In obese/diabetic KK-Ay mice, the effect of RJ supplementation on the enhanced lipolysis and reduced body weight was associated with the increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated-alpha (PPAR-α). RJ supplementation in mice on a high-fat diet also reduced inflammation, increased levels of irisin, a myokine whose levels are increased in obese individuals, and promoted the metabolic thermogenesis of BAT [ 180 , 181 , 183 , 184 , 185 , 186 ].…”

Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fatigue Effects of an Oral Food Supplement in Long COVID Patients

“…Moreover, royal jelly supplementation enlarges peroxisome proliferator-activated-alpha (PPAR-a) expression, contributing to a body weight decrease due to enhancing lipolysis [ 37 ]. Therefore, royal jelly, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect, shows significant action on the basal metabolism [ 38 ].…”

The effect of Sumac on cardiometabolic parameters in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Today, experimental investigations and, to a lesser degree, clinical trials have highlighted the use of dietary supplements as an adjuvant in treating many diseases, including those affecting the cardiovascular system (10)(11)(12)(13). Around the world, the Sumac plant often grows in subtropical and temperate climates, particularly in Africa, North America, and Southeast Asia (14).…”