This exciting study reinforces previous studies with humans, which found other positive results from consuming royal jelly, even in shorter duration. These findings are very important for those concerned with Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases. The message is clear - consume royal jelly, it's a brain booster!
Long-term administration of Greek royal jelly improves
spatial memory and influences the concentration of brain neurotransmitters in
naturally aged wistar male rats
J Ethnopharmacology, 2014, May
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Royal Jelly (RJ) is a bee-derived product that has been
traditionally used in the European and Asian systems of medicine for longevity.
RJ has various pharmacological activities that may prevent aging e.g.,
anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemic and
anti-hyperglycemic properties.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
To evaluate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of
long-term oral, previously chemically analyzed, Greek RJ administration to aged
rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
RJ powder was given to 18-month old male Wistar rats (50 and
100mg of powder/kg b.w./day) by gastric gavage for 2 months. The spatial memory
was assessed in the water maze and next the level of neurotransmitters, their
metabolites and utilization in the selected brain regions were estimated.
RESULTS:
The improvement of memory in rats pretreated with the
smaller dose of RJ was observed compared with controls. In biochemical
examination mainly the depletion of dopamine and serotonin in the prefrontal
cortex along with an increase in their metabolite concentration and turnover
were seen.
CONCLUSION:
Better cognitive performance in the old animals using a
non-toxic, natural food product in the view of the process of the aging of
human population is noteworthy. Our results contribute towards validation of
the traditional use of RJ in promoting a better quality of life in old age.
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