Myth or science: is royal jelly really a performance enhancer?

Royal jelly, or the pharyngeal gland secretion of worker bees, is the exclusive food of the queen bee. Rich in proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and bioactive compounds, it has long been used in human nutrition as a vitality agent. Modern research aims to explore whether royal jelly can indeed enhance performance or immune function, and to what extent these claims are substantiated. One of the most important components of royal jelly is 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fatty acid. Additionally, several studies have reported on the antimicrobial activity and immune-regulating role of the so-called major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs). According to a 2025 MDPI summary, these substances indeed influence inflammatory processes at the cellular level, but in human trials, the effect has proven to be moderate. In laboratory tests, royal jelly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, indicating the inhibition of excessive immune ...