Apis cerana Fabr/Apis mellifera L.
Aliases：Wang Jiang、Wang Ru、Feng Huang Jiang、Huang Jiang.
Fengwangjiang (Royal Jelly), a Chinese medicinal, is the milky white gelatinous substance secreted by the pharyngeal glands and post‑pharyngeal glands of worker bees of Apis cerana Fabricius (family Apidae) and other bee species. It is mainly used to feed the queen bee and larvae.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify, strengthen, benefit the liver, and fortify the spleen.
Indications
Debility after illness Malnutrition in children Senile debility (frailty in the elderly) Leukopenia Prolonged and chronic hepatitis Duodenal ulcer Rheumatoid arthritis Hypertension Diabetes mellitus It may also be used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunomodulatory: Enhances the body‘s resistance and promotes the generation of immune cells. Anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial: Exhibits significant antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory activities, with inhibitory effects on Gram‑positive bacteria. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) contained in royal jelly scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Adjuvant hypoglycemic and lipid‑regulating: Helps regulate blood glucose, lower blood lipids and blood pressure. Hepatoprotective: Protects against chemical‑ or viral‑induced liver injury and promotes hepatocyte regeneration. Antitumor: Studies have shown its potential to inhibit the growth of certain tumor cells and may be used as an adjunctive therapy. Nervous system and endocrine regulation: Affects nerve excitability, regulates endocrine balance, and improves menopausal symptoms. Promotion of tissue repair: Promotes cell proliferation and tissue repair, and may be used as an aid for wound healing.
Ingredients
Water: 64.5–69.5% Protein: Albumin, globulin, peptides, etc. – 11–14.5% Carbohydrates: Fructose, glucose, sucrose, etc. – 13–15% Lipids: Fatty acids (mainly 10‑hydroxy‑2‑decenoic acid), phospholipids, etc. – 6.0% Minerals: Iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, potassium, sodium, etc. – 0.4–2% Vitamins: Thiamine (B₁), riboflavin (B₂), niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, etc. Special substances: Acetylcholine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: Take with warm boiled water or swallow directly. Do not use boiling water or tea. May also be taken sublingually (under the tongue) for better absorption. Daily health maintenance dosage: 3–10 g per day, divided into two doses (morning and evening) taken on an empty stomach. Adjuvant therapeutic dosage: May be increased to 10–30 g per day (divided into 2–3 doses), or as directed by a physician.
Contraindications
Allergic constitution: May induce severe allergic reactions (e.g., asthma, urticaria). Pregnancy: May stimulate the uterus and potentially interfere with fetal development. Breastfeeding, infants, and children under 10 years old: Contains small amounts of sex hormones that may disrupt endocrine balance in children. For infants with severe infections or immune deficiencies, royal jelly is contraindicated. Patients with hypotension or hypoglycemia: Contains acetylcholine, which may further lower blood pressure or blood glucose levels. Those with gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea: May cause intestinal contraction and worsen symptoms. Those with damp‑heat diarrhea or dysentery: Its tonic nature may aggravate internal damp‑heat accumulation. Patients in the early postoperative period, those with major bleeding, or those with hyperactive liver yang: May induce bleeding or aggravate related symptoms. Taking before bedtime: May increase blood viscosity, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Selected Formulas
Common cold: 10 g fresh royal jelly, 3 times daily for 2–3 days. Enhances immunity. Bronchitis: 5 g royal jelly + 4 g bee pollen + 15 g honey, once in the morning and once in the evening for 10 days. Moistens the lung and relieves cough. Tuberculosis: 5–10 g fresh royal jelly, twice daily. 30 days constitute one course of treatment. Tonifies and resists tuberculosis. Chronic prostatitis / post‑illness debility: Royal jelly diluted 1:100 with warm water, 20–30 g each time, twice daily for long‑term use. Benefits the liver and fortifies the spleen. Poor appetite / indigestion: 10 g royal jelly (honey may be added), twice daily. Stimulates appetite and fortifies the spleen. Yin essence deficiency with soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees: 0.2 g royal jelly mixed with 150 g cow’s milk, twice daily. Nourishes yin and replenishes essence. Hypertension: 3 g royal jelly + 50 g honey, taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning. Adjuvant antihypertensive effect. Neurasthenia / insomnia: 5–10 g fresh royal jelly on an empty stomach in the morning. For severe cases, take an additional dose before bedtime. Calms the mind and promotes sleep. General health maintenance (royal jelly honey mix): Mix 1 part fresh royal jelly with 5 parts honey. Take 10–15 g of the mixture in the morning and evening on an empty stomach, either dissolved in warm water or taken sublingually. Boosts immunity.
Daily Consumption
1. Sublingual administration (under the tongue) Take 0.5–1 g of royal jelly (about the size of a soybean) and place it under the tongue. Allow it to dissolve slowly, then swallow. Advantage: Avoids destruction by gastric acid, ensuring full absorption. 2. Dissolved in warm water Mix royal jelly with warm water (below 40°C) at a ratio of 1:5, then drink on an empty stomach. Note: Do not use boiling water or tea, as high temperatures may destroy the active components. 3. Royal jelly with honey (Wangjiang Mi – for better taste) Mix royal jelly and honey at a ratio of 1:5, stir well, and store in the refrigerator. Take 10–15 g (about one spoonful) each time, either dissolved in warm water or taken sublingually. 4. Mixed with cow’s milk Take 0.2 g of royal jelly and 150 ml of cow’s milk, stir well, and drink warm. Suitable for those with yin essence deficiency, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees.
Medicinal Parts
the milky white gelatinous substance secreted by the pharyngeal glands of worker bees.
Selection & Storage
Keep in an airtight container and store at low temperature (refrigerate).