Effects of the Royal Jelly Consumption on Post-Stroke Complications in Patients With Ischemic Stroke: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Publisher



Karimi E^{1, 2} ; Arab A^{3, 4} ; Sepidarkish M⁵ ; Khorvash F⁶ ; Saadatnia M⁶ ; Amani R¹
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition Published:2023

Abstract

Aims: There is a paucity of evidence regarding the benefit of royal jelly (RJ) on post-stroke complications in patients with ischemic stroke. To address this knowledge gap, this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out to determine the effects of RJ consumption on post-stroke clinical outcomes. Methods: Of 64 eligible ischemic stroke patients (45–80 years), 32 were randomized to the RJ and 32 to the placebo groups and completed a 12-week intervention. The intervention group was advised to receive 1,000 mg of RJ dragee daily after breakfast. Post-stroke complications including cognition, fatigue, mental health, and appetite, along with serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were assessed in groups pre-and post-intervention. Results: After 12 weeks of RJ consumption, cognitive function [adjusted mean difference, 4.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.75 to 7.67], serum levels of BDNF (adjusted mean difference, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.67), stress (adjusted mean difference, −3.33; 95% CI, −6.50 to −0.17), and appetite (adjusted mean difference, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.19 to 2.56) were significantly improved. However, the findings for fatigue (adjusted mean difference, −4.32; 95% CI, −10.28 to 1.63), depression (adjusted mean difference, −1.71; 95% CI, −5.58 to 2.16), anxiety (adjusted mean difference, −2.50; 95% CI, −5.50 to 0.49), and MUAC (adjusted mean difference, 0.36; 95% CI, −0.11 to 0.84) were less favorable. Conclusion: Findings support the benefits of RJ consumption in improving post-stroke complications and clinical outcomes. Clinical trial registration: https://www.irct.ir/trial/59275, Identifier IRCT20180818040827N4. Copyright © 2024 Karimi, Arab, Sepidarkish, Khorvash, Saadatnia and Amani.