Abstract

Background: Diabetes is the most common endocrine disorder that leads to hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Royal jelly is as a bee-collected natural product has diverse biological properties and that is rich in natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of royal jelly on serum glucose and lipids profile in streptozotocin induced type 1 diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups(8 in each): control, diabetic rats, Glibenclamide, and two groups of royal jelly- treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the rats by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally. The royal jelly was gavaged at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg after streptozotocin injection for30 days. At the end of this period, levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL in serum were measured.

Results: Royal jelly and Glibenclamide significantly decreased the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL in diabetic rats (p<0.01). In addition, significant increase (p<0.01) in HDL level was observed in royal jelly-treating rats in comparison to the diabetic rats.

Conclusion: The results indicated that royal jelly may be used effectively in controlling and attenuating the complications of diabetes. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of royal jelly may be due to the presence of antioxidants.