Does Royal jelly affect tumor cells?

Introduction: Royal jelly is a substance that appears to be effective on immune system and it appears to be effective on both prevention and growth of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to carry out a research to investigate the effect of royal jelly on the growth of WEHI-۱۶۴ fibrosarcoma cell in syngenic Balb/c mice. Methods: In an experimental study, ۲۸ male Balb/c mice were designated into four equal groups. The mice were subcutaneously injected with ۵x۱۰۵ WEHI-۱۶۴ tumor cells on the day zero in the chest area of the animal. Animals in groups ۱ to ۴ were orally given ۱۰۰, ۲۰۰, ۳۰۰ mg/kg of royal jelly or vehicle, respectively. In every individual mouse, the tumour size was measured every ۲ days from day ۵ (days ۵, ۷, ۹, ۱۱, ۱۳, ۱۵ and ۱۷). Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests. Result: Our results showed that the mean size of tumor in case group was significantly smaller than the control group in days ۱۱, ۱۳, ۱۵ and ۱۷ (P<۰.۰۵). No metastasis was seen in test and control groups. Conclusion: With emphasize on antitumor effect of royal jelly, it seems that royal jelly has important role in control and regression of fibrosarcoma cells. Since royal jelly showed a delayed effect in control of fibrosarcoma, we suggest that royal jelly be used at least ۱۰ days before tumor inoculation