Study of Royal Jelly effect on serum levels of IL-4, TNF- α, TGF-B, and IFN-γ in multiple sclerosis patients in comparison with Omega-3; A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disorder related to damage to the central nervous system (CNS). MS incidence in about 2.3 million people worldwide. Royal jelly (RJ) is a white material with many medicinal properties. Omega-3 (ω-3) is a natural substance that its beneficial effects were demonstrated in several studies performed on MS patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 patients referring to the MS Society of Iran were randomly divided into two groups (1:1 ratio) receiving 1-gram RJ and 1-gram ω-3 capsule 1 gr capsules of RJ and 1 gr ω-3 daily in addition to receiving their daily treatment. Then, their information was recorded. Blood samples of all subjects were collected to evaluate the level of IL-4, INF-Y, TGF-B, and TNF-α with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method twice; first, before the intervention and then, received supplements for one month. The duration of treatment was one month, and the patients returned to the center.

RESULTS: The results indicated that RJ, similar to ω-3, could improve the cytokines levels in MS patients. RJ significantly improved TNF-α (p<0.05), and ω-3 significantly decreased TGF-β levels (p<0.05). Both decreased IFN-γ and increased IL-4, but it was more in the group receiving RJ.

CONCLUSION: According to the findings, it is hoped that using RJ and ω-3 could be helpful in MS patients.