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.