The role of microencapsulation in maintaining biological activity of royal jelly: comparison with biological activity and bioaccessibility of microencapsulated, fresh and lyophilized forms during storage.

BACKGROUND

Royal jelly (RJ) is a unique beehive product and has been recommended for human health since ancient times because of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, neuroprotective, anti-lipidemic and anti-aging features. However, the biggest obstacle in the use of RJ is the need for cold storage and the instability of bioactive components over time. In the present study, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) content, as well as antioxidant [using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods] and antimicrobial activity (five Gram-positive, five Gram-negative and three yeasts), were comparatively evaluated for three RJ forms, two of which can be stored at 24 ± 1 °C during storage.

RESULTS

Microencapsulated royal jelly (MRJ) stored at room temperature succeeded in preserving its 10-HDA content, a major bioactive compound, during the 6 months, with respect to lyophilized royal jelly (LRJ) and fresh RJ stored at 4 °C. The initial 10-HDA contents of RJ, LRJ and MRJ were determined as 1.90%, 5.26% and 2.75%, respectively. Moreover, the total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity mostly remained constant throughout the storage period (P ≥ 0.05). Gram-positive strains were generally more sensitive than Gram-negative strains. In the present study, the in vitro simulated digestion analysis showed that MRJ can tolerate the digestion process.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the encapsulation process was considered as one preservative technique for RJ. The microencapsulation of RJ as shown in the results of the present study are encouraging in terms of enabling the local beekeeping sector to achieve ease of production and increased product diversity. MRJ shows promise as a commercial product with a high export value for producers. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.