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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
Published on: August 19, 2025
Royal Jelly (Bee Product) Decreases Inflammatory Response in Wistar Rats Induced with Ultraviolet Radiation
Fatmawati Fatmawati1, Erizka Erizka2, Rachmat Hidayat3
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia.
Background:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages human skin by triggering various types of cellular damage, several main factors involved are nuclear-related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (nF-kB) and pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF alpha. Royal jelly (RJ) possesses the effect of protecting DNA and tissue against oxidative damage.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of RJ as a protector of ultraviolet radiation, by assessing endogenous anti-oxidant expression (Nrf2), transcription factors (Nf-kB) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha).
Methods:
This study was an experimental study with post-test control group design. Thirty Wistar rats were induced by exposing 40 Watt UV-B lamps for 2 hours/day in 14 days. The rats were grouped into groups with RJ cream application with doses of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, negative control with vaseline, and normal control. Examination of Nrf2 and NF-kB levels was carried out by ELISA. Quantitative analysis to obtain the percentage of TNF alpha expression on the tissue was entered into the ImageJ® program. Bivariate analysis was carried out by the T-test.
Results:
Nrf2 levels elevated following the increase of RJ dose, with the highest level was at RJ 10%. Nf-kB levels decreased following the increase of RJ dose, with the lowest level was at RJ 10%. TNF alpha expression was reduced in groups of RJ in various doses. Increased dose resulted in a more diminished level of TNF alpha.
Conclusion:
Royal jelly cream application protected the skin from UV radiation by increasing cellular antioxidants and suppressing inflammatory cascade.
