Mofid, B., Rezaeizadeh, H., Termos, A., Rakhsha, A., Mafi, A.R., Taheripanah, T., . . . Kashi, A.S. (2016). Effect of processed honey and royal jelly on cancer-related fatigue: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Electronic Physician, 8, 2475–2482.
To evaluate the use of honey and royal jelly on fatigue in individuals undergoing treatment for cancer
In this study, the intervention group received processed honey and royal jelly. The control group received pure honey. Each group consumed 5 ml twice daily for four weeks. Assessments of outcome measures were completed at baseline, two weeks, and four weeks after the intervention.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial in which participants were randomized to one of two groups (intervention group = processed honey and royal jelly; control group = pure honey).
Visual analog scale for fatigue (VAS-F) and fatigue severity scale
Numeric fatigue ratings in the intervention group were significantly less than those reported in the control group (p < 0.001) at the week 2 and week 4.
The use of processed honey and royal jelly to manage cancer-related fatigue warrants further investigation into the mechanisms and efficacy of use.
Small sample (< 100)
No side effects were noted in this study with the use of a dietary supplement. The results suggested that honey with royal jelly may help alleviate chemotherapy-related fatigue.