Royal jelly (RJ) is a yellowish-white and acidic secretion of hypopharyngeal and 
mandibular glands of nurse bees used to feed young worker larvae during the 
first three days and the entire life of queen bees. RJ is one of the most 
appreciated and valued natural product which has been mainly used in traditional 
medicines, health foods, and cosmetics for a long time in different parts of the 
world. It is also the most studied bee product, aimed at unravelling its 
bioactivities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, 
and general tonic action against laboratory animals, microbial organisms, farm 
animals, and clinical trials. It is commonly used to supplement various 
diseases, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and Alzheimer's disease. 
Here, we highlight the recent research advances on the main bioactive compounds 
of RJ, such as proteins, peptides, fatty acids, and phenolics, for a 
comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry, biological, and pharmaceutical 
responses to human health promotion and life benefits. This is potentially 
important to gain novel insight into the biological and pharmaceutical 
properties of RJ.