Royal jelly ameliorates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in ovariectomized mice via modulation of serotonergic and inflammatory pathways

Anxiety and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women represent a significant health concern. Royal jelly (RJ), a natural product with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and estrogen-like activities, has emerged as a promising candidate for the management of postmenopausal symptoms; however, its effects on psychological symptoms remain poorly understood. In a mouse model of menopause using ovariectomized (OVX) mice, we investigated whether RJ ameliorates anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and explored the underlying mechanisms. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were fed a diet containing 1% RJ following OVX, and behavioral assessments were performed. RJ supplementation improved anxiety-like behaviors and partially ameliorated depression-like behaviors. ELISA analysis revealed that RJ significantly increased serotonin levels in the hippocampus, and transcriptomic analysis suggested modulation of inflammation-related pathways. These findings suggest that RJ improves anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and is associated with alterations in hippocampal serotonergic and inflammatory pathways, highlighting its potential as a functional dietary intervention for postmenopausal psychological symptoms.