Queen bee acid

Queen bee acid (10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid or 10-HDA) is a fatty acid found in royal jelly.

Queen bee acid is being investigated for its potential pharmacological activities. It promotes neurogenesis of neural stem/progenitor cells (cells capable of differentiating into neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes) in vitro. In addition, queen bee acid has been reported to have in vitro anti-tumor, anti-biotic, immunomodulatory, estrogenic, neurogenic, and innate immune response modulating activities.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has taken legal action against companies that have used unfounded claims of health benefits to market royal jelly products.