Effects of royal jelly and honey mixture on some hormones in young males performing maximal strength workout

Purpose: Among products used as ergogenic substances by sportsmen, royal jelly and honey have attracted attention in recent years. This study was carried out to determine the effect of royal-jelly and honey mixture on weight lifting performances and some hormone test of athletes. Material: Randomly selected healthy 29 athletes, aged between 20 and 25 years, were divided into two groups. Placebo (corn starch) was given to the Control Group and 5 grams of royal jelly + 45 grams of honey mixture was given to the experimental group for eight weeks. After one week of weight adjustment workout; maximum weight (bench press, shoulder press, squat, deadlift and arm curl movements) that each athlete can lift was determined and hormones (Free T4, Free T3, Cortisol, Insulin, Total Testosterone and ACHT, TSH, Growth Hormone, Prolocatin, FSH, LH) were examined at pro-exercise, after four weeks of exercise, and after eight weeks of exercise. Results: As a result of the study, a statistical increase in the weights lifted in the bench press, squat, arm curl, deadlifts and shoulder press movements in the second and third measurements with respect to the first measurement was determined within both groups (p<0.001). While according to the hormone test results in placebo and experimental groups, there was no significant difference in free T3, total testosterone variables intra-groups and inter-groups (p>0.05), but there was significant difference in free T4 value in 2. measurements of groups (p = 0.030) and between the 2. and 3. measurements in the test group in the variable of insulin hormone (p <0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, it is thought that in young males performing maximal strength workout, royal jelly + honey supplement does not affect the increase in weight lifted, this increase is due to the weight training applied, but it causes some hormone changes.