Bee pollen

Bee pollen is the product that bees create by mixing nectar or honey with the flower pollen they collect. It serves as food for the bee colony and contains a wide variety of bioactive substances. In naturopathy and alternative medicine, bee pollen is valued for its high nutrient content and its health benefits.

What benefits does bee pollen offer?

Bee pollen is used for various health purposes. Studies have been able to link a wide range of different positive effects to the pollen. As always, however, it is important to question the studies critically, as some of them are animal studies and not all results can be readily transferred.

  • Nutrient-rich composition: Bee pollen contains vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants, making it extremely rich in important macro- and micronutrients (1,).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, bee pollen could potentially help reduce chronic inflammation (1).
  • Antioxidant effect: Studies have shown that bee pollen exhibits an antioxidant effect, which, for example, also had a positive effect on cognitive problems in studies (1,2,3).
  • Protective effect against the consequences of metabolic syndrome: Bee pollen could help protect the body against disorders of metabolic syndrome. In studies, it improved blood sugar levels, had a cardioprotective effect, prevented obesity, and combated liver diseases (1,4,5,6,7).
  • Immune system support: Some studies indicate that bee pollen can strengthen the immune defenses and improve resistance to allergies (1,8,9,10).
  • Energy and performance enhancement: Due to its high content of amino acids and carbohydrates, bee pollen is often used as a natural dietary supplement to boost energy and endurance.
  • Promotion of bone health: Bee pollen was able to promote bone growth by increasing the calcium content as well as the activity of bone-building enzymes (ALP) in bone tissue – both in cell cultures and after oral administration in animal experiments (1,11,12).
  • Regulating effect on the ovaries: Bee pollen influences ovarian function; in animal studies, it regulated hormone secretion and activated both apoptotic (cell-killing) and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in the ovaries (1,13,14).

How does bee pollen work?

The health-promoting effect of bee pollen can be attributed to its unique composition. Among other things, the pollen contains flavonoids, carotenoids, proteins, vitamins (B group, C, E), minerals, enzymes, and coenzymes.

Side effects and risks

Although bee pollen offers many health benefits, there are some potential side effects, which should be taken into account:

  • Allergic reactions: People with pollen or bee sting allergies may react sensitively to bee pollen and develop symptoms such as skin rash, breathing difficulties, or anaphylactic reactions.
  • Gastrointestinal complaints: In rare cases, nausea, bloating, or stomach cramps may occur.
  • Interactions with medications: Bee pollen can influence the effect of certain medications, especially blood-thinning agents.

Conclusion

Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich natural supplement with potential health benefits. In traditional medicine, it has a reputation for strengthening the immune system, having anti-inflammatory effects, and being able to promote overall vitality. Studies have identified a range of different positive effects. However, people with allergies or existing conditions should consult a doctor before taking it and enjoy the pollen with caution.

 

Sources:

  1. Khalifa, S. A. M., Elashal, M. H., Yosri, N., Du, M., Musharraf, S. G., Nahar, L., Sarker, S. D., Guo, Z., Cao, W., Zou, X., Abd El-Wahed, A. A., Xiao, J., Omar, H. A., Hegazy, M. F., & El-Seedi, H. R. (2021). Bee Pollen: Current Status and Therapeutic Potential. Nutrients, 13(6), 1876. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13061876
  2. Liao Y., Bae H.J., Zhang J., Kwon Y., Koo B., Jung I.H., Kim H.M., Park J.H., Lew J.H., Ryu J.H. The ameliorating effects of bee pollen on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2019;42:379–388. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b18-00552.
  3. Campos M.G., Webby R.F., Markham K.R., Mitchell K.A., Da Cunha A.P. Age-induced diminution of free radical scavenging capacity in bee pollens and the contribution of constituent flavonoids. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2003;51:742–745. doi: 10.1021/jf0206466.
  4. Grundy S.M. Metabolic syndrome pandemic. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2008;28:629–636. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.151092.
  5. Daudu O.M. Bee pollen extracts as potential antioxidants and inhibitors of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes-in vitro assessment. J. Apic. Sci. 2019;63:315–325. doi: 10.2478/jas-2019-0020.
  6. Cheng N., Chen S., Liu X., Zhao H., Cao W. Impact of schisandrachinensis bee pollen on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and gut microbiota in highfat diet induced obese mice. Nutrients. 2019;11:346. doi: 10.3390/nu11020346.
  7. Huang H., Shen Z., Geng Q., Wu Z., Shi P., Miao X. Protective effect of Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract on liver and kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2017;95:1765–1776. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.083.
  8. De Oliveira M.C., Da Silva D.M., Loch F.C., Martins P.C., Dias D.M.B., Simon G.A. Effect of bee pollen on the immunity and tibia characteristics in broilers. Braz. J. Poult. Sci. 2013;15:323–327. doi: 10.1590/S1516-635X2013000400006.
  9. El-Bialy B.E., Abdeen E.E., El-Borai N.B., El-Diasty E.M. Experimental studies on some immunotoxicological aspects of aflatoxins containing diet and protective effect of bee pollen dietary supplement. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2016;19:26–35. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2016.26.35.
  10. Medeiros K.C.P., Figueiredo C.A.V., Figueredo T.B., Freire K.R.L., Santos F.A.R., Alcântara-Neves N.M., Silva T.M.S., Piuvezam M.R. Anti-allergic effect of bee pollen phenolic extract and myricetin in ovalbumin-sensitized mice. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2008;119:41–46. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2008.05.036.
  11. Yamaguchi M., Hamamoto R., Uchiyama S., Ishiyama K., Hashimoto K. Anabolic effects of bee pollen Cistus ladaniferus extract on bone components in the femoral-diaphyseal and-metaphyseal tissues of rats in vitro and in vivo. J. Health Sci. 2006;52:43–49. doi: 10.1248/jhs.52.43.
  12. Yamaguchi M., Hamamoto R., Uchiyama S., Ishiyama K., Hashimoto K. Preventive effects of bee pollen Cistus ladaniferus extract on bone loss in streptozotocin-diabetic rats in vivo. J. Health Sci. 2007;53:190–195. doi: 10.1248/jhs.53.190.
  13. Kolesarova A., Bakova Z., Capcarova M., Galik B., Juracek M., Simko M., Toman R., Sirotkin A.V. Consumption of bee pollen affects rat ovarian functions. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 2013;97:1059–1065. doi: 10.1111/jpn.12013.
  14. Adriana K., Capcarova M., Bakova Z., Branislav G., Miroslav J., Milan S., Sirotkin A.V. The effect of bee pollen on secretion activity, markers of proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro. J. Environ. Sci. Health Part B Pestic. Food Contam. Agric. Wastes. 2011;46:207–212. doi: 10.1080/03601234.2011.540202.