Bee Pollen

Exotic, even bizarre, remedies, ranging from peacock excrement to moss grown on the skull of a man who had died by violence, have long been part of our medical lore.  In fact, man has been extremely diligent in searching out such unusual materials, possibly in the hope that they may possess unusual curative properties. Pollen is a relatively recent example of such a medication. Although pollen extracts have been used for many years to detect and provide immunity against allergies, it is only during the past few years that pollen itself has become widely available in the form of tablets, capsules, extracts, and the like, which are recommended for a variety of ailments.

Pollen consists of microspores (male reproductive elements) of seed-bearing plants. Often the marketed product is designated bee pollen, implying that a mixture of pollens from various plants was collected by honeybees. Indeed, a mesh-like pollen trap has been developed which relieves bees of a portion of the pollen carried on their back legs as they reenter the hive. But there is no way to determine if a particular pollen grain was originally collected by a bee or not, so it seems best to refer to the commercially available material simply as pollen.

Enthusiasts declare that pollen will either provide relief for or cure such conditions as premature aging, cerebral hemorrhage, bodily weakness, anemia, weight loss, enteritis, colitis, and constipation. It is also touted as having general tonic properties-promoting better health along with happiness and optimism. Studies conducted in Sweden and Japan seem to indicate the medication may be of value in treating chronic prostatism. An Austrian report found pollen useful in alleviating the symptoms of radiation sickness in patients being treated for cancer of the cervix.

The chemical constituents of pollen have been rather extensively investigated. Although the different components vary greatly in quantity among pollens of different species, some general ranges may be quoted. Polysaccharides, particularly starch and cell-wall constituents, constitute up to 50% of a typical pollen. Low-molecular-weight carbohydrates (simple sugars) make up another 4 to 10%. The concentration of lipids (fats, oils, and waxes) is extremely variable, ranging from 1 to 20%. Protein exists to the extent of 5.9 to 28.3%, but only 0.5 to 1.0% of the total protein is allergenic in nature. About 6% of free amino acids are also present. Other constituents include about 0.2% of carotenoid and flavonoid pigments plus small amounts of terpenes and sterols. Some pollens are quite high in vitamin C; concentrations ranging from 3.6 to 5.9% have been reported. None of the identified constituents of pollen has been linked to any significant therapeutic activity as advocated by its enthusiasts.

Since pollen has no significant therapeutic or nutritive value which cannot be obtained more easily and cheaply from other sources, it cannot be recommended for either purpose. And since its allergenic properties may render it downright hazardous to some, we must actively discourage its use both as a medicine and as a food.

Where is it found ?

Most noncultivated plants produce pollen. Commercial pollen is collected from bees returning to their hives (bee pollen) or may be directly harvested with machines (flower pollen). It is not clear which plants produce the most effective pollens. Some of the most common pollens used are timothy grass, corn, rye, and pine.

How much to take

The optimal intake of pollen is unknown. Some doctors of natural medicine recommend using 500 mg 2 to 3 times per day.

Side effects

Many people have allergies to inhaled pollens, and reactions to ingested pollen (some of them quite serious) have been reported. Otherwise, no significant adverse effects have been reported.

• beeswax
• honey
• propolis
• royal jelly