Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Chemical Composition of Bee Pollen

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Bee Products - Chemical and Biological Properties

Abstract

Bee pollen is produced by bees as a nutrient source in the hive. Its composition varies according to the region where it is produced and also with the collection and processing conditions. Proteins are the main substances of this product; however, important micronutrients and bioactive compounds are also present. Many studies have been conducted with the aim of determining the chemical composition of the bee pollen, and the results of some of these studies will be presented in this chapter. The contents of proteins and amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds in samples collected in different countries will be discussed, considering the botanical origin and other factors that influenced these parameters.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abdella EM, Tohamy A, Ahmad RR (2009) Antimutagenic activity of egyptian propolis and bee pollen water extracts against cisplatin-induced chromosomal abnormalities in bone marrow cells of mice. Iran J Cancer Prev 2:175–181

    Google Scholar 

  • Aguirre-Hernández E, González-Trujano E, Martínez AL, Moreno J, Kite G, Terrazas T, Soto-Hernández M (2010) HPLC/MS analysis and anxiolytic-like effect of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids from Tilia americana var. mexicana. J Ethnopharmacol 127:91–97

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Almeida-Muradian LB (2009) Qualidade dos produtos apícolas e otimização quimiométrica dos métodos de análise do mel por espectroscopia no infravermelho (FT-IR ATR)

    Google Scholar 

  • Almeida-Muradian LB, Pamplona LC, Coimbra S, Barth OM (2005) Chemical composition and botanical evaluation of dried bee pollen pellets. J Food Compos Anal 18:105–111

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Angelo PM, Jorge N (2007) Compostos fenólicos em alimentos – uma breve revisão. Rev Inst Adolfo Lutz 66:232–240

    Google Scholar 

  • Arruda VAS (2013) Pólen apícola desidratado: composição físico-química, qualidade microbiológica, compostos fenólicos e flavonoides, atividade antioxidante e origem botânica. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/9/9131/tde-22062015-172352/es.php. Accessed 26 Feb 2017

  • Arruda VAS, Estevinho MLF, Almeida-Muradian LB (2013a) Presence and stability of B complex vitamins in bee pollen using different storage conditions. Food Chem Toxicol 51:143–148

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arruda VAS, Santos-Pereira AA, Freitas AS, Barth OM, Almeida-Muradian LB (2013b) Dried bee pollen: B complex vitamins, physicochemical and botanical composition. J Food Compos Anal 29:100–105

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Avni D, Hendriksma HP, Dag A, Uni Z, Shafir S (2014) Nutritional aspects of honey bee-collected pollen and constraints on colony development in the eastern Mediterranean. J Insect Physiol 69:65–73

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baldi-Coronel B, Grasso D, Pereira SC, Fernández G (2004) Caracterización bromatológica del polen apícola argentino. Cienc Docencia Tecnol 29:145–181

    Google Scholar 

  • Ball GFM (1994) Water-soluble vitamin assays in human nutrition. Chapman & Hall, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ball GFM (1998) Bioavailability and analysis of vitamins in foods. Chapman & Hall, London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Barajas J, Cortes-Rodriguez M, Rodríguez-Sandoval E (2012) Effect of temperature on the drying process of bee pollen from two zones of Colombia. J Food Process Eng 35:134–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barreto LMRC, Funari SRC, Orsi RO (2005a) Composição e qualidade do pólen apícola proveniente de sete Estados brasileiros e do Distrito Federal. Bol Ind Anim 62:167–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Barreto LMRC, Funari SRC, Orsi RO (2005b) Pólen apícola: perfil da produção no Brasil. In: Annals of Congresso De Apicultura Del Mercosur 1. Punta Del Este, Sociedad de Apicultores Uruguaya, p 20

    Google Scholar 

  • Barth OM (2004) Melissopalynology in Brazil: a review of pollen analysis of honeys, propolis and pollen loads of bees. Sci Agric 61:342–350

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barth OM, Freitas AS, Oliveira ES, Silva RA, Maester FM, Andrella RR, Cardozo GM (2010) Evaluation of the botanical origin of commercial dry bee pollen load batches using pollen analysis: a proposal for technical standardization. An Acad Bras Cienc 82:893–902

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bastos DHM, Barth OM, Rocha CI, Cunha IBS, Carvalho PO, Torres EAS (2004) Fatty acid composition and palynological analysis of bee (Apis) pollen loads in the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil. J Apicult Res 43:35–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bastos DHM, Rocha CI, Cunha IBS, Carvalho PO, Torres EAS (2003) Composition and quality of bee-collected pollen commercialized in some country towns in São Paulo and Minas Gerais - Brazil. Rev Inst Adolfo Lutz 62:239–244

    Google Scholar 

  • Bogdanov S (2012a) The bee pollen book: chapter 1. http://www.bee-hexagon.net. Accessed 12 Nov 2014

  • Bogdanov S (2012b) The bee pollen book: chapter 2. http://www.bee-hexagon.net. Accessed 12 Nov 2014

  • Brazil (2001) Technical regulations of identity and quality of bee venom, beeswax, royal jelly, lyophilized royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis and propolis extract. http://www.agricultura.gov.br/legislacao/sislegis. Accessed 24 Apr 2015

  • Brazil (2005) Technical regulation on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of proteins, vitamins and minerals. http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/bvs/saudelegis/anvisa/2005/rdc0269_22_09_2005.html. Accessed 01 Jul 2017

  • Cabrera C, Montenegro G (2013) Pathogen control using a natural Chilean bee pollen extract of known botanical origin. Cienc Investig Agrar 40:223–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calviello G, Serini S, Piccioni E (2007) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the prevention of colorectal cancer: molecular mechanisms involved. Curr Med Chem 14:81–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campos MGR, Markham KR, Mitchell KA, Cunha AP (1997) An approach to the characterization of bee pollens via their flavonoid/phenolic profiles. Phytochem Anal 8:181–185

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Campos MGR, Webby RF, Markham KR, Mitchell KA, Da Cunha AP (2003) Age-induced diminution of free radical scavenging capacity in bee pollens and the contribution of constituent flavonoids. J Agric Food Chem 51:742–745

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Campos MGR, Bogdanov S, Almeida-Muradian LB, Szczesna T, Mancebo Y, Frigerio C (2008) Pollen composition and standardisation of analytical methods. J Apicult Res Bee World 47:156–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campos MGR, Almaraz-Abarca N, Matos MP, Gomes NM, Arruda VA, Barth OM (2015) Zea mays L. pollen: an approach to its quality control. J Agric Sci Technol B 5:513–522

    Google Scholar 

  • Carl JL, Richard VM, Mandeep RM, Hector OV (2009) Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases. J Am Coll Cardiol 54:585–594

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carpes ST, Prado A, Moreno IAM, Mourão GB, Alencar SM, Masson ML (2008) Avaliação do potencial antioxidante do pólen apícola produzido na Região Sul do Brasil. Quím Nova 31:1660–1664

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carpes ST, Mourão GB, Alencar SM, Masson ML (2009) Chemical composition and free radical scavenging activity of Apis mellifera bee pollen from Southern Brazil. Braz J Food Technol 12:220–229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carratu E, Sanzini E (2005) Sostanze biologicamente attive presenti negli alimenti di origine vegetable. Ann Ist Super Sanità 41:7–16

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Caulfield LE, Black RE (2004) Zinc deficiency. In: Ezzati M, Lopez AD, Rodgers A, CJL M (eds) Comparative quantification of health risks. World Health Organization, Geneva, pp 257–280

    Google Scholar 

  • Chantarudee A, Phuwapraisirisan P, Kimura K, Okuyama M, Mori H, Kimura A (2012) Chemical constituents and free radical scavenging activity of corn pollen collected from Apis mellifera hives compared to floral corn pollen at Nan, Thailand. BMC Complement Altern Med 12:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheatham CL, Colombo J, Carlson SE (2006) n-3 fatty acids and cognitive and visual acuity development: methodologic and conceptual considerations. Am J Clin Nutr 83:1458S–1466S

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cook SM, Awmack CS, Murray DA, Williams IH (2003) Are honey bees' foraging preferences affected by pollen amino acid composition? Ecol Ent 28:622–627

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cunha AP, Roque OR (2009a) Compostos fenólicos: características e origem biossintética. In: Cunha AP (ed) Farmacognosia e fitoquímica. Fundação Calouste Benkian, Lisboa, pp 211–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Cunha AP, Roque OR (2009b) Obtenção de moléculas com atividade farmacológica a partir de material vegetal e sua transformação em medicamento. In: Cunha AP (ed) Farmacognosia e fitoquímica. Lisboa, Fundação Calouste Benkian, pp 109–123

    Google Scholar 

  • Daoud A, Malika D, Bakari S, Hfaiedh N, Mnafgui K, Kadri A (2015) Assessment of polyphenol composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of various extracts of Date Palm Pollen (DPP) from two Tunisian cultivars. Arab J Chem. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2015.07.014

  • De-Melo AAM (2015) Perfil químico e microbiológico, cor, análise polínica e propriedades biológicas do pólen apícola desidratado. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/9/9131/tde-18122015-142742/pt-br.php. Accessed 26 Feb 2017

  • De-Melo AAM, Estevinho MLMF, Sattler JAG, Souza BR, Silva-Freitas A, Barth OM (2016) Effect of processing conditions on characteristics of dehydrated bee-pollen and correlation between quality parameters. Food Sci Technol 65:808–815

    Google Scholar 

  • Domínguez-Valhondo D, Gil DB, Hernández MT, González-Gómez D (2011) Influence of the commercial processing and floral origin on bioactive and nutritional properties of honeybee-collected pollen. Int J Food Sci Tech 46:2204–2211

    Google Scholar 

  • Donadieu Y (1983) Le pollen: thérapeutique naturelle, 6th edn. Maloine, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  • Dutcher RA (1918) Observations on the curative properties of honey, nectar, and corn pollen in avian polyneuritis. J Biol Chem 36:551–555

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Estevinho ML, Rodrigues S, Pereira AP, Feás X (2012) Portuguese bee pollen: palynological study, nutritional and microbiological evaluation. Int J Food Sci Technol 47:429–435

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2011) Dietary protein quality evaluation in human nutrition. http://www.fao.org/ag/humannutrition/35978-02317b979a686a57aa4593304ffc17f06.pdf. Accessed 12 Dec 2016

  • Fanali C, Dugo L, Rocco A (2013) Nano-liquid chromatography in nutraceutical analysis: Determination of polyphenols in bee pollen. J Chromatogr A 1313:270–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Fatrcová-Šramková K, Nôžková J, Kačániová M, Máriássyová M, Rovná K, Stričík M (2013) Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of monofloral bee pollen. J Environ Sci Health B 48:133–138

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Féas X, Vázquez-Tato MP, Estevinho L, Seijas JA, Iglesias A (2012) Organic bee pollen: botanical origin, nutritional value, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and microbiological quality. Molecules 17:8359–8377

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Forsén S, Kördel J (1994) Calcium in biological systems. In: Bertini I, Gray HB, Lippard SJ, Valentine JS (eds) Bioinorganic chemistry. University Science Books, Mill Valley, CA, pp 107–166

    Google Scholar 

  • Formicki G, Gren A, Stawarz R, Zysk B, Gal A (2013) Metal content in honey, propolis, wax, and bee pollen and implications for metal pollution monitoring. Pol J Environ Stud 22:99–106

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Freire KRL, Lins ACS, Dórea MC, Santos FAR, Camara CA, Silva TMS (2012) Palynological origin, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties of honeybee-collected pollen from Bahia, Brazil. Molecules 17:1652–1664

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fuenmayor C, Zuluaga C, Díaz C, Quicazán M, Cosio M, Mannino S (2014) Evaluation of the physicochemical and functional properties of Colombian bee pollen. Rev MVZ Córdoba 19:4003–4014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Funari SRC, Rocha HC, Sforcin JM, Filho HG, Curi PR, Gomes Dierckx SMA (2003) Composições bromatológica e mineral do pólen coletado por abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) em Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo. Arch Latinoam Prod Anim 11:88–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Gabriele M, Parri E, Felicioli A, Sagona S, Pozzo L, Biondi C (2015) Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of tuscan bee pollen of different botanic origins. Ital J Food Sci 27:248–259

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • González-Paramás AMG, Bárez JAG, Marcos CC, García-Villanova RJ, Sánchez JS (2006) HPLC-fluorimetric method for analysis of amino acids in products of the hive (honey and bee-pollen). Food Chem 95:148–156

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graikou K, Kapeta S, Aligiannis N, Sotiroudis G, Chondrogianni N, Gonos E (2011) Chemical analysis of Greek pollen – antioxidant, antimicrobial and proteasome activation properties. Chem Cent J 5:1–9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halliwell B, Gutteridge J (2007) Free radicals in biology and Medicine, 4rd edn. Oxford University Press Inc., New York, NY

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamalainen M, Nieminen R, Vuorela P, Heinonen M, Moilanen E (2007) Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids: genistein, kaempferol, quercetin, and daidzein inhibit STAT-1 and NF-κB activations, whereas flavone, isorhamnetin, naringenin, and pelargonidin inhibit only NF-κB activation along with their inhibitory effect on iNOS expression and NO production in activated macrophages. Mediat Inflamm 2007:1–10

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herbert JREW, Vanderslice JT, Huang M, Higgs DJ (1987) Levels of thiamine and its esters in bee collected pollen using liquid chromatography and robotics. Apidologie 18:129–136

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Horst MA, Lajolo FM (2011) Biodisponibilidade de compostos bioativos de alimentos. http://wwwfcfuspbr. Accessed 15 Jun 2013

  • Huang D, Ou B, Prior RL (2005) The chemistry behind antioxidant capacity assays. J Agric Food Chem 53:1841–1856

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Human H, Nicolson SW (2006) Nutritional content of fresh, bee-collected and stored pollen of Aloe greatheadii var. davyana (Asphodelaceae). Phytochemistry 67:1486–1492

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kacániová M, Vukovic N, Chlebo R, Haščík P, Rovná K, Cubon J (2012) The antimicrobial activity of honey, bee pollen loads and beeswax from Slovakia. Arch Biol Sci 64:927–934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaškonienė V, Ruočkuvienė G, Kaškonas P, Akuneca I, Maruška A (2015) Chemometric analysis of bee pollen based on volatile and phenolic compound compositions and antioxidant properties. Food Anal Method 8:1150–1163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ketkar SS, Rathore AS, Lohidasan S, Rao L, Paradkar AR, Mahadik KR (2014) Investigation of the nutraceutical potential of monofloral Indian mustard bee pollen. J Integr Med 12:379–389

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kinsella JE (1976) Functional properties of protein foods. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1:219–229

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kafmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K (2015) Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2015:1–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kostic AZ, Barac MB, Stanojevic SP, Milojkovic-Opsenica DM, Tesic ZL, Sikoparija B, Radisic P, Prentovic M (2015a) Physicochemical composition and techno-functional properties of bee pollen collected in Serbia. Food Sci Technol 62:301–309

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kostic AZ, Pešić MB, Mosić MD, Dojčinović BP, Natić MM, Trifković JD (2015b) Mineral content of bee pollen from Serbia. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 66:251–258

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krell R (1996) Value-added Products from Beekeeping. FAO Agric Serv Bull 124:87–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Leblanc BW, Davis OK, Boue S, Delucca A, Deeby T (2009) Antioxidant activity of Sonoran Desert bee pollen. Food Chem 115:1299–1305

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leja M, Mareczek A, Wyzgolik G, Klepacz-Baniak J, Czekonska K (2007) Antioxidative properties of bee pollen in selected plant species. Food Chem 100:237–240

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liolios V, Tananaki V, Dimou M, Kanelis D, Goras G, Karazafiris E (2016) Ranking pollen from bee plants according to their protein contribution to honey bees. J Apic Res 54:582–592

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loper GM, Cohen AC (1987) Amino acid content of dandelion pollen, a honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) nutritional evaluation. J Econ Entomol 80:14–17

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loper GM, Standifer LN, Thompson MJ, Gilliam M (1980) Biochemistry and microbiology of bee collected almond (Prumus dulcis) pollen and bee bread. I. Fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Apidologie 11:63–73

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lopes J, Stanciu OG, Campos MG, Almaraz-Abarca N, Almeida-Muradian LB, Marghitas LA (2011) Bee pollen antioxidant activity – a review: achievements and further challenges. J Pharmacol 2:25–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Louveaux J, Maurizio M, Vorvohl G (1978) Methods of melissopalynology. Bee World 59:139–157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luz CFP, Bacha-Junior GL, Fonseca RLS, Sousa PR (2010) Comparative pollen preferences by africanized honeybees Apis mellifera L. of two colonies in Pará de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ann Acad Bras Ciênc 82:293–304

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lv H, Wang X, He Y, Wang H, Suo Y (2015) Identification and quantification of flavonoid aglycones in rape bee pollen from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau by HPLC-DAD-APCI/MS. J Food Compost Anal 38:49–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Macrae R (1990) HPLC determination of vitamins. J Micronutr Anal 7:247–260

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manning R (2001) Fatty acids in pollen: a review of their importance for honey bees. Bee World 82:60–75

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mărgăoan R, Mărghitas LA, Dezmirean DS, Mihai CM, Bobis O (2014) Bull UASVM Anim Sci Biotechnol 67:254–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Mărghitas LA, Stanciu OG, Dezmirean DS, Bobis O, Popescu O, Bogdanov S (2009) In vitro antioxidant capacity of honeybee-collected pollen of selected floral origin harvested from Romania. Food Chem 115:878–883

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martins MCT (2010) Pólen apícola brasileiro: valor nutritivo e funcional, qualidade e contaminantes inorgânicos. http://www.bibliotecadigital.unicamp.br/document/?code=000477526. Accessed 26 Feb 2017

  • Mejías E, Montenegro G (2012) The antioxidant activity of chilean honey and bee pollen produced in the Llaima volcano’s zones. J Food Qual 35:315–322

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Melo ILP, Almeida-Muradian LB (2010) Stability of antioxidants vitamins in bee pollen samples. Quím Nova 33:514–518

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melo ILP, Almeida-Muradian LB (2011) Comparison of methodologies for moisture determination on dried bee pollen samples. Ciênc Tecnol Aliment 31:194–197

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melo ILP, Freitas AS, Barth OM, Almeida-Muradian LB (2009) Relação entre a composição nutricional e a origem floral de pólen apícola desidratado. Rev Inst Adolfo Lutz 68:346–353

    Google Scholar 

  • Menezes JDS, Maciel LF, Miranda MS, Druzian JI (2010) Compostos bioativos e potencial antioxidante do pólen apícola produzido por abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) Rev Inst Adolfo Lutz 69:233–242

    Google Scholar 

  • Mizrahi A, Lensky Y (1997) Bee products: properties, applications and apitherapy. Springer, New York, NY

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Modro AFH, Message D, Luz CFP, Meira-Neto JAA (2007) Composição e qualidade de pólen apícola coletado em Minas Gerais. Pesq Agropec Bras 42:1057–1065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Modro AFH, Silva IC, Luz CFP, Message D (2009) Analysis of pollen load based on color, physicochemical composition and botanical source. Ann Acad Bras Ciênc 81:281–285

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Modro AFH, Message D, Luz CFP, Meira-Neto JAA (2011) Flora de importância polinífera para Apis mellifera (L.) na região de Viçosa, MG. Rev Árvore 35:1145–1153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohdaly AAA, Mahmoud AA, Roby MHH, Smetanska I, Ramadan MF (2015) Phenolic extract from propolis and bee pollen: composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. J Food Biochem 39:538–547

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morais M, Moreira L, Feás X, Estevinho LM (2011) Honeybee-collected pollen from five Portuguese Natural Parks: palynological origin, phenolic content, antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activity. Food Chem Toxicol 49:1096–1101

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreira L, Dias LG, Pereira JA, Estevinho L (2008) Antioxidant properties, total phenols and pollen analysis of propolis samples from Portugal. Food Chem Toxicol 46:3482–3485

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morgano MA, Martins MCT, Rabonato LC, Milani RF, Yotsuyanagi K, Rodriguez-Amaya DB (2012) A comprehensive investigation of the mineral composition of brazilian bee pollen: geographic and seasonal variations and contribution to human diet. J Braz Chem Soc 23:727–736

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Muniategui S, Sancho MT, López-Hernández J, Simal-Lozano J (1990) Determination of carotenes from bee-collected pollen by high performance liquid chromatography. J Apicult Res 29:147–150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Negri G, Teixeira EW, Alves MLTMF, Moreti ACCC, Otsuk IP, Borguini RG, Salatino A (2011) Hydroxycinnamic acid amide derivatives, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of extracts of pollen samples from Southeast Brazil. J Agric Food Chem 59:5516–5522

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicolson SW, Human H (2013) Chemical composition of the ‘low quality’ pollen of sunflower (Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae). Apidologie 44:144–152

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen FH (2008) Is boron nutritionally relevant? Nutr Rev 66:183–191

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • NIH (2016) Selenium. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/. Accessed 12 Dec 2016

  • Nogueira C, Iglesias A, Feás X, Estevinho LM (2012) Commercial bee pollen with different geographical origins: a comprehensive approach. Int J Mol Sci 13:11173–11187

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira DM, Bastos DHM (2011) Biodisponibilidade de ácidos fenólicos. Quím Nova 34:1051–1056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliveira KCLS, Moriya M, Azedo RAB, Almeida-Muradian LB, Teixeira EW, Alves MLTMF (2009) Relationship between botanical origin and antioxidants vitamins of bee-collected pollen. Quím Nova 32:1099–1102

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panziera FB, Dorneles MM, Durgante PC, Silva VL (2011) Avaliação da ingestão de minerais antioxidantes em idosos. Rev Bras Geriatr Gerontol 14:49–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pascoal A, Rodrigues S, Teixeira A, Féas X, Estevinho LM (2014) Biological activities of commercial bee pollens: antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Food Chem Toxicol 63:233–239

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira TC, Hessel G (2009) Deficiência de zinco em crianças e adolescentes com doenças hepáticas crônicas. Rev Paul Pediatr 27:322–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pereira FM, Lopes MTR, Camargo RCR, Vilela SLO (2013) Produção de mel. http://www.sistemasdeproducao.cnptia.embrapa.br. Accessed 2 Mar 2014

  • Perini JÂL, Stevanato FB, Sargi SC, Visentainer JEL, Dalalio MMO, Matshushita MS (2010) Ácidos graxos poli-insaturados n-3 e n-6: metabolismo em mamíferos e resposta imune. Rev Nutr 23:1075–1086

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Polesello S, Rizzolo A (1990) Application of HPLC to the determination of water soluble vitamins in foods: 2 (a review 1985–1989). J Micronutr Anal 8:105–158

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rebiai A, Lanez T (2012) Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Apis mellifera bee pollen from northwest Algeria. J Fundam Appl Sci 4:155–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosanoff A, Weaver CM, Rude RK (2012) Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated? Nutr Rev 70:153–164

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Russia (1990) Flower pollen (beebread) – specifications. http://gostexpert.ru/data/files/28887-90/9ab039cee5dcc6668687b174db81e5f8.pdf. Accessed 12 Mar 2015

  • Saavedra KIC, Rojas CI, Delgado GEP (2013) Características polínicas y composición química del polen apícola colectado en Cayaltí (Lambayeque – Perú). Rev Chil Nutr 40:71–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez ET (2004) Polen: producción envasado y comercialización. Diproansa, Morelos

    Google Scholar 

  • Sattler JAG, Melo ILP, Granato D, Araújo E, Silva-Freitas A, Barth OM (2015) Impact of origin on bioactive compounds and nutritional composition of bee pollen from southern Brazil. Food Res Int 77:82–91

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sattler JAG, De-Melo AAM, Nascimento KS, Melo ILP, Mancini-Filho J, Sattler A (2016) Essential minerals and inorganic contaminants (barium, cadmium, lithium, lead and vanadium) in dried bee pollen produced in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Food Sci Technol 36:505–509

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt JO, Buchmann SL (1992) Other products of hive. In: Graham JM, Amgrose JT, Langstroth LL (eds) The hive and the honey bee: a new book on beekeeping which continues the tradition of “langstroth on the hive and the honeybee”. Hamilton, Dadant and Sons, pp 928–977

    Google Scholar 

  • Shady HMA, Mohamed WF, Sayed-Ahmed EF, Amer SA (2016) A comparative study on propolis and pollen extracts: chemical profile analysis, antioxidant and anticancer activity. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 5:397–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Serra-Bonvehí J, Escolà-Jordà R (1997) Nutrient composition and microbiological quality of honeybee-collected pollen in Spain. J Agric Food Chem 45:725–732

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shawer MB, Ali SM, Abdellatif MA, El-Refai AA (1987) Biochemical studies of bee-collected pollen in Egypt 2. Fatty acids and non-saponifiables. J Apic Res 26:133–136

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silveira TA (2012) Caracterização sazonal do pólen apícola quanto à origem botânica, aspectos físico-químicos e elementos traços como bioindicadora de poluição ambiental. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/11/11146/tde-20032012-090016/pt-br.php. Accessed 26 Feb 2017

  • Simões CMO, Guerra MP, Schenkel EP, Zannin M, Mentz LA, Bordignon SAL (2004) Farmacognosia: da planta ao medicamento, 5th edn. UFRGS, Porto Alegre

    Google Scholar 

  • Somerville DC, Nicol HI (2002) Mineral content of honeybee-collected pollen from southern New South Wales. Aust J Exp Agric 42:1131–1136

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Souza BR (2014) Quantificação das vitaminas do complexo B (B1, B2) e vitâmeros das vitaminas B3 e B6 em amostras de pólen apícola desidratado provenientes da Região Sul do Brasil. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/9/9131/tde-27052015-141055/pt-br.php. Accessed 26 Feb 2017

  • Stanley R, Linskens H (1974) Pollen: biology biochemistry management. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Sunde RA (2012) Selenium. In: Ross AC, Caballero B, Cousins RJ, Tucker KL, Ziegler TR. Modern nutrition in health and disease. 11th edn. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; p. 225–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swiss (2005) Ordinance of the DFI on foodstuffs of animal origin: chapter 11 – honey, royal jelly and pollen. https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified-compilation/20050164/index.html. Accessed 12 Mar 2015

  • Szczesna T (2006a) Long-chain fatty acids composition of honeybee-collected pollen. J Apic Sci 50:81–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Szczesna T (2006b) Protein content and amino acid composition of bee-collected pollen from selected botanical origins. J Apic Sci 50:81–90

    Google Scholar 

  • Szczesna T (2007) Concentration of selected elements in honeybee-collected pollen. J Apic Sci 51:5–13

    Google Scholar 

  • Szczesna T, Rybak-Chmielewska H (1998) Some properties of honey bee collected pollen. Pszczelnicze Zeszyty Naukowe 42:79–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Szczesna T, Rybak-Chimielewska H, Bornus L (1991) Effect of storage on variation of contents vitamin C and A in pollen collected bees. Apiacta 2:1–3

    Google Scholar 

  • Taha EA (2015) Chemical composition and amounts of mineral elements in honeybee-collected pollen in relation to botanical origin. J Apic Sci 59:75–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Tavdidishvili D, Khutsidze T, Pkhakadze M, Vanidze M, Kalandia A (2014) Flavonoids in georgian bee bread and bee pollen. J Chem Chem Eng 8:676–681

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ulusoy E, Kolayli S (2014) Phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of anzer bee pollen. J Food Biochem 38:73–82

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • USDA (1998) Vegetarians, watch your zinc! https://agresearchmag.ars.usda.gov/1998/mar/zinc/. Accessed 12 Mar 2015

  • USDA (2011) Dri dietary reference intakes: calcium vitamin D. https://www.nap.edu/read/13050/chapter/1. Accessed 12 Mar 2015

  • USDA (2015) Nutrient vitamins and minerals. https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Nutrient%20Vitamins%20TR%202015.pdf. Accessed 12 Dec 2016

  • WHO World Health Organization (2012a) Guideline: potassium intake for adults and children. World Health Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO World Health Organization (2012b) Guideline: sodium intake for adults and children. World Health Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  • WHO World Health Organization (2015). Micronutrient deficiencies: iron deficiency anaemia. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ida/en/. Accessed 12 Dec 2016

  • Xu X, Sun L, Dong J, Zhang H (2009) Breaking the cells of rape bee pollen and consecutive extraction of functional oil with supercritical carbon dioxide. Innov Food Sci Emerg Technol 10:42–46

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xu X, Dong J, Mu X, Sun L (2011) Supercritical CO2 extraction of oil, carotenoids, squalene and sterols from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) bee pollen. Food and Bioprod Process 89:47–52

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang J, Guo J, Yuan J (2008) In vitro antioxidant properties of rutin. Food Sci Technol 41:1060–1066

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang K, Wu D, Ye X, Liu D, Chen J, Sun P (2013) Characterization of chemical composition of bee pollen in China. J Agric Food Chem 61:708–718

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • You J, Liu L, Zhao W, Zhao X, Suo Y, Wang H (2007) Study of a new derivatizing reagent that improves the analysis of amino acids by HPLC with fluorescence detection: application to hydrolyzed rape bee pollen. Anal Bioanal Chem 387:2705–2718

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Youssef AM, Farag RS, Ewies MA, El-Shakaa SMA (1978) Chemical studies on pollen collected by honeybees in Giza region, Egypt. J Apic Res 17:110–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zafra AO (1979) El polen y su salud. Puebla, Pue, Florimiel

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou J, Qi Y, Ritho J, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Wu L (2015) Flavonoid glycosides as floral origin markers to discriminate of unifloral bee pollen by LC-MS/MS. Food Cont 57:54–62

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Sciences School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05580-000, Brazil

    Adriane Alexandre Machado De-Melo & Ligia Bicudo de Almeida-Muradian

  2. Laboratório de Análise de Alimentos da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 13-A, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, 05580-000, Brazil

    Adriane Alexandre Machado De-Melo

Authors
  1. Adriane Alexandre Machado De-Melo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ligia Bicudo de Almeida-Muradian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Adriane Alexandre Machado De-Melo .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador

    José M Alvarez-Suarez

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

De-Melo, A.A.M., de Almeida-Muradian, L.B. (2017). Chemical Composition of Bee Pollen. In: Alvarez-Suarez, J. (eds) Bee Products - Chemical and Biological Properties. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59689-1_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation