Pollen-B

[Nutritional Advisers Product Information]

Rationale

Wassen Pollen-B tablets provide bee-collected pollen, which has been finely ground for enhanced assimilation of the many trace nutrients found in this food like substance.

What exactly is Pollen?

The following definition is used in the Oxford English Dictionary to describe pollen: -

• 'The fine granular or powdery substance produced by and discharged from the anther of a flower, constituting the male element destined for the fertilisation of the ovules.'

The Purpose of Pollen

The purpose of pollen, which is produced by flowers, is the reproduction of a myriad of plant life. It enables the fertilisation and development of seeds following pollination. There are various ways for pollination to take place, either in the form of self-pollination or cross-pollination. The latter requires the pollen to be carried from one plant to another, where bees often play an important part due to their methodical collection of nectar and pollen, which does not damage the plants. Pollen is so nutritious that it provides the chief source of all foodstuffs for bees, except for water and carbohydrates and provides the most fundamental nutrients for making Royal Jelly (1).

Whilst the nutritional content of pollen varies, it is a rich source of many vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Many micronutrients were identified in pollen, collected by bees from dandelion, fruits and autumn flowers, following an analysis by A. Earl Vivino and L. S. Palmer published in 1944. (2) The minerals included calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper. The pollen also proved to be a good source of carotenoids, flavones, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and ascorbic acid as well as small amounts of vitamins D and E. The mean protein content of the pollen that was analysed compared favourably with that of common beans, peas and lentils. Whilst the tools of analysis no doubt were not as sophisticated as they would be now, this outcome could still serve as a guide.

History

Different population groups that have been renowned for their longevity in different regions of the world, ranging from South America to Russia, seem to include pollen as part of their diet. No doubt, the fact that these people lead hard working lives, get plenty of exercise and eat a natural diet all contribute to the enjoyment of their good health and long lives.

The word 'pollen' is derived from the Latin word 'pine flour', however, there is no evidence that either the ancient Romans or Greeks had a special word to describe pollen. The first record of its botanical use dates back to 1523 and it was not in popular usage until the great Swedish botanist Karl Linné, known as Linnaeus began using it in his descriptions of plants in 1751. There are records, however, dating back 5000 years that the Assyrian priests were dusting pollen from the male date palms on to the inflorescences of female trees.

The use of pollen as a food dates back to the early natives of India and the Maoris of New Zealand who made cat's tail (Typha) pollen into cakes whilst the Apache and Pueblo Indians used cat's tail, also described as reedmace, and maize pollens in their fertility rites. (3)

Anecdotal and scientific reports of the benefits of pollen

As bee pollen is a rich mix of various micronutrients it has been difficult to pinpoint the individual ingredients that exert the benefits ascribed to this food-like substance. The benefits are most likely due to the synergy of the many substances contained in pollen.

Anecdotal evidence for the benefits of pollen includes a protective effect against the common cold, influenza, rheumatism and arthritis. Studies carried out in Sweden also show a beneficial effect in cases of prostitis. Some believe that taking pollen during the period leading up to and throughout the hay fever season may even lessen the effect of this irritating and sometimes disabling condition. As pollen is ingested via the oral route, it does not come into contact with the tissues of the nasal passages and eyes, and therefore rarely causes a reaction in hay fever sufferers (6).

During an 8-month study, carried out at the University of Indonesia, a pollen preparation was administered to 60 patients, who suffered various types of malignant cancers. The reported benefits of the 'pollen supplement' included an increase in average weight, haemoglobin levels, activity and appetite as well as improved sleep (4).

A Swedish Pollen extract was put to the test over a period of 6 months in 90 cases of chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia. The patients were divided into two groups, those without associated complicating factors (CF) and those with complicating factors. In the group without CFs 78% had a favourable response; 36 % were cured of their symptoms (5). The pollen product was well tolerated by 97% of patients.

Indications

Pollen can be compared to a nutrient dense food, which is likely to be of benefit to those that feel below par, including convalescents, who wish to take a 'pick-me up'. Athletes or those leading active lives may also find a regular intake of pollen advantageous. In a study at the 'Pratt Institute' training athletes, who participated in running and gymnastic events, taking 3-4 Pollen-B tablets per day, not only recouped their energy faster but also actually improved their performance on second and third tries, even after taxing exertion.

References:

1) Marjorie McCormick, The Golden Pollen, A Special Edition on Pollen for Food and Medicine, Private Publication, 1973.

2) A. E. Vivino & L. S. Palmer, The Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Pollens Collected by Bees, Division of Agricultural Biochemistry, University of Minnesota, University Farm, St. Paul, Minnesota, March 1, 1944

3) Maurice Hanssen, The Healing Power of Pollen, Thorsons Publishers Ltd., 1989

4) Didid Tjindarbumi, Everet Poetiray, Togar Simandjuntak, The Use of Florapoll as Supplement Therapy to Various Malignant Cancer Cases in the Department of Surgery, Dr. Tjipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, 1974

5) E. W. Rugendorff et al., Results of Treatment with Pollen Extract in Chronic Prostitis and Prostatodynia, British Journal of Urology, 71, 433-438, 1993.

6) R. G. Stanley, H. F. Linskens, Pollen Biology Biochemistry Management, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York