Bee Pollen

Uses

Bee pollen consists of bee saliva and enzymes, mixed with pollen that the bees have brought back to the hive on their bodies. The bees pack the pollen into granules; honey and nectar are sometimes added to the granules. Bee pollen contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Bee pollen will vary from batch to batch and by location, because the pollen component will be unique to the plants the bees have visited. If pollen is collected from residential or farming areas where pesticides and other chemicals are used, these will remain in the final product.

Bee pollen may be confused with honey, honeycomb, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom, though none of these products contain bee pollen. Propolis is a resinous mixture of tree sap, leaves, and botanical matter that bees use to seal small cracks in the hive; royal jelly is secreted by worker bees and fed to bee larva and the queen bee.

What Are Star Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Premenstrual Syndrome Refer to label instructions	One small study found that 2 tablets twice daily of a dietary supplement containing bee pollen extract and royal jelly may decrease PMS symptoms including water retention, weight gain, and irritability. One small study conducted over two menstrual cycles found that 2 tablets twice daily of a dietary supplement containing 36 mg of bee pollen extract, 120 mg of bee pollen plus pistil extract, and 6 mg of royal jelly may decrease PMS symptoms including edema (water retention), weight gain, and irritability.
1 Star Prostatitis Refer to label instructions	In prostatitis patients, preliminary research has found that bee pollen may improve symptoms in some men. One open label study of 82 prostatitis patients without complicating anatomical issues—urethral stricture, bladder neck stenosis, or prostatic mineral deposits (calculi)—found that 3 daily doses of Cernilton, a proprietary bee pollen blend, completely resolved or significantly improved symptoms in 78% of the men. In the 18 participants with complicating anatomical issues, only 1 reported improvement, suggesting the treatment is most effective for men with simple, uncomplicated prostatitis. A blind, controlled trial of 58 men found that a proprietary bee pollen blend called Prostat/Poltit led to improvement or cure of prostatitis in 73% of those receiving the supplement, compared with 36% of men receiving a placebo.

Used for

Why

1 Star

Premenstrual Syndrome

Refer to label instructions

One small study found that 2 tablets twice daily of a dietary supplement containing bee pollen extract and royal jelly may decrease PMS symptoms including water retention, weight gain, and irritability.

One small study conducted over two menstrual cycles found that 2 tablets twice daily of a dietary supplement containing 36 mg of bee pollen extract, 120 mg of bee pollen plus pistil extract, and 6 mg of royal jelly may decrease PMS symptoms including edema (water retention), weight gain, and irritability.

1 Star

Prostatitis

Refer to label instructions

In prostatitis patients, preliminary research has found that bee pollen may improve symptoms in some men.

One open label study of 82 prostatitis patients without complicating anatomical issues—urethral stricture, bladder neck stenosis, or prostatic mineral deposits (calculi)—found that 3 daily doses of Cernilton, a proprietary bee pollen blend, completely resolved or significantly improved symptoms in 78% of the men. In the 18 participants with complicating anatomical issues, only 1 reported improvement, suggesting the treatment is most effective for men with simple, uncomplicated prostatitis. A blind, controlled trial of 58 men found that a proprietary bee pollen blend called Prostat/Poltit led to improvement or cure of prostatitis in 73% of those receiving the supplement, compared with 36% of men receiving a placebo.

How It Works

Bee pollen contains numerous substances with potential benefits to general health and nutrition, including antioxidants, antifungal and antimicrobial compounds, and flavonoids. ¹^{, 2}^{, 3}^{, 4}^{, 5}

How to Use It

1 to 2 teaspoons of powder or granules per day; up to 3,000 mg per day, or in capsules, tablets, or gel-cap form per dietary supplement label instructions.

Where to Find It

Bee pollen is found only in dietary supplements. It is not a natural component of any commonly consumed foods, including honey.

Possible Deficiencies

Bee pollen is not an essential nutrient; deficiency is not a recognized nutritional concern.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

In people with pollen allergies, or who have had serious reactions to bee stings, bee pollen can cause serious allergic reactions, including hives, wheezing, swelling, and anaphylaxis. Pregnant and nursing women should not use bee pollen under any circumstances.

References

1. 1. Chantarudee A, Phuwapraisirisan P, Kimura K, Okuyama M, Mori H, Kimura A, Chanchao C. 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 2012;12:45.

2. Koç AN, Silici S, Kasap F, Hörmet-Oz HT, Mavus-Buldu H, Ercal BD. Antifungal activity of the honeybee products against Candida spp. and Trichosporon spp. J Med Food 2011;14:128-34.

3. Nakajima Y, Tsuruma K, Shimazawa M, Mishima S, Hara H. Comparison of bee products based on assays of antioxidant capacities. BMC Complement Altern Med 2009;9:4.

4. Sarić A, Balog T, Sobocanec S, Kusić B, Sverko V, Rusak G, Likić S, Bubalo D, Pinto B, Reali D, Marotti T. Antioxidant effects of flavonoid from Croatian Cystus incanus L. rich bee pollen. Food Chem Toxicol 2009;47:547-54.

5. Tichy J, Novak J. Detection of antimicrobials in bee products with activity against viridans streptococci. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:383-9.

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Last Review: 06-08-2015

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

Health Information Library

Bee Pollen

Uses

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

How It Works