Infrared Irradiation Drying Impact on Bee Pollen: Case Study on the Phenolic Composition of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. Pollens

Abstract

Bee pollen is commonly reputed as a rich source of nutrients, both for bees and humans. Its composition is well balanced and can be taken as a stand-alone food or as supplement, including for the elderly owing its low caloric value. However, storage conditions frequently lead to product degradation, namely due to the high moisture content that enable the proliferation of molds and bacteria. Herein, an infrared (IR)-based technology is proposed as a mean to determine moisture content, setting also a new scalable approach for the development of a drying technology to be used for bee pollen processing, which can be carried out in a short time, without impacting the phenolic and flavonoid content and associated bioactive effects. Proof-of-concept was attained with an IR moisture analyzer, bee pollen samples from Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Salix atrocinerea Brot. being selected as models. Impact of the IR radiation towards the phenolic and flavonoid profiles was screened by HPLC/DAD profiling and radical scavenging ability by the DPPH assay. The IR-based approach shows good reproducibility while simultaneously reducing drying time and energy consumption, thus implying a low environmental impact and being suitable for industrial scale-up once no degradation has been found to occur during the radiation process.

Translational Research on Bee Pollen as a Source of Nutrients: A Scoping Review from Bench to Real World

“…BP’s richness in nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, oligo-elements, and unsaturated fatty acids, is certain, along with the fact that it provides a moderate calorie intake as well as a good level of tolerance and safety, except for in the case of allergic reactions or external pollution, which remain manageable and predictable. BP hazards can arise mainly from external contamination factors, as pollen is very sensitive to these factors [ 2 ], or from inconvenient storage and processing conditions [ 1 ]. Special requirements are being established in the ISO-TC34-SC19-WG3 norm to avoid such tampering in the quality assurance and control of the crude material.…”

“…Substantial research has been conducted on the composition and pharmacological bioactivities of bee pollen (BP), indicating both its usefulness and safety. Numerous studies have shown that BP has a rich and well-balanced composition to serve as a human food and supplement, while its richness of bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, confers to it a large array of biological and pharmacological activities [ 1 ]. BP-related risks may mainly emanate from external factors [ 2 ], or from improper storage and processing conditions [ 1 ].…”

“…Numerous studies have shown that BP has a rich and well-balanced composition to serve as a human food and supplement, while its richness of bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols, confers to it a large array of biological and pharmacological activities [ 1 ]. BP-related risks may mainly emanate from external factors [ 2 ], or from improper storage and processing conditions [ 1 ]. Allergic reactions are rare and BP is perceived as a safe product in most physiological situations including in childhood, in older age, and in disease recoveries [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Bee Pollen as a Functional Product – Chemical Constituents and Nutritional Properties

“…Pollen can be supplemented in a healthy diet, offering a significant daily intake of nutrients because of its superior nutrient profile. Even elderly persons can consume it as a stand-alone diet or supplement, because of its nutritionally balanced composition and low-calorie count (Campos et al, 2021).…”

Special Issue on “Phenolic Compounds: Extraction, Optimization, Identification and Applications in Food Industry”

“…For instance, Campos et al, [1] discuss the drying impact on the phenolic composition of pollens of Eucalyptus globulus and Salix atrocinerea plant models by using infrared irradiation technology. This technique is used to determine the moisture content in pollens.…”