Predominant and Secondary Pollen Botanical Origins Influence the Carotenoid and Fatty Acid Profile in Fresh Honeybee-Collected Pollen

Abstract

Total and individual carotenoids, fatty acid composition of total lipids, and main lipid classes of 16 fresh bee-collected pollen samples from Romania were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and capillary gas chromatography with mass detection. Analyzed samples were found rich in lutein, whereas β-criptoxanthin and β-carotene were present in a wide range of amounts correlated with predominant botanical origin of the samples. High amounts of lutein were correlated with the presence of Callendula officinalis, Taraxacum officinale and Anthylis sp. The highest amount of total lipids was found in samples where pollen from Brassica sp. was predominant. Lipid classes were dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids were determined in variable amounts. Lipid and carotenoid contents present great variability, explained by the various botanical species present in the samples.

Quality Parameters Needed for Bee Products Used in Apitherapy

“…Honey is expected to have the smallest quantity of polyphenols, because its main chemical composition is simple sugars and water. Propolis and bee pollen have the highest amount of flavonoids from the measured bee products, which is in accordance with literature data and own observations (Liu et al, 2008;Mărghitaş et al, 2009;Mărgăoan et al, 2014). The main phenolic compounds identified in honey and propolis samples were from the class of phenolic acids and flavonoids.…”

“…Bee pollen is very rich in vitamins (B group, but also high amounts of C vitamin), in freshly collected bee pollen, minerals (Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na), or carotenoids, accounting for the wide range of colors (yellow, orange, red), or anthocianins accounting for the violet colour. An important part of the chemical composition is represented by unsaturated fatty acids (omega 3 and omega 6) (Yang et al, 2013;Mărgăoan et al, 2014).…”

Beebread from Apis mellifera and Apis dorsata. Comparative Chemical Composition and Bioactivity

“…They are longer in size than Apis mellifera (17)(18)(19)(20) mm, comparing to 5-15 mm). is a wild bee, it was not domesticated until now, having an aggressive defense Apis dorsata strategies and behavior when are disturbed.…”

“…Bee bread will be used in the future, more and more as a healthy food and medicine, due to its functional properties (antioxidant properties, the ability to scavenge the reactive oxygen species, responsible for different diseases) (Nagai et It is known that chemical and implicitly biological properties of bee pollen are influenced by floral origin of the pollen gathered by the bees as raw material for bee pollen production (Jivan et al, 2011, Mărgăoan et al 2014. As the majority of the bioactive compounds are secondary metabolites of plant origin, all plant properties (meliferous and medicinal plants) are transferred to pollen and finally in beebread.…”

Antiproliferative activity and apoptotic effects of Filipendula ulmaria pollen against C26 mice colon tumour cells

“…Until further analysis, and to prevent degradation of biologically active substances, the pollen samples were cleaned of impurities and immediately frozen at -20 o C. Physicochemical composition was determined from ground pollen powder samples. Palynological identification was made according to Mărgăoan et al (2014). Pollen extracts were prepared by dissolving 2 g ground pollen in 15 mL methanol:water solution (80:20) (Carpes et al, 2007;Morais et al, 2011).…”