Synthesis and Characterization of Phytoandrogen from Different Species of Pine Trees and its Potential Use for Aquaculture

Abstract

Pine pollen is an example of phytoandrogen that has been utilized as a feed additive for all animals worldwide and used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy that can safely restore healthy testosterone levels in men. Previous on-farm trials demonstrated the effectiveness of Benguet pine pollen (Pinus kesiya) as an alternative hormone source for the sex redirection of tilapia. The study characterized phytoandrogen four types of pine pollen, coded as PPL1 (Benguet 1), PPL2 (Benguet 2), PPC1 (commercially available in cracked form), and PPC2 (commercially available in whole form). The characterization showed the differences in morphology and particle size in micrometer scale under the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Meanwhile, Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis determined that the Benguet and commercial pine pollen contains carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and potassium. All samples have strong elemental bonding based on FTIR analysis. Pine pollen with cracked cell walls has the smallest particle, around 35.48 μm, and it was significantly different among all other samples at p<0.05. The particle size of characterized pine pollen ranged from 35.48±0.87 to 46.72±3.67 μm, which can be used for an efficient drug delivery system. Additionally, a stable particle was produced after intercalation was applied. Moreover, the study found that all pine pollen samples were good sources of phytoandrogen levels 1.25 x 106, comparable to testosterone; this can be a good replacement for 17 α -MT in aquaculture, making it sustainable and safe for the environment.