Effect of bee pollen on viability of starter culture bacteria in probiotic yogurt.

Cadmium is a toxic naturally occurring element that affects numerous organ systems in humans, the present study was designed to study the role of bee pollen and selenium against cadmium chloride induced immunotoxicity and Hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Forty (40) male albino rats were used for the experiment. Group I was intraperitoneal (i.p.) Injected with saline solution, G2 (i.p.) Injected with CdCl2 (1 mg/kg b.w.), G3 were (i.p.) Injected with CdCl2 (1 mg/kg b.w.) and then receive selenium (i.p.) Injection at a dose of (0.5 mg/kg/day). G4 (i.p.) Injected with CdCl2 (1 mg/kg b.w. day by day) and then received bee pollen orally at a dose of (10 g/kg/day). Animals were exposed to treatment once daily for 10weeks. After the last day of treatment, animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hematological analysis and serum separated for serum liver enzymes analysis and the liver separated for oxidative stress analysis. Results obtained in this present study revealed a significant increased at (p>0.05) in WBCs, Monocyte , Lymphocyte , Granulocyte and The activities of IgG and IgM, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT) ,alkaline phosphatase (ALP), (Total- Direct) bilirubin and Malondialdehyde (MAD), while showed a significant decreased at (p>0.05) in albumin and protein, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) in group treated with CdCl2 only when compared with normal group. However, Effects of bee pollen and selenium on immunotoxicity and hepatic injury due to cadmium-induced oxidative stress revealed a significant decreased at (p>0.05) in WBCs, Monocyte, Granulocyte and The activities of IgG except Lymphocyte and IgM are not affected also aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine transferase (ALT) ,alkaline phosphatase (ALP), (Total- Direct) bilirubin and Malondialdehyde (MAD) showed a significant decreased at (p>0.05), while Total protein, Albumin, Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) showed a significant increased at (p>0.05) when compared with control group. It is concluded that the bee pollen and selenium have antioxidant properties

It has been demonstrated in numerous studies that bee pollen supplementation shows numerous positive effects on health. However, its impact on bones is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bee pollen supplementation on the tibia biomechanical properties and bone morphometric measures using Japanese quail as an animal model. The experiment was arranged in a 2x2x2 factorial design, with sex, quail line (meat-type or egg-lying type), and bee pollen inclusion (0 or 10 g/kg of feed) as factors. The quails were one-day-old at the beginning of the experiment, they were euthanized after 42 days. Our study showed for the first time unfavorable effects of bee pollen on bones properties. Bee pollen supplementation negatively affected bone structure, irrespective of quails’ sex or line type. Bone length (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.01), and mean relative wall thickness (P < 0.01) and mineralization (P < 0.05) were reduced by bee pollen treatment. For female quails, irrespective of line type, the decrease of yield load (P < 0.001), ultimate load (P < 0.01), yield stress (P < 0.001) and ultimate stress (P < 0.05) was noted. Analysis of growth plate in bone metaphysis showed that bee pollen supplementation slowed the process of bone maturation irrespective of sex (P < 0.05). On contrary, dietary bee pollen positively affected bone homeostasis of trabecular bone in bone metaphysis as bone mineral density increased in experimental groups (P < 0.05). In males, this was the result of the increase of trabecular thickness (P < 0.01), in females due to the reduction of trabecular space (P < 0.001). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that bee pollen (1.0%, 10 g/kg of feed) supplementation caused significant negative effects on the mechanical endurance of the tibia of quails, while showed beneficial effects on trabecular bone histomorphometry.

The general objective of this in vitro study was to examine the effect of bee pollen on the release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF–I) and steroid hormone progesterone, and expression of markers of proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (caspase-3) in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Concentrations of IGF–I and progesterone were determined by RIA method and expression of PCNA and caspase-3 by immunocytochemistry. Bee pollen addition at the dose of 10 ng/mL significantly (P<0.05) inhibited IGF-I release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. This growth factor was not influenced by 100 and 1000 ng/mL doses of bee pollen. Progesterone release by cells was not influenced by bee pollen addition at the doses of 10, 100 and 1000 ng/mL as used in our study. Similarly expression of PCNA and caspase-3 was not affected by bee pollen addition. The present study shows dose-dependent regulation of IGF–I by experimental bee pollen addition in vitro. Progesterone release, expression of PCNA and caspase-3 in porcine ovarian granulosa cells was not induced by pollen. Our results contribute to new insights regarding the possible effect of bee pollen on IGF-I release, which is important for regulation of porcine ovarian functions.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease causing hepatocyte damage. Bee pollen has hypolipodemic, anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of Bee Pollen on the levels of SGOT, SGPT, and its effects on the liver’s histopathologic. The experimental laboratory research method, 30 rats divided into 6 groups (n = 5). HFD was given for 28 days, Simvastatin and Bee Pollen were given from 15 until 28 days. SGOT, SGPT were examined at 0, 15, 29 days by spectrophotometry (340 nm). Histopathological liver examination at 29 days. Results: The levels of SGOT, SGPT between Bee pollen 1 (18 mg/kgBW/day), 2 (36 mg /kgBW/day), 3 (72 mg /kgBW/day) with HFD were very significant differences. The levels of SGOT Bee Pollen 1,2,3 compared to simvastatin were not significantly different. SGPT Bee Pollen 3 levels compared to simvastatin there were no significant differences. Measurement of the degree of cloudy swollen cells, portal inflammation, bridging fibrosis, periportal fibrosis between Bee Pollen 1, 2 with HFD there is a significant difference, Bee Pollen 3 and HFD differ very significantly. Conclusion: Bee Pollen can reduce levels of SGOT, SGPT, its potential effects is equivalent to simvastatin on reducing levels of SGOT, SGPT and improved the histopathological image of the liver on male rats wistar induced by high-fat diet. .&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords : Dyslipidemia, SGOT, SGPT, Bee pollen, Histopatological Image &#x0D;

The aim of this study was to examine possible effects of bee pollen added to the feed mixture (FM) on rat ovarian functions (secretion activity and apoptosis). We evaluated the bee pollen effect on the release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormones (progesterone and estradiol), as well as on the expression of markers of apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3) in rat ovarian fragments. Female rats (n = 15) were fed during 90 days by FM without or with rape seed bee pollen in dose either 3 kg/1000 kg FM or 5 kg/1000 kg FM. Fragments of ovaries isolated from rats of each group (totally 72 pieces) were incubated for 24 h. Hormonal secretion into the culture medium was detected by RIA. The markers of apoptosis were evaluated by Western blotting. It was observed that IGF-I release by rat ovarian fragments was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased; on the other hand, progesterone and estradiol secretion was increased after bee pollen treatment at dose 5 kg/1000 kg FM but not at 3 kg/1000 FM. Accumulation of Bcl-2 was increased by bee pollen added at 3 kg/1000 kg FM, but not at higher dose. Accumulation of Bax was increased in ovaries of rats fed by bee pollen at doses either 3 or 5 kg/1000 kg FM, whilst accumulation of caspase-3 increased after feeding with bee pollen at dose 5 kg/1000 kg FM, but not at 3 kg/1000 kg FM. Our results contribute to new insights regarding the effect of bee pollen on both secretion activity (release of growth factor IGF-I and steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol) and apoptosis (anti- and pro-apoptotic markers Bcl-2, Bax and caspase-3). Bee pollen is shown to be a potent regulator of rat ovarian functions.

Introduction. The use of bee pollen and other biologically active additives in the process of food production makes it possible to enrich them with minerals, vitamins, increase nutrition, replace components with intolerance of the human body, improve taste. The goal of the work. To study the influence of phacelia bee pollen on indicators of quality of wheat bread and compliance of the finished product with national standards. Materials and methods of research. The research was conducted in the training laboratory of the Faculty of Food Technology and Quality Control of Agricultural Products of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, (Ukraine) and the Testing Laboratory of Methods of Quality and Safety Assessment of Beekeeping of the National Scientific Center “Institute of beekeeping named after P.I. Prokopovich”. The bee pollen was collected at a private apiary (Selezenivka, Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine). In theoretical studies, the methods of analysis and synthesis of scientific literature were applied using Scopus scientometric databases and the Google Scholar database. Experimental research was carried out in accordance with generally accepted, standard methods, as well as in accordance with the requirements of the national standards of Ukraine. The main stages in the production of bread with the addition of bee pollen, during which various studies of phacelia were carried out, were the preparation of raw materials and auxiliary materials, mixing and processing of dough, baking, cooling and storage. Results of research and discussion. The main stages of the bread production with the addition of phacelia bee pollen were the preparation of raw materials and auxiliary materials, mixing and processing of dough, baking, cooling and storage. Experimental studies were carried out on two specimens with different recipes and a method of treatment of bee pollen – powdery condition; the natural form that remains after the drying process. An organoleptic study using powdered milk, pumpkin seeds and powdered bee pollen in the first sample determined a number of advantages in terms of color, pulp state, taste, and smell. The results of the physico-chemical study of sample 2 revealed an imperfect recipe, and with minor deviations from the process or production modes, it may not meet the requirements for physico-chemical performance. It is believed that the high amount of carbohydrates is due to the large amount of bee pollen in the recipe. The recipe is estimated to have produced a finished product of potentially high biological value that can be used for functional nutrition, but requires further research. In addition, other scientists argue that adding these ingredients to food recipes significantly improves a number of their properties. Conclusions and prospects for further research. Influence of phacelia bee pollen in the composition of the wheat bread recipe on the indicators of quality and compliance of the finished product with national standards has been determined. As a result of the identification of the bee pollen by the number of pollen grains, monoflority was confirmed – 95.4% of pollen grains phacelia tanacetifolia. The main physico-chemical indicators of the finished product: moisture – 42.3%, acidity – 2.7%, porosity of pulp – 75.2%. It has been confirmed that the recipe of sample 1 has high organoleptic and physico-chemical characteristics. Based on the results of the obtained data, prospective studies were determined in revealing the influence on the human body from the consumption of food products with the components of the production or processing of beekeeping products.

Bee pollen has been regarded as a complete nutritional human dietary supplement but its nutrient absorption and biological effects may be restricted by the complex pollen wall. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of ultrasonic and ball-milling treatment on the release of nutritional components and on in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of rose (Rosa rugosa) bee pollen. Bee pollen walls were broken to varying degrees, nutrients were released, and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant effects of bee pollen were improved. The scavenging effects of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazolone-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were improved. In aging mice, wall-breaking treatment led to better organ recovery, enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) effects, and malondialdehyde (MDA) reduction. Eight compounds of rose bee pollen ethanol extract, including isorhamnetin 3-O-diglucoside and N', N″, N‴-dicaffeoyl p-coumaroyl spermidine were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) assay. This study showed that ultrasonic treatment had greater wall-disruption effects of bee pollen on nutrient release and antioxidant effect promotion. In conclusion, rose bee pollen, with wall-breaking treatments, may have potential value as an ingredient in functional food processing. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Context The species-specific differences and mechanisms of action of bee pollen on reproduction have not been well studied. Objective We compared the effects of bee pollen extracts from different plants on ovarian cell functions. Materials and methods We compared the effects of pollens from black alder, dandelion, maize, rapeseed, and willow at 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 µg/mL on cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells. Cell viability was assessed with a Trypan blue test, the cell proliferation marker (PCNA), and an apoptosis marker (BAX) were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) release was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Addition of any bee pollen reduced cell viability, promoted accumulation of both proliferation and apoptosis markers, and promoted IGF-I release. The ability of various pollens to suppress cell viability ranked as follows: rapeseed > dandelion > alder > maize > willow. The biological activity of bee pollens regarding their stimulatory action on ovarian cell proliferation ranked as follows: dandelion > willow > maize > alder > rapeseed. Cell apoptosis was promoted by pollens as follows: range > dandelion > alder > rapeseed > willow > maize. The ability of the pollens to stimulate IGF-I output are as follows: willow > dandelion > rapeseed > maize > alder. Discussion Bee pollen can promote ovarian cell proliferation by promoting IGF-I release, but it induces the dominance of apoptosis over proliferation and the reduction in ovarian cell viability in a species-specific manner. Conclusions This is the first demonstration of adverse effects of bee pollen on ovarian cell viability and of its direct stimulatory influence on proliferation, apoptosis, and IGF-I release. The biological potency of bee pollen is dependent on the plant species.

The objective of this study was to enrich durable cookies with different additions of rape (Brassica napus var. napus) bee pollen to increase nutritional properties of cookie samples and to improve technological and sensorial properties as well. Bee pollen is an important raw material due to its nutritional and functional properties. Cookie samples were prepared by substituting wheat flour with rape bee pollen in the amount of 16 % (1 g of bee pollen per cookie) and 32 % (2 g of bee pollen per cookie) using bee pollen from two localities Lenártovce and Nové Zámky. In baked samples beside sensory properties also chemical parameters and technological parameters of cookies were evaluated. It was found out that with the gradual addition of rape bee pollen the amount of ash content increased and the highest ash content was analysed in variants II and IV (0.71 and 0.77 %) using 32 % addition of rape bee pollen. In terms of reducing sugars, addition of bee pollen caused that the content of reducing sugars in the products increased slightly. The highest reducing sugar content was determined in variant II. (24.59 %). On the other hand amount of crude protein the most considerably raised by addition of 2 g of pollen per cookie. The highest content of crude protein was analysed in variants II and IV (8.72 and 9.00 %). From the results of a linear models in which the dependent variables were the ash, crude protein and moisture it was determined the significant effect (p <0.05) only of the pollen addition. In the case of the model with the dependent variable reducing sugars it was found out significant effect (p<0.0001) of pollen addition and locality and their interactions. With the gradual addition of bee pollen values of technological parameters such as diameter and weight of cookies increased and thickness of products decreased. Based on sensory scores using a 9-point Hedonic scale the best sensorial acceptability (7.4) was found in variant I (1 g of bee pollen per cookie). Cookies were characterized by a pleasant, but little bit cabbage smell. Cookies were easy to chew and were of a sufficient delicate flavour with slight pollen and honey aftertaste. Taking into account all aspects of quality it can be concluded that the most acceptable addition of bee pollen was 16 % (1 g of bee pollen per cookie) from locality Lenártovce (south part of middle Slovakia).

The effect of bee pollen on productive and reproductive performances of adult buck rabbits and their offspring was studied during winter and summer seasons. Forty New Zealand White bucks were equally divided among four groups feeding the same commercial diet and receiving a water solution containing, respectively, 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg bee pollen/kg body weight, twice per week along two experimental periods. The experimental periods were listed for ten weeks both during winter (30-40 weeks of age) and summer seasons (56-66 weeks of age). During the trials body weight, body weight gain, total feed intake, semen quality, fertility and blood constituents were determined. Fertility was determined after natural mating with no treated females. For each season, 80 weaned rabbits obtained from the bucks of the control group were equally divided (20 per group) among 4 levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW) of bee pollen, given as a water solution twice per week. The offspring sired by bucks given 100, 200 and 300 mg (20 for each group and season) were not administrated bee pollen. The effect of bee pollen on growth performance of rabbits was studied from 4 to 12 weeks of age. Bee pollen at 200 mg/kg BW significantly (p< 0.01) improved semen quality, increased fertility percentage, improved biochemical profiles of blood and helps outstanding of bucks during both seasons. The same concentration of bee pollen increased body weight gain and survival rate and reduced feed intake and feed conversion ratio of offspring up to 12 weeks of age.

Large-scale production systems for sheep and goats are crucial to global food security. However, these systems face challenges, such as limited access to feed, parasites, and lower reproductive performance. The combination of poor nutrition and health issues often results in reduced reproductive success, slower growth rates, and lower overall productivity in terms of meat, milk, and fiber production. In the U.S., the goat population has steadily decreased, with a 2% drop in 2023. Bee pollen could play a significant role in addressing challenges in goat production by improving nutritional intake, supporting overall health, potentially enhancing reproductive performance and possibly improving resilience against common stressors such as parasites. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effects of bee pollen supplementation on health, live weight, and fecal parasite load in goats. Crossbred does (Boer×Spanish; n=30) were allocated randomly into two treatments 1: supplemented bee pollen (T-BP: n=15) and 2: control (T-CTL: n=15). Goats were stratified based on live weight (LW)—one pen/treatment. The T-BP received 10g of bee pollen daily, fed individually in a milking parlor to ensure accurate dosing and intake. The bee pollen supplementation was provided with an additional 50 grams/day/head (12% CP; 2.96 MJ/kg; Feed Producer’s Pride®). The T-CTL group received pellets, fed individually in a milking parlor, but not pollen. Treatments received a maintenance diet with limited physical activity (8.3%CP; 2.03 Kcal/kg). LW and FAMACHA scores were assessed weekly. Fecal egg counts (FECs) were analyzed bi-weekly. Individual animals were the experimental units. The data were analyzed using mixed models and repeated measures of SAS. The initial (T-BP: 32.24 kg vs T-CTL: 32.89 kg) and final BW (T-BP: 34.71kg vs T-CTL: 34.56 kg) did not differ between treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The FAMACHA scores were similar across both groups P-values’ using a scoring scale of 1-5, where 1 indicates a healthy animal and 5 indicates severe anemia (T-BP: 2.06-2.36 vs T-CTL:1.77-2.07). The FECs were similar across both treatments (T-BP:158.48-159.52epg vs T-CTL:126.48-127.52epg). Treatments had similar results across all measured variables, suggesting that the daily supplementation of 10 g of bee pollen did not influence the overall health or parasite load. In conclusion, bee pollen supplementation did not improve goat LW, FAMACHA scores, or FECs. Research with longer supplementation periods and varying doses is needed to confirm the long-term effect of bee pollen

High hydrostatic pressure enhances the anti-proliferative properties of lotus bee pollen on the human prostate cancer PC-3 cells via increased metabolites

Bee pollen consists of floral pollen mixed with bee secretions and nectar. It has been considered as a functional food and has different kinds of biologically active ingredients, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, phytosterols and minerals. However, its function in cognition has yet been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the ameliorating effect of bee pollen against scopolamine-caused cognitive impairment through the passive avoidance test, the Y-maze test and the Morris water maze test. In addition, Western blotting was employed to verify the effects of bee pollen on memory-related signaling molecules in the hippocampus. Bee pollen extract (100 or 300 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)) obviously reversed scopolamine-caused cognitive impairment in the passive avoidance test, ameliorated spontaneous alternation versus the scopolamine-treated group in the Y-maze test and prolonged swimming time in the target zone in the Morris water maze test. In addition, the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), protein kinase B (Akt) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in the hippocampi, were increased in response to the treatment with bee pollen extract (100 or 300 mg/kg, p.o.). These results indicated that bee pollen ameliorates cognitive impairment induced by cholinergic blockade through the enhancing conversion of proBDNF to mature BDNF by tPA, probably, through the ERK-CREB pathway or Akt-GSK-3β signaling pathway and would be a useful agent for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Forty New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit does were equally divided among four groups feeding the same commercial diet and receiving a water solution containing, respectively, 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 mg bee pollen/kg body weight (BW), 1 week before and after mating during moderate (October-February) and hot seasons (May-September) for three consecutive mating in each season. Does were mated with non-treated adult NZW male rabbits 11 days after kindling. Body weight of does, number of service per conception, conception rate, feed intake, litter size, milk production, blood constituents, weight of kits from birth up to weaning and survival rate were determined. For each season, 80 weaned rabbits originated from the does of the control group (untreated does) were equally divided into four groups (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW) of bee pollen, given as a water solution twice per week from 4 to 12 weeks of age. The kit of the does given 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg BW did not receive bee pollen during the growing period (4-12 weeks of age). The effect of bee pollen on growing rabbit's performance was studied from 4 to 12 week of age. Bee pollen at 200 mg significantly (p < 0.01) increased body weight of does, conception rate, milk yield, litter size; improved biochemical profiles of blood and helps outstanding of does during both seasons. The same dose of bee pollen significantly increased kit growth and their survival rate until weaning. Growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of kits from the treated does during 4-8 weeks of age were significantly better than growth of kits from the untreated does that administrated bee pollen during 4-12 weeks of age. Meanwhile, during the following period (8-12 weeks of age) growth and FCR of kits given bee pollen from the untreated does were significantly better than that of treated does.

In this study, the effects of bee pollen on the development of digestive organs were evaluated in broiler chickens. A total of 144 1-day-old AA broiler chickens were randomly and equally divided into two groups, assigned as the control group and the pollen group, respectively. The control group was fed with a basic diet, while the pollen group was fed with a basic diet supplemented with 1.5% bee pollen over a period of 6 weeks. At the end of each week, the digestive organs were obtained for comparison from 12 broilers randomly selected from each group. The results demonstrated that compared to the control group, the small intestine villi from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were longer and thicker in the pollen group. This difference was more significant during early development, especially through the first 2 weeks. Bee pollen increased the length of the villi by 37.1% and 29.4% in the duodenum, 28.1% and 33.7% in the jejunum, and 18.6% and 16.2% in the ileum in week 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, the small intestinal glands were developed at a higher density in the pollen group, and the depth of the glands was significantly increased by bee pollen in the first 2 weeks. These findings suggest that bee pollen could promote the early development of the digestive system and therefore is a potentially beneficial food supplement for certain conditions, such as short bowel syndrome.