Honeybee-collected pollen from Transylvania: palynological origin, phenolic content and antioxidant activity

Abstract

. Palynological analysis, total polyphenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were studied on six samples fresh bee pollen from Transylvania. Floral origin of used bee collected pollen was identified by palynological analysis without acetolysis followed by microscopy and comparison with a library of samples. The content of total polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method with gallic acid as standard and total flavonoids content was determined with zirconium oxychloride reagent using quercetin as standard for calibration. The antioxidant properties were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) assey and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assey. A great variability regarding the content of total polyphenols of examined bee pollen samples with different botanical origin and the antioxidant capacity was found.