Pollen Extract Research Articles

Inhibition of bee pollen on acetylcholine esterases and cytotoxicity of human neuroblastoma, cerebral glioma, and macrophages

Inhibition of Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts on acetylcholineesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholineesterase (BChE), which are indicators of anti‐Alzheimer’s activity, were investigated. Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts (0–3mg/ml) did not show inhibitory activity of AChE and BChE. Additionally, the inhibitory activities of cathechin, rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin, which are flavonoids in bee pollen, on AChE and BChE were examined. Catehchin and rutin inhibited about 54 and 86% of AChE activity at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, respectively. Also, cathechin and rutin(1 mg/ml) inhibited about 42 and 86% of BChE, respectively. Quercetin was effective in inhibiting AChE and BChE, but the inhibitory pattern was not observed in proportion to the treatment concentration. However, hesperidin did not show a decrease for AChE and BChE activity. In addition, we investigated the inhibitory activity of Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts against H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity for human neuroblastoma(SK‐N‐SH), cerebral glioma(C6), and macrophages(RAW 264.7). Cytotoxicity of SK‐N‐SH, C6, and RAW 264.7 by Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts were examined by MTT in the range of 0–3 mg/ml. For SK‐N‐SH, C6, and RAW 264.7, there was a difference in the toxic concentrations by Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts. Cytotoxicity by H2O2(0–10 mM) was partially improved by Actinidia argute, Quercus dentate, the mixed plant‐bee pollen extracts.

Assessing Chemical Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Sunflower Pollen on a Gut Pathogen in Bumble Bees.

Many pollinator species are declining due to a variety of interacting stressors including pathogens, sparking interest in understanding factors that could mitigate these outcomes. Diet can affect host-pathogen interactions by changing nutritional reserves or providing bioactive secondary chemicals. Recent work found that sunflower pollen (Helianthus annuus) dramatically reduced cell counts of the gut pathogen Crithidia bombi in bumble bee workers (Bombus impatiens), but the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. Here we analyzed methanolic extracts of sunflower pollen by LC-MS and identified triscoumaroyl spermidines as the major secondary metabolite components, along with a flavonoid quercetin-3-O-hexoside and a quercetin-3-O-(6-O-malonyl)-hexoside. We then tested the effect of triscoumaroyl spermidine and rutin (as a proxy for quercetin glycosides) on Crithidia infection in B. impatiens, compared to buckwheat pollen (Fagopyrum esculentum) as a negative control and sunflower pollen as a positive control. In addition, we tested the effect of nine fatty acids from sunflower pollen individually and in combination using similar methods. Although sunflower pollen consistently reduced Crithidia relative to control pollen, none of the compounds we tested had significant effects. In addition, diet treatments did not affect mortality, or sucrose or pollen consumption. Thus, the mechanisms underlying the medicinal effect of sunflower are still unknown; future work could use bioactivity-guided fractionation to more efficiently target compounds of interest, and explore non-chemical mechanisms. Ultimately, identifying the mechanism underlying the effect of sunflower pollen on pathogens will open up new avenues for managing bee health.

Pru p 9, a new allergen eliciting respiratory symptoms in subjects sensitized to peach tree pollen.

Peach tree (PT) pollen sensitization is highly prevalent in subjects living in areas where this tree is widely cultivated. None of the allergens responsible for these sensitizations have been identified so far. Our aim was to identify the most relevant PT pollen allergens and analyze their capacity for inducing respiratory symptoms. We studied sixty-two individuals sensitized to PT pollen who developed symptoms after its exposure. The IgE binding profile on peach pollen extract by means of immunoblotting using sera from these subjects was analyzed. Protein extract was fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography and HPLC, fractions run in SDS-PAGE and proteins were identified from IgE-binding bands by mass spectrometry. Several allergenic proteins in the PT pollen extract were recognized by patients' IgE: a glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase-like, a polygalacturonase, an UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase and a PR-1a protein. This PR-1a protein is a novel allergen frequently recognized with a molecular mass of 18 kDa, named as Pru p 9 following the WHO-IUIS nomenclature. Skin Prick Test (SPT) performed with this allergen was positive in 41% of the PT pollen-sensitized clinical cases. Most of them had rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, but a significant percentage experienced asthma with seasonal symptoms during the period of PT flowering. Nasal Provocation test (NPT) with Pru p 9 was positive in all cases with positive SPT to this new allergen eliciting nasal symptoms similar to those challenged with PT pollen. We demonstrate that PT pollen can induce sensitization and allergy in an exposed population, being Pru p 9 a relevant allergen responsible of respiratory symptoms. Considering the extensive peach worldwide production with a large number of people involved, our results add a great value for the diagnosis and management of subjects allergic to this pollen.

Solid-in-Oil Nanodispersions for Transcutaneous Immunotherapy of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis.

Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP) is a common affliction caused by an allergic reaction to cedar pollen and is considered a disease of national importance in Japan. Antigen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available curative treatment for JCP. However, low compliance and persistence have been reported among patients subcutaneously or sublingually administered AIT comprising a conventional antigen derived from a pollen extract. To address these issues, many research studies have focused on developing a safer, simpler, and more effective AIT for JCP. Here, we review the novel antigens that have been developed for JCP AIT, discuss their different administration routes, and present the effects of anti-allergy treatment. Then, we describe a new form of AIT called transcutaneous immunotherapy (TCIT) and its solid-in-oil (S/O) nanodispersion formulation, which is a promising antigen delivery system. Finally, we discuss the applications of S/O nanodispersions for JCP TCIT. In this context, we predict that TCIT delivery by using a S/O nanodispersion loaded with novel antigens may offer an easier, safer, and more effective treatment option for JCP patients.

The amino acid profile of broiler chicken meat after dietary administration of bee products and probiotics

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of bee pollen, propolis and probiotics on the amino acid (AA) profile of chicken meat. A total of 240 Ross 308 broiler chicken individuals of mixed sex were randomly divided into four groups (n = 60): control – without supplementation, group with probiotic (3.3 g Lactobacillus fermentum), group with 400 mg bee pollen extract and 3.3 g probiotic, group with 400 mg propolis extract and 3.3 g probiotic. The fattening period lasted for 42 days. The AA profile was not affected by dietary probiotics or probiotics + bee pollen extract in the breast and thigh muscles, however, a higher concentration of Tyr (p ≤ 0.05) was found in the breast muscle in the group with probiotics + propolis extract supplementation. Considering the AA composition and relatively high essential amino acid score (EAAI), breast meat from chickens receiving the probiotic and propolis extract appears to be an interesting source of proteins with an increased (p ≤ 0.05) Phe + Tyr (76.27%) content when compared with the control group (73.49%). With regard to the bee pollen, we can state that this dietary supplement did not lead to any improvement in the AA profile of chicken meat. In conclusion, the dietary probiotic and propolis extract supplementation elicited the best AA profile of the chicken meat among the observed treatments in comparison with the control group and thus may become a promising method to improve the quality of chicken meat.

Physical and immunological barrier of human primary nasal epithelial cells from non-allergic and allergic donors

The epithelial cell-derived cytokine milieu has been discussed as a “master switch” in the development of allergic disease.To understand the role of innate immune response in nasal epithelial cells during allergic inflammation, we created and established a fast and minimally invasive method to isolate and culture human nasal epithelial cells from clinically and immunologically well characterized patients. Human nasal epithelial cells from non-atopic volunteers and from allergic rhinitis patients were compared in respect to their growth, barrier integrity, pattern recognition, receptor expression, and immune responses to allergens and an array of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and inflammasome activators.Cells from nasal scrapings were clearly identified as nasal epithelial cells by staining of pan-Cytokeratin, Cytokeratin-14 and Tubulin. Additionally, Mucin 5AC staining revealed the presence of goblet cells, while staining of tight-junction protein Claudin-1, Occludin and ZO-1 showed the ability of the cells to form a tight barrier. Cells of atopic donors grew slower than cells of non-atopic donors. All nasal epithelial cells expressed TLR1-6 and 9, yet the expression of TLR-9 was lower in cells from allergic rhinitis (AR) donors. Additionally, epithelial cells from AR donors responded with a different TLR expression pattern to stimulation with TLR ligands. TLR-3 was the most potent modulator of cytokine and chemokine secretion in all human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). The secretion of IL-1β, CCL-5, IL-8, IL-18 and IL-33 was elevated in HNECs of AR donors as compared to cells of non-atopic donors. This was observed in the steady-state (IL-18, IL-33) as well as under stimulation with TLR ligands (IL-18, IL-33, CCL-5, IL-8), aqueous pollen extracts (IL-18, IL-33), or the inflammasome activator Nigericin (IL-1β).In conclusion, nasal epithelial cells of AR donors show altered physical barrier responses in steady-state and in response to allergen stimulation. Cells of AR donors show increased expression of pro-inflammatory and IL-1 family cytokines at baseline and under stimulation, which could contribute to a micromilieu which is favorable for Th2.

New approaches to pharmacotherapy of asthenic syndrome in general practice

In the present paper importance of asthenic syndrome as one of the actual problem of modern medicine has been looked. A main ways of pathogenesis of asthenia and its clinical peculiarities in different pathological conditions have been analyzed. A main attention paid to strategies of pharmacotherapy and pharmacopropilaxy of this syndrome, particularly with using of phytotherapy, and to use in these strategies combine drugs. Expediency of using in different forms of asthenic syndrome innovative domestic combine drug Vasavital, containing standartized extract of Ginkgo biloba, bee pollen and vitamin’s complex has been grounded. Clinico-pharmacological effects of Vasavital, it’s clinical experience and safety characteristics have been looked.

The Inclusion of a Supercritical Fluid Extract, Obtained From Honey Bee Pollen, in the Diet of Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata), Improves Fish Immune Response by Enhancing Anti-oxidant, and Anti-bacterial Activities

In the present study, the immune-stimulatory effect of two levels of honey bee pollen (5 and 10%, P5 and P10 treatment, respectively) and its supercritical fluid extract (0. 5 and 1%, E0.5 and E1, respectively) included in the diet, was tested in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). The in vivo trial was preceded by the evaluation of antioxidant properties of three different bee pollen extracts obtained by water, ethanol 80%, and Supercritic Fluids Extraction (SFE). The preliminary evaluation attested that the SFE showed the lowest extraction yield (10.47%) compared to ethanol 80% (48.61%) and water (45.99%). SFE extract showed good antioxidant properties with high polyphenol content (13.06 mg GAE/g), radical scavenging activity (3.12 mg/ml), reducing power (38.68 mg/mL EC50). On the contrary, the water extract showed the significantly lowest polyphenol content (2 mg GAE/g; P < 0.05). The results of in vivo trial demonstrate that the diets supplemented with SFE bee pollen extract had a stimulatory effect on fish serum immunity, respect to the inclusion of raw pollen, this latter revealing some inhibitory effects in the immune response, such a decrease of serum peroxidase and lysozyme activities, particularly in P10 group significantly different (P < 0.05) from the control group. On the contrary, serum peroxidase, protease, antiprotease, were significantly increased in fish fed the diets supplemented with supercritical fluid extract, respect to the fish fed on control and on diets supplemented with 5 and 10% of raw pollen. For what concerns the bactericidal activity against Vibrio harveyii, all the treatments containing bee pollen regardless of the type showed their serum bactericidal activity significantly increased with respect to the control groups (p < 0.05). Given its high antioxidant properties, the absence of toxic solvents and the positive action carried out on improving the humoral response in gilthead seam bream, honey bee pollen SFE extract can be taken into account in the formulation of fish feeds.

Chemical and cytological evaluation of honeybee pollen antioxidant ability.

The crude flavonoid extract of pollen (CFP) of four species of honeybee pollens were extracted with ethanol, and the total flavonoid contents ranged from 3.4 to 14.5mg rutin/g dry weight. The antioxidant activities of the CFPs were evaluated from both chemical and cytological aspects. Comprehensive antioxidant scores were determined based on these two evaluation systems. The results showed that canola CFP had the highest antioxidant capacity among the four CFPs. A cytotoxicity assay was conducted to assess the safety threshold of the CFPs, and canola CFP was proved to be the least toxic to vascular endothelial cell. Of the four tested CFPs, this research suggests that canola CFP is the most promising natural antioxidant. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis detected seven flavonoid glycosides in the hydrolysates of the four CFPs. Among them, quercetin and kaempferol were present in all four honeybee pollen extracts, but there were significant differences between their contents. A correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between the content of quercetin in the pollen extract and the extract's antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Many varieties of honeybee pollen are commercially available. The results of this study help guide consumers to choose honeybee pollens that have a better antioxidant effect. This report can also provide guidance and data in support of the development of honeybee pollen health products.

Allergen alters IL-2/αIL-2-based Treg expansion but not tolerance induction in an allergen-specific mouse model.

BackgroundRegulatory T lymphocytes (Treg) play an important role in preventing allergic diseases. We characterized Treg expansion kinetics, marker profiles, and recirculation behavior in allergen‐challenged mice, which had been pretreated with IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes in the presence or absence of allergen. Moreover, the ability of induced Treg to control airway hyperreactivity and effector functions of lung T cells was determined.MethodsHumanized TCR/HLA‐transgenic allergy mice were treated in vivo with recombinant IL‐2 complexed to the anti‐IL‐2 mAb JES6‐1 in the presence or absence of mugwort pollen extract (MPE) on days 0‐2. Afterward, they were intranasally challenged with MPE (days 13‐15) followed by determination of airway hyperreactivity and lung T cell effector functions. Multiparametric flow cytometry on peripheral blood T cells was performed on a daily basis.ResultsIL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes highly efficiently expanded peripheral Treg cells, while concomitant allergen exposure altered the phenotype of expanded Treg cells. Notably, application of allergen together with IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes induced expression of Treg marker molecules CTLA4, NRP1, Helios, and GITR on conventional T cells. Apart from CD25, GARP was identified as the most reliable surface‐expressed lineage discrimination marker of Treg expanded in the presence of IL‐2/αIL‐2 complexes and allergen. Finally, IL‐2/αIL‐2 complex‐expanded Treg cells could be recalled upon allergen challenge, which was associated with suppression of lung‐specific Th2 responses long after initial treatment.ConclusionThe characterization of reliable surface and transcription markers of IL‐2/αIL‐2 complex‐expanded Treg along with their expansion kinetics and function will help to identify protocols for their long‐term expansion in vivo.

Artemisia Pollen Extracts Exposed to Diesel Exhaust Enhance Airway Inflammation and Immunological Imbalance in Asthmatic Mice Model

Background: Vehicle-induced air pollution may increase the prevalence and severity of asthma. Pollens are important sources of outdoor allergens associated with asthma. Outdoor pollution may influence the structure of pollen grains, resulting in enhanced immune reactions. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact that artemisia pollen extracts exposed to diesel emissions (APEDE) may induce – allergic airway inflammation, pulmonary pathology and immune imbalance – in mice. Methods: Sixty male Balb/c mice were equally randomized into 5 groups, sensitized with 30 μL artemisia pollen extracts (APE) or APEDE adsorbed on 2 mg aluminum hydroxide gel by intraperitoneal injection on day 0, 7, 14, and 22, and challenged intranasally once per day with 30 μL APE or APEDE from day 29 to 36. The controlling group used phosphate-buffered saline as control. Results: In mice immunized and challenged by APEDE, the clinical phenotype of eosinophils, neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), tracheal wall thickness, airway smooth muscle thickness and airway resistance increased significantly. Pathophysiological parameters such as interleukin (IL)-17A and tumour necrosis factor-α production in BALF and serum, and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells in CD4⁺ cells increased significantly, while IL-10 in BALF and serum and the ratio of Treg cells decreased significantly. It was further found that the expression of oxidative stress marker 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were significantly increased. The correlation analysis showed that the expression of 3-NT was positively correlated with the activation of NF-κB. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that pollens exposed to diesel exhaust enhance allergic responses, which may contribute to an increased prevalence of allergic diseases in urban environments with serious exhaust emissions.

Exposure of allergic subjects to ragweed pollen in a pollen exposure chamber recruits neutrophils that stimulate IL-33 secretion from airway epithelial cells

Challenge of mice with ragweed pollen extract (RWPE) stimulates TLR4-mediated innate neutrophil recruitment. Adoptive transfer of neutrophils into the airways of Tlr4 KO mice reconstitutes RWPE-induced allergic airway inflammation and IL-33 secretion (PMID 26086549). Here we test the hypothesis that exposure of allergic human subjects to ragweed pollen stimulates recruitment of neutrophils that stimulate IL-33 secretion from airway epithelial cells. Ten healthy non-allergic subjects and 18 ragweed allergic responder subjects with allergic rhinitis were exposed to ragweed pollens in a pollen exposure chamber (PEC) for three hours, and allergic symptoms scores were recorded (IRB Protocol Number: 1.2016). Blood neutrophils were isolated from four healthy and four allergic subjects at baseline and at 3h after start of pollen exposure, and cocultured with human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) for 24 hours. IL-33 levels were measured in cell supernatants. Exposure of allergic but not healthy non-allergic subjects to ragweed pollen increased naso-ocular symptom scores in 30 mins that peaked at 3 hours, and increased the numbers of blood neutrophils. Culture of neutrophils obtained from allergic and healthy human subjects at baseline stimulated secretion of IL-33 secretion. Neutrophils obtained three hours post ragweed exposure stimulated even greater IL-33 secretion. Exposure of allergic human subjects to ragweed pollen in PEC stimulates neutrophil recruitment into the blood. Neutrophils obtained from subjects after ragweed exposure stimulates greater IL-33 secretion than those obtained at baseline. We suggest that pollen exposure stimulates neutrophil recruitment, and these neutrophils facilitate allergic inflammation by stimulating IL-33 secretion from airway epithelial cells.

Metabolites from Ambient Air-Sampled Pollen Extracts Forecast the Daily Pollen Count

Metabolites from Ambient Air-Sampled Pollen Extracts Forecast the Daily Pollen Count

Sustained effects of intralymphatic pollen-specific immunotherapy on Japanese cedar pollinosis.

Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) for allergic patients requires only a few intralymphatic injections of the allergen. However, the effectiveness and safety for Japanese cedar pollinosis are unclear. The objectives of this study were to clarify whether and how long ILIT is effective for pollinosis, and its safety. In an open pilot investigation followed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis received 3 intralymphatic inguinal injections of the pollen extracts before the first pollen season. The symptom medication score (SMS), nasal provocation testing and scoring visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed after the first-third seasons. (1) Although mild adverse events were induced at the injected site, severe adverse events were not noted. (2) During the latter part of the first season, ILIT-treated patients (n=12) tended to show improved SMS compared to placebo-treated (n=6) without statistical significance. When assessed by nasal provocation testing and VAS scoring after the first season, the effectiveness of ILIT was significant. (3) The effects of ILIT continued until the second or third season. (4) Neither allergen-specific antibodies nor Treg/Breg cells changed in the peripheral blood. ILIT was safe and effective for Japanese cedar pollinosis. The clinical effects remained for 1-2 years.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Pollen Extract Collected by Scaptotrigona affinis postica: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo Studies.

Bees are of great importance for plant diversity for being an important pollinating agents. Stingless bees such as Scaptotrigona affinis postica, is cultivated largely due to the products offered by it. Pollen is one of these products, which has been highlighted for exhibit various therapeutic properties. Considering the bioactivity of this natural product, this study investigated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive activities, and elucidated the chemical composition of pollen collected extract by Scaptotrigona affinis postica. Using in vitro assays, the antioxidant potential and inhibitory activity against the COX enzyme from pollen extract was evaluated. Additionally, tests were performed to measure the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in animal models. In our results, we found that pollen extract showed antioxidant effects and inhibitory activity against the COX enzyme. The in vivo assays showed that the extract acts on the nervous system in local and systemic levels and that the anti-inflammatory activity is due the prostanoids reducing. Chemical analyses recognize 10 molecules in the extract belonging to the polyphenol and flavonoids classes and the computational study suggests that is responsible for the observed results. Thus, it is reported for the first time the biological potential of S. aff. postica pollen extract and we conclude that this bee product can be considered as one source of potential new drugs.

Invasive Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), an Allergy and Health Challenge.

Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC), is an medium-sized tree (family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae), that has been intorcuded around the world. It is a noxious invasive species in Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula and a source of highly allergenic pollen in. The present article reviews the adverse allergenic effects of P. juliflora pollen on human and animal health. Several studies have diagnosed that allergenic pollens from Prosopis spp. can provoke respiratory problems. Prosopis pollen extracts have 16 allergenic components of which nine proteins were recognized as major allergens with some of them showing cross-reactivity. Clinically, understanding Prosopis pollen production, flowering seasonality, pollen load, and dispersal in the atmosphere are important to avoid allergic consequences for local inhabitants. Climate change and other pollution can also help to further facilitate allergenic issues. Furthermore, we document other human and animal health problems caused by invasive Prosopis trees. This includes flesh injuries, dental and gastric problems, and the facilitation of malaria. This review summarizes and enhances the existing knowledge about Prosopis flowering phenology, aeroallergen, and other human and animal health risks associated with this noxious plant.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effect of bee pollen methanolic extract using air pouch model of inflammation.

Background and purpose:Research on new drugs with a natural source and low side effects is a priority in pharmacology studies. The present study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effects of bee pollen extract in the air pouch model of inflammation.Experimental approach:To achieve this goal, male rats were moderately anesthetized and then 20 and 10 mL of sterile air were subcutaneously injected into the intrascapular area of the back of the rat on first and third days, respectively. On day 6, inflammation was induced by intrapouch injection of carrageenan. Normal saline in the control group and bee pollen methanolic extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/pouch) were administered at day 6, simultaneously with carrageenan, and then for 2 consecutive days only normal saline and the extracts were injected. Following sacrificing the rats the pouch was opened and the exudate volume, leukocyte accumulation, granulation tissue weight, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 1beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were determined 3 days after induction of inflammation. In order to investigate the angiogenesis, the granulation tissue was removed, homogenized in the Drabkin’s reagent, and then centrifuged. The supernatant was filtered and the hemoglobin concentration was determined using a spectrophotometer.Results:Bee pollen extract significantly decreased the exudate volume, leukocyte accumulation, granulation tissue weight, angiogenesis, VEGF, and TNF-α concentration.Conclusion and implications:The findings of the current study revealed that bee pollen methanolic extract has an anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis effect, which could be attributed to the inhibition of VEGF and TNF-α production in the inflammatory exudates.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and diuretic effect of Moroccan fresh bee pollen in rats.

Aim:This study investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and diuretic effect of Moroccan aqueous extract of fresh bee pollen (AEFBP) in normal rats.Materials and Methods:The chemical composition of the extracted bioactive compounds was assessed using liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (LC/DAD/ESI-MSn). 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and the reducing power were used to assess the antioxidant properties of the extract, together with the determination of total phenols and flavonoids. To assess the diuretic effect, 20 normal rats were divided into five groups: The first was a control group administered by distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight), the second group received furosemide (10 mg/kg body weight), the third group received 100 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP, the fourth group received 250 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP, and the fifth group received 500 mg/kg body weight of AEFBP for 30 days. Toward the end of this experiment, urine output was measured, and plasma and urine were sampled to analyze creatinine, potassium, chloride, and sodium levels.Results:N1,N5,N10-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine is a spermidine derivative and was the main compound in this sample, in a total of 19 compounds identified, including flavonoids, glucoside flavonoids, and methylated derivatives. Force feeding with the AEFBP induced a significant increase in urine output and urinary electrolyte levels with a dependent dose-effect without changes in plasma electrolytes, whereas furosemide decreased plasma potassium.Conclusion:Moroccan fresh bee pollen extract contains flavonols and spermidines that induce a potential antioxidant activity related to significant diuretic effect without changes in plasma composition.

A preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of two extracts of pine pollen on anoxia and fatigue resistance

A preliminary study on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of two extracts of pine pollen on anoxia and fatigue resistance

Potential Role of the Micro-Immunotherapy Medicine 2LALERG in the Treatment of Pollen-Induced Allergic Inflammation.

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of a micro-immunotherapy medicine (MIM), 2LALERG, in a preclinical model of allergic respiratory disease sensitized with birch pollen extract (BPE). BALB/c mice were immunized with BPE, or saline solution, and were then challenged. Micro-immunotherapy medicine pillules were diluted in water, and 3 doses (0.75; 1.5; 3 mg/mouse) were tested and compared to vehicle control (3 mg/mouse). Treatments and vehicle were orally administered by gavage for 10 days. Micro-immunotherapy medicine (0.75 mg/mouse) reduced the number of total cells as well as the levels of interleukin (IL)-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) compared to vehicle control. Eosinophils in BALF tended to be lower compared to vehicle group, and the difference is close to significance. Histological analysis in the lungs confirms a moderate effect of MIM (0.75 mg/mice) on inflammatory infiltration and mucus production. Serum levels of IL-5 in MIM (0.75 mg/mouse)-treated mice were lower compared to vehicle; IL-4 levels tended to be lower too. Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) decreased in serum of MIM (1.5 and 0.75 mg/mouse) groups compared to vehicle control. Micro-immunotherapy medicine exerted the highest effect at the lowest dose tested. Micro-immunotherapy medicine resolved the local and systemic inflammation, even if partially, in a model of pollen-induced, IgE-mediated inflammation.