Pine pollen is a yellow, powdery substance found in pine cones of certain pine tree species.
Little is known about pine pollen nutritional value, and studies supporting any health claims are limited.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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This review was useful as a summary of future pine pollen research directions.
If you plan to try a pine pollen supplement, talk to your healthcare provider before taking it.
Colorectal Cancer
Scientists studied pine pollen polysaccharides in mice with coloncancer tumor cells.
They found that tumor growth was slowed or prevented.
The researchers also conducted in vitro studies as part of the same experiment.
These results are not necessarily transferable to humans.
More research is needed.
Inflammation
Limited in vitro and animal studies suggest that pine pollen may have anti-inflammatory activity.
Another in vitro study of pine pollen extract in human cells showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
These results do not mean that these effects may occur in humans.
Further research is needed.
The study results reported an increase in the production of cell division proteins.
Some research has been performed to test this theory, but not enough evidence exists yet to draw conclusions.
For some people,low testosteronelevels may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring treatment.
Rather than self-treating, speak to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing symptoms.
What Are the Side Effects of Pine Pollen?
Your healthcare provider may suggest pine pollen for a condition.
However, consuming a supplement like pine pollen may have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Therefore, it isn’t possible to say if the side effects were due to metformin or pine pollen.
Allergic Reaction
Many people are allergic to pollen from trees and other plants.
Don’t take pine pollen products if you have pine allergies since the products may trigger allergic reactions.
If you have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, seek medical help immediately.
Use caution when using products that impact hormone levels.
If you feel you’ve ingested too much pine pollen, seek immediate guidance from a healthcare provider.
Not enough information is available to establish safety in these groups.
Dosage: How Much Pine Pollen Should I Take?
There is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pine pollen or related products.
Supplement Facts
How to Store Pine Pollen
Storage instructions vary for different products.
Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
Similar Supplements
A supplement similar to pine pollen isbee pollen.
Pine pollen supplements sometimes have bee pollen added to them.
Both are nutrient-rich with potential health benefits that need further research.
Thus, it’s essential to read the label carefully before buying any supplement.
Summary
Pine pollen is a supplement made from pollen in the pine cones of pine trees.
However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to recommend it for any specific use.
There is not sufficient safety information about pine pollen either.
Because many people are allergic to pollen, use caution if you have allergies.
Like any supplement, be careful with unfamiliar brands your healthcare provider does not recommend.
Pine pollen supplements are found in health food stores, pharmacies, and online.
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
It might interact with your medication or worsen an existing health condition.
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