Phytoandrogens in Pine Pollen: Emerging Evidence for Anabolic and Hormone Health

Saeid Mushtagh, ND

Abstract

Pine pollen Song Hua Fen (松花粉) has long been celebrated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to nourish Yang Qi, the Heart, Lungs, resolve dampness and wind, with various attributes of health and longevity.^1,2 It is now emerging as a nutritional powerhouse with potential applications in naturopathic practice. Recent studies on Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta reveal a rich profile of nutrients and plant enzymes in their pollen, including mammalian steroids like testosterone and DHEA.³ These findings open new therapeutic avenues for managing a number of anabolic and hormone conditions. 

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Introduction: Pine Pollen’s Ancient and Modern Relevance

Plant sterols, particularly brassinosteroids, comprising all classes of animal steroids and their analogs, have been found in plants where they contribute to growth-promoting effects in parallel with their anabolic action in animals.^4-6 Phytoestrogens and progesterone are the best-known group of sterols. But mammalian male hormones like testosterone and DHEA are more of a recent discovery.   

For centuries, pine pollen has been revered in TCM, as it is for supporting the heart and lungs, energy, and even prolonging life. Now, in vitro and cell studies show various impacts from three classes of its compounds: polysaccharides, flavonoids, and lipid sterols.⁷ Animal trials show modulation of immunity, liver protection, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, lowering blood lipids^, glucose regulation, hot flashes,  anti-aging, anti-fatiguing, and HPA axis regulation.^8-20

Human clinical trials demonstrate conventional parallels in the lung-nourishing and phlegm-resolving properties of this therapy– topically effective in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, eruptions, bedsores, diaper rash, and orally beneficial for arthritis and immune modulation; while the nourishment of yang Qi and cardiovascular support mirror pine pollen’s anabolic effects– improved elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and androgen modulation in studied cases of older men.^21,22

While much of the commercial market and research focuses on pollen of Pinus tabuliformis and P. massoniana from China, ethnobotanical records show circumpolar use across cultures and species. North American species like P. ponderosa and P. contorta are gaining attention for their unique functional nutrients and historical use by the Cheyenne and Nlaka’pamux First Nations.²³ Recent findings highlight that the rich composition of all classes is comparable across the Pinus species, with the biggest variable being the processing techniques and shelf life. (Mushtagh et al.).

Key Findings: Nutritional and Functional Properties in Pollen of Pinus ponderosa and Pinus contorta^24,25

Macronuterints

Key macronutrients in pine pollen by percentage of weight include: Fiber (50-66%), sugars (13.6-17.9%), Protein (11.7%-17.2%), polysaccharide (14.2-17%), and fats (3.2-3.6%).  Pine 

Pollen is also rich in B vitamins (B3, B9, B12), vitamin C, and vitamin E, along with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum.

Antioxidants 

Total polyphenol content in P. ponderosa pollen (2.74 g/100 g) exceeded that of P. contorta (1.6 g/100 g), with specific flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, naringenin, and a series of esters of p-coumaric acid being the dominant antioxidants. 

Sterols and Phytoandrogens

Phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, 24-methylenecholesterol, and stigmasterol– known for their impact on lowering LDL cholesterol–are present in commercial samples of  P. ponderosa and P. contorta at concentrations of 34 µg/g and 22.3 µg/g, respectively. Another class of plant sterols, known as brassinosteroids, including campesterol, campestanol, and their chemical analogs, are present at 185 µg/g and 280 µg/g, respectively. Mammalian sterols, including progesterone, estriol, 17β-estradiol, testosterone, androstadienedione, 4-androstene-3,17-dione,  and DHEA were at 350 µg/g for P. ponderosa pollen, and 170 µg/g for P. contorta., In the case of pine pollen, these plant growth factors, which were previously reported in pollen of other species of pine, are essential for pollen germination and exhibit similar growth and anabolic effects on muscle development, reproduction, and hormonal regulation in animals and humans.²⁶

Comparing commercial samples of  P. ponderosa, P. contorta, P. massoniana, P. tabuliformis, P. and P. sylvestris, P. ponderosa was richest in all tested nutrients, likely an attribute of its larger cell size. However, the most significant factor influencing the relative concentration of brassinosteroid is shelf life. Aging, it appears, does not spare the pollen cell, no matter how potent its anti-aging effect; one-year-old pollen has a lower fertility and sterol concentration;  with levels dropping to  37ug/g to 86ug/g for P. Ponderosa and P. contorta level respectively, in total brassinosteroids, with total mammalian hormones dropping to 176. ug/g, and 160 ug/g. 

Practical Applications in Naturopathic Medicine

Addressing Anabolic and Hormone Disorders

Hormone imbalances and age-related androgen decline– often contributing to symptoms such as senility, muscle wasting, abdominal obesity, reduced stamina, and elevated LDL, blood sugar, and blood pressure– may benefit from the inclusion of pine pollen as part of a holistic health plan. This is particularly relevant in today’s environment, which is increasingly burdened by hormone-disrupting pollutants. 

Immune and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The polyphenols and flavonoids in pine pollen contribute to its robust antioxidant capacity, and its polysaccharides are immune-modulating, making it valuable in managing chronic immune and inflammatory conditions. 

Skin Health

Human trials show great promise with inflammatory conditions of the skin, such as diaper dermatitis, mucositis, bedsores, and age-related pigmentation, making pine pollen an underutilized ingredient in topical formulations aimed at addressing various skin conditions.^20,21

Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

For naturopathic doctors, integrating pine pollen into clinical practice offers an opportunity to leverage nature’s wisdom while supporting sustainable and ethical harvesting practices. Unlike many botanicals that face supply limitations and are often cultivated or imported, the vast pine stands of North America represent an untapped powerhouse of nutrients. Wild hand harvesting pollen leaves 95% of pollen buds on the plant to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem, which aligns with the naturopathic principle of “first do no harm”. Moreover, the benefit of sourcing local P. ponderosa and P. contorta over imports ensured shelf-life potency. 

Clinical Integration: How to Use Pine Pollen

Dosage Forms

Pine pollen is available as a powder or tincture. Pollen in crude form can enhance the nutritional value of any food at ½ tsp (800 mg) 2-3 times per day.  Tinctures are effective delivery modes for phytoandrogens. A typical dose is 2 ml (1:4/500 mg of pine pollen) 2-3 times per day.  

Patient Populations

Athletes: For natural anabolic support and recovery.

Aging Adults: To preserve vitality, address symptoms of andropause and menopause. 

Anabolic disorders: HPA axis dysregulation and conditions of risk associated with abdominal obesity and sedentary lifestyle. 

Safety Considerations

While generally safe, patients with pollen allergies and those pregnant or breastfeeding should exercise caution. 

Conclusion: A Natural Solution for Anabolic Health

The research on P. ponderosa and P. contorta pollen highlights pine pollen’s potential as a functional food and natural medicine. With a rich composition of phenolic antioxidants, polysaccharides, and steroidal phytoandrogens,  pine pollen offers a unique solution for managing anabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammatory conditions. As research continues to uncover its benefits, pine pollen stands out as a promising tool in the naturopathic arsenal.²⁶

References

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