Bee Pollen and Liver Health
Honeybee Pollen Extracts Reduce Oxidative Stress and Steatosis in Hepatic Cells
Research conducted at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile in 2021 evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of honeybee pollen from Chile. The honeybee pollen extracts were characterized for their botanical origin, phenolic profile, quercetin concentration, and antioxidant activity in the study. The selected samples were then tested for their ability to reverse steatosis in an in vitro cell model of liver steatosis using Hepa1-6 cells. The results revealed that the pollen extracts protected Hepa1-6 cells against oxidative damage triggered by 2,20-azo-bis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) derived free radicals. The scientists also reported a statistically significant positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, protecting liver cells from chemical-induced injury. In addition to reducing lipid accumulation in a cellular steatosis model, the results supported the antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-steatosis effect of bee pollen in an in vitro model.*
*Oyarzún, J.E., Andia, M.E., Uribe, S., Núñez Pizarro, P., Núñez, G., Montenegro, G. and Bridi, R., 2021. Honeybee Pollen Extracts Reduce Oxidative Stress and Steatosis in Hepatic Cells. Molecules, 26(1), p.6.