Characterization of chemical composition of ethanolic extract of bee pollen in India

Abstract

Aim: Bee pollen is a mixture of pollen/male gametophyte of flowers, nectar/sweet liquid substance from flowers and salivary secretions of bees. It comprises a huge diversity of compounds which are thought to work together for medicinal purpose. The present study was undertaken to assess the bioactive components of bee pollens responsible for therapeutic properties. Methodology: The volatile chemicals compounds found in ethanolic extracts of Apis mellifera pollen were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The observations revealed the presence of hydrocarbons, sugars and their derivatives, fatty acids, glycosides, alcohol, esters, aldehyde and carbamate. Interpretation: Present findings authenticate huge chemical diversity and hence, further study on pollens is required due to its broad spectrum of potential medicinal and nutritional activities. Key words: G-C mass spectrometry, Bee pollen, Bioactive compounds