Composition, biological activity and toxicity of bee pollen: State of the art

A research was conducted in scientific databases using keywords related to the composition, biological activity and toxicity of bee pollen from 2007 to July 2017. It was verified that this product is rich in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, as well as various minerals and phenolic compounds. Its functional biological properties can be attributed mainly to the high content of flavonoids and polyphenols and a considerable antioxidant capacity has been reported, also highlighting antimicrobial activity and against cancer. However, current research still lacks deeper experimental evidence to justify the use of bee pollen for these purposes. The potential risks of their consumption can be attributed to contamination by pesticides, heavy metals and due to their allergenicity. A search of patents executed in technological databases with respect to the main properties of bee pollen has demonstrated a high interest in the development of technological products based on its many applications. The number of articles and patents found with this theme highlights the importance of this natural product in the scientific-technological advance, focusing on the development of natural supplements.