Besides being a source of energy, bee pollen is also a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. It is also packed with protein and simple sugars. It is used by both humans and bees.
Functions
Various pollen-coat proteins are known to participate in pollen-stigma adhesion and recognition. Moreover, pollen-coat proteins may play an active role in stigmatic morphogenesis. Many putative pollen-coat proteins have been reported to be responsible for triggering an immune response in humans. However, their functions are not yet known. In addition, the morphology of pollen grains is correlated with the process of pollination.
The pollen grain is composed of a two-layered wall structure, which is made of a hard outer layer (exine) and an inner rooflike layer (tectum). The most common type of exine wall structure is the tectate-columellate. The inner foot layer contains cellulose and pectins, which are broken down by hydrolytic enzymes.
Antifungal
Taking antifungal medication can be a risky proposition. Fungi can develop resistance to certain antifungal drugs, limiting treatment options and making fungal infections more difficult to treat. In some cases, it may take several months of therapy to clear up an infection.
The most important thing to remember is that antifungal drugs should be taken as directed. Antifungal drugs can be administered topically, orally, or by intravenous (IV) injection. A GP or pharmacist will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
Antifungal drugs are designed to target structures within fungi cells. There are two basic types: those that inhibit fungal growth, and those that kill the fungus.
Anti-inflammatory
Activated protein C (aPC) is a micro-protein derived from red blood cells that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This micro-protein inhibits chemotaxis and leukocyte adhesion, and drives fibrinolysis and other anti-inflammatory processes. APC also exhibits the best antioxidant properties of any known micro-protein.
Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenol compound found in a variety of fruits. Anthocyanins are associated with a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant properties, and have been the subject of a number of human trials. The antioxidant properties of anthocyanins has been studied in the context of apoptosis and inflammatory cell mediated injury. The main benefit of anthocyanins is their ability to suppress cell adhesion and thus limit cell migration and migratory behavior, an important factor in cancer progression.
Hepatoprotective
Several edible plants are known to have good health-promoting properties. Their use as dietary supplements and as therapeutic intervention strategies have gained increasing attention. These natural sources are generally less toxic than synthetic agents. In addition, they possess a variety of antioxidant activities that protect the liver from chemically induced liver carcinogenesis.
Coreopsis tinctoria (CTEtOH) is a small, aromatic, annual plant. It has been used for folk medicinal purposes around the world. It is used to treat internal pain, bleeding and diarrhea. It is also a traditional remedy for hepatitis. In the present study, CTEtOH was tested for its hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice.
Anticancer
Despite the fact that chemotherapy still remains the gold standard, natural small molecules like Blütenpollen and kaempferol have been deemed worthy enough to make it into the therapeutic lexicon. Unlike synthetic compounds, these plant derived metabolites display anticancer activity via various mechanisms. The most notable example is their ability to quench the reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative DNA damage. Other perks include the inhibition of invasion and migration. These are important, as tumors often invade other tissue and spread from the site of origin.
The anticancer properties of kaempferol have been credited with the aforementioned properties, as well as the ability to suppress colony formation and promote apoptosis. This has been demonstrated in both clinical and animal studies.
