Pine Pollen Supplement Uses, Benefits, Dosages & Side Effects

Pine pollen supplements that are made from the pollen of Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) trees are commonly used for hormone balance issues in both men and women.

Pine trees are members of the Pinus genus. There are more than 170 different species in the genus. [1]

Pine tree needles, resin (pitch), nuts, inner bark, and pollen have been used widely for many centuries both for food and as medicine.

In Asian traditional medicines, people have been using Pine Pollen for more than two thousand years to support nutrition, immunity, energy, and longevity.

Pine pollen supplements are commonly used today for hormone balance, energy, sexual health, endurance, and cognitive health.

This article will discuss what pine pollen is, how it works in the body, its purported health benefits, how it is used, and its safety profile.

Pine Pollen

Plant Extract

Libido

Men's Health

Hormone Balance

How It Works:

• Contains natural plant sterols
• Promotes sex hormone balance
• Supports libido and bodybuilding

Dosage:

Between 1250 - 2500 mg per serving

Safety:

Insufficient evidence to rate

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What Is Pine Pollen?

Most species of pine trees are monoecious, meaning they have female and male sex organs on the same plant.

Raw pine pollen is the powdery pollen granules that are produced by male cones (catkins) from pine trees. [2] Male catkins are not like the scaly, woody female pine cones that most people are familiar with.

Instead, they are soft, flowering spikes that develop the pollen necessary to fertilize seeds inside the female cones. A single pollen grain contains a gamete which is capable of fertilizing a female ovule.

Pine tree catkins typically grow in clusters on the lower branches. This is so that its pollen does not fall onto the female cones on the same tree.

The male cones on pine trees are only present during early spring. After the pollination process has completed for the year in mid-spring, the catkins fall off the tree and decompose to enrich the soil base.

Pines are largely wind-pollinated. Due to the shape of the individual granules, pine pollen flies well and can travel for miles. It can cover large distance before fertilizing female pine cones.

Having the male catkins on low branches encourages cross-pollination with surrounding pines to promote species diversity.

Pine tree pollination distributes tiny pollen granules over many miles of territory. This pollen contains compounds that are important for the nourishment of many creatures, plants, and the soil.

Pine pollen has phytosterol (plant steroid) constituents that are said to encourage reproduction in some animals in nature during the spring mating season.

Pine pollen supplements are typically made from wild harvested pollen from Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) and Pinus massoniana (Chinese Red Pine, Masson’s Pine) in Asian countries.

Uses for Pine Pollen

Native Americans considered pine trees sacred because they provided shelter, warmth, food, and natural medicine. [3]

Medicinal use of pine pollen was first described in Shenlong’s Root and Herbal Classic, an ancient Chinese work from the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).

Pine pollen is used widely throughout Asia, especially in Korea and China. Much like Panax ginseng its primary uses are supporting immunity, boosting energy, enhancing libido (sex drive), and promoting longevity.

The use of pine pollen as a dietary supplement is a relatively new practice. Many men are interested in using pine pollen supplements because some studies have found that Pinus sylvestris pollen contains testosterone.

It also contains other compounds similar to human hormones like estrogen. Some natural health practicioners recommend pine pollen to balance hormone levels in the body.

However there is very little research on pine pollen at this time and there have been no clinical trials examining pine pollen’s effects on hormone balance in humans.

According to a number of online sources, pine pollen is purported to increase the firmness of erections in men, and increase both sperm count and sperm motility; research on these effects is lacking though.

Some people use pine pollen supplements today because they claim that it helps them to stay mentally motivated, vigorous, and driven to their tasks.

Pine pollen is also sometimes used for headaches and migraines.

Pine pollen is purported to contain over 200 bioactive constituents including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytoandrogens. Many of the purported benefits of this natural health product are attributed to compounds found in the plant, but have not been studied specifically with pine pollen as a whole.

How Pine Pollen Works in the Body

Some people use pine pollen powder daily to help balance androgenic and estrogenic hormones in the body.

This herbal extract contains a compound that is bioidentical to the androgenic sex hormone testosterone. [4]

It also contains smaller amounts of other plant sterols like androsterone, androstenedione, and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).

Pine pollen also contains estrogenic plant sterols that are bioidentical to the three types of estrogen: estriol, estradiol, and estrone.

Additionally, pine pollen contains a plant version of the steroid hormone progesterone which is primarily involved in menstruation and pregnancy in women. In men this hormone is a precursor to testosterone.

Androgenic sex hormones like testosterone are produced in greater abundance in men than in women. Likewise, estrogenic sex hormones are more abundant in women than in men.

However, both men and women produce and require both androgenic and estrogenic hormones.

The endocrine system is responsible for producing hormones and maintaining hormone balance in the body. This helps sustain healthy body weight, libido, energy level, and mental state.

According to some sources pine pollen is purported to elevate testosterone levels in blood and maintain proper androgen/estrogen balance. However there are no studies to support this claim at this time.

Pine pollen has long been considered an adaptogenic substance in the traditional Asian medicine systems. Adaptogens are natural medicines derived from herbs that are said to:

• Support cellular metabolism
• Counteract the adverse effects of stress
• Boost mental and physical energy
• Restore homeostatis (promote balanced physiology)
• Support cell detoxification
• Support adrenal function
• Promote balance mental state

Another important prerequisite for being classified as an adaptogen in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is safety. Adaptogens are said to be safe for long-term usage.

Pine pollen is also said to be a general tonic. A tonic is a substance that is purported to give a feeling of vigor or well-being.

Pine pollen is a source of numerous plant chemicals that have diverse biological effects. Some of these include:

Pine pollen contains the following amino acids: Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic acid, Cysteine, Glutamic acid, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, and Valine.

Various vitamins and minerals are also present in pine pollen, including: vitamin A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6 (Pyridoxine), B9 (Folate), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, beta carotene, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, and other trace elements.

This natural herbal product also contains other various compounds including: enzymes, coenzymes, nucleic acid, monosaccharides, polysaccharides, flavonols, oleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, lignans, MSM, fiber, superoxide dismutase, inositol, polyphenols, quercitin, rutin, proanthocyanins, and Resveratrol.

Raw Forest Foods states, “Unlike isolated and/or synthesized supplements, the nutritional compounds found in Pine Pollen occur naturally, in their complete and active state—complex, rich, and balanced.” [5]

Pine Pollen Health Benefits

Pine pollen is purported to have various benefits and effects on hormone replacement, antioxidant status, xenoestrogen hormone imbalance, bodybuilding, and libido.

While use of pine pollen is prevalent in traditional medicines, there have not been many studies done on its uses. More research exists on this supplement’s use in Asian scientific journals, especially from China, however even this is limited, and there have been no clinical trials in humans.

Therefore, more research is still needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of pine pollen. At this time the FDA has not approved pine pollen as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Although pine pollen is traditionally used to promote enhanced health and help prevent age-related diseases, most of the literature on it is focused on its natural phytosterol (plant steroid) constituents.

There is significant interest in using pine pollen as a safe and natural alternative to synthetic bioidentical hormone replacement therapies.

Pine Pollen and Hormone Replacement Therapies

Women and men both typically experience a sharp decline in testosterone production after female menopause and male andropause.

Many men and women are using HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) for the symptoms associated with lowered endogenous hormone production.

Traditional HRT agents have been sourced from the urine of pregnant horses and may have side effects associated with them.

Bioidentical hormone replacement agents are sourced from plant estrogens instead and are purported to be safer than the traditional HRTs.

However, the safety of BHRTs has not been established. Some health care professionals believe they may have safety risks.

According to Healthline, “Most bioidentical hormones are manufactured and sold without controls for safety, quality, or purity. Many medical organizations have taken a stand against the marketing and use of unapproved bioidentical hormones.” [6]

Research has shown that hormone replacement therapy of any type might increase the risks of breast cancer, heart disease, gallbladder disease, blood clots, and stroke.

Some common adverse effects experienced with BHRTs include weight gain, acne, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and facial hair development in women.

Additionally, many people are not able to tolerate hormone replacement therapy of any type. Superfood Evolution states that some people who have had adverse reactions to HRTs or BHRTs are choosing pine pollen instead. [1]

Pine pollen is a natural source of steroids. Some consumers are interested in using it for normalizing endocrine function and hormone balance.

Many online user reviews purport benefits for endocrine and immune function and a low frequency of side effects.

Pine pollen is a whole-food substance that contains various phytosterols in fairly small amounts. Comparatively, synthetic HRTs and BHRTs provide much larger amounts of the hormone-mimicking compounds and are not from whole food sources.

At this time, there have been no clinical trials done looking at the safety or effects of pine pollen on hormone levels in humans. Research is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of this supplement for that purpose.

If you are interested in taking pine pollen for hormone balance you should speak with your doctor or endocrinologist to determine if this supplement is appropriate for your needs.

Pine Pollen Antioxidant Properties

Pine pollen is purported to have antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or reduce free radicals in the body.

Free radicals are reactive oxygen compounds that are produced during the process of oxidation. Oxidation and the production of free radicals is a natural and necessary bodily function.

Issues can arise if free radical production is elevated in the body. These reactive compounds can cause damage to cell membranes and DNA.

Free radicals include both endogenous and exogenous ROS (reactive oxygen species) and RNS (reactive nitrogen species) compounds produced by:

• Endoplasmic reticulum, phagocytic cells, peroxisomes, and mitochondria
• Alcohol, tobacco smoke, and many drugs
• Heavy metals and transition metals
• Smog and other industrial pollutants
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Radiation

The Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry states, “Free radicals can adversely affect various important classes of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, thereby altering the normal redox status leading to increased oxidative stress.” [7]

The body requires constant availability of antioxidant substances to resist and repair the damages that free radicals cause.

Oxidative stress that results from free radicals can increase risk factors for numerous disease states including diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and various forms of cancer.

Two of the most important natural antioxidant compounds in the body are SOD (superoxide dismutase) and glutathione.

SOD is an enzyme found in all cells in the body. This enzyme helps to break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules that could cause damage to tissues.

Pine pollen contains superoxide dismutase and it is hypothesized that it may increase blood-SOD levels.

Glutathione is a tripeptide comprised of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. It is important for vitamin and mineral metabolism and amino acid transport.

In the body Glutathione is involved in the immune system, DNA synthesis, neutralizing free radicals, and tissue building and repair. Glutathione is also important for detoxifying the liver.

SOD and glutathione levels decrease in most people with age. Consuming pine pollen might help to improve SOD, glutathione, and overall antioxidant status but more research is needed to determine if this produces any specific health benefits.

Pine Pollen and Xenoestrogens

Pine pollen has been claimed to promote hormone balance and counteract some of the potentially negative effects of xenoestrogens in the body.

Xenoestrogens are a class of toxic chemical compounds commonly found in the environment. They are estrogenic compounds that mimic natural estrogen in the body.

Many people call xenoestrogens “Bad Estrogens” because they typically are found in toxic substances like herbicides, pesticides, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), BPA (bisphenol A), and a large group of POPs (persistent organic pollutants) collectively called Dioxin.

Xenoestrogens are also common in household cleaners, deodorizers, and cosmetic products.

Residue from xenoestrogens bind to human estrogen receptors and then mimic the effects of estrogens in the body. This can cause imbalanced hormonal function.

Over time, exposure to xenoestrogens can cause an estrogen-dominant hormonal status, even in men.

Increased estrogen levels along with decreased androgen levels increases the risk for hormone-dependent cancers like breast, prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.

It can also cause sexual dysfunction, infertility, fibroid growths, and various other adverse conditions.

Some people use pine pollen to help normalize hormonal balance affected by xenoestrogen exposure.

It is hypothesized that this plant compound might help to improve androgen/estrogen balance or endocrine function in people who have imbalances due to excessive xenoestrogen exposure.

There has not been any research done in this area at the moment and clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of pine pollen for this use.

Pine Pollen and Bodybuilding and Libido

Pine pollen is sometimes used by bodybuilders and other athletes because it contains various natural androgenic compounds.

Pine pollen contains testosterone and DHEA, two anabolic substances with muscle building properties. Some users take pine pollen because they believe it has fewer side effects than synthetic anabolic steroids.

Athletes and bodybuilders use this supplement to increase muscle mass, strength, energy, endurance, and motivation for workouts.

This supplement is also used for male and female sexual health. Some online sources claim that is can increase sperm count, sperm motility, and sex drive. According to some user reviews this supplement has also resulted in improved erectile function.

Pine pollen also contains the amino acid phenylalanine that is a precursor to the “feel-good” neurotransmitter Dopamine.

Some sources suggest that pine pollen may support elevated mood, greater sexual desire, improved sexual performance, increased stamina, and erectile health.

At this time no research studies have been done using pine pollen for athletic performance and libido, and its use for these purposes is currently based on anecdotal evidence. Scientific studies will need to be done to determine the efficacy of this supplement in these areas.

Pine Pollen Supplements

Some people like to harvest their own pine pollen for use in foods or tincture making. If you decide to harvest this product on your own it is important to choose trees in areas free from environmental contamination.

The time to harvest pine pollen is a three week window in early spring when the male catkins are full of pollen. The exact dates will depend on your geographical location.

While it is possible to harvest your own organic pine pollen dust from trees in suitable locations in your area, most people find it preferable to buy pine pollen supplements online.

There is no widely-accepted standardization of pine pollen supplements at this time. Because the pollen comes from different species of trees and from different geographical locations each sample will potentially be different from others in terms of specific nutrient content.

Pine tree pollen from Asia will have a unique chemical makeup relative to pine pollen from Europe or any other location.

The Asian pine pollen industry, specifically in China, is more developed than in other parts of the world because it has been a natural medicine product there longer. The majority of supplements come from there.

All pine trees produce pollen, however most pine pollen powder or capsule products are sourced from Pinus sylvestris or Pinus massoniana.

Some suppliers offer a special type of pine pollen called Cell Wall-Broken Pine Pollen. The suppliers claim it is more nourishing than standard supplements, and as much as 25% more digestible.

Pine pollen powder, capsules, and tincture products are widely touted today as “superfoods”.

Pine pollen powder is typically used more for increasing nutritional status while pine pollen tincture is said to be more effective for hormone-balancing purposes as it is more concentrated.

A large percentage of pine pollen supplements are sourced in China. Most of the pollen there is wild harvested, so choosing a source from a pollution-free environment is essential.

Look for organic, non-GMO, additive-free, contaminant-free pine pollen products from trusted merchants with solid reputations. Reading user reviews online can be helpful in determining a reliable supplier.

How Much Pine Pollen To Take?

Typical dosages of pine pollen vary on the reason for using, the format of the supplement, and personal tolerance and health status.

In general, some sources recommend using:

• 2 teaspoons pine pollen powder up to 3 times daily for general purposes;
• ½ dropper full of 1:4 pine pollen tincture between 1-3 times daily;

Different people may react differently to this supplement. Some may need higher doses to notice any effects, while others may need less.

To help reduce the risk of side effects and gauge your personal tolerance it is generally recommended to begin using pine pollen at the low end of its recommended dosing range. If after a week or so no side effects have occurred you can increase the dose slowly as needed to experience desired effects.

To determine the appropriate dosage for your needs it is recommended to consult with a doctor.

Pine Pollen Safety and Side Effects

Pine pollen is generally well tolerated and believed to be safe for human consumption when used appropriately.

According to Raw Forest Foods “Generally, pine pollen is a tonic food and can be used on a frequent basis for appropriate hormonal conditions with no toxic side-effects.”

Pine pollen has been used widely in Asia for more than two thousand years and is not associated with any serious or lasting side effects.

In research studies, pine pollen has been shown to not be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), mutagenic (DNA-mutating), or teratogenic (embryo/fetus-changing).

Pine pollen tinctures are not recommended for infants, children, adolescents, pregnant woman, or women who are breastfeeding infants, as safety in these groups has not been determined.

Although allergies to pine trees are significantly less likely than with other trees, pine pollen is known to possess antigens that can cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or other allergic reactions. It also may exacerbate symptoms in some people with asthma.

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