Pine pollen powder is becoming increasingly popular among men seeking to raise testosterone levels. The pine pollen usually is the particles discharged from the male panicles of the Scots pine tree (Pinus sylvestris) and Chinese Mason pine tree (Pinus massoniana).
Pine pollen powder is often called “super food” or “nutrition fortifier”, and is crown as the top source of a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. However there is little scientific research to support its health advantages.
What Is Pine Pollen Used For?
Supporters of pine pollen believe that pine pollen can promote healing and prevent a variety of problems, such as acne, eczema, hangover, heart disease and high cholesterol.
Supporters also believe that pine pollen can stimulate the immune system, promote brain health, support detoxification, promote weight loss, reduce pain, and prevent some forms of cancer. Pine pollen is sometimes sold as an adaptation, a natural substance used to strengthen the body’s resistance to the negative effects of stress.
In fact, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these benefits. In vitro and rodent studies on the potential of pine pollen in several key areas are limited. However, the results of these studies cannot be automatically extended to humans
Increase testosterone
Proponents believe that pine pollen contains testosterone, and taking pine pollen supplements is beneficial to men with reduced testosterone levels. Many men who take pine pollen believe that pine pollen can improve exercise ability, increase muscle mass, enhance sexual function, increase energy and sexual desire.
However, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between testosterone and pine pollen. The researchers who published these reports measured only testosterone levels in Scots pine pollen. More research is needed to determine whether pine pollen has any benefit for men trying to raise testosterone levels.
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline. If you are worried about a decline in energy or sexuality, some lifestyle changes may help. These include regular exercise, adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and controlling stress.
Although there is no evidence that pine pollen can prevent the decline of testosterone levels, if you choose to try, be sure to consult your medical practitioner first. They may check your hormone levels to help you decide if you are suitable and how much to take.
Reduce inflammation
Limited in vitro studies have shown that pine pollen powder may have the effects of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. Besides, a limited study on mice has preliminarily shown that pine pollen powder may be helpful in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
However studies in test tubes and rodents usually only help to determine whether more research is necessary. So far, it is not clear whether pine pollen has the potential to treat any human diseases.
Anti aging
A small study in mice, published in the Journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cell Longevity, studied the potential of pine pollen to resist aging markers. The authors of this study concluded that pine pollen may have the potential to delay the aging process and alleviate human age-related diseases. This field of research is at a very preliminary stage, and further research is needed to see if it has potential in humans.
Preventing disease
A report published in Frontier Pharmacology in 2016 found some evidence that herbal formulas containing pine pollen powder may help prevent a liver problem called liver fibrosis. This pine pollen comes from different pine varieties.
Some preliminary researches have shown that the substances extracted from Chinese Mason pine may have certain health benefits including anti-tumor effect and prevention of oxidative stress, while Scots pine extract may have anti-cancer properties. However, none of these studies specifically tested the effects of pine pollen.
Possible side effects
Pine pollen comes from pine trees, which may make you believe that it is safe for human consumption. But like any supplement without clinical trials, little is known about the possible side effects and safety. If you are allergic to pine tree, do not take pine pollen products because they may trigger allergic reactions.
Testosterone levels should be kept within a certain range like all other hormones. In theory, the use of pine pollen supplements may affect testosterone levels, leading to unwanted side effects.
Pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents should not take pine pollen in case it may cause any negative effects on sex hormone.
Dosage
There is insufficient scientific research to explain the dosage of pine pollen or related products. The appropriate dosage needs depend on factors such as your age, the disease you want to treat, and your overall health.
Before taking this product or any supplement, be sure to consult your health care provider because they may have an adverse effect on other medicine or treatment of other diseases.