Pollen Beads: A New Carrier for Propolis Active Compounds

Background: Pollen and propolis are two bee products with highly health promoting properties. But there are some limitations of raw propolis usage not only in daily consumption but also in putting it in food formulations. Propolis should be extracted to convert it into consumable form and ethanol is the first choice as a solvent. But ethanol consumption, either in health-wise or religious aspect, is one of the factors limiting the usage of propolis extract. The strong taste and strong smell of propolis are other factors. The immobilization of propolis active compounds could be a tool for overcoming either all or some of these factors. Objective: This study was aimed at the immobilization of propolis active constituents on the surface of whole pollen grains. Methods: Chemical composition of raw propolis was determined by using GC-MS technique. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the samples were measured spectrophotometrically. The release property of the beads was determined. Results: Immobilization efficiency was 53%. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of pollen, propolis and pollen-propolis beads were measured. It was determined that pollen-propolis beads contain more phenolics than pollen and propolis itself. Ferric reducing activity of the samples was also investigated and pollen-propolis beads showed better activity. Release behavior of pollen and pollen-propolis beads was studied in simulated digestive systems. Better release properties of pollen-propolis beads were achieved in all tested systems as well. These findings support the immobilization of propolis active compounds on the surface of whole pollen grains. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the product obtained, pollen-propolis beads, could be considered as a more valuable healthy product since the synergistic action of pollen and propolis.