Androgenic and Corticosteroid Content of Pine Pollen

Sex Hormones and Corticosteroids in Pollen of Pinus nigra

Authors: Melita Saden-Krehula, Melita Tajic, and Dragutin Kolbah

Affiliations: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, and Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Rebro, Zagreb, Yugoslavia

Introduction

Pine pollen has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its diverse range of biologically active compounds, including steroid hormones. In this study, Saden-Krehula, Tajic, and Kolbah (1979) extend previous research on the presence and quantification of steroid hormones and corticosteroids in the pollen of Pinus nigra, contributing to the growing body of evidence regarding plant-derived steroidal compounds.

Objective

The primary aim of this research was to isolate and quantify specific steroid hormones and corticosteroids present in pine pollen using advanced techniques, including radioimmunoassay (RIA) and fluorimetric methods.

Methodology

Extraction and Isolation

• Steroid Hormones: The study focused on the isolation and quantification of four key steroid hormones: testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone. The extraction process employed multiple chromatographic runs on silica gel, followed by quantification through radioimmunoassay.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids—including cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone—were also targeted using a combination of semiquantitative and quantitative methods, such as UV spectroscopy, tetrazolium salt reactions, Porter-Silber reactions, and fluorescence measurements.

Analytical Techniques

• Radioimmunoassay (RIA): Used for precise quantification of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone.
• Fluorimetry: Employed to detect and quantify fluorescent derivatives of these hormones following specific chemical reactions.

Results

Steroid Hormones

Table 1 presents a summary of the steroid hormones identified and quantified in pine pollen using both radioimmunoassay and fluorimetric methods. The detected hormones include testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone, all measured in significant amounts.

Corticosteroid Hormones

Table 2 provides a detailed summary of the quantified corticosteroids present in pine pollen. These include cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone, each measured using a variety of biochemical techniques, including UV spectroscopy, tetrazolium salt reactions, Porter-Silber reactions, and fluorescence detection at specified wavelengths.

Discussion

The findings of this study confirm the presence of significant quantities of both steroid hormones and corticosteroids in Pinus nigra pollen. The detection of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone through radioimmunoassay and fluorimetric methods suggests that these biologically active compounds are present in appreciable concentrations. Furthermore, the quantification of corticosteroids, including cortisol, cortisone, and corticosterone, through a variety of biochemical techniques supports the hypothesis that plant-derived steroids mirror those found in the animal kingdom.

The variation in hormone concentrations observed between different samples highlights the necessity for standardized extraction protocols to ensure consistency in future analyses. Additionally, the methodologies employed in this research, particularly the use of radioimmunoassay and fluorescence detection, provide a reliable framework for further exploration of plant-based steroidal compounds.

Research Significance

The presence of steroid hormones and corticosteroids in pine pollen has broad implications, particularly in the context of its potential use as a natural source of these bioactive compounds in nutrition and therapeutic applications. The discovery of these hormones in Pinus nigra reinforces the notion that steroids are not exclusive to animals, and opens up new possibilities for the utilization of pine pollen in health-related fields. Moreover, the rigorous biochemical techniques employed in this study set a precedent for future research into the steroid content of plant

Conclusion

This study conclusively demonstrates the presence of substantial quantities of testosterone, epitestosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone in the pollen of Pinus nigra. Additionally, the identification of various corticosteroids, including cortisol and cortisone, underscores the biological richness of pine pollen. These findings pave the way for further research into the potential applications of pine pollen-derived steroids in health and nutrition, offering a promising avenue for natural, plant-based therapeutic strategies.

Citation

Saden-Krehula, M., Tajic, M., & Kolbah, D. (1979). Sex hormones and corticosteroids in pollen of Pinus nigra. Phytochemistry, 18(2), 345-346. doi:10.1016/0031-9422(79)80098-9