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Presence of Androgens in Scotch Pine Pollen

Testosterone, Epitestosterone and Androstenedione in the Pollen of Scotch Pine P. silvestris L.

Authors: M. Šadan-Krehula, M. Tajić, D. Kolbah (1970), Experientia

Introduction

Pine pollen has been widely recognized for its potential medicinal properties, particularly within traditional medicine. While earlier research has confirmed the presence of estrogens in various types of pollen, androgenic activity, particularly in plant-based sources like corn pollen, has remained elusive. This study, conducted by Šadan-Krehula, Tajić, and Kolbah, seeks to investigate the presence of androgens in the pollen of Scotch Pine (Pinus silvestris L.), specifically focusing on testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione. By isolating and quantifying these androgens, the study aims to shed light on their potential contributions to the health benefits associated with pine pollen.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to isolate and quantitatively determine the concentrations of testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione in Scotch Pine pollen using a variety of extraction and chromatographic methods.

Methodology

Extraction and Quantification Techniques

Four distinct extraction and quantification methods were employed to isolate and measure the target androgens:

  • Method 1: Methanol extraction, hydrolysis with methanolic KOH, followed by paper chromatography.
  • Method 2: Ether extraction, hydrolysis with glucuronidase, ether re-extraction, and acid hydrolysis.
  • Method 3: Ether-ethanol extraction, hydrolysis with glucuronidase, acid hydrolysis, followed by separation of ketonic and nonketonic steroids.
  • Method 4: A semi-quantitative approach using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on Silicagel HF 254.

Each method involved specific steps for extraction, hydrolysis, and chromatographic separation, tailored to optimize the detection and quantification of the steroidal compounds.

Analytical Techniques

  • Paper Chromatography: Utilized for the separation of ketonic steroids.
  • Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC): Applied using Silicagel HF 254 plates and various solvent systems for the separation of steroids.
  • Spectrophotometric Determination: Steroid quantification was conducted at specific wavelengths (555 nm, 600 nm, and 635 nm).

Results

The concentrations of testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione detected in Scotch Pine pollen varied across the four extraction methods. The following table summarizes the findings:

Research Significance

The detection of testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione in the pollen of Pinus silvestris L. has significant implications for both endocrinology and nutrition. This study confirms the presence of androgenic compounds in Scotch Pine pollen, contributing to a growing understanding of its potential health benefits. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of method selection in quantitative steroid analyses, as different extraction and chromatographic techniques yielded varying concentrations of the target androgens.

For individuals and researchers interested in natural health products, these results provide a scientific basis for the potential use of pine pollen as a source of natural androgens. The discovery of these steroid hormones in pine pollen may have far-reaching applications in the development of dietary supplements aimed at enhancing androgen levels through natural means.

Conclusion

This study successfully isolated and quantified testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione in Scotch Pine pollen, demonstrating its potential as a natural source of androgens. The varying concentrations of these hormones detected across different methods suggest that further research is needed to refine extraction techniques and to explore the biological effects of these compounds. Future studies should focus on the health benefits and potential therapeutic applications of pine pollen-derived steroids, particularly in the fields of nutrition and endocrinology.

Citation

Šadan-Krehula, M., Tajić, M., & Kolbah, D. (1970). Testosterone, epitestosterone, and androstenedione in the pollen of Scotch Pine (P. silvestris L.). Experientia, 27(1), 108-109. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02137770