Ewa Długosz, Jakub Misiak, Kinga Grabowska, Izabela Jasicka-Misiak

Neuroprotective properties of polyphenolic substances of honey and bee pollen
2024-08-26

Introduction. Neurodegenerative diseases that most commonly occur in the elderly constitute a global problem with no effective casual treatment. The most frequently described diseases in the aging population include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Many biological factors contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation of neurons and glial cells, protein accumulation, and activation of apoptotic pathways. Since neurodegenerative disorders progress slowly, there is no definitive treatment option that can halt the development of these diseases.

In recent decades, plant phenolic substances have been widely used as natural compounds with distinct therapeutic properties. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, belonging to this class, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects. Significant concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic acids are present in a wide range of groceries as well as in bee-collected and bee-processed products, such as honey and bee pollen.

Objective. The aim of the study was to collect and systematize up to date knowledge on the possibility of using bee products (honey and bee pollen) in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, in the light of current scientific literature.

Research Methodology. The analysis of literature data was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct databases, using keywords such as honey, bee pollen, flavonoids, phenolic acids, neuroprotective activity, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and depression.

Results. The chemical composition of the phenolic fraction depends on the botanical origin of individual honey and bee pollen. In vitro and in vivo, it has been shown that polyphenolic compounds identified in honey of different botanical origins and bee pollen enhance cognitive functions and minimize brain neuropathy through various mechanisms. The ability of these components to treat brain diseases is determined by their ability to reach brain structures and interact directly with neurons, neurites, and glia. As a result, they are considered to be natural remedies for many ailments, including neurological problems.

Conclusions. According to preclinical study results, these bioactive components protect against brain diseases, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, Huntington’s disease (HD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)and conditions like anxiety and sadness, the basis of depression.

Keywords: honey, bee pollen, flavonoids, phenolic acids, neuroprotective activity.

© Farm Pol, 2024, 80(4): 241–253