Supplements Dietary Supplements What Is Pine Pollen? By Carla Eisenstein, PharmD Carla Eisenstein, PharmD Carla Eisenstein, PharmD, is a pharmacist and medical writer passionate about clear communication in science and medicine. She has experience in drug information, medical communication, social media, and patient advocacy. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 11, 2023 Medically reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN Medically reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN Allison Herries, MS, RDN, CDN is a registered dietitian. She is focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases through healthy lifestyle changes. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Side Effects Precautions Dosage Toxicity Interactions How to Store Similar Supplements Frequently Asked Questions Sources & What to Look for Pine pollen is a yellow, powdery substance from pine cones of various pine tree species. The three species most commonly studied include Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Chinese red pine (Pinus tabuliformis), and Masson pine (Pinus massoniana). Pine pollen contains chemicals called saccharides (types of sugar), amino acids, and phytosterols. Very little is known about the nutritional value of pine pollen, and the science supporting any health advantages is weak. Nevertheless, pine pollen has been studied in vitro (in cells and test tubes in a laboratory), in animals, and in people for: Blood sugar Cancer Cholesterol Enlarged prostate Liver health Skin diseases Pine pollen should not be confused with pine bark, which has also been studied for several health conditions. This article covers studies of pine pollen, but there is not yet enough evidence to recommend it to treat any disease. David and Micha Sheldon / Getty Images Unlike drugs, dietary supplements are not regulated in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. Choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF, whenever possible.However, even if supplements are third-party tested, it doesn't mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and checking in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications is important. Supplement Facts Active Ingredient: Saccharides (types of sugar), amino acids, and phytosterols Alternate Names: Pinus massoniana, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus tabuliformis, pinus pollen, cracked cell wall, songhuang, song hua fen Legal Status: Over-the-counter (OTC) dietary supplement in the United States Suggested Dose: No suggested dose for pine pollen Safety Considerations: Inadequate information; caution advised in children, people with liver or kidney problems, and pregnancy or breastfeeding Uses of Pine Pollen Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Scientists reviewed pine pollen research articles from three Chinese and two English databases. After reviewing 239 articles, the scientists noted that not enough evidence was available to conclude pine pollen’s use as a treatment for disease. The articles included 180 studies about pine pollen pharmacology, 37 studies about pine pollen used in people, and 22 review articles. This review was useful as a summary of future pine pollen research directions. Pine pollen has been studied in vitro and in animals for: Aging Antioxidant activity Blood sugar Cholesterol Decreased tumor growth Enlarged prostate Fatigue Immune system regulation Intestinal health Liver health It's also been studied in humans for: Bed sores Constipation Chickenpox Eczema Enlarged prostate High blood pressure (hypertension) High cholesterol Side effects of chemotherapy Skin inflammation from diapers Skin ulcers Although pine pollen has been studied for several health conditions, there's not enough evidence to suggest it can treat any disease. If you plan to try a pine pollen supplement, ask your healthcare provider before taking it. Colorectal Cancer Scientists studied pine pollen polysaccharides in mice with colon cancer tumor cells. They found that tumor growth was slowed or prevented. The researchers also conducted in vitro studies as part of the same experiment. They discovered that pine pollen polysaccharide (carbohydrate) stopped colorectal cancer cell division and triggered apoptosis (programmed cell death) of colorectal cancer cells. These results are not necessarily transferable to humans. More research is needed. Inflammation Limited in vitro and animal studies suggest that pine pollen may have anti-inflammatory activity. Scientists who studied pine pollen polysaccharide in mice with ulcerative colitis, observed that the body weight of the mice increased, which was a sign of improvement. An additional outcome was a decrease in inflammatory chemicals. Researchers have also studied pine pollen extract in mice with arthritis. They found oral pine pollen extract decreased arthritis swelling and lowered inflammatory chemicals. Another in vitro study of pine pollen extract in human cells showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. These results do not mean that these effects may occur in humans. Further research is needed. Liver Health Researchers studied an herbal formula with pine pollen in rats with liver disease caused by connective tissue build-up. They found that the pine pollen extract decreased tissue buildup in the rat livers. These results are not necessarily transferable to humans. More research is needed. Wound Healing Researchers conducted an in vitro study to determine if pine pollen would increase cell growth to heal wounds faster. They studied the effects of pine pollen polysaccharides (carbohydrates) in animal cells. The study results reported an increase in the production of cell division proteins. These results do not mean that these effects may occur in humans. Further research is needed. Other Uses Some brands of pine pollen focus on the theory that phytoandrogens (plant hormones) could function like the hormone testosterone in your body. Some research has been performed to test this theory, but not enough evidence exists yet to draw conclusions. For example, there are preliminary studies about phytoandrogens of other plants used to treat enlarged prostate in rats. But quality evidence is lacking to support the use of pine pollen as a source of testosterone in humans. Far more research is needed to determine whether pine pollen benefits people trying to increase testosterone levels—which may not be a good idea in the first place. For some people, low testosterone levels may indicate an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. Rather than self-treating, speak to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing symptoms. What Are the Side Effects of Pine Pollen? Your healthcare provider may suggest pine pollen for a condition. However, consuming a supplement like pine pollen may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe. Common Side Effects Researchers reviewed studies of pine pollen, and one study reported side effects of diarrhea, bloating, and loss of appetite. But in this study, pine pollen was combined with metformin, a drug that can cause those side effects. Therefore, it isn't possible to say if the side effects were due to metformin or pine pollen. Severe Side Effects Many people are allergic to pollen from trees and other plants. Don't take pine pollen products if you have pine allergies since the products may trigger allergic reactions. If you have a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include but are not limited to hives, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face and lips. Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you're having a severe allergic reaction or any of your symptoms feel life-threatening. Precautions Do keep the following precautions in mind when using pine pollen: Allergy: Many people are allergic to pollen from trees and other plants. Don't take pine pollen products if you have pine allergies since the products may trigger allergic reactions. Hormonal effects: Pine pollen supplements could theoretically affect testosterone levels, leading to unwanted side effects. Like other hormones, testosterone levels should stay within a specific range. Other modifications: Children, people who are pregnant or nursing, or people who have liver or kidney disease, shouldn't take pine pollen. Not enough information is available to establish safety in these groups. Dosage: How Much Pine Pollen Should I Take? Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. There is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pine pollen or related products. The correct dose for you (if any) may depend on your age, the condition you're looking to treat, and your overall health. Some doses listed on supplement labels may be unsafe. Always speak to your healthcare provider before taking this or any supplement since it may interfere with other medications or treatments for another condition. What Happens If I Take Too Much Pine Pollen? Pine pollen supplements could theoretically affect testosterone levels, leading to unwanted side effects. If you feel you've ingested too much pine pollen, seek immediate guidance from a healthcare provider. Interactions Pine pollen supplements could theoretically affect testosterone levels, leading to unwanted side effects. Use caution when using other products that impact hormone levels. It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. How to Store Pine Pollen Storage instructions vary for different products. Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medications in a cool and dry place. Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid pouring unused and expired products down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medications. You can also find disposal boxes in your area. Ask your healthcare provider any questions you have about how to dispose of your medications or supplements. If you plan to travel with pine pollen or other medicines, get familiar with your final destination's regulations. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate might be a helpful resource. Similar Supplements A supplement similar to pine pollen is bee pollen. Bee pollen may include pine pollen. Frequently Asked Questions Are there other natural ways to boost testosterone? Testosterone levels change over time. Specific lifestyle changes may be helpful if you're concerned about reduced energy or libido. These include exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, reaching and/or maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress. While there’s no evidence that pine pollen can keep your testosterone levels from falling if you try it, consult your healthcare provider first. They may check your hormone levels, help you weigh the pros and cons, and discuss whether it's appropriate. Learn More: The Best Foods for Increasing Low Testosterone What is the difference between pine pollen and pine bark? Pine pollen comes from pine cones, and pine bark is on the trunk and branches of the pine tree. Even though they come from the same plant, pine pollen and pine bark contain different chemicals. Pine bark extract has been studied to treat high blood pressure. Always carefully read the label of a supplement before you take it. Learn More: 11 Best Herbs and Supplements for High Blood Pressure Is pine pollen an adaptogen? Maybe. Adaptogens are natural medicines that are studied for hormone regulation. If further pine pollen study shows that it can regulate testosterone or cortisol levels in people, it could be called an adaptogen in the future. Just because a supplement is marketed as an adaptogen does not mean it has hormone-regulating properties. Learn More: What Are Adaptogens? Sources of Pine Pollen & What to Look For Pine pollen is sold in many health food stores and online. It is sold in the following forms: PowderLiquid extractsCapsules with powder insideCapsules with extract inside Many brands combine pine pollen with other ingredients, so it is essential to read the label carefully before you buy a supplement. Remember that dietary supplements like pine pollen are unregulated by the FDA. According to government standards, it is illegal to market a dietary supplement as a treatment or cure for a specific disease or to alleviate the symptoms of a disease. The FDA does not test such products for safety or effectiveness. Sometimes, a product may deliver ingredient doses that differ from what's specified on its label. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances. Some consumers seek products certified by ConsumerLab, USP, or NSF. These organizations don't guarantee that a product is safe or effective. Still, they ensure that the product is manufactured correctly, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful contaminants. Food Sources of Pine Pollen Pine pollen comes from pine cones. Pine Pollen Supplements Pine pollen is usually sold in capsules and powder form. Summary Pine pollen is a supplement made from pollen in the pine cones of pine trees. It has been studied in cells, animals, and humans for various health conditions, including skin diseases and enlarged prostate. But there is insufficient scientific evidence to recommend it for any specific use. There is not sufficient safety information about pine pollen either. Because many people are allergic to pollen, use caution if you have allergies. Like any supplement, be careful with unfamiliar brands your healthcare provider does not recommend. Pine pollen supplements are found in health food stores, pharmacies, and online. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. It might interact with your medication or worsen an existing health condition. 16 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Graikou K, Chinou I. Qualitative and quantitative determination of natural testosterone type steroids in pollen from two Greek Pinus species (P. nigra and P. heldreichii). Planta Med. 2013;79(13). doi:10.1055/s-0033-1352118 Kopylov AT, Malsagova KA, Stepanov AA, Kaysheva AL. Diversity of Plant Sterols Metabolism: The Impact on Human Health, Sport, and Accumulation of Contaminating Sterols. Nutrients. 2021;13(5):1623. Published 2021 May 12. doi:10.3390/nu13051623 Axelrod K, Samburova V, Khlystov AY. Relative abundance of saccharides, free amino acids, and other compounds in specific pollen species for source profiling of atmospheric aerosol. Sci Total Environ. 2021;799:149254. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149254 Liang SB, Liang N, Bu FL, et al. The Potential Effects and Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine Pine Pollen (Pinus pollen): A Bibliometric Analysis of Pharmacological and Clinical Studies. World J Tradit Chin Med. 2020;6(2):163-170. doi:10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_4_20 Ferguson JJA, Oldmeadow C, Bentley D, Eslick S, Garg ML. Effect of a polyphenol-rich dietary supplement containing Pinus massoniana bark extract on blood pressure in healthy adults: A parallel, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2022;71:102896. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102896 Cai T, Morgia G, Carrieri G, et al. An improvement in sexual function is related to better quality of life, regardless of urinary function improvement: results from the IDIProst® Gold Study. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2013;85(4):184-189. Published 2013 Dec 31. doi:10.4081/aiua.2013.4.184 Shang H, Niu X, Cui W, et al. Anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides extracted from Pinus massoniana pollen in colorectal cancer- in vitro and in vivo studies. Food Funct. 2022;13(11):6350-6361. Published 2022 Jun 6. doi:10.1039/d1fo03908c Li Z, Wang H, Wang Z, Geng Y. Pine Pollen Polysaccharides' and Sulfated Polysaccharides' Effects on UC Mice through Modulation of Cell Tight Junctions and RIPK3-Dependent NecroptosisPathways. Molecules. 2022;27(22):7682. Published 2022 Nov 8. doi:10.3390/molecules27227682 Lee KH, Choi EM. Effect of pine pollen extract on experimental chronic arthritis. Phytother Res. 2009;23(5):651-657. doi:10.1002/ptr.2526 Lee KH, Kim AJ, Choi EM. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of pine pollen extract in vitro. Phytother Res. 2009;23(1):41-48. doi:10.1002/ptr.2525 Cong T, Jin XY, Zhao L, et al. Anti-fibrotic effects of the Masson pine pollen aqueous extract on hepatic fibrosis rat model. Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2015;8(5):4651-4661. Published 2015 May 1. Wang C, Shang H, Cui W, et al. Pine pollen polysaccharides promote cell proliferation and accelerate wound healing by activating the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. Int J Biol Macromol. 2022;210:579-587. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.04.210 Azis A, Mostary M, Sume IJ, et al. The efficacy of using pine (Pinus massoniana) pollen as an alternative to synthetic steroids in producing monosex male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L.). Aquaculture, Fish, and Fisheries. 2021;2(5):375-383. Tao R, Liu E, Zhao X, et al. Combination of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus with Ecliptae Herba and their phytoestrogen or phytoandrogen like active pharmaceutical ingredients alleviateoestrogen/testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia through regulatingsteroid 5-α-reductase. Phytomedicine. 2022;102:154169. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154169 Gastaminza G, Lombardero M, Bernaola G, et al. Allergenicity and cross-reactivity of pine pollen. Clin Exp Allergy. 2009;39(9):1438-1446. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2222.2009.03308.x National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplement Label Database. Additional Reading Cui YY, Xie H, Qi KB, He YM, Wang JF. Effects of Pinus massoniana bark extract on cell proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatoma BEL-7402 cells. World J Gastroenterol. 2005;11(34):5277. doi:10.3748/wjg.v11.i34.5277 Hoai NT, Duc HV, Thao do T, Orav A, Raal A. Selectivity of Pinus Sylvestris Extract and Essential Oil to Estrogen-insensitive Breast Cancer Cells Pinus Sylvestris Against Cancer Cells. Pharmacogn Mag. 2015 Oct;11(Suppl 2):S290-5. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.166052 Lee K, Choi E. Effect of pine pollen extract on experimental chronic arthritis. Phytotherapy Research. 2009;23(5):651-657. doi:10.1002/ptr.2526 Lee K, Kim A, Choi E. Antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of pine pollen extract in vitro. Phytotherapy Research. 2008;23(1):41-48. doi:10.1002/ptr.2525 Liu J, Bai J, Jiang G, Li X, Wang J, Wu D, et al. Anti-tumor Effect of Pinus Massoniana Bark Proanthocyanidins on Ovarian Cancer Through Induction of Cell Apoptosis and Inhibition of Cell Migration. PLoS One. 2015 Nov 5;10(11):e0142157. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0142157 Ma H, Liu B, Feng D, Xie H, Li R, Yuchi Y, et al. Pinus Massoniana Bark Extract Selectively Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma Cells, Possibly Through Caspase-dependent Pathways. Int J Mol Med. 2010 May;25(5):751-9. doi:10.3892/ijmm_00000401 Mao GX, Zheng LD, Cao YB, et al. Antiaging effect of pine pollen in human diploid fibroblasts and in a mouse model induced by D-galactose. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:750963. doi:10.1155/2012/750963 Šaden-Krehula M, Tajić M, Kolbah D. Testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione in the pollen of scotch pineP. silvestris L. Experientia (1971) 27: 108. doi:10.1007/BF02137770 Weiskirchen R. Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Jan 7;6:303. doi:10.3389/fphar.2015.00303 By Carla Eisenstein, PharmD Carla Eisenstein is a pharmacist and medical writer passionate about clear communication in science and medicine. She has experience in drug information, medical communication, social media, and patient advocacy. Originally written by Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit