Translational Research on Bee Pollen as a Source of Nutrients: A Scoping Review from Bench to Real World

Abstract

The emphasis on healthy nutrition is gaining a forefront place in current biomedical sciences. Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances have been widely demonstrated to be involved in the genesis and development of many world-scale public health burdens, such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, bee pollen is emerging as a scientifically validated candidate, which can help diminish conditions through nutritional interventions. This matrix is being extensively studied, and has proven to be a very rich and well-balanced nutrient pool. In this work, we reviewed the available evidence on the interest in bee pollen as a nutrient source. We mainly focused on bee pollen richness in nutrients and its possible roles in the main pathophysiological processes that are directly linked to nutritional imbalances. This scoping review analyzed scientific works published in the last four years, focusing on the clearest inferences and perspectives to translate cumulated experimental and preclinical evidence into clinically relevant insights. The promising uses of bee pollen for malnutrition, digestive health, metabolic disorders, and other bioactivities which could be helpful to readjust homeostasis (as it is also true in the case of anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant needs), as well as the benefits on cardiovascular diseases, were identified. The current knowledge gaps were identified, along with the practical challenges that hinder the establishment and fructification of these uses. A complete data collection made with a major range of botanical species allows more robust clinical information.

Drug–Cannabinoid Interactions in Selected Therapeutics for Symptoms Associated with Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Pain

“…Scoping reviews are a relatively new type of evidence synthesis that is increasingly being used in biomedical research fields and, perhaps to a lesser extent, in other various research disciplines, albeit still lacking a full universal consensus about their definition, practical methodologies, and use circumstances [39]. Details of this are specified in our recent previous work [40]. Briefly, this type of review aims primarily to figure out and map the extent (depth and breadth) of scientific evidence on a particular topic, field, concept, or issue, unveil potential knowledge gaps, and possibly clarify key concepts, thus informing both research conduct and practical decision and policy making.…”

“…These reviews distinguish themselves from other reviews, such as systematic reviews, by offering an extended breadth of includible literature, a more systematic and comprehensive selection of the available scientific literature, and greater flexibility in drawing conclusions and receiving criticism from scientific communities to further advance research in the tackled topic. They approach broadly diversified topics and also allow analyses of a wide range of data and topics [37,40].…”

Potential Drug Interactions with Cannabinoids in Selected Chronic Diseases: Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Oncology, Multiple Sclerosis and Pain

“…Scoping reviews are a relatively new approach of evidence synthesis that are growingly used in biomedical research fields and, perhaps at lesser extent, in other various re-search disciplines, albeit still lacking full universal consents about their definition, practical methodologies and use circumstances. Details are specified in our recent previous work [43]. Briefly, this type of reviews aims primarily to figure out and map the extent (depth and breadth) of scientific evidence on a particular topic, field, concept, or issue, unveil potential knowledge gaps, possibly clarify key concepts and thus inform both research conduct and practical decision-and policy-making.…”

Importance of pollinator diversity for sunflower seed production

“…Sunflowers, with their large, open blossoms, are attractive to a variety of pollinators, including moths. Kacemi & Campos (2023) highlighted the role of various pollinators, including moths, in pollination of sunflowers. The nocturnal activity of moths complements the diurnal activity of bees, ensuring that sunflowers receive continuous pollination.…”

“…By promoting biodiversity, these practices can enhance agricultural productivity, ensuring a mutual benefit for both the environment and farmers. Kacemi & Campos (2023) explored the role of bee pollen as a vital source of nutrients. While their study accentuated bees as primary pollinators for sunflowers, it also delved into the translational research on bee pollen.…”