ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON BIOLOGIC ACTIVITIES OF POLLEN SAMPLES OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS IN TURKEY

Abstract

Bee pollen is considered a health food with a wide range of therapeutic properties. This study aimed to determine the environmental effects on biologic activities of pollen samples obtained from eleven different environmental sources and geographical origins in Turkey (Artvin, Balikesir, Duzce, Edirne, Kahramanmaras, Mersin, Mugla, Nigde, Ordu, Sivas and Van). Pollen samples were kept at +4 degrees C until extracted. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress indexes in pollen samples extracted with specific methods were defined with in vitro analyses and results comparised. These characteristics of pollen were analysed by the most sensitive and reliable measurement kits developed newly. The highest total antioxidant capacity was observed (P<0.01) in pollen samples obtained from Artvin and Balikesir provinces. Total antioxidant capacities of pollen samples collected from different regions demonstrated differences because of different phytogeographic characteristics of regions in Turkey. Antioxidant properties of pollen depended on phenolic compounds that could change according to plant vegetation of pollen obtained from different regions.