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Nutritive Value of Chinese Masson Pine Pollen

A Study on the Nutritive Value of Pollen from the Chinese Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) and Its Effect on Fecal Characteristics in Rats

Authors: L. Zhao, W. Windisch, M. Kirchgel3ner (1996), Zeitschrift für Ernährungswissenschaft, Volume 35, Pages 341-347

Introduction

The pollen of the Chinese Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) has long been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties, particularly its role in alleviating digestive issues such as chronic constipation, commonly affecting elderly men. This study examines the nutritional composition of native and mechanically broken Masson Pine pollen and evaluates its effects on fecal characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gut microflora in rats.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional value of both native and broken forms of Masson Pine pollen, and to investigate their effects on fecal composition, nutrient digestibility, and the composition of fecal microflora in rats.

Methodology

Study Design

  • Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups of ten, while an additional twelve female Sprague Dawley rats were used for the analysis of fecal microflora.
  • Rats were fed semisynthetic diets with varying pollen compositions for 17 days. Group one received no pollen (control), group two received a diet containing 6% native pollen, and group three received a diet containing 6% broken pollen.
  • Fecal samples were collected from day 11 to day 17 for analysis.

Nutritional Analysis

Both native and broken pollen were analyzed for key nutritional components, including dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, total lipids, crude ash, starch, sugars, fiber content, and zinc content, with a focus on the absorbability of these nutrients.

Tests Conducted

  • Digestibility: Fecal excretions were analyzed for fresh weight, dry matter, crude protein, and crude ash, allowing the calculation of apparent digestibility for these nutrients.
  • Microflora Analysis: Fecal samples from female rats were analyzed for the presence of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, including Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and α-hemolysing streptococci, to determine the impact of pollen on gut bacterial composition.

Results

Nutritional Composition

  • Native Pollen:
    • Dry matter: 94.7%
    • Crude protein: 12.7%
    • Crude fat: 1.5%
    • Total lipids: 7.3%
    • Crude fiber: 35.6%
    • Gross energy: 21.0 kJ/g
    • Metabolizable energy: 5.7 kJ/g
    • High in cell wall components, particularly lignin and cellulose.
  • Broken Pollen:
    • Dry matter: 94.1%
    • Crude protein: 13.1%
    • Crude fat: 10.5%
    • Total lipids: 10.0%
    • Crude fiber: 27.3%
    • Gross energy: 22.1 kJ/g
    • Metabolizable energy: 9.0 kJ/g
    • Higher zinc absorbability (96%).

Fecal Characteristics and Digestibility

  • The inclusion of native pollen in the diet increased fecal mass by 71% compared to the control group.
  • Fecal dry matter content decreased from 88.0% (control) to 82.3% (native pollen) and 81.7% (broken pollen).
  • Apparent digestibility of dry matter declined from 95.1% (control) to 91.1% (native pollen) and 92.5% (broken pollen).
  • Crude protein digestibility decreased with the addition of pollen, with a more pronounced reduction in the native pollen group.

Fecal Microflora

  • The diet containing broken pollen reduced the fecal concentrations of Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli, while increasing α-hemolysing streptococci, suggesting a positive shift in gut microflora by reducing facultative pathogens.

Research Significance

This study provides important insights into the nutritional properties of Masson Pine pollen and its effects on digestion and gut health. The findings reveal the following:

Nutritional Content

Masson Pine pollen is a rich source of fiber, with moderate levels of protein and fat. The broken pollen form contains higher levels of fat, energy, and zinc absorbability compared to the native pollen form.

Digestive Impact

The addition of pollen to the diet, particularly in its native form, significantly increased fecal mass and water content, likely due to its high fiber content. However, the inclusion of pollen reduced the apparent digestibility of certain nutrients, particularly protein, possibly due to enhanced bacterial fermentation in the hindgut.

Gut Microflora

The study indicates a beneficial effect of broken pollen on gut microflora, reducing the populations of harmful bacteria such as Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli, and promoting the growth of beneficial α-hemolysing streptococci.

Conclusion

The pollen from the Chinese Masson Pine, particularly in its broken form, offers significant nutritional benefits and positively impacts fecal characteristics by increasing fiber intake and enhancing gut health. By promoting favorable changes in gut microflora and influencing fecal composition, the findings support the traditional use of Masson Pine pollen in managing digestive health. These results suggest that Masson Pine pollen may serve as a valuable dietary supplement for improving digestive function and overall gut health.

Citation

Zhao, L., Windisch, W., & Kirchgeßner, M. (1996). A study on the nutritive value of pollen from the Chinese Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) and its effect on fecal characteristics in rats. Zeitschrift für Ernährungswissenschaft, 35(4), 341–347. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01610552