Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
06:18
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
12.3K
Osteoprotective Effect of Pine Pollen in Orchidectomized Rats
Paweł Polak1, Radosław P Radzki2, Marek Bieńko2
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Provincial Specialist Hospital in Biała Podlaska, ul. Terebelska 57-65, 21-500 Biała Podlaska, Poland.
Nutrients
|July 12, 2025
Summary
Pine pollen shows osteoprotective effects, particularly at higher doses, by preventing bone loss and muscle atrophy in male rats. This suggests pine pollen may help prevent osteoporosis in males.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Metabolism
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Orchidectomy (ORX) in male rats induces osteopenia, a condition characterized by bone loss.
- Investigating natural compounds like pine pollen for potential therapeutic effects on bone health is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the osteotropic effects of pine pollen on bone metabolism in orchidectomized male rats.
- To assess the impact of orchidectomy and pine pollen on calf muscle characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Forty male Wistar rats were divided into sham-operated and orchidectomized groups.
- Orchidectomized rats were treated with saline, testosterone, or two doses of pine pollen (50 and 150 mg/kg).
- Bone properties (densitometry, CT, mechanical testing) and calf muscle characteristics were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The 150 mg/kg dose of pine pollen significantly inhibited bone loss in both cortical and trabecular bone.
- A lower dose (50 mg/kg) showed a protective effect on trabecular bone.
- Pine pollen treatment maintained calf muscle density and surface area, limiting fat accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Pine pollen demonstrates significant osteoprotective effectiveness, especially at higher doses.
- The findings suggest pine pollen's potential role in preventing osteoporosis development in males.
- Pine pollen may also mitigate muscle catabolism associated with gonadectomy.
