Pollenkitt From Narcissus tazetta: Evaluation of Its UV-Protective Potential as a Plant-Based Biomaterial Source

Pollenkitt, the lipid-rich coating of pollen grains, is a promising natural ultraviolet (UV)-protective source rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This study assessed the UV protection capacity of pollenkitt extracted from Narcissus tazetta using six solvents (dH₂O, acetone, diethyl ether, ethanol, chloroform, and methanol). Methanol extracts showed the highest UV absorbance and sun protection factor (SPF) (17.8), despite 35% lower phenolics than ethanol, suggesting specific compounds like rutin and ferulic acid may drive UV protection. Surprisingly, although the dH₂O extracts yielded less pollenkitt, they exhibited strong UV absorption SPF (19.1) and antioxidant activity from water-soluble compounds such as gentisic acid. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis predicted favorable bioavailability and low toxicity for most phenolics, with rosmarinic acid being predicted to possess properties associated with anticarcinogenic potential. However, rutin and naringenin were predicted to exhibit a skin sensitization risk. These findings underscore the potential of pollenkitt, specifically methanol and ethanol extracts, as a safe, natural UV shield for cosmetic, packaging, and coating applications.