Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Collection and Identification of Pollen from Honey Bee Colonies
Published on: January 19, 2021
Bioaccessibility of phenolics and anti-inflammatory effects during in vitro simulated digestion of enzymatically
Keju Li1, Jiaqi Zhao1, Ruowen Wang1
1Key Laboratory of Geriatric Nutrition and Health (Beijing Technology and Business University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100048, China; School of Food and Health, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China.
Abstract:
Bee-collected pollen (BCP) is a nearly complete food, but its hard wall limits the release of chemical compounds. We previously found that ultrasonication-assisted treatment of rape BCP with cellulase, pectinase, and Protamex™ protease (U-3ER) can effectively broke the pollen wall. However, the digestion of chemical compounds from wall-broken pollen remains unclear. This study evaluated the morphology, chemical composition, and anti-inflammatory effects of U-3ER. The results showed that the digested U-3ER was in the form of fragments with a particle size of 5.20 ± 0.65 μm. The bioaccessibility of phenolics and flavonoids reached 118.0% and 136.4%, respectively. Furthermore, 200 μg/mL of digested U-3ER significantly inhibited NO production and reduced TNF-α and IL-1β secretion, thus alleviating the inflammatory response. In conclusion, simulated digestion enhances the bioaccessibility of chemical compounds in U-3ER. These findings provide an important foundation for developing high-value-added pollen products.
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Digestion
What is Monogastric Digestion?
Lipid Digestion
Protein Digestion
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...

