POLLEN-BASED HERBAL EXTRACTS

What is a pollen-based herbal extract?

Pollen is a powder produced by flowers when they are reproducing. Flowers reproduce when the pollen spreads around to fertilize other plants. You may know pollen from its status as a springtime allergen. The exact mixture of bioactive substances in pollen depends on its plant source, the activity of bees (who pollinate flowers), climate, and other agricultural variables. However, pollen typically contains nutrients such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and minerals [^[1]].

One type of pollen-based herbal extract is purified cytoplasm of pollen. The cytoplasm of a cell, such as pollen, refers to the material within it, excluding the nucleus—in other words, the different components found within the cell. Purified cytoplasm of pollen, or PCP, is one pollen-based herbal extract used to support menopausal women’s health [^[2]].

What does pollen-based herbal extract do in the body?

The exact mechanisms behind PCP are not understood. Still, researchers believe it may act as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to increase the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, particularly in the hypothalamus cells. Indeed, precursors to serotonin can be found in PCP. The hypothalamus regulates the brain, controlling temperature perception, sleep-wake cycles, appetite, and overall balance of the body’s functioning. Studies of PCP supplements improved sleep quality and quality of life, reducing hot flashes, fatigue, and other menopause symptoms in women [^[2]].

How can pollen-based herbal extract help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Researchers believe PCP could be used to reduce some of the common symptoms experienced by COVID long-haulers. Symptoms commonly experienced by people with Long COVID include fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty sleeping, as well as anxiety or depression. PCP, given its successes in treating these symptoms in menopausal women without the side effects of SSRIs.