Evidence supporting the use of: Pollen
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pollen, particularly bee pollen and flower pollen extracts, has a history of traditional use in some cultures for supporting women's health, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The rationale for its use stems largely from anecdotal reports and the longstanding belief that pollen contains a complex array of nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytochemicals—that may help balance hormones and improve overall vitality. Some traditional European herbal medicine practices have included pollen-based preparations as tonics for women experiencing menstrual discomfort, fatigue, and mood swings.
However, robust scientific validation for pollen’s efficacy in treating or alleviating PMS symptoms is limited. A small number of clinical trials, particularly those examining standardized pollen extracts (such as pollen extract Cernilton® or PureCyTonin®), have explored benefits for menopausal symptoms and urinary tract health, but evidence specific to PMS is sparse. A few studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which could theoretically benefit PMS sufferers, but these findings are preliminary and not directly tied to large-scale, high-quality clinical trials in PMS populations.
Overall, the use of pollen for PMS is best categorized as traditional, with minimal scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. Women considering pollen for PMS should consult healthcare professionals, especially due to potential allergenic risks associated with pollen supplements.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by pollen
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Bronchitis
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (prevention)
Convalescence
Digestion (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue
Gastritis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Nervous Exhaustion
PMS (general)
Post Partum Weakness