Evidence supporting the use of: Pollen (unspecified)
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Pollen extracts, particularly those derived from Swedish flower pollen (often from rye, timothy, and maize), have been studied for their potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and sleep disturbances. The scientific evidence supporting the use of pollen extracts for menopause is limited but does exist. Several small-scale randomized controlled trials and observational studies, primarily from Europe, have reported that certain standardized pollen extracts (e.g., branded as "Cernilton" or "Femal") may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and improve quality of life in menopausal women. The proposed mechanisms include phytoestrogenic effects, serotonergic modulation, and antioxidant properties; however, the pollen extracts typically used are processed to remove allergenic proteins and are not the same as unprocessed bee pollen.
Despite these findings, the overall quality and quantity of evidence are moderate to low. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews note methodological limitations, small sample sizes, and short durations in most studies. Nevertheless, pollen extract is sometimes recommended as a non-hormonal option for menopausal symptom relief, especially where hormone therapy is contraindicated or undesired. In summary, there is some scientific validation for the use of specific, standardized pollen extracts in menopause, but the evidence is not robust, and further large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)alfalfa
aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Elk antler
Evening Primrose
Isoflavones
Lotus
Prickly Pear Cactus
Rose
Rhubarb
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Pollen (unspecified)
AnemiaAppetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Inflammation
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
PMS (general)