Pine pollen has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and other Asian herbal systems as a tonic for vitality and as a support for the reproductive system in both men and women. Its traditional use is often tied to the belief that pine pollen contains phytoandrogens—plant compounds that may mimic the effects of male hormones such as testosterone. Historically, it has been consumed as a food or supplement to promote vigor, sexual health, and hormonal balance.

However, scientific validation for these claims remains limited. Some laboratory analyses have identified small amounts of testosterone and other sterols in pine pollen, but there is no robust clinical evidence demonstrating that pine pollen supplementation significantly affects hormone levels or reproductive health in humans. Most available research is preliminary, often conducted in vitro or in animal models, and results have not been consistently reproduced in human trials. Thus, while pine pollen’s reputation for supporting the reproductive system is grounded in traditional use, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is weak and insufficient at this time.