Flavonoids as biochemical markers of the plant origin of bee pollen

The flavonoid compounds present in almond (Prunus amygdalus, Rosaceae), Jara (Cistus sp Cistaceae), Echium sp (Boraginaceae) and Chrysanthemum sp (Compositae) bee pollens have been studied by TLC, 2D PC and HPLC techniques. These bee pollens show characteristic flavonoid patterns which allow their use as biochemical markers of their plant origin. In addition, the flavonoid patterns of natural almond and ?Jara’? pollens have been shown to be identical to those of the corresponding bee pollens confirming their use as chemical markers. The flavonoid aglycones obtained by acid hydrolysis of pollen flavonoids are also useful for identification purposes. Almond bee pollen contains 8-methoxykaempferol, kaempferol and quercetin 3-glycosides, ?Jara’? bee pollen produces quercetin and isorhamnetin 3-glycosides and trace amounts of myricetin and kaempferol 3-glycosides, Echium bee pollen contains mostly kaempferol 3-glycosides and traces of quercetin 3-glycosides, and Chrysanthemum contains kaempferol, apigenin, and quercetin 3-glycosides. The major compound in almond pollen, namely 8-methoxykaempferol 3-glycoside, was not detected in the related apple, pear, cherry and plum pollens.