Pine pollen is a yellow, powdery substance from pine cones of various pine tree species. The three species most commonly studied include Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Chinese red pine (Pinus tabuliformis), and Masson pine (Pinus massoniana). Pine pollen contains chemicals called saccharides (types of sugar), amino acids, and phytosterols.
Very little is known about the nutritional value of pine pollen. Nevertheless, pine pollen has been studied in vitro (in cells and test tubes in a laboratory), in animals, and in people.
People use Pine pollen for blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, enlarged prostate, liver health, and skin diseases. Pine pollen should not be confused with pine bark, which has also been studied for several health conditions.