By: Japar Sidik Bujang, Muta Harah Zakaria, Shiamala Devi Ramaiya

Article Prepared By: Farah Izana binti Abdullah

Pollen has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, such as its antibacterial, anticarcinogenic and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the utilization of useful maize pollen products as foods or dietary supplements for human health. The nutritive properties, phenolics, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of floral maize pollen were accessed. The main composition of floral maize pollen is carbohydrates (44.30%), followed by moisture (23.38%), crude proteins (17.16%), crude fibres (9.56%), and ash (4.98%), while the lowest content is observed for crude fats (0.62%). The predominant mineral is potassium (768.50 mg 100 g^-1), followed by sodium (695.10 mg 100 g^-1), calcium (147.20 mg 100 g^-1), and magnesium (97.30 mg 100 g^-1). The microelements consist of iron (49.50 mg 100 g^-1) and zinc (30.00 mg 100 g^-1). In addition, maize pollen contains a high total phenolic content and total flavonoid content and possesses strong antioxidant activity. Considering the positive effects of floral pollen, floral maize pollen can serve as a future food resource and derived product for human consumption and as a source of functional and bioactive compounds in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Web: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0247327

Date of Input: 09/05/2022 | Updated: 09/05/2022 | m_fakhrulddin