Preliminary Characterization of Monofloral Helianthus annuus L. Bee Pollen Using Advanced Analytical Techniques: A Comparative Study With Polyfloral Pollen

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the characterization of monofloral bee pollen of different botanical origins as it offers a more homogeneous and traceable component profile compared to polyfloral bee pollen. In this study, we aimed to verify the botanical origin of monofloral Helianthus annuus (sunflower) pollen and polyfloral bee pollen samples collected from the same geographical region and to evaluate their metabolomic profiles comparatively. The botanical origins of the pollen samples were confirmed by palynological analysis and DNA barcoding. Then, physicochemical, phytochemical, and advanced chromatographic analyses (LC–MS/MS) were performed to reveal the bioactive compound contents and nutrient profiles of the samples in detail. When the polyphenol profile was analyzed, the highest level of hyperoside (11,071.28 mg/kg) was detected in monofloral sunflower pollen and rutin (1287.16 mg/kg) in the polyfloral sample. The most dominant amino acid in both pollen types was proline, which was measured as 4652.08 mg/kg (monofloral) and 12,476.82 mg/kg (polyfloral), respectively. Moreover, both samples contained remarkable levels of folic acid (vitamin B9; 20.80 and 20.77 mg/kg). The results obtained from this study reveal that bee pollen derived from the widely cultivated sunflower plant also possesses remarkable potential for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products. However, as the study was conducted solely with monofloral and polyfloral bee pollen samples collected from a single geographical region, it can be stated that the findings should be considered as part of a preliminary evaluation. Despite this limitation, the data obtained through comprehensive analytical methods provide a scientific basis for the functional applications of monofloral sunflower pollen with its biologically valuable components.