Can You Take Bee Pollen & Ginseng Together?

Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar and bee saliva that honeybees produce for food. While it may not sound very appetizing, bee pollen is touted as a nutritionally balanced dietary supplement. Ginseng, is considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it restores balance to the body in times of stress. Taken together, these agents are reputed to increase energy and reduce inflammation. Check with your doctor before using this combination, however, because allergic reactions and side effects are possible.

Composition of Bee Pollen

Depending on the season and method of collection, the species of bee and the botanical diversity of the region they inhabit, bee pollen can contain a wide range of chemical ingredients. Generally, bee pollen contains all 22 amino acids in greater concentration than is found in beef or egg. It also contains more than 25 minerals and is particularly abundant in calcium, zinc and magnesium. It is one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12 and contains up to 28 percent protein and 15 percent lecithin.

Effects of Bee Pollen

A 2010 study published in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine” shows that the ethanol extract of bee pollen blocks the expression of COX-2, an enzyme that promotes inflammation associated with arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Traditionally, bee pollen is consumed to help prevent the onset of colds and upper respiratory infections or speed recovery time should illness take hold.

Pharmacology of Ginseng

Ginseng contains a variety of triterpene saponins, which are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of the herb. The most significant constituent of ginseng is a class of steroidal saponins collectively referred to as ginsenosides, which are attributed with physical effects ranging from antioxidant, anti-platelet and glucose-regulating properties. Ginsenosides are also associated with estrogenic effects.

Safety Considerations

Alone, ginseng can have consequences if taken in conjunction with blood-thinning or anti-platelet medications and, possibly, drugs that lower serum glucose. Although there is little evidence regarding toxicity of bee pollen or reports of interactions with ginseng, there may be a slight risk of bleeding from taking ginseng and bee pollen together if you take other anti-inflammatory agents, including aspirin. Also, bee pollen may pose considerable risk of allergic reaction in sensitive people. It contains particles from flowering plants and trees, some of which may be highly allergenic such as ragweed or dandelion. If you have a known allergy to certain plants or trees, do not use bee pollen without talking to your doctor. Likewise, do not take bee pollen with ginseng if you take other medications that increase blood flow.