Physicochemical, phytochemical, and microbiological analyses of some Algerian bee-collected pollen samples

Bee-collected pollen is one of the most beehive products. It is considered a functional food due to its nutritional value and therapeutic benefits. Due to its nutritional composition, bee pollen may contain pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, including bacteria, molds, and yeasts. This study aims to determine the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay, and microbiological quality of some bee-collected pollen samples from different locations in Algeria. The results indicate that the mean pH, moisture, and ash content were 4.37 ? 0.55, 19.49 ? 6.04 %, and 2.60 ? 0.64 %, respectively. The total phenolic content varied from 9.76 ? 0.22 to 22.46 ? 0.05 mg GAE/g of dried bee-collected pollen extract, while the flavonoid content ranged from 2.68 ? 0.06 to 11.07 ? 0.29 mg QE/g of dried bee-collected pollen extract. The DPPH radical assay also showed that the IC50 values were ranging from 1.08 ? 0.05 to 4.77 ? 0.09 mg/ml. Furthermore, the microbiological analyses showed a microbial load ranging from 7.70 x 102 to 1.93 x 106 cfu/g for the aerobic mesophilic bacteria and from 1.10 x 103 to 5.30 x 105 cfu/g for the anaerobic mesophilic bacteria. Mold and yeast content varied from 2.70 x 103 to 3.70 x 103 cfu/g. The maximum concentrations for total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were 1.73 x 104 cfu/g and 2.33 x 102 cfu/g, respectively. In addition, sulfite-reducing Clostridium was detected only in one sample, which was collected from Guelma (BCPS 1), while Salmonella sp. was not detected in all samples. In conclusion, given its nutritional and therapeutic benefits, the local authorities should adopt regulatory legislation that includes microbiological and mycotoxicological standards for the Algerian bee-collected pollen to protect consumer health.