(  Fact will always matter more than theory in such matters.  What are
the facts about toxins in pollen?)

I am conducting a research on the biological control of fireweed (Senecio
madagascariensis) in Hawaii, and have seen thousands of acres filled with
this weed in Hawaii and Australia. Pollen collected from hives close to
these sites should not be offered for human consumption because of high
levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in the pollen and every part of
the plant (even dried parts). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are serious toxins
that causes irreversible liver diseases for livestock, and human poisoning
have also been reported. You should be able to get more details on this
subject by searching the web under (Seneciosis)


Dr. Mohsen M. Ramadan
Exploratory Entomologist
State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Division of Plant Industry
1428 South King Street,
Honolulu, HAWAII 96814 (USA)
Tel: 808 973 9526
Fax: 808 973 9533
email : [log in to unmask]