Seabuckthorn Polyphenols: Characterization, Bioactivities and Associated Health Benefits

Abstract

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has a long history of use as food and medicine in Tibet and Northern Asia, where the plant has been associated with a wide range of health benefits. Sea buckthorn (SB) berry, seed and leaf have been reported to contain more than 190 bioactive compounds, including polyphenols (epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, proanthocyanidins, chloregenic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, kampferol glycosides, lutoelin, myricetin). SB represents a good source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids acting in synergy with PUFA such as omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, vitamins (vitamin C), and organic acids. SB exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective properties, associated with improvement in various metabolic markers such as glycemic control and lipid profile. SB polyphenol fraction also demonstrated significant cardioprotective, antihypertensive and neuroprotective actions. SB acts as a natural stem cell mobilizer associated with significant regenerative properties. As a consequence, SB polyphenol consumption stimulates pancreatic regeneration in animal model of insulin-dependent diabetes. In conclusion, SB polyphenols exert a wide range of health benefits in metabolic health including obesity, diabetes and hypertension, as well as liver, kidney and brain health, positioning sea buckthorn berry extract as an interesting and valuable dietary supplement for natural complementary therapy and for antiaging.