Buckthorn Extract
Also known as: Sea buckthorn, Buckthorn extract, Hippophae rhamnoides
Overview
Sea buckthorn extract is derived from the berries, seeds, or pulp of *Hippophae rhamnoides*, a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in metabolic health, cardiovascular support, skin health, and female reproductive health. This botanical extract is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (such as isorhamnetin and quercetin), unsaturated fatty acids (notably palmitoleic acid), and essential vitamins (C and E), as well as polysaccharides. Research on sea buckthorn is maturing, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, particularly focusing on its effects related to metabolic syndrome. The quality of evidence varies but includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs with adequate sample sizes, supporting its role as a promising natural health supplement.
Benefits
Sea buckthorn extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in lipid metabolism and potentially in female reproductive health. A significant 2022 meta-analysis of 15 RCTs demonstrated that sea buckthorn supplementation led to moderate but clinically relevant reductions in triglycerides (SMD -0.722), total cholesterol (SMD -0.345), and LDL cholesterol (SMD -0.396), while increasing HDL cholesterol (SMD 0.370), particularly in individuals with abnormal lipid profiles. However, this meta-analysis found no significant effect on blood glucose, blood pressure, or BMI, indicating a selective benefit on lipid parameters rather than a broad impact on all metabolic syndrome components. Animal studies suggest its potential to ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), reduce visceral fat, and improve dyslipidemia by modulating gut microbiota. For female reproductive health, preliminary clinical and cell line studies indicate that sea buckthorn constituents may improve menopausal vaginal health, sexual function, and uterine/endometrial parameters. Flavonoids like isorhamnetin and kaempferol found in sea buckthorn may also exert anti-cancer effects on ovarian cells. While lipid improvements are well-supported by meta-analysis, benefits on reproductive health are promising but require further large-scale randomized controlled trials for definitive confirmation.
How it works
Sea buckthorn's therapeutic effects stem from its diverse array of bioactive compounds. Its ability to modulate lipid metabolism is attributed to compounds that reduce triglyceride synthesis and LDL cholesterol while promoting HDL cholesterol. Key fatty acids like palmitoleic acid, along with antioxidants such as vitamins E, C, and β-carotene, contribute to its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. Polysaccharides and oils within the extract interact with the gut–liver axis, fostering a healthier gut microbiota and reducing hepatic lipid accumulation. Furthermore, flavonoids present in sea buckthorn are believed to interact with estrogen receptors and cellular signaling pathways, which may explain their potential to influence ovarian cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. The oil-based matrix of the extract generally enhances the absorption and bioavailability of its lipophilic compounds.
Side effects
Sea buckthorn extract is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects frequently reported in randomized controlled trials. Rare instances of mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been definitively documented in high-quality studies. However, as with many supplements, specific populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional due to the limited availability of comprehensive safety data for these groups. While the overall safety profile appears favorable for short to medium-term use, long-term safety data are still limited, and continuous monitoring for any potential adverse reactions is advisable, especially with prolonged supplementation.
Dosage
Effective doses of sea buckthorn extract, as observed in randomized controlled trials, typically range from 0.5 to 3 grams daily, whether in the form of standardized extract or oil. The duration of supplementation in these studies commonly spans from 4 weeks to 3 months. Oil-based formulations are often preferred as they can enhance the absorption of the lipophilic compounds present in sea buckthorn. While there is no established maximum safe dose, it is recommended to approach doses exceeding those studied clinically with caution. For specific health concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosage and formulation, as individual needs and responses may vary.
FAQs
Is sea buckthorn extract effective for lowering cholesterol?
Yes, meta-analytic evidence supports its effectiveness in moderately reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol.
Does it affect blood sugar or weight?
Current research indicates no significant effect on blood glucose levels or body mass index (BMI) in overall subjects.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Short to medium-term use appears safe based on current research; however, long-term safety data are still limited and require further study.
Can it help with menopause symptoms?
Preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits for menopausal vaginal health and sexual function, but more extensive research is needed to confirm these effects.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36043374/ – This meta-analysis of 15 RCTs found that sea buckthorn supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles (reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, and increased HDL) in individuals with abnormal lipid metabolism. It used the Cochrane risk tool for quality assessment, noting high heterogeneity but providing robust evidence for lipid benefits.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7596 – This source refers to the same meta-analysis by Geng et al. (2022) and reinforces its findings regarding sea buckthorn's positive impact on lipid metabolism, specifically highlighting its efficacy in reducing triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1067813/full – This animal study demonstrated that sea buckthorn pulp and seed oils could ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity, and dyslipidemia in mice. The research suggests that these effects are mediated through the modulation of gut microbiota, providing mechanistic insights that warrant human validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10662087/ – This comprehensive review explores the effects of sea buckthorn constituents on female reproductive health, including findings from RCTs on menopausal women and cell studies on ovarian cancer. It highlights the potential therapeutic actions of sea buckthorn but emphasizes the need for more extensive clinical trials to confirm these benefits.
- https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FSHW.2024.9250001?issn=2097-0765 – This systematic review focuses on the extraction methods, structural diversity, and bioactivities of sea buckthorn polysaccharides, noting their antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. While primarily based on preclinical data, it underscores the potential of these compounds and the need for further human trials to validate their efficacy.