Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil Extract
Also known as: Sea buckthorn, Seaberry, *Hippophae rhamnoides L.*
Overview
Sea buckthorn is a shrub native to Europe and Asia known for its vibrant orange berries packed with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. The berries are particularly rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and include important unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid. Traditionally, sea buckthorn has been used for its nutritional benefits and has gained popularity for its potential medicinal properties, particularly in cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome management. Growing research indicates multiple health benefits, especially related to lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity, although overall research maturity remains moderate and variable.
Benefits
Evidence suggests several beneficial effects of sea buckthorn, particularly in lipid metabolism, where supplementation has shown reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, while enhancing HDL cholesterol levels. A notable meta-analysis indicated significant impacts with p-values under .05 across these measures. Additionally, sea buckthorn has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can support cardiovascular health, while emerging research points to potential anti-tumor properties and favorable influences on gut microbiota. The most pronounced benefits seem to occur in individuals with abnormal lipid profiles, while the effects on blood glucose and blood pressure remain less clear and significant.
How it works
The mechanisms behind sea buckthorn's health benefits primarily involve its anti-inflammatory actions, notably through modulation of the TLR4/IL-6/STAT3 pathway. It also exhibits antioxidant effects that help mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, its regulation of lipid metabolism is facilitated through pathways such as AMPK/SIRT1. These interactions positively influence various body systems, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune responses, aiding in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Side effects
Sea buckthorn is generally regarded as safe, but comprehensive long-term safety data is still lacking. Common side effects are not well documented, although gastrointestinal upset has been reported in a small minority of users. Uncommon adverse effects fall typically under 1%. Caution is advised when used alongside anticoagulants due to potential interactions linked to its anti-platelet properties. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid it due to insufficient safety information. Individuals with bleeding disorders should also approach this supplement with caution.
Dosage
Optimal dosage of sea buckthorn varies but typically ranges from 500 mg to 1 g per day for effective results. There is no established minimum effective dose or defined maximum safe dose, as research is ongoing. It is recommended to take sea buckthorn consistently each day, and its absorption may be enhanced when taken with meals containing fats. Specific recommendations point towards oil extracts when targeting cardiovascular benefits, while bioavailability factors remain to be thoroughly explored.
FAQs
How should I choose a sea buckthorn supplement?
Select high-quality extracts from reputable brands to ensure you receive effective and safe products.
Is it safe to take with other medications?
Consult a healthcare provider before combining with medications, especially anticoagulants, due to potential interactions.
When is the best time to take sea buckthorn?
For optimal absorption, take sea buckthorn with meals consistently each day.
What results can I expect from using sea buckthorn?
Users may experience improved lipid profiles and indicators of cardiovascular health over time with consistent use.
Can I rely on sea buckthorn instead of medical treatment?
Sea buckthorn should not replace medical treatment; consult healthcare providers for specific health conditions.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1477636/full – This meta-analysis involving fifteen studies indicates that sea buckthorn supplementation effectively reduces triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol, confirming its benefits for lipid metabolism. Limitations include a lack of data on effects on blood glucose and blood pressure.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23131570/ – A randomized controlled trial involving 45 hemodialysis patients found no significant impacts from sea buckthorn on oxidative stress, oral health, or inflammation over an 8-week period. Results may not generalize to broader populations.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7596 – The review summarizes preclinical and clinical findings on the cardiovascular benefits of sea buckthorn, highlighting its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute positively to heart health. The authors note a need for more clinical trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1430768/full – This framework discusses the nutritional and potential therapeutic applications of sea buckthorn, emphasizing its beneficial roles in lipid regulation and antioxidant defense systems, advocating for its incorporation into dietary practices.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334985525_Systematic_Review_On_The_Potential_Of_Sea_Buckthorn_HippophaE_Rhamnoides_L_For_A_Possible_Novel_Enriched_Bread_For_The_Patients_With_Cardiovascular_Diseases – The systematic review evaluates the potential applications of sea buckthorn in enriched foods, particularly for patients with cardiovascular diseases, presenting cumulative evidence of its health benefits and calling for further clinical exploration.