Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil Extract
Also known as: Sea Buckthorn, Sea Berry, Siberian Pine, Sandthorn, *Hippophae rhamnoides L.*
Overview
Sea Buckthorn (*Hippophae rhamnoides L.*) is a plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its nutrient-rich berries that are utilized for their health benefits, particularly in oil extract form. This oil is acclaimed for its richness in unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids, and phytosterols, boasting significant antioxidant properties. The primary applications of Sea Buckthorn oil range from promoting cardiovascular health to enhancing lipid metabolism. Its key constituents include omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, which support various physiological functions. The current research maturity level is moderate, presently showcasing a diverse range of studies—from high-quality randomized controlled trials to meta-analyses—indicating its potential benefits while highlighting the necessity for further exploration to fully ascertain its effects.
Benefits
Sea Buckthorn oil has been shown to provide several evidence-based benefits, particularly in lipid metabolism, where it significantly reduces triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol. Notably, a meta-analysis demonstrated that supplementation could reduce triglycerides by approximately 0.722 units and total cholesterol by 0.345 units. In terms of cardiovascular health, studies suggest it may help normalize blood pressure in hypertensive individuals and mitigate cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties are evidenced by improvements in circulatory antioxidant status. Individuals with abnormal lipid metabolism appear to benefit the most from supplementation, with effects typically observable within 30 days of initiation.
How it works
Sea Buckthorn oil's mechanism of action centers on its influence on lipid metabolism. It potentially affects cholesterol synthesis and efflux as well as fatty acid oxidation. The oil may modulate pathways involving nuclear receptors such as PPARγ and PPARα, and transport proteins like ABCA1 and CPT1A, which are crucial for lipid homeostasis. Enhanced absorption is suggested due to its favorable fatty acid composition, improving bioavailability and interaction with body systems involved in cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Side effects
Generally, Sea Buckthorn oil is considered safe, though there is limited data on the effects of long-term use. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, although more specific adverse effects are not well documented. Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur in sensitive individuals. Its omega-7 content indicates potential interactions with anticoagulants, necessitating caution. There are no established contraindications, though pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with bleeding disorders should also use this supplement judiciously, given its effects on lipid and blood pressure profiles.
Dosage
The suggested minimum effective dose of Sea Buckthorn seed oil is approximately 0.75 ml per day, with optimal dosage ranges typically falling between 0.75 to 1.5 ml daily. The maximum safe dose is not well-established, and higher amounts may pose a risk of side effects. There are no specific timing recommendations for supplementation, but consistency is advised for optimal benefits. Oil extracts are the preferred form of administration, which may enhance absorption due to their fatty acid content. Currently, no cofactors or additional substances are specified for aiding absorption.
FAQs
How can I ensure the quality of Sea Buckthorn oil supplements?
Choose products from reputable sources with third-party testing to minimize contamination risks.
Are there any safety concerns with Sea Buckthorn oil?
While generally safe, be vigilant for allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues when starting supplementation.
Is there a best time to take Sea Buckthorn oil?
There are no specific timing guidelines; consistent daily intake is more important for effectiveness.
What results can I expect from using Sea Buckthorn oil?
Users may see improvements in lipid profiles and cardiovascular health within a few weeks of consistent use.
Does Sea Buckthorn oil affect blood sugar or body weight?
Research does not show significant impacts on blood sugar or BMI, focusing more on lipid-related benefits.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36043374/ – This meta-analysis synthesizes data from 15 studies, concluding that Sea Buckthorn supplementation significantly improves lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol, although no substantial effects were noted on blood sugar, blood pressure, or BMI.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31228942/ – A review of the clinical applications of Sea Buckthorn oil highlights unique fatty acids and their potential health benefits, stressing the need for further studies to understand its synergistic effects with other compounds.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1477636/full – This study indicates that Sea Buckthorn seed oil supplementation effectively normalizes blood pressure in hypertensive subjects and reduces cardiovascular risk factors, attributing benefits to its omega fatty acids and antioxidant properties.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27522605/ – The research discusses the lipid-lowering effects of Sea Buckthorn and its role in improving overall cardiovascular health, emphasizing the need for more targeted studies in diverse populations.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7596 – This article reviews the pharmacological properties of Sea Buckthorn, confirming its efficacy in lipid management but calling for extensive research to better understand its biochemical pathways and long-term effects.