Why is sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) so exceptional? A review

A potential anti-Helicobacter pylori strategy: Exploring the antibacterial mechanism of organic acids in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a highly prevalent causative agent of various gastric diseases. The search for natural alternatives to antibiotics that can effectively inhibit H. pylori has become a pressing concern. In the present study, the potential anti-H. pylori activity of organic acids in sea buckthorn was investigated. Sea buckthorn organic acid extracts (SOA) inhibited H. pylori growth at a minimal inhibitory concentration of 10 mg/mL. Oxalic, tartaric, L-malic, ascorbic, lactic, citric acid were detected in SOA with the concentration of 0.512, 14.446, 13.111, 2.699, 0.303, 1.822 mg/g, respectively. Notably, malic, oxalic and tartaric acid had pronounced anti-H. pylori properties by inhibiting biofilm formation, increasing outer membrane permeability, disrupting membrane integrity, decreasing urease activity and altering membrane protein conformation. The three organic acids could suppress H. pylori urease genes (ureA, ureB), virulence genes (VacA, CagA), replication genes (dnaE, dnaN, dnaQ), transcriptional genes (rpoA, rpoD, rpoN), motility genes (flhA, flaA, flgE), adhesion genes (alpA, alpB, hpaA, hpaZ) and outer membrane protein genes (BabA), and had an inhibitory capacity on VacA and CagA protein expressions. Furthermore, three organic acids may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H. pylori-induced GES-1 human gastric mucosal epithelial cells, contributing to the amelioration of inflammation induced by H. pylori infection. It might provide a theoretical basis for subsequent animal and clinical trials, and potentially be applied as a promising value-added food ingredient candidate for protecting human against gastric diseases caused by H. pylori infection.

Sea buckthorn flavonoids: Purification, identification, and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects

As the first step of resource utilization, the extraction and separation of active ingredients play an important role in the evaluation and application of their activity. In this study, a macroporous resin purification process was optimized to obtain high-purity sea buckthorn flavonoids (SBF). The AB-8 resin exhibited optimal adsorption and desorption properties, with adsorption and desorption rates of 75.25 % and 84.78 %, respectively. Under optimal purification conditions, the purity of the flavonoid extract was enhanced from 17.17 ± 0.19 % to 63.2 ± 0.16 %. Kinetic and thermodynamic analyses demonstrated that the purification of SBF on AB-8 resin conformed to the pseudo-secondary kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The major components of the SBF were taxifolin, isoquercitrin, narcissoside, and quercetin. The SBF not only inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production but also exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing the expression of proteins such as nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6, and interleukin 1β and inhibiting apoptosis. Therefore, the purified SBF demonstrated improved anti-inflammatory activity, which can be applied in the development of drugs and functional foods.

Compounds from sea buckthorn and their application in food: A review

Sea buckthorn is a fruit rich in many bioactive compounds and shows the benefits of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory properties, etc. The main bioactive compounds extracted and characterized in sea buckthorn are polyphenols, carotenoids, and functional lipids, which could provide health benefits by scavenging free radicals, regulating enzyme activities, and modulating signaling pathways, etc. Although there are many studies focused on the values of sea buckthorn, a comprehensive review on its chemical composition, functional mechanism and food application are still lacking. Thus, this paper aims to review the bioactive compounds in sea buckthorn, their underlying mechanisms for health benefits, as well as the applications in health food development. Particularly, the potential value of sea buckthorn and the novel technologies applied in previous studies are also discussed to improve its use for human health.

Revealing key aroma compounds and the potential metabolic pathways in sea buckthorn berries

To clarify the aromatic compounds of sea buckthorn and their formation pathways, the key aroma compounds in Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis were determined first. There were 21 compounds identified as the key aroma components (e.g. ethyl isovalerate, ethyl caproate, ethyl octanoate, 1-hexanol, 1-nonanol, phenylethyl alcohol, nonanal, 6-methyl-5-heptene-2-one) of sea buckthorn, which were mainly composed of esters and alcohols. There were obvious differences in the composition of compounds among Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis (SI, SS) and Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. thibetana (TS). Esters were the main volatiles of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. sinensis (SI, SS), while alcohols were the main volatiles of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. thibetana (TS), which resulted in a lack of overall aromas in TS and a strong fruity and winy odor in SI and SS. The aroma of sea buckthorn could be reproduced well by analyzing key aroma components. Additionally, oleic acid, linoleic acid, leucine, phenylalanine, lycopene, and other compounds generated key aroma compounds by fatty acid oxidation pathway, amino acid degradation pathway, mevalonic acid pathway, methylerythritol phosphate pathway, carotenoid degradation pathway. Therefore, the key aroma compounds in sea buckthorn berries and their metabolic pathways were studied in the paper, which provided the research basis for genetic breeding and fine processing of sea buckthorn.

Investigation of the oxidation rules and oxidative stability of seabuckthorn fruit oil during storage based on lipidomics and metabolomics

Seabuckthorn fruit oil (SBFO) is recognized for its high nutritional value, yet it remains highly prone to oxidation during storage. The changes in its primary components and micronutrient molecules during storage have not been thoroughly investigated. This study employed untargeted lipidomics and metabolomics to dynamically monitor alterations in lipid composition and metabolites of SBFO over 30 days of accelerated storage. Lipidomics analysis revealed an increase in TGs and oxidized fatty acids, while sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and total lipid content showed significant reductions (p < 0.05). After 30 days, metabolomics combined with bioinformatics analysis identified 13 critical pathways, with linoleic acid metabolism consistently associated with SBFO oxidation. Key oxidation products included 9(S)-HpODE, 9,10,13-TriHOME, and 9,10-DHOME. This study provides potential targets for developing endogenous antioxidants in SBFO and offers new perspectives on the oxidation mechanisms of edible oils.

Trace Element and Mineral Content in Medicinal Plants Collected in the Altai Mountains Foothills

The objective of the present study was to assess the patterns of trace element and mineral accumulation in 21 medicinal plants collected in the Altai Mountains foothills. The levels of trace elements and minerals in Hippophae rhamnoides, Aronia melanocarpa, Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus, Rosa canina, Crataegus sanguinea (fruits), Chamaenerion angustifolium, Echinacea purpurea, Fagopyrum esculentum, Trifolium pratense, Origanum vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Mentha piperita (herbs), Plantago major, Salvia officinalis, Urtica dioica (leaves), Panax ginseng, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Eleuterococcus senticosus, and Taraxacum officinale (roots), and Matricaria recutita flowers were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Comparative analysis revealed that R. carthamoides roots accumulated the highest level of toxic trace elements (Al, Cd, Ni, Pb). C. angustifolium herbs and V. opulus fruits are characterized by the highest As and Sn levels, respectively. The highest content of essential trace elements and minerals was observed in H. rhamnoides fruits (Zn), V. opulus fruits (Cu), E. purpurea herbs (I, Mg), R. carthamoides roots (Fe), O. vulgare herbs (Mn), and M. recutita herbs (Se). In turn, R. canina fruits are characterized by the lowest levels of certain essential and toxic trace elements. Significant differences in B, Cr, Li, Si, and Sr content were also revealed. Discriminant analysis revealed complete discrimination of certain medicinal plants based on their trace element and mineral content. The obtained data indicate the potential usefulness of medicinal plants as sources of certain essential trace elements and minerals, as well as provides data for risk assessment of toxic trace element intake following administration of medicinal plants.

Assessment of Biochemical Composition of Fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaeagnaceae juss.), Viburnum opulus (Viburnaceae raf.) and Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica (Caprifoliaceae juss.)

Background/Objectives: This study explores the biochemical diversity of Hippophae rhamnoides, Viburnum opulus, and Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica to identify genotypes rich in bioactive compounds for breeding nutritionally valuable cultivars. Methods: Selected forms and cultivars of each species were evaluated for key biochemical traits. Analyses included quantification of vitamins (C, B9, B12), sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids using HPLC and TLC. Results: In H. rhamnoides, vitamin C content ranged widely, with 'Pamyati Baytulina Sh-9-81' reaching 156.0 mg/%, while 'Shetlastinka No. 7' showed the most favorable sugar-to-vitamin C ratio. 'Krasnoplodnaya K-14-81' had the highest carotenoids (55.3 mg/100 g), and 'Dolgozhdannaya No. 5' was notable for flavonoid richness. In V. opulus, considerable variation was observed in vitamin content, sugars, and dry matter; 'Zhemchuzhnoe Ozhele' and 'Shtambovaya' were rich in rutin and robinin. In L. caerulea subsp. altaica, forms No. 5, 7, and 9 stood out for vitamin C, sugar, and flavonoid content. Hyperoside, isorhamnetin, and myricetin were common, while kaempferol and hypolaetin were form-specific. Conclusions:H. rhamnoides demonstrated the highest variability in biochemical composition, while L. caerulea subsp. altaica showed a particularly rich flavonoid profile. These species offer valuable genetic resources for developing biofortified cultivars suited to both nutritional and adaptive breeding goals.

Optimization of the quality of sea buckthorn juice by enzymatic digestion and inoculation sequence

Sea buckthorn, rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds such as phenolics, fatty acids, and vitamins, presents processing challenges due to its intense sourness and bland flavor. This study addresses key challenges in flavor enhancement and sourness reduction by evaluating the effects of pectinase treatment and inoculation sequences on the overall quality. Optimal malic acid degradation and antioxidant occurred when Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) was inoculated after pectinase digestion of the pulp, while sequential inoculation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. pombe produced the most favorable flavor profile. S. pombe effectively promoted the degradation of malic and quinic acids during fermentation, improving color, antioxidant activity, and flavor characteristics. These findings highlight the critical role of pectinase digestion and inoculation sequence, offering practical guidance for optimizing large-scale fermentation processes and strain selection to develop innovative sea buckthorn beverages and enhance their market potential.

Sea buckthorn Flavonols extract co-loaded Zein/gum Arabic nanoparticles: Evaluating cellular absorption in Caco-2 cells and antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells

Improving sea buckthorn flavonoids (SF) stability and bioacccessibility is of more practical significance for evaluating the total bioacccessibility of such foods. Therefore, we prepared nanoparticles using zein and gum Arabic (GA) by anti-solvent precipitation to encapsulate SF. Nanoparticles were characterized and assessed for their effect on the stability, release, bioaccessibility, absorption, and antioxidant properties of SF in the in vitro digestion and cell line. The uniform, regular nanoparticles achieved 77.19 % encapsulation efficiency. The SF retention rates during long-term storage (60.46 %) and in vitro digestion (53.76 %) demonstrated that nanoparticles exhibited good stability and bioaccessibility compared to free SF. Furthermore, cellular absorption, the free radical scavenging rate for ABTS (85.26 %) and DPPH (80.48 %), as well as inhibitory effects on intracellular ROS further demonstrated that bilayer nanoparticles could successfully protect and exert biological characteristics of SF. This study evaluated the overall bioaccessibility of sea buckthorn flavonoids using a nanoparticle delivery system, which holds even greater significance for guiding the development of this category of natural foods.

Comprehensive review of extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, structure-activity relationship and application of seabuckthorn protein and peptides

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is an excellent plant that has the concomitant function of both medicine and foodstuff with high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As a pivotal bioactive component mainly existing in the seeds and leaves, seabuckthorn protein and its derived peptides have aroused wide attention owing to their multifaceted pharmacological activities, including anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, anti-freeze, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, sobriety, anti-oxidant and anti-neurodegenerative functions. Despite these promising attributes, the application of seabuckthorn peptides as functional food and medicines are impeded due to lack of a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological activities and intricate structure-activity relationship. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the latest advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities, digestion, absorption and transport, and application of seabuckthorn protein or peptides. Noteworthily, the structure-activity relationship is specifically delved into the hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-obesity, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-oxidant peptides. Moreover, the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This comprehensive overview will provide a framework for future exploration and application of seabuckthorn protein or peptides in the realms of food and pharmaceuticals, offering a promising horizon for health benefits.

Quality differences in sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries of major varieties in China based on key components and antioxidant activity

Sea buckthorn is rich in active ingredients, widespread, and has both medicinal and nutritional value. The present comparative study of wild and cultivated species remains insufficient, which is not conducive to their quality control. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the differences of 21 sea buckthorn samples in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), phenolic components content, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant capacity and the fatty acid, to investigate the quality differences of different varieties. The TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of wild varieties were higher than those of the cultivated. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed large differences in phenolic content, with higher levels of gallic acid and isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidin in the wild, whereas the cultivated were characterized by narcissin and kaempferol. These findings provided the scientific basis for the improvement of quality evaluation standards for different varieties and offered new insights for the further development of sea buckthorn resources.

Supplementation of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) oil in the diets of freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) led to enhanced growth and better meat quality

In this study, sea buckthorn oil (SBO) was added to rainbow trout fish diets at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% rates in order to determine the effects on growth, feed conversion rate, survival rate, fillet quality, and physiological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. The experiment was designed in four groups with three replicates each including 20 fish with 18 ± 3 g and lasted for 45 days. Fish were fed three times a day and weighed biweekly. At the end of the experiment, significant differences were determined with respect to specific growth rates (SGR), weight gains (WG), and feed conversion ratios (FCR) (P < 0.05), except for survival ratios (SR) (P > 0.05). Sea buckthorn oil improved fish fillet quality and weight gain rates by up to 27% compared to control. The pepsin, amylase, lipase, and trypsin enzyme activities differed significantly (P < 0.05) from those of the control group. Serum lysozyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) and plasma nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) levels differed significantly (P < 0.05) in the 0.5% and 1% groups compared to the control group, except for the 0.25% group. Liver catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly differed in all groups, especially in the 0.5% and 1% groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). SBO supplementation to feed caused significant changes in the FA profiles, especially 18:00 in ∑SFA; 16:1 in ∑MUFA; 20:5n-3 and 20:2n-6 in ΣPUFA; 20:5n-3 in ∑n-3; and 20:2n-6 in ∑n-6 in rainbow trout (P < 0.05). There were no histopathological changes between the control and the experimental groups. The determined data suggested that 1% SBO may be successfully used as a feed additive in rainbow trout.

Cianidanol from Sea Buckthorn Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects by the Inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway via an Integrative Pharmacology Strategy

Sea buckthorn is a model of medicine and food homology, but the chemical composition and mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects are limited. In this study, the key components and mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effects of sea buckthorn were identified based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics and RAW264.7 cells. The predicted key anti-inflammatory compounds in sea buckthorns were cianidanol, kaempferol, pelargonidin, and ent-epicatechin, and the key targets were EGFR, TNF, STAT3, and IL-10. The anti-inflammatory effects of sea buckthorn may be achieved via the synergistic regulation of multiple biological pathways. Furthermore, cianidanol significantly reduced the secretion of NO, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β and the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, as determined by ELISA and western blotting. Cianidanol from sea buckthorns exerts anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, sea buckthorn can be developed into a promising functional food with anti-inflammatory properties.

Exploring the potential mechanisms of the ethyl acetate fraction of Hippophae rhamnoides L. seeds as a natural healing agent for wound repair

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has been designated a "medicine food homology" fruit by the National Health Commission of China due to its nutritional value. In traditional Chinese ethnomedicine, Hippophae rhamnoides L. is commonly used to treat nonhealing wounds such as burns, sores, and gastric ulcers. The aim of this study was to explore the healing effects of the ethyl acetate extract of sea buckthorn seeds (SBS-EF) on burn wounds.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary objectives of this research were to determine the most effective medicinal site of action for treating burns with sea buckthorn seeds (SBS) and to investigate the underlying material basis and mechanisms of their therapeutic effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of different components of SBS-EF on the proliferation and migration of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) were evaluated via MTT assays, scratch assays, transwell assays, and hydroxyproline secretion analysis. SBS-EF displayed the greatest activity amongst the extracts. Subsequent analyses included network pharmacology methodology, molecular docking studies, ultraperformance liquid chromatography UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS and a severe second-degree burn rat model to investigate the chemical constituents and potential therapeutic mechanisms of the SBS-EF.

RESULTS

In vitro studies demonstrated the efficacy of SBS-EF in promoting HSF growth and migration. UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS analysis revealed that SBS-EF had ten major constituents, with flavonoids being the predominant compounds, especially catechin, quercetin, and kaempferol derivatives. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses indicated that SBS-EF may exert its healing effects by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Subsequent in vivo experiments demonstrated that SBS-EF accelerated burn wound healing in rats, increased hydroxyproline expression in skin tissue, facilitated skin structure repair, and enhanced collagen production and organisation over a 21 d period. Additionally, exposure to SBS-EF upregulated WNT3a and β-catenin while downregulating GSK-3β levels in rat skin tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The wound healing properties of SBS-EF were attributed to its ability to enhance HSF growth and migration, increase hydroxyproline levels in the skin, promote collagen accumulation, reduce scarring, and decrease the skin water content. SBS-EF may also provide therapeutic benefits for burns by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, as evidenced by its effective site and likely mechanism of action in the treatment of burned rats.

Immunostimulatory activity of sea buckthorn polysaccharides via TLR2/4-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo

SP0.1-1, derived from Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), has been discovered to exhibit unique antioxidant activity. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity and mechanisms of SP0.1-1 on macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro and immunosuppressive mice induced by cyclophosphamide in vivo. The results indicated SP0.1-1 strengthened the immune functions via promoting the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and phagocytic activity, along with stimulating the release of NO, ROS and cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-γ. Western blot and molecular docking analysis demonstrated that SP0.1-1 attached to the prime receptors TLR2 and TLR4 in RAW264.7 cells, and triggered the activation of MyD88-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, thereby exerting the immune response in RAW264.7 cells. However, the intervention of specific inhibitors against TLR2, TLR4, JNK, ERK, p38 and NF-κB blocked the TLR-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and downregulated the levels of NO and the aforementioned cytokines, thus suppressing the activation of macrophages. Therefore, it can be speculated that SP0.1-1 activated the macrophages principally via the TLR2/4-MyD88-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, SP0.1-1 could protect against the cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice, manifested by the improvement of body weight, immune organ indices, phagocytic index, and the relievement of spleen damage, along with the enhancement of cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ and immunoglobulin IgG and IgM. These findings will shed light on the molecular mechanism of SP0.1-1 on the immunoregulatory effect, and lay the foundation for exploiting a potential immunostimulatory agent of SP0.1-1.

Response of ecological stoichiometry and homeostasis characteristic to nitrogen addition in Hippophae rhamnoides L

Nitrogen (N) in the atmosphere frequently affects plant growth, ecological stoichiometric equilibrium, and homeostasis stability. However, the effect of N addition application on the growth of Hippophae rhamnoides seedlings remains ambiguous. We investigated the effects of N addition on the ecological stoichiometry and homeostatic characteristics of H. rhamnoides seedlings. Greenhouse cultivation experiments were conducted at five N application levels: 0 kg ha-1 yr-1(CK), 100 kg ha-1 yr-1 (N10), 200 kg ha-1 yr-1 (N20), 400 kg ha-1 yr-1 (N40), 800 kg ha-1 yr-1 (N80). The results showed that pH and available phosphorus (AP) significantly decreased with increasing N, whereas soil C:P and N:P ratios significantly increased under the N40 and N80 treatments. The leaf C:N ratio significantly decreased with increasing N, whereas the N:P ratio increased. With N addition, the C:N ratio of plant stems and roots significantly decreased, whereas the C:P and N:P ratios significantly increased. N addition was significantly correlated with the ecological stoichiometry of plant leaves and soil properties (0.38 and 0.84, respectively). Homeostasis of the organs of H. rhamnoides seedlings exhibited an absolute steady state. The C, N, and C:P ratios of the roots exhibited insensitive states under the N40 treatment. N addition significantly modified both the soil ecological stoichiometry and the stoichiometry of H. rhamnoides seedlings. However, it did not demonstrate a pronounced negative effect on the homeostasis of H. rhamnoides seedlings. This study offers new insights into the ecological adaptation process of H. rhamnoides, particularly concerning its nutrient distribution, utilization strategies, and stability.

A Review on the Protecting Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Berries Against a Silent Public Health Concern: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a silent threat to human health, with prevalence rising at an alarming rate. The treatment and prevention of NAFLD depend on novel approaches as no effective treatment options are currently available. Berries are unique sources of phenolic compounds that have proven roles in disease prevention and health promotion. However, a comprehensive review of the effects of different berries on NAFLD and related pathologies is lacking. Thus, the present review aims to summarize the effects of berry extracts, plant parts, and bioactive compounds from twenty-one different berries on NAFLD. The molecular mechanisms involved include the regulation of lipid homeostasis, modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation markers, and activation of different signaling pathways in different in vitro and in vivo NAFLD models. Furthermore, their modulatory effects on the gut microbiota have also been highlighted. Clinical intervention research on the benefits of berries in NAFLD is limited; nonetheless, this paper discusses clinical studies demonstrating the effects of different berries in people with NAFLD. Future research should focus on long-term clinical studies to compare the therapeutic potentials of different berries against NAFLD.

Sea Buckthorn Flavonoid Extracted with High Hydrostatic Pressure Alleviated Shrimp Allergy in Mice through the Microbiota and Metabolism

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) known as the deciduous shrub has been reported to have effects of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Tropomyosin (TM) induced a regulatory immune response associated with food allergy. In this study, a mouse model of food allergy sensitized to tropomyosin (TM) was established to assess the antiallergic properties of sea buckthorn flavonoid extract (SBF). SBF alleviated mice's allergic symptoms and exhibited a significant reduction in the levels of IgE and histamine. Meanwhile, SBF repaired the allergic Th2 cell overpolarization generated by TM, via downregulating the IL-4 production and upregulating IFN-γ production to restore the balance of Th1/Th2 cells. Furthermore, the 16S RNA analysis showed that SBF primarily restored the gut microbiota via increasing the abundance in Chitinophilidae and decreasing in Burkholderiaceae, Pneumatobacteriaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae. Gut metabolomes determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) suggested that TM upregulated PE (14:0/22:1(13Z)) and SBF decreased formimino-l-glutamic acid and urocanic acid levels. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, SBF treatment has been shown to modulate glycerophospholipid and histidine metabolism to improve allergic reactions. SBF holds great promise as a novel potential agent for the treatment of food allergies.

Effects of different processing methods on the lipid composition of seabuckthorn fruit oil based on lipidomics

Employing lipidomics, this study investigated the lipid composition of seabuckthorn fruit oil processed via supercritical CO2 extraction and centrifugal separation. Qualitative analysis showed that a total of 2861 lipid molecules were identified in seabuckthorn fruit oil. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of lipids in seabuckthorn fruit oil extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction (927,539.84 µg/mL) was significantly higher than that in centrifugal-separated seabuckthorn fruit oil (735,717.63 µg/mL), with 17 distinct lipid classes and 215 lipid molecules differentiated through multivariate statistical analysis. Lipid molecules, such as diacylglycerol (DG), ceramides (Cer), monohexosyl ceramide, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and monogalactosyl DG, were predominantly found in the oil extracted using supercritical CO2. In contrast, monogalactosyl monoacylglycerol, diglycosyl ceramide, and Cer phosphate were significantly present in the oil extracted by centrifugal separation. These findings contribute new insights into how processing methods affect the quality and composition of seabuckthorn fruit oil and provide a basis for detecting oil adulteration.

Effects of microbe-derived antioxidants on growth performance, hepatic oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and cell apoptosis in weaning piglets

BACKGROUND

Weaning causes redox dyshomeostasis in piglets, which leads to hepatic oxidative damage. Microbe-derived antioxidants (MA) have great potential for anti-oxidation. This study aimed to investigate changes in hepatic redox system, mitochondrial function and apoptosis after weaning, and effects of MA on growth performance and liver health in weaning piglets.

METHODS

This study consisted of 2 experiments. In the both experiments, piglets were weaned at 21 days of age. In Exp. 1, at 21 (W0), 22 (W1), 25 (W4), 28 (W7), and 35 (W14) days of age, 6 piglets were slaughtered at each timepoint. In Exp. 2, piglets were divided into 2 groups: one received MA gavage (MA) and the other received saline gavage (CON). At 25 days of age, 6 piglets from each group were sacrificed.

RESULTS

In Exp. 1, weaning caused growth inhibition and liver developmental retardation from W0 to W4. The mRNA sequencing between W0 and W4 revealed that pathways related to "regulation of apoptotic process" and "reactive oxygen species metabolic process" were enriched. Further study showed that weaning led to higher hepatic content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2 and O2-. Weaning enhanced mitochondrial fission and suppressed their fusion, activated mitophagy, thus triggering cell apoptosis. In Exp. 2, MA improved growth performance of piglets with higher average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The hepatic ROS, as well as products of oxidative damage malonaldehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the MA group decreased significantly than that of the CON group. The MA elevated mitochondrial membrane potential, increased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (MRC) I and IV, enhanced mitochondrial fusion and reduced mitophagy, thus decreasing cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that MA improved the growth performance of weaning piglets and reversed weaning-induced oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Our results suggested that MA had promising prospects for maintaining liver health in weaning piglets and provided a reference for studies of liver diseases in humans.

The anabolism of volatile compounds during the pasteurization process of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) pulp

Pasteurization (PS) causes the abnormal changes in volatiles and off-flavors in juices and limit the commercial production of juices. Herein, the first study on the biochemical reaction of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in response to PS factors during the process of sea buckthorn pulp (SBP) was evaluated. Processing conditions (mainly 80 °C for 20 min) had significant effects on the volatile and nonvolatile compounds. The restricted unsaturated fatty acid metabolism led to the greatest decrease of 20.25% in esters with fruity odor, and furans, smelling like caramel and toast, exhibited the highest increase of 136.40% because of the enhancement of the Maillard reaction. Dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl trisulfide elicited a cooked onion-like off-flavor, generated mainly from Strecker degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids, strengthened by the high pH and sufficient substrates due to the highest consumption rates of 4.66% and 12.01% for organic acids and sugars. Reasonable temperature and time control are crucial to the improvement of the process for PS for the SBP industry.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05943-z.

Visual analysis of sea buckthorn fruit moisture content based on deep image processing technology

The effect of moisture content changes during drying processing on the appearance of sea buckthorn was studied. Using computer vision methods and various image processing methods to collect and analyze images during the drying process of sea buckthorn fruit. Sea buckthorn is dried in a drying oven at a temperature of 65 °C and Level 1 wind speed conditions. The images of the entire drying process of sea buckthorn fruit were collected at 30-min intervals. Deep mining and transformation of image information through various image processing methods. By calibrating and modeling the color components, real-time online detection of the moisture content of sea buckthorn fruit can be achieved. After modeling, this article attempted to use LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) to predict the appearance of sea buckthorn fruit with supercritical moisture content. Different agricultural products adapt to different color spaces, but after standard modeling with a certain amount of data, applying color components to detect moisture content is a very good method.

Effect of Lactiplantibacillus and sea buckthorn pomace on the fermentation quality and microbial community of paper mulberry silage

Background

Paper mulberry is a promising alternative fodder source due to its high protein and the abundance of active components. However, paper mulberry often faces susceptibility to contamination during silage fermentation, and there is a need to improve the quality of silage fermentation of paper mulberry through exotic additives. Sea buckthorn pomace (BP) is a feed additive containing antimicrobial and antioxidant substances that help to enhance silage fermentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BP and Lactiplantibacillus as additives on silage fermentation and bacterial community of paper mulberry.

Results

The results showed that BP and Lactiplantibacillus significantly reduced the pH and ammonium nitrogen content of paper mulberry silage (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the content of lactic acid and acetic acid (P < 0.05), resulting in more residual water-soluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents and less fiber content relative to the control. The key microorganisms in paper mulberry silage fermentation are Lactiplantibacillus pentosus and Weissella cibaria. Among these, Lactiplantibacillus favored a rapid increase in Lactiplantibacillus pentosus abundance during the pre-silage fermentation period, whereas BP favored the promotion of Lactiplantibacillus pentosus growth, resulting in higher contents of lactic and acetic acid than those of the control.

Conclusions

Simultaneously adding Lactiplantibacillus and BP can effectively improve the quality of paper mulberry silage and increase the abundance of beneficial microorganisms in paper mulberry silage.

Stability and Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids from Sea Buckthorn Pomace Encapsulated in Alginate Hydrogel Beads

Carotenoids, the natural pigments that confer the bright orange color of sea buckthorn berries, are also associated with several health benefits, such as antioxidant activity and skin and eye protection. Due to their lipophilic nature and localization, carotenoids are largely retained in the sea buckthorn pomace (SBP) resulting from juice production. Carotenoids from SBP (70.03 mg/100 g DW), extracted and characterized by HPLC-PDA, contained zeaxanthin (free and esterified) and beta-carotene as major compounds. The SBP carotenoids-enriched sunflower oil was further encapsulated in Ca-alginate hydrogel beads (98.4% encapsulation efficiency) using ionotropic gelation. The hydrogel beads were characterized by confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Fairly good stability (>64%) of the encapsulated carotenoids in the alginate hydrogel beads during storage (30 days, 4 °C and 25 °C) was found, with zeaxanthin esters being the most stable compounds, for all the experimental conditions. The bioaccessibility of the total carotenoids (INFOGEST protocol) was 42.1 ± 4.6% from hydrated, and, respectively, 40.8 ± 4% from dehydrated SBP alginate hydrogel beads. The addition of yogurt to the dehydrated hydrogel beads had a positive effect on the bioaccessibility of free and esterified zeaxanthin, but not on that of the carotenes. In conclusion, SBP is a valuable source of carotenoids which can be protected by encapsulation in alginate hydrogel beads, thus still retaining a good bioaccessibility.

Phytochemical and Functional Diversity of Enzyme-Assisted Extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L., Aralia cordata Thunb., and Cannabis sativa L

Plant leaves are a source of essential phenolic compounds, which have numerous health benefits and can be used in multiple applications. While various techniques are available for recovering bioactive compounds from by-products, more data are needed on enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE). The aim of this study was to compare EAE and solid-liquid extraction (SLE), to evaluate the impact on bioactive compounds' extraction yield, phytochemical composition, and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties of Aralia cordata leaves and roots, sea buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides, and hemp Cannabis sativa leaves. The results indicate that EAE with Viscozyme L enzyme (EAE_Visc) extracts of the tested plant leaves possess the highest yield, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content. Moreover, the EAE_Visc extract increased by 40% the total sugar content compared to the control extract of A. cordata root. Interestingly, the sea buckthorn leaf extracts exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, which reached an almost 99% inhibition in all extracts. Furthermore, the sea buckthorn leaves SLE and EAE_Visc extracts possess antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine changes in cell wall morphology after EAE. Overall, this study shows that EAE can be a promising method for increasing the yield and improving the functional properties of the resulting extracts in a fast and sustainable way compared to SLE.

Association of enzymatic and optimized ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction of flavonoid glycosides from dried Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) berries

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of associating an optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) protocol with enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) in aqueous media, using the dried berries of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) as plant material. A specialized software was used for the determination of potential optimal extraction parameters, leading to the development of four optimized extracts with different characteristics (UAE ± EAE). For these extracts, buffered or non-buffered solutions have been used, with the aim to determine the influence of adjustable pH on extractability. As enzymatic solution, a pectinase, cellulase, and hemicellulase mix (2:1:1) has been applied, acting as pre-treatment for the optimized protocol. The highest extractive yields have been identified for non-buffered extracts, and the E-UAE combination obtained extracts with the highest overall in vitro antioxidant activity. The HPLC-MSn analysis demonstrated a rich composition in different types of isorhamnetin-O-glycosides, as well as some quercetin-O-glycosides, showing a high recovery of specific flavonol-type polyphenolic species. Moreover, we have tentatively identified two flavanols (i.e., catechin and epigallocatechin) and one flavone derivative (i.e., luteolin).

Effects of Sea-Buckthorn Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Serum Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier and Microbiota in LPS-Challenged Broilers

The experiment investigated the effects of sea-buckthorn flavonoids (SF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups, with 6 replicates of 12 broilers each. The experiment lasted for 20 days. The diet included two levels of SF (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and broilers intraperitoneally injected with 500 μg/kg LPS on 16, 18, and 20 days, or an equal amount of saline. LPS challenge decreased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, increased feed-to-gain ratio, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, D-LA, and endotoxin levels. Moreover, it resulted in a reduction in the IL-10 level. LPS impaired the intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, down-regulated the mRNA relative expression of Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC-2 in the jejunum mucosa, up-regulated the mRNA relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and IL-1β, and increased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in broilers (p < 0.05). However, SF supplementation mitigated the decrease in growth performance, reduced serum IL-1β, IL-2, and D-LA levels, increased IL-10 levels, alleviated intestinal morphological damage, up-regulated mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1, down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-lβ in jejunum mucosal (p < 0.05), and SF supplementation presented a tendency to decrease the relative abundance of proteobacteria (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, incorporating SF can enhance the growth performance, alleviate serum inflammation, and improve the intestinal health of broilers, effectively mitigating the damage triggered by LPS-challenges.

Phenolic composition and bioactivities of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit and seeds: an unconventional source of natural antioxidants in North America

BACKGROUND

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) was introduced into Canada in the early 2000s. This plant bears fruits with high commercial value in other countries due to its premium oil. Nevertheless, sea buckthorn berries are also a rich source of bioactives with nutraceutical potential, especially the variety grown in Newfoundland (Canada), which has not previously been characterized. As such, this study evaluated the composition of polyphenols in sea buckthorn pomace and seeds, as well as their prospective health-promoting effects.

RESULTS

Polyphenolic identification by high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-mass spectrometry-time of flight revealed the presence of 24 compounds in the seeds and 16 compounds in the pomace, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, with ellagic acid derivative IV (pomace, 52.13 μg g-1) and (+)-catechin (seeds, 690.8 μg g-1) being the most dominant. Sea buckthorn extracts displayed in vitro antidiabetic and anti-obesity potential by inhibiting α-glucosidase (71.52-99.31%) and pancreatic lipase (15.80-35.61%) enzymes, respectively. The extracts also protected low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (50.97-89.67%) and supercoiled DNA (35.11-79.84%) from oxidative damage.

CONCLUSION

Sea buckthorn berries grown in Canada showed promising health benefits induced by their rich and diverse polyphenolic profile and need to be considered for further commercial expansion as a bioactive-loaded superfruit. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application

Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) is an excellent medicinal and edible plant owing to its high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As an important bioactive component, H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) have aroused wide attention due to their various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and so on. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of HRP-derived functional food and medicines are constrained to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship, application, and safety of HRPs. This review systematically summarizes the advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of HRPs. The structure-activity relationship, safety evaluation, application, as well as the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of HRPs and lay a groundwork for future research and utilization of HRPs as multifunctional biomaterials and therapeutic agents.

Flavonoid Compounds in Hippophae rhamnoides L. Protect Endothelial Cells from Oxidative Damage Through the PI3K/AKT-eNOS Pathway

Sea buckthorn, a traditional medicinal plant, has been used for several years in China for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, a practice closely associated with its significant antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of sea buckthorn flavonoids on vascular endothelial cells in an oxidative stress environment. We isolated and extracted active compounds from sea buckthorn and investigated their impact on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity through the PI3K/AKT-eNOS signaling pathway through a combination of network pharmacology and cellular experiments, elucidating the regulatory effects of these compounds on endothelial cell functions. Three flavonoids, named Fr.4-2-1, Fr.4-2-2 and Fr.4-2-3, were obtained from sea buckthorn. The results of network pharmacology indicated that they might exert their effects by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In vitro results showed that all three flavonoids were effective in alleviating the degree of oxidative stress in cells, among which Fr.4-2-1 exerted its antioxidant effects by modulating the PI3K/AKT-eNOS pathway. Flavonoids in sea buckthorn can effectively inhibit oxidative stress-induced cellular damage, preserving the integrity and functionality of endothelial cells, which is crucial for maintaining vascular health and function.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an edible fruit with a long history in China as a medicinal plant. The fruits of H. rhamnoides are rich in a variety of nutrients and pharmacological active compounds. As one of the most important active ingredients in sea buckthorn, polysaccharides have attracted the attention of researchers due to their antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and liver protective qualities.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes recent studies on extraction, purification, structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from sea buckthorn. In addition, the relationship between the structure and the activities of sea buckthorn polysaccharides (SBPS) were discussed. This review would provide important research bases and up-to-date information for the future in-depth development and application of sea buckthorn polysaccharides in the field of pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By inputting the search term "Sea buckthorn polysaccharides", relevant research information was obtained from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Master Theses Full-text Database, and China Doctoral Dissertations Full-text Database.

RESULTS

The main extraction methods of SBPS include hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), flash extraction (FE), and ethanol extraction. More than 20 polysaccharides have been isolated from sea buckthorn fruits. The chemical structures of sea buckthorn polysaccharides obtained by different extraction, isolation, and purification methods are diverse. Polysaccharides from sea buckthorn display a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-fatigue, liver protection, anti-obesity, regulation of intestinal flora, immunoregulation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Sea buckthorn has a long medicinal history and characteristics of an ethnic medicine and food. Polysaccharides are one of the main active components of sea buckthorn, and they have received increasing attention from researchers. Sea buckthorn polysaccharides have remarkable pharmacological activities, health benefits, and broad application prospects. In addition, further exploration of the chemical structure of SBPS, in-depth study of their pharmacological activities, identification of their material basis, characterization of disease resistance mechanisms, and potential health functions are still directions of future research. With the accumulation of research on the extraction and purification processes, chemical structure, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and structure-activity relationships, sea buckthorn polysaccharides derived from natural resources will ultimately make significant contributions to human health.

Sea Buckthorn Polyphenols Alleviate High-Fat-Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice via Reprograming Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis Owing to Directly Targeting Fatty Acid Synthase

Our previous studies found that Sea Buckthorn polyphenols (SBP) extract inhibits fatty acid synthase (FAS) in vitro. Thus, we continued to explore possible effects and underlying mechanisms of SBP on complicated metabolic disorders in long-term high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed mice. To reveal that, an integrated approach was developed in this study. Targeted quantitative lipidomics with a total of 904 unique lipids mapping contributes to profiling the comprehensive features of disarranged hepatic lipid homeostasis and discovering a set of newfound lipid-based biomarkers to predict the occurrence and indicate the progression of metabolic disorders beyond current indicators. On the other hand, technologies of intermolecular interactions characterization, especially surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, contribute to recognizing targeted bioactive constituents present in SBP. Our findings highlight hepatic lipid homeostasis maintenance and constituent-FAS enzyme interactions, to provide new insights that SBP as a functional food alleviates HFD-induced metabolic disorders in mice via reprograming hepatic lipid homeostasis caused by targeting FAS, owing to four polyphenols directly interacting with FAS and cinaroside binding to FAS with good affinity.

Isorhamnetin: what is the in vitro evidence for its antitumor potential and beyond?

Isorhamnetin (ISO) is a phenolic compound belonging to flavonoid family, showcasing important in vitro pharmacological activities such as antitumor, anti-inflammation, and organ protection. ISO is predominantly extracted from Hippophae rhamnoides L. This plant is well-known in China and abroad because of its "medicinal and food homologous" characteristics. As a noteworthy natural drug candidate, ISO has received considerable attention in recent years owing to its low cost, wide availability, high efficacy, low toxicity, and minimal side effects. To comprehensively elucidate the multiple biological functions of ISO, particularly its antitumor activities and other pharmacological potentials, a literature search was conducted using electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. This review primarily focuses on ISO's ethnopharmacology. By synthesizing the advancements made in existing research, it is found that the general effects of ISO involve a series of in vitro potentials, such as antitumor, protection of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and more. This review illustrates ISO's antitumor and other pharmacological potentials, providing a theoretical basis for further research and new drug development of ISO.

Microbe-derived Antioxidants Enhance Lipid Synthesis by Regulating the Hepatic AMPKα-SREBP1c Pathway in Weanling Piglets

BACKGROUND

Weaning usually causes low feed intake and weight loss in piglets, which mobilizes lipid to energize. The microbe-derived antioxidants (MAs) exhibit great potential in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and metabolic regulation.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the changes of lipid metabolism postweaning and effects of MA on growth performance and hepatic lipid metabolism in weanling piglets.

METHODS

In the first experiment, piglets weaned at 21 d of age were slaughtered on weaning day (d0), 4 (d4), and 14 (d14) postweaning (6 piglets per day). In the second experiment, piglets were divided into 2 groups, receiving MA (MA) and saline gavage (CON), respectively. All piglets were weaned at 21 d of age and 6 piglets from each group were slaughtered at 25 d of age.

RESULTS

In experiment 1, the serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), and LDL cholesterol on d4 and d14 declined significantly compared with d0 (P < 0.05). The serum leptin on d0 was higher than that on d4 and d14 (P < 0.05). The serum ghrelin kept increasing from d0 to d14 (P < 0.05). The hepatic hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase first increased from d0 to d4 and then decreased from d4 to d14 (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake from 21 to 25 d of age increased in the MA group compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The serum TC, hepatic TC, and glucose of MA group showed a significant increase than that of the CON group (P < 0.05). The expression of SCD1, ACAT2, and PPARγ were upregulated in the MA group (P < 0.05). Contrary to the decreased expression of phosphorylation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alfa subunit (Thr172), the nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma of MA group increased than that of CON group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Weaning promoted hepatic lipolysis and MA could enhance lipid synthesis by regulating adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alfa subunit-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c pathway, thus improving growth performance of weanling piglets.

Dietary agents in the prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV): review addressing the scientific observations, benefits, lacunae and future direction

PURPOSE

Radiation-induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV) is an important side effect and conservative estimates are that 50-80% of the patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT) will experience some sought of retching, nausea, and/or vomiting during the course of their treatment. Conventionally, antiemetic drugs like the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists and steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the use of these agents, especially steroids, can cause side effects and thereby negate the proposed benefits. The antiemetic effects of Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn), oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that Indian pennywort, Sea buckthorn, Spearmint oil and ginger are beneficial in mitigating RINV. Also, of the four plants investigated in preclinical models of study, mint oil and ginger seem to be more useful and merit structured systematic translational studies to ascertain the benefit of these two agents.

Sea buckthorn oil regulates primary myoblasts proliferation and differentiation in vitro

Skeletal muscle is the main edible part of meat products, and its development directly affects the yield and palatability of meat. Sea buckthorn oil (SBO) contains plenty of bioactive substances and has been recognized as a potential functional food product. The study aimed to explore the effects and possible mechanisms of SBO on sheep primary myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation. The results implied that SBO exhibited a pro-proliferative effect on primary myoblasts, along with up-regulated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) abundances. And, SBO promoted myotube formation by increasing the expression of myogenin. Meanwhile, we found that SBO inhibited the expression of miRNA-292a. Moreover, the regulatory effect of SBO on myogenic differentiation of myoblasts was attenuated by miRNA-292a mimics. Of note, SBO activated protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and augmented glucose uptake and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) content, which might be attributed to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Additionally, the results were shown that SBO increased the abundance of antioxidative enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) and catalase. In summary, these data suggested that SBO regulated the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of sheep primary myoblasts in vitro, which might potentiate the application of SBO in muscle growth.

Changes in the Main Physicochemical Properties and Electrochemical Fingerprints in the Production of Sea Buckthorn Juice by Pectinase Treatment

Enzymatic hydrolysis using pectinase is critical for producing high-yield and quality sea buckthorn juice. This study determined the optimal temperature, time, and enzyme dosage combinations to guide manufacturers. A temperature of 60 °C, hydrolysis time of 3 h, and 0.3% enzyme dosage gave 64.1% juice yield-25% higher than without enzymes. Furthermore, monitoring physicochemical properties reveals enzyme impacts on composition. Higher dosages increase soluble solids up to 15% and soluble fiber content by 35% through cell wall breakdown. However, excessive amounts over 0.3% decrease yields. Pectin concentration also declines dose-dependently, falling by 91% at 0.4%, improving juice stability but needing modulation to retain viscosity. Electrochemical fingerprinting successfully differentiates process conditions, offering a rapid quality control tool. Its potential for commercial inline use during enzymatic treatment requires exploration. Overall, connecting optimized parameters to measured effects provides actionable insights for manufacturers to boost yields, determine enzyme impacts on nutrition/functionality, and introduce novel process analytical technology. Further investigations of health properties using these conditions could expand sea buckthorn juice functionality.

Optimizing the Solvent Selection of the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Pomace: Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity

Sea buckthorn pomace (SBP) is a by-product of sea buckthorn processing that is rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, different active ingredients were extracted by using different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, glycerol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether) combined with an ultrasonic assisted method. The correlation between the active ingredients and antioxidant properties of the extract was studied, which provided a research basis for the comprehensive utilization of SBP. This study revealed that the 75% ethanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (TPC) of 42.86 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g, while the 75% glycerol extract had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) of 25.52 ± 1.35 mg RTE/g. The ethanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity at the same concentration compared with other solvents. The antioxidant activity of the ethanol, methanol, and glycerol extracts increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Thirteen phenolic compounds were detected in the SBP extracts using UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Notably, the 75% glycerol extract contained the highest concentration of all identified phenolic compounds, with rutin (192.21 ± 8.19 μg/g), epigallocatechin (105.49 ± 0.69 μg/g), and protocatechuic acid (27.9 ± 2.38 μg/g) being the most abundant. Flavonols were found to be the main phenolic substances in SBP. A strong correlation was observed between TPC and the antioxidant activities of SBP extracts. In conclusion, the choice of solvent significantly influences the active compounds and antioxidant activities of SBP extracts. SBP extracts are a valuable source of natural phenolics and antioxidants.

Anti-skin aging effect of sea buckthorn proanthocyanidins in D-galactose-induced aging mice

Oxidative stress in skin cells caused by changes in the external environment is one of the principal causes of skin aging. Sea buckthorn proanthocyanidins (SBPs) have good free radical scavenging ability. We established a senescence model by injecting 500 mg/kg D-galactose into the dorsal necks of mice, and then different doses of SBP (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) were gavaged to explore the effects of SBP on the skin tissues of senescent mice and elucidate the related mechanism of action. The results reveal that SBP can alleviate the skin aging phenomenon caused by D-galactose-induced aging. It can also enhance the total antioxidant capacity in the body, thereby strengthening the body's antioxidant defense capability. In addition, SBP can effectively improve skin aging by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads pathway and MMPs/TIMP system, increasing the relative content of Col I and tropoelastin, further maintaining the stability of collagen fiber and elastic fiber structure. These results will provide the development and production of the antioxidant function of cosmetics and health products, providing a new train of thought.

Comparison of the Antioxidant and Sensorial Properties of Kvass Produced from Mountain Rye Bread with the Addition of Selected Plant Raw Materials

Consumers' growing awareness of healthy nutrition results in an increase in demand for the production of beverages with health-promoting properties. An example of such a product is kvass produced in the fermentation process. This research aimed to determine the impact of plant additives on the antioxidant and sensorial properties of kvass made from bread based on mountain rye flour. The bread extract was fermented at different temperatures (28 and 34 °C). Additives of 3, 5, and 10% were used in the tests, which included black chokeberry juice and infusion, sea buckthorn fruit juice and infusion, and peppermint leaf infusion. A higher fermentation temperature in the production process resulted in an improvement in the organoleptic and antioxidant properties of the tested kvasses. The highest antioxidant activity was demonstrated by kvass with the addition of 10% black chokeberry juice (0.734 µmol Trolox g-1 (ABTS), 4.90 µmol of Trolox g-1 (DPPH)), and a peppermint leaf infusion (0.773 µmol Trolox g-1 (ABTS), 4.71 µmol Trolox g-1 (DPPH)). The conditions of kvass production and the type and amount of the additive influenced the selected physicochemical parameters of the obtained kvasses. The chromatographic analysis confirmed the content of 13 phenolic compounds in kvass with the addition of black chokeberry juice, which was 1.68-1.73 mg/100 mL of the finished product with a 10% share of the additive. The 11 phenolic compounds in kvass with the addition of peppermint infusion were confirmed for 7.65-6.86 mg/100 mL of the finished product with 10% of the additive. Kvass enriched with additives from black chokeberry fruit and peppermint leaves may be a promising new category of functional beverages with health-promoting properties resulting from the content of polyphenol compounds. It could be a better base for enrichment with raw materials that are richer in these compounds than pasteurized products.

In Search of Authenticity Biomarkers in Food Supplements Containing Sea Buckthorn: A Metabolomics Approach

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) (SB) is increasingly consumed worldwide as a food and food supplement. The remarkable richness in biologically active phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, vitamins) is responsible for its purported nutritional and health-promoting effects. Despite the considerable interest and high market demand for SB-based supplements, a limited number of studies report on the authentication of such commercially available products. Herein, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS) were able to compare the phytochemical fingerprint of leaves, berries, and various categories of SB-berry herbal supplements (teas, capsules, tablets, liquids). By untargeted metabolomics, a multivariate discrimination analysis and a univariate approach (t-test and ANOVA) showed some putative authentication biomarkers for berries, e.g., xylitol, violaxanthin, tryptophan, quinic acid, quercetin-3-rutinoside. Significant dominant molecules were found for leaves: luteolin-5-glucoside, arginine, isorhamnetin 3-rutinoside, serotonin, and tocopherol. The univariate analysis showed discriminations between the different classes of food supplements using similar algorithms. Finally, eight molecules were selected and considered significant putative authentication biomarkers. Further studies will be focused on quantitative evaluation.

Nutritional Value, Volatile Components, Functional Metabolites, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities of Different Parts of Millettia speciosa Champ., a Medicinal and Edible Plant with Potential for Development

Highly nutritious traditional plants which are rich in bioactive substances are attracting increasing attention. In this study, the nutritional value, chemical composition, biological activities, and feed indices of different parts of Millettia speciosa were comprehensively evaluated. In terms of its nutritional value, this study demonstrated that the leaves, flowers and seeds of M. speciosa were rich in elements and amino acids; the biological values (BVs) of these ingredients ranged from 85% to 100%, showing the extremely high nutritional value of this plant. GC-MS analysis suggested that the main chemical components of the flower volatile oil were n-hexadecanoic acid (21.73%), tetracosane (19.96%), and pentacosane (5.86%). The antibacterial activities of the flower and seed extracts were significantly stronger than those of the leaves and branches. The leaf extract displayed the strongest antifungal activities (EC50 values: 18.28 ± 0.54 μg/mL for Pseudocryphonectria elaeocarpicola and 568.21 ± 33.60 μg/mL for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and were the least toxic to mouse fibroblasts (L929) (IC50 value: 0.71 ± 0.04 mg/mL), while flowers were the most toxic (IC50 value: 0.27 ± 0.03 mg/mL). In addition, the abundance of fiber, protein, mineral elements, and functional metabolite contents indicated the potential applicability of M. speciosa as an animal feed. In conclusion, as a traditional herbal plant used for medicinal and food purposes, M. speciosa shows potential for safe and multifunctional development.

Polyphenols in edible herbal medicine: targeting gut-brain interactions in depression-associated neuroinflammation

Supplementing with edible herbal medicine is an important strategy because of its role in nutrition. Many polyphenols, which are universal components in edible herbal medicines, have low bioavailability. Therefore, gut microbiota is a key determinant of polyphenol bioactivity. Polyphenols can alter the abundance of flora associated with neuroinflammation by reversing intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. Intestinal flora-mediated chemical modification of polyphenols can result in their conversion into active secondary metabolites. The current review summarizes the main edible medicines used in anti-depression and details the interactions between polyphenols and gut microbiota; in addition, it provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the possible suppression of neuroinflammation associated with depression, by polyphenols in edible herbal medicine. A better understanding of polyphenols with bioactivities that are crucial in edible herbal medicine may facilitate their use in the prevention and treatment of neuroinflammation associated with depression.

Hippophae rhamnoides reverses decreased CYP2D6 expression in rats with BCG-induced liver injury

In this study, we investigated the effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HRP) on the activity of CYP2D6 via the CAMP/PKA/NF-κB pathway in rats with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-induced immunological liver injury. BCG (125 mg/kg) was injected to establish the rat model of liver injury. HRP was administered intragastrically for one week as the intervention drug. Proteomics techniques were used to analyze protein expression levels, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the liver injury process. ELISA or western blotting was used to detect specific protein levels. Dextromethorphan was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography to reflect the metabolic activity of CYP2D6. BCG downregulated the expression of CYP2D6, cAMP, PKA, IκB, and P-CREB and upregulated that of NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and CREB in the liver; HRP administration reversed these effects. Therefore, HRP may restore the metabolic function of the liver by reversing the downregulation of CYP2D6 through inhibition of NF-κB signal transduction and regulation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB/CYP2D6 pathway. These findings highlight the role of HRP as an alternative clinical drug for treating hepatitis B and other immune-related liver diseases.

Effect of Polyphenols in Sea Buckthorn Berry on Chemical Mediator Release from Mast Cells

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a deciduous shrub of the Elaeagnaceae family and is widely distributed in northern Eurasia. Sea buckthorn berry (SBB) has attracted attention for its use in many health foods, although its physiological function remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of SBB extract and its fractions on Type-I allergy using mast cell lines. Among these fractions, SBB fraction with the highest amount of antioxidant polyphenols significantly inhibited the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) from the stimulated mast cells. This fraction also inhibited the influx of calcium ions (Ca2+) and the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in proteins, including spleen tyrosine kinase, which is associated with signal transduction during the release of chemical mediators. The active SBB fraction contained isorhamnetin as its major flavonol aglycon. Isorhamnetin inhibited histamine and LTB4 release from the stimulated cells and suppressed intracellular Ca2+ influx. These results indicate that isorhamnetin is the primary substance responsible for the antiallergic activity in SBB. In conclusion, SBB may alleviate Type-I allergy by inhibiting the release of chemical mediators from mast cells, and polyphenols may contribute to this effect.

Asparaginase Treatment of Sea Buckthorn Berries as an Effective Tool for Acrylamide Reduction in Nutritionally Enriched Wholegrain Wheat, Rye and Triticale Biscuits

Sea buckthorn pomace is a by-product of juice production, which is still rich in bioactive compounds. After drying, the pomace can be effectively used as a valuable addition to bakery products supporting their nutritional value. However, due to the high content of the amino acid asparagine in sea buckthorn, this promising material contributes to the undesirable formation of acrylamide. To reduce the risk from this potentially carcinogenic compound, enzymatic treatment of sea buckthorn with asparaginase was applied, which resulted in a substantial reduction of asparagine content from 1834 mg/kg in untreated dried sea buckthorn pomace to 89 mg/kg in enzymatically treated dried sea buckthorn pomace. 10% substitution of wholegrain cereal flour with enzymatically treated sea buckthorn pomace powder in rye and triticale biscuits resulted in a 35% reduction in acrylamide content, in the case of wholegrain wheat biscuits up to a 64% reduction, compared to biscuits with untreated sea buckthorn pomace powder. This study confirmed that treating fruit with asparaginase is an effective way to reduce health risk caused by acrylamide in biscuits enriched with nutritionally valuable fruit pomace.

Metabolomics provide a novel interpretation of the changes in flavonoids during sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) drying

Flavonoids are major nutrients in sea buckthorn berries. However, the effects of drying methods on flavonoids in sea buckthorn berries are unclear. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and metabolomics were adopted to analyse the effects of hot air drying (HAD) and infrared drying (IRD) on flavonoid compounds and antioxidant capacity in sea buckthorn berries. In total, 97 metabolites belonging to 12 classes were identified, including 26 flavones, 23 flavonols, and 11 flavanones. Additionally, 32 differential metabolites were identified among groups. Isorhamnetin and quercetin contents increased in response to HAD and IRD, while (-)-epigallocatechin and (-)-gallocatechin contents decreased. Differential metabolism of flavonoid compounds occurred mainly via the flavonoid biosynthesis and secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways. Flavonoid compound degradation might be associated with antioxidant activity during drying. This study elucidated the effect of drying on nutritional components of sea buckthorn berries and may guide the improvement of quality during food processing.

The Bioactive Properties of Carotenoids from Lipophilic Sea buckthorn Extract (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

In women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (11.7% of total cases) and the leading cause of cancer death (6.9%) worldwide. Bioactive dietary components such as Sea buckthorn berries are known for their high carotenoid content, which has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties. Considering the limited number of studies investigating the bioactive properties of carotenoids in breast cancer, the aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative, antioxidant, and proapoptotic properties of saponified lipophilic Sea buckthorn berries extract (LSBE) in two breast cancer cell lines with different phenotypes: T47D (ER+, PR+, HER2-) and BT-549 (ER-, PR-, HER2-). The antiproliferative effects of LSBE were evaluated by an Alamar Blue assay, the extracellular antioxidant capacity was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, the intracellular antioxidant capacity was evaluated through a DCFDA assay, and the apoptosis rate was assessed by flow cytometry. LSBE inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a mean IC₅₀ of 16 µM. LSBE has proven to be a good antioxidant both at the intracellular level, due to its ability to significantly decrease the ROS levels in both cell lines (p = 0.0279 for T47D, and p = 0.0188 for BT-549), and at the extracellular level, where the ABTS and DPPH inhibition vried between 3.38-56.8%, respectively 5.68-68.65%, and 35.6 mg/L equivalent ascorbic acid/g LSBE were recorded. Based on the results from the antioxidant assays, LSBE was found to have good antioxidant activity due to its rich carotenoid content. The flow cytometry results revealed that LSBE treatment induced significant alterations in late-stage apoptotic cells represented by 80.29% of T47D cells (p = 0.0119), and 40.6% of BT-549 cells (p = 0.0137). Considering the antiproliferative, antioxidant, and proapoptotic properties of the carotenoids from LSBE on breast cancer cells, further studies should investigate whether these bioactive dietary compounds could be used as nutraceuticals in breast cancer therapy.