Carotenoids in sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries during ripening and use of pheophytin a as a maturity marker

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Hippophae rhamnoides variety

Fructus hippophae (Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica×Hippophae rhamnoides sinensis), a hybrid variety of sea buckthorn that Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica serves as the female parent and Hippophae rhamnoides sinensis serves as the male parent, is a traditional plant with great potentials of economic and medical values. Herein, we gained a chromosome-level genome of Fructus hippophae about 918.59 Mb, with the scaffolds N50 reaching 83.65 Mb. Then, we anchored 440 contigs with 97.17% of the total genome sequences onto 12 pseudochromosomes. Next, de-novo, homology and transcriptome assembly strategies were adopted for gene structure prediction. This predicted 36475 protein-coding genes, of which 36226 genes could be functionally annotated. Simultaneously, various strategies were used for quality assessment, both the complete BUSCO value (98.80%) and the mapping rate indicated the high assembly quality. Repetitive elements, which occupied 63.68% of the genome, and 1483600 bp of non-coding RNA were annotated. Here, we provide genomic information on female plants of a popular variety, which can provide data for pan-genomic construction of sea buckthorn and for the resolution of the mechanism of sex differentiation.

The impact of selected xanthophylls on oil hydrolysis by pancreatic lipase: in silico and in vitro studies

Lipase inhibition is one of the directions to control obesity. In vitro assays have confirmed the inhibitory effect of selected xanthophylls, including astaxanthin, fucoxanthinol, fucoxanthin, and neoxanthin. Similarly, an in-silico study also demonstrated the successful inhibition of pancreatic lipase by astaxanthin. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these protocols in the emulsion state typical of lipid digestion remains untested. To address this issue, the current study employed the pH-stat test, which mimics lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, to evaluate native and prepared sea buckthorn and rapeseed oils with varying xanthophyll contents from 0 to 1400 mg/kg oil. Furthermore, a molecular docking of zeaxanthin and violaxanthin (commonly found in plant-based foods), astaxanthin (widely distributed in foods of marine origin) and orlistat (approved as a drug) was performed. The in-silico studies revealed comparable inhibitory potential of all tested xanthophylls (variation from - 8.0 to - 9.3 kcal/mol), surpassing that of orlistat (- 6.5 kcal/mol). Nonetheless, when tested in an emulsified state, the results of pH-stat digestion failed to establish the inhibitory effect of xanthophylls in the digested oils. In fact, lipolysis of native xanthophyll-rich sea buckthorn oil was approximately 22% higher than that of the xanthophyll-low preparation. The key insight derived from this study is that the amphiphilic properties of xanthophylls during the digestion of xanthophyll-rich lipids/meals facilitate emulsion formation, which leads to enhanced fat lipolysis.

The Systematics, Reproductive Biology, Biochemistry, and Breeding of Sea Buckthorn-A Review

Both the fruit flesh and seeds of sea buckthorn have multiple uses for medicinal and culinary purposes, including the valuable market for supplementary health foods. Bioactive compounds, such as essential amino acids, vitamins B, C, and E, carotenoids, polyphenols, ursolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, and other active substances, are now being analyzed in detail for their medicinal properties. Domestication with commercial orchards and processing plants is undertaken in many countries, but there is a large need for improved plant material with high yield, tolerance to environmental stress, diseases, and pests, suitability for efficient harvesting methods, and high contents of compounds that have medicinal and/or culinary values. Applied breeding is based mainly on directed crosses between different subspecies of Hippophae rhamnoides. DNA markers have been applied to analyses of systematics and population genetics as well as for the discrimination of cultivars, but very few DNA markers have as yet been developed for use in selection and breeding. Several key genes in important metabolic pathways have, however, been identified, and four genomes have recently been sequenced.

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.

The Study on Sea Buckthorn (Genus Hippophae L.) Fruit Reveals Cell Division and Cell Expansion to Promote Morphogenesis

Due to its unique flavor and high antioxidant content, the sea buckthorn (genus Hippophae L.) fruit is increasingly favored by consumers. Developing from the perianth tube, the sea buckthorn fruit varies greatly among species in both size and shape. However, the cellular regulation mechanism of sea buckthorn fruit morphogenesis remains unclear. This study presents the growth and development patterns, morphological changes, and cytological observations of the fruits of three Hippophae species (H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis, H. neurocarpa, and H. goniocarpa). The fruits were monitored every 10-30 days after anthesis (DAA) for six periods in their natural population on the eastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. The results showed that the fruits of H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis and H. goniocarpa grew in a sigmoid mode, while H. neurocarpa grew in an exponential mode under the complex regulation of cell division and cell expansion. In addition, cellular observations showed that the mesocarp cells of H. rhamnoides ssp. sinensis and H. goniocarpa were larger in the area with prolonged cell expansion activity, while H. neurocarpa had a higher cell division rate. Elongation and proliferation of the mesocarp cells were found to be essential factors affecting the formation of fruit morphology. Finally, we established a preliminary cellular scenario for fruit morphogenesis in the three species of sea buckthorn. Fruit development could be divided into a cell division phase and a cell expansion phase with an overlap between 10 and 30 DAA. In particular, the two phases in H. neurocarpa showed an additional overlap between 40 and 80 DAA. The description of the sea buckthorn fruit's transformation and its temporal order may provide a theoretical basis to explore the growth mechanism of fruits and regulate their size through certain cultivation techniques.

The anti‑hepatitis B virus activity of sea buckthorn is attributed to quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin

The present study assessed the in vitro anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effects of cold-adapted sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). Sea buckthorn leaf ethanol extracts subjected to chloroform (SB-Chl), ethyl acetate (SB-Eac), n-butanol (SB-But) and aqueous (SB-Aqu) fractionation were first examined (MTT assay) for their toxic effects on HepG2 cells. While SB-Chl (IC50, 32.58 µg/ml) exhibited high cytotoxicity, SB-Eac, SB-But SB-Aqu were non-toxic at up to 150 µg/ml. High performance liquid chromatography analysis led to the identification of the anti-HBV active flavonols, quercetin (93.09 µg/g), kaempferol (44.19 µg/g) and isorhamnetin (138.75 µg/g) in the extract. The analysis of the anti-HBV effects of SB-Eac, SB-But and SB-Aqu (50 µg/ml, each) on HepG2.2.15 cells revealed the marked inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg expression levels. At the concentration of 10 µg/ml, quercetin and kaempferol exerted potent inhibitory effects on HBsAg (60.5 and 62.3%, respectively) and HBeAg synthesis (64.4 and 60.2%, respectively), as compared to isorhamnetin (30.5 and 28.4%, respectively). The HBV-polymerase inhibitor drug, lamivudine (2 µM), inhibited HBsAg and HBeAg expression by 87.4 and 83.5%, respectively. The data were in good agreement with a previous in vitro and in silico molecular docking analysis performed by the authors where quercetin, kaempferol and lamivudine had formed stable complexes with HBV-polymerase binding-pocket amino acids. On the whole, to the best of our knowledge, the present study provides the first report of the anti-HBV therapeutic potential of sea buckthorn, attributed to quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin.

The Bioactive Profile, Nutritional Value, Health Benefits and Agronomic Requirements of Cherry Silverberry (Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb.): A Review

The cherry silverberry (Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb.) is a lesser-known plant species with high nutritional and therapeutic potential. Cherry silverberry contains numerous biologically active compounds. The cherry silverberry is a shrub growing up to 3 m. Its drupe-like fruit is ellipsoidal, up to 1 cm long, and set on stems. It is red in color, juicy, and sour, and its taste resembles that of red currants. According to the literature, cherry silverberry fruit contains carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, as well as vitamin C, in addition to biominerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and tocopherols, which contribute to its high nutritional value. New biotypes of cherry silverberry cultivated in Poland can be used for the production of functional foods and direct consumption. In China, the cherry silverberry, known as goumi, has been used as a medicinal plant and a natural remedy for cough, diarrhea, itch, foul sores, and, even, cancer. This review article summarizes the scant research findings on the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of cherry silverberry.

Phytoprostanes, phytofurans, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids and free amino acids and biological potential of sea buckthorn juices

BACKGROUND

Juices are currently a fast-growing segment in the fruit and vegetable industry sector. However, there are still no reports on the diversity of the phytochemical profile and health-promoting properties of commercial sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides) juices. This study aimed to identify and quantify phytoprostanes, phytofurans by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS), tocopherols, tocotrienols by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector (UPLC-FL), carotenoids, and free amino acids by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode detector-quadrupole and tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS), and assess their anti-cholinergic, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential by in vitro assays of commercial sea buckthorn juices.

RESULTS

Phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) in sea buckthorn juices were identified for the first time. Juices contained eight F₁ -, D₁ -, B₁ - and L₁ -phytoprostanes and one phytofuran (32.31-1523.51 ng and up to 101.47 μg/100 g dry weight (DW)), four tocopherol congeners (22.23-94.08 mg 100 g^-1 DW) and three tocotrienols (5.93-25.34 mg 100 g^-1 DW). Eighteen carotenoids were identified, including ten xanthophylls, seven carotenes and phytofluene, at a concentration of 133.65 to 839.89 mg 100 g^-1 DW. Among the 20 amino acids (175.92-1822.60 mg 100 g^-1 DW), asparagine was dominant, and essential and conditionally essential amino acids constituted 11 to 41% of the total. The anti-enzyme and antioxidant potential of juices correlated selectively with the composition.

CONCLUSION

Sea buckthorn juice can be a valuable dietary source of vitamins E and A, oxylipins and amino acids, used in the prevention of metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and neurodegenerative processes. The differentiation of the composition and the bioactive potential of commercial juices indicate that, for the consumer, it should be important to choose juices from the declared berry cultivars and crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structural characterization and intestinal protection activity of polysaccharides from Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries

The sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries are rich in various bioactive components and widely used as fruit and traditional medicine. In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide fraction (SP0.1-1) was isolated from Sea buckthorn berries. SP0.1-1 is composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose in the molar ratio of 1:2.3:1.9:11.2 with a core structure containing 1,4-linked-α-d-Glcp, 1,4,6-linked-α-d-Glcp and 1,4-linked-α-d-Manp residues as the backbone. And the side-chains comprised of 1,3,5-linked-α-l-Araf, 1,5-linked-α-l-Araf, terminal α-Araf and 1,4-linked-β-d-Galp. Furthermore, a diet supplemented with SP0.1-1 extended the mean lifespan, enhanced antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px; and catalase, CAT) activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced mortality rate in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). To summarize, the study's findings will provide evidence for the development of sea buckthorn polysaccharide products.

A Catalog of Natural Products Occurring in Watermelon-Citrullus lanatus

Sweet dessert watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is one of the most important vegetable crops consumed throughout the world. The chemical composition of watermelon provides both high nutritional value and various health benefits. The present manuscript introduces a catalog of 1,679 small molecules occurring in the watermelon and their cheminformatics analysis for diverse features. In this catalog, the phytochemicals are associated with the literature describing their presence in the watermelon plant, and when possible, concentration values in various plant parts (flesh, seeds, leaves, roots, rind). Also cataloged are the chemical classes, molecular weight and formula, chemical structure, and certain physical and chemical properties for each phytochemical. In our view, knowing precisely what is in what we eat, as this catalog does for watermelon, supports both the rationale for certain controlled feeding studies in the field of precision nutrition, and plant breeding efforts for the development of new varieties with enhanced concentrations of specific phytochemicals. Additionally, improved and comprehensive collections of natural products accessible to the public will be especially useful to researchers in nutrition, cheminformatics, bioinformatics, and drug development, among other disciplines.

Wide Spectrum of Active Compounds in Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) for Disease Prevention and Food Production

Growing demand for value-added products and functional foods is encouraging manufacturers to consider new additives that can enrich their products and help combat lifestyle diseases. The healthy properties of sea buckthorn have been recognized for centuries. This plant has a high content of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, phytosterols, essential fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as vitamins C, K, and E. It also has a low content of sugar and a wide spectrum of volatiles, which contribute to its unique aroma. Sea buckthorn shows antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and is a potential nutraceutical or cosmeceutical. It was proven to help treat cardiovascular disease, tumors, and diabetes, as well as gastrointestinal and skin problems. The numerous health benefits of sea buckthorn make it a good candidate for incorporation into novel food products.

Vitamin A Update: Forms, Sources, Kinetics, Detection, Function, Deficiency, Therapeutic Use and Toxicity

Vitamin A is a group of vital micronutrients widely present in the human diet. Animal-based products are a rich source of the retinyl ester form of the vitamin, while vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids, most of which are provitamin A. Vitamin A plays a key role in the correct functioning of multiple physiological functions. The human organism can metabolize natural forms of vitamin A and provitamin A into biologically active forms (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid), which interact with multiple molecular targets, including nuclear receptors, opsin in the retina and, according to the latest research, also some enzymes. In this review, we aim to provide a complex view on the present knowledge about vitamin A ranging from its sources through its physiological functions to consequences of its deficiency and metabolic fate up to possible pharmacological administration and potential toxicity. Current analytical methods used for its detection in real samples are included as well.

Carotenoid Extraction from Locally and Organically Produced Cereals Using Saponification Method

Carotenoids are important phytochemicals contributing nutritional health benefits in the human diet, with a significant contribution from cereals as one of the major food component around the world. Different methods have been described and adopted for the extraction and isolation of carotenoid compounds. Saponification can be seen as an option for carotenoid extraction from cereals as it converts retinol esters to retinol and removes other abundant compounds such as triglycerides. Extraction of carotenoids content of locally adapted and organic cereals have been limitedly investigated and was, therefore, evaluated in the present study, with a specific aim to understand genotypic and local cultivation effects and interactions. Therefore, 17 diverse cereal genotypes of local origin were grown organically in four localities and evaluated for carotenoid content and composition by HPLC. The results showed a large variation in content and composition of carotenoids in locally adapted and organically grown cereal genotypes, with lutein as the dominating type in wheat and rye, while zeaxanthin was the dominating type in barley. High-level genotypes showed values (9.9 mg/kg of total carotenoids) similar to the highest values previously reported in specific types of wheat. The barley genotypes showed relatively high stability in carotenoids content within and between cultivation locations, while large interactions were found with the cultivation location for the rest of the genotypes, indicating their local adaptation. The local adaptation of the cereal genotypes evaluated contributes large opportunities for local production of high value, highly nutritious food products, while the direct value of these genotypes for conventional plant breeding for varieties performing similar over broad environmental ranges, are more limited.

Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and dermatological effects of Hippophae rhamnoides L.: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (family- Elaeagnaceae, common name- Sea buckthorn) is a flowering shrub native to cold temperate regions of Eurasia. Berries, seeds, and leaves of the plant are widely used as a folk medicine for the treatment of hypertension, oedema, inflammation, tissue-regeneration, skin-grafts, burns/injury, wounds, and ulcers.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews geographical distribution, botanical description, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and dermatological activities including, cosmeceuticals of H. rhamnoides available in the market.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data has been compiled employing the various search engines like Science Direct, Pub Med, Google, Google Scholar, EBSCO, SCOPUS, and SciVal.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

H. rhamnoides is primarily found in cold-temperate regions of Eurasia and was first located in China. Berries are the most prominent feature of the plant. Phytochemical studies reveal the presence of a wide variety of compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, Omega 3, 6, 9 and rarest Omega 7 and about 190 bioactive compounds. The pharmacological studies demonstrated, sea buckthorn to exhibit antibacterial, anti-sebum, antifungal, anti-psoriasis, anti-atopic dermatitis and wound healing activities. Besides, it has also been included in various cosmeceuticals for its use in skin-eventone, smoothening, rejuvenation, removal of wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation, and also in hair related problems.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological evaluation confirmed the ethnomedically claimed biological actions and other beneficial effects on the skin of H. rhamnoides using scientifically accepted protocols and controls, although some of the studies require more elaborative studies. Its full application in the dermatology may be attributed to the presence of a variety of flavonoids, vitamins, and unsaturated fatty acids. Great use of plant in the traditional system for dermatological aspect, demands further comprehensive phytochemical work based on its actual use by the traditional population. Demonstration of the plant in the traditional system, pharmacology, cosmeceuticals not only demands its further therapeutic studies but also warrants focus towards its cultivation and propagation across the globe.

Influence of sea buckthorn juice addition on the growth of microbial food cultures

The aim of the article was to investigate the effect of sea buckthorn juice addition on the growth of microbial cultures in growth medium and juice mixtures. Pure sea buckthorn juice was found to inhibit the growth of all 11 monitored microbial cultures. Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039, Lactobacillus plantarum K816, Lactobacillus brevis CCM 1815 and, to a lesser extent, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, grew in a growth medium containing a 25 % addition of sea buckthorn juice. Lactobacillus plantarum K816 and Lactobacillus brevis CCM 1815 grew better in this mixture than in pure growth medium. Moreover, we focused on finding a suitable ratio of sea buckthorn and apple juice for Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039, leading to malolactic fermentation, which results in an increase in the pH value and an improvement in the sensory properties of juices. The intention was to incorporate the highest possible addition of sea buckthorn juice while maintaining the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum CCM 7039 for malolactic fermentation to occur. The best results were achieved using 40 % sea buckthorn juice. Practical application of the results points to the possibility of preparing a fermented fruit beverage and a dairy product containing sea buckthorn juice. The results of this work extend the current options of sea buckthorn juice processing increasing thus the consumption of healthy juice.

Health promoting properties and sensory characteristics of phytochemicals in berries and leaves of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides)

Sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L., SB), as a multi-functional plant, is widely grown in Asia, Europe and Canada. The berries and leaves of SB contain a diverse array of health-supporting phytochemicals, which are also related to the sensory qualities of berry and berry products. This review summarizes the biologically active key-compounds of the berries and leaves of SB, their health-promoting effects, as well as the contributions to the sensory quality of the berries. The target compounds consist of sugars, sugar derivatives, organic acids, phenolic compounds and lipophilic compounds (mainly carotenoids and tocopherols), which play an important role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, as well as in metabolic health. In addition, these compounds contribute to the orosensory qualities of SB berries, which are closely related to consumer acceptance and preference of the products. Studies regarding the bioavailability of the compounds and the influence of the processing conditions are also part of this review. Finally, the role of the sensory properties is emphasized in the development of SB products to increase utilization of the berry as a common meal component and to obtain value-added products to support human health.

A comprehensive review on carotenoids in foods and feeds: status quo, applications, patents, and research needs

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, www.eurocaroten.eu, https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA15136/#tabs|Name:overview) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted.

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

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.) is a valuable, multipurpose plant extensively grown in Asia, Europe and Canada. In order to use it in the best way for products of human nutrition, it is necessary to recognize its positive aspects and to eliminate the negative ones. The exceptional value of sea buckthorn can be seen in the presence of both lipophilic antioxidants (mainly carotenoids and tocopherols) and hydrophilic antioxidants (flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, ascorbic acid) in remarkably high quantities. Some of the main nutrients, especially lipids of advantageous fatty acid composition, contribute to nutritional benefits of sea buckthorn products for a consumer as well. This review article focuses, besides the above mentioned compounds and vitamins, also on other important components, such as sugars, sugar derivatives, fibre, organic acids, proteins, amino acids and mineral elements. The article also deals with the effects of sea buckthorn components on the course of non-enzymatic browning of food and in vivo glycation. In addition, sensory perception of sea buckthorn and its constituents from the consumers point of view is discussed.

Potential Application of Hippophae Rhamnoides in Wheat Bread Production

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries are well known for their content in bioactive compounds, high acidity, bright yellow color, pleasant taste and odor, thus their addition in a basic food such as bread could be an opportunity for modern food producers. The aim of the present research was to investigate the characteristics and the effects of the berry' flour added in wheat bread (in concentration of 1%, 3% and 5%) on sensory, physicochemical and antioxidant properties, and also bread shelf life. Berry flour contained total polyphenols-1467 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g, of which flavonoids-555 mg GAE/100 g, cinnamic acids-425 mg caffeic acid equivalents (CAE)/100 g, flavonols-668 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/100 g. The main identified phenolics were catechin, hyperoside, chlorogenic acid, cis- and trans-resveratrol, ferulic and protocatechuic acids, procyanidins B1 and B2, epicatechin, gallic acid, quercetin, p- and m-hydroxybenzoic acids. The antioxidant activity was 7.64 mmol TE/100 g, and carotenoids content 34.93 ± 1.3 mg/100 g. The addition of berry flour increased the antioxidant activity of bread and the shelf life up to 120 h by inhibiting the development of rope spoilage. The obtained results recommend the addition of 1% Hippophae rhamnoides berry flour in wheat bread, in order to obtain a product enriched in health-promoting biomolecules, with better sensorial and antioxidant properties and longer shelf life.

Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activity of Berries and Leaves from Four Romanian Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides L.) Varieties

Hippophae rhamnoides L. is an important source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Phytochemical compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of berries, and leaf extracts from four Romanian sea buckthorn cultivars were investigated. Large differences in the content of total polyphenols and flavonoids between the varieties were observed. HPLC analysis of the polyphenolic compounds showed greater differences in content in leaves than in berries. This study confirmed that sea buckthorn leaves and berries are a rich source of phenolic compounds, especially quercetin derivatives and hydrocinnamic acid derivatives. Five carotenoid compounds were identified in the berries: lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, cis-β-carotene, and β-carotene. From the results obtained in this study, it can be stated that the varieties whose berries yielded the highest quantities of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, can be ranked as follows: SF6 > Golden Abundant > Carmen > Colosal, and for leaf extracts the ranked order is SF6 > Golden Abundant > Colosal > Carmen. A strong correlation between the total flavonoid yield and antioxidant activity (r = 0.96), was observed. All extracts showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa, however extracts from berries were less potent than extracts from leaves.

The bioactive components as well as the nutritional and health effects of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, Hippophae rhamnoides L. or Elaeagnus rhamnoides L., has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases. SB is well known more than just a fruit. So far, a unique mixture of bioactive components was elucidated in SB including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, vitamins and phytosterols, which implied the great medicinal worth of this seaberry. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments, ranged from cell lines to animals as well as a few in patients and healthy volunteers, indicated that SB possessed various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, anti-cancer activities, hepato-protection, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection, radioprotection, skin protection effect as well as the protective effect against some eye and gastrointestinal sickness. Furthermore, the toxicological results revealed neither the fruits, nor the seeds of SB were toxic. The present review summarizes the unique profile of the chemical compounds, the nutritional and health effects as well as the toxicological properties of SB, which lay the foundation for practical applications of SB in treatment of human diseases.

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases.

Sea Buckthorn Oil as a Valuable Source of Bioaccessible Xanthophylls

Sea buckthorn oil, derived from the fruits of the shrub, also termed seaberry or sandthorn, is without doubt a strikingly rich source of carotenoids, in particular zeaxanthin and β-carotene. In the present study, sea buckthorn oil and an oil-in-water emulsion were subjected to a simulated gastro-intestinal in vitro digestion, with the main focus on xanthophyll bioaccessibility. Zeaxanthin mono- and di-esters were the predominant carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil, with zeaxanthin dipalmitate as the major compound (38.0%). A typical fatty acid profile was found, with palmitic (49.4%), palmitoleic (28.0%), and oleic (11.7%) acids as the dominant fatty acids. Taking into account the high amount of carotenoid esters present in sea buckthorn oil, the use of cholesterol esterase was included in the in vitro digestion protocol. Total carotenoid bioaccessibility was higher for the oil-in-water emulsion (22.5%) compared to sea buckthorn oil (18.0%) and even higher upon the addition of cholesterol esterase (28.0% and 21.2%, respectively). In the case of sea buckthorn oil, of all the free carotenoids, zeaxanthin had the highest bioaccessibility (61.5%), followed by lutein (48.9%), making sea buckthorn oil a potential attractive source of bioaccessible xanthophylls.

Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Enzymatic Activities of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Fruits Modulated by Chemical Components

The aim of this study was to analyze in vitro biological activities as anti-oxidant, anti-α-amylase, anti-α-glucosidase, anti-lipase, and anti-lipoxygenase activity, relative to bioactive components (phenolic acids, flavonols, xanthophylls, carotenes, esterified carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and fatty acids) and the basic chemical composition (sugars, organic acid, dry matter, soluble solid, pH, titratable acidity, ash, pectins, and vitamin C) of Hippophaë rhamnoides berries. Six sea buckthorn cultivars commonly grown in Poland were analyzed including Aromatnaja, Botaniczeskaja-Lubitelskaja, Józef, Luczistaja, Moskwiczka, and Podarok Sadu. Berries contained 1.34–2.87 g of sugars and 0.96–4.22 g of organic acids in 100 g fresh weight, 468.60–901.11 mg of phenolic compounds, and 46.61–508.57 mg of carotenoids in 100 g dry mass. The fatty acid profile was established: palmitic > palmitoleic > oleic and linoleic > stearic and linolenic acids. The highest anti-oxidant (34.68 mmol Trolox/100 g dry mass) and anti-α-amylase potential (IC₅₀ = 26.83 mg/mL) was determined in Aromatnaja, anti-α-glucosidase in Botaniczeskaja-Lubitelskaja (IC₅₀ = 41.78 mg/mL), anti-lipase in Moskwiczka and Aromatnaja (average IC₅₀ = 4.37 mg/mL), and anti-lipoxygenase in Aromatnaja and Podarok Sadu fruits (100% inhibition). The studied sea buckthorn berries may be a raw material for the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products rich in compounds with high biological activity.

Impact of phenolic compounds and vitamins C and E on antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) berries and leaves of diverse ripening times

Bioactive compounds demonstrating antioxidant activity were analyzed in berries and leaves of nine cultivars of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) of various ripening times. Total polyphenols were ranging between 0.70-3.62 g GAE.kg^-1 (berries) and 1.88-3.72 g GAE.kg^-1 (leaves). Leaves were significantly richer source of total flavonoids (14.40-49.44 mg RE.kg^-1) in comparison with berries (0.55-4.11 mg RE.kg^-1). Phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamins were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detection. The content of vitamin C was 0.98-3.65 g.kg^-1 in berries and 22.81-46.32 g.kg^-1 in leaves, vitamin E content was 6.98-29.91 g.kg^-1 in berries and 71.54-153.99 g.kg^-1 in leaves. Distribution of individual phenolic compounds varied, their total content in berries was considerably lower (76.1-205.2 mg.kg^-1) than in leaves (1477.7-8709.0 mg.kg^-1). Regarding antioxidant activity, Raisa and Slovan (berries) and Bojan and Maslicnaja (leaves) were evaluated as the best cultivars.

Superfruit in the Niche—Underutilized Sea Buckthorn in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Sea buckthorn is a medicinal plant occurring throughout the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Considered as a “superfood” given the nutritional properties of its berries, the latter have a large international market potential, particularly in China and Europe. Although sea buckthorn grows widespread in northern Pakistan, it is a neglected species there. Fruit marketing is severely hampered by low raw product quality, varying prices, and low local demand. During 2017–2018 a total of 111 collectors and 17 commission agents were interviewed from Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan using semi-structured questionnaires. The results provide comprehensive information about the current situation from collection to post-harvest management of sea buckthorn fruits including the analysis of vitamin C under different sun and shade drying conditions. The findings are complemented by an analysis of the underlying supply chain. Fruit sale prices were low for the collectors (1.82 US$ kg−1) since mostly poor households are involved in the harvest and sale. Traditional sun drying and storage conditions were inappropriate resulting in a decrease of chemical fruit quality and thus negatively affecting the sales price of produce. Supply chain analyses showed that the non-coordination among actors and lack of infrastructure affect the efficiency of the targeted sea buckthorn production at large. The study also shows the urgent need to set appropriate food quality standards, to increase communication among stakeholders, and to intensify training offers especially for collectors of sea buckthorn fruits.

Effect of Sea-Buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) Pulp Oil Consumption on Fatty Acids and Vitamin A and E Accumulation in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Rats

An in vivo experiment was conducted to determine the effect of sea-buckthorn pulp oil feeding on the fatty acid composition of liver and adipose tissue of Wistar rats and the liver accumulation of retinol, its esters and α-tocopherol. For a period of 28 days, rats were given a modified casein diet (AIN-93) in which sea-buckthorn pulp oil, soybean oil and pork lard were used as sources of fat. Compared to the other fat sources, sea-buckthorn pulp oil was the most abundant in C16 fatty acids, carotenoids (mainly β-carotene) and tocopherols (mainly α-tocopherol). Its consumption was reflected in an increased share of palmitoleic acid in adipose tissue and the liver and an increased level of retinol in liver tissues (this was not observed for its esters). Although the type of fat did not have a significant effect on the average content of α-tocopherol in the liver, the variation of saturation of this tissue with α-tocopherol was the lowest when rats were fed a diet containing sea-buckthorn oil. This experiment indicates the possibility of affecting adipose tissue and liver by a diet.

Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil

Vegetable oils are obtained by mechanical extraction or cold pressing of various parts of plants, most often: seeds, fruits, and drupels. Chemically, these oils are compounds of the ester-linked glycerol and higher fatty acids with long aliphatic chain hydrocarbons (min. C14:0). Vegetable oils have a variety of properties, depending on their percentage of saturation. This article describes sea-buckthorn oil, which is extracted from the well characterized fruit and seeds of sea buckthorn. The plant has a large number of active ingredients the properties of which are successfully used in the cosmetic industry and in medicine. Valuable substances contained in sea-buckthorn oil play an important role in the proper functioning of the human body and give skin a beautiful and healthy appearance. A balanced composition of fatty acids give the number of vitamins or their range in this oil and explains its frequent use in cosmetic products for the care of dry, flaky or rapidly aging skin. Moreover, its unique unsaturated fatty acids, such as palmitooleic acid (omega-7) and gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6), give sea-buckthorn oil skin regeneration and repair properties. Sea-buckthorn oil also improves blood circulation, facilitates oxygenation of the skin, removes excess toxins from the body and easily penetrates through the epidermis. Because inside the skin the gamma-linolenic acid is converted to prostaglandins, sea-buckthorn oil protects against infections, prevents allergies, eliminates inflammation and inhibits the aging process. With close to 200 properties, sea-buckthorn oil is a valuable addition to health and beauty products.

Anti-inflammatory activity of the functional groups present in Hippophae rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) leaf extract

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The study explores the anti-inflammatory activity of components present in fractions obtained from leaves of Hippophae rhamnoides in mouse peritoneal macrophages.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Immunomodulators salvage the immune response by enhancing or reducing its capacity to the required level. Plant extracts are extensively used as immunomodulators because of their easy availability, simple methods of preparation and minimum side effects with maximum efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was conducted to assess the immunomodulatory activities of phyto constituents present in Seabuckthorn leaves. The aqueous-alcoholic leaf extract was subjected to successive and parallel extraction in the presence of polar and non-polar solvents for fractionation of compounds. Based on the yield, three fractions were selected viz. parallel methanol (PM), successive chloroform (SC) and successive methanol (SM) and screened for in vitro immunomodulatory activities. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from Balb/c mice and cultured with or without LPS to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of the three fractions on cell viability, hemolytic activity, nitric oxide (NO) production, cytokine levels, iNOS and COX-2 expressions.

RESULTS

The results revealed that none of the three fractions induced hemolysis. Cells treated with PM fraction significantly suppressed LPS-induced NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ as compared to SC and SM treatment. The iNOS and COX-2 expressions were also significantly reduced after treatment with PM fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The decrease in LPS-induced NO production, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, iNOS and COX-2 expression signifies anti-inflammatory properties of PM fraction containing tannins, proteins and carbohydrate groups. Hence, this plant-derived immunomodulator can be used as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory diseases.

Assessment of rosehips based on the content of their biologically active compounds

In this study, an in-depth analysis of the unique set of rosehip samples from 71 Rosa genotypes was conducted with the aim to identify the most suitable ones for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries based on the content of biologically active compounds. In the first part of our experiments, the antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and the genotypes with the highest values were selected for the follow-up analysis. In the second part of experiments, the major classes of biologically active compounds in rosehips such as carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids, and triterpenoic acids were further quantified using liquid chromatography-based techniques. Large variation was observed among all the analyzed compounds with intraspecific variation often hiding interspecific or intersectional differences. The compounds studied herein thus do not provide a sharp tool for chemotaxonomic resolution of the genus Rosa. High intraspecific variation indicates the necessity to screen and utilize individual rose genotypes rather than representatives of the species when searching for sources of biologically active compounds. In the final stage of the study, 10 genotypes were selected for further cultivation and use, based on the highest concentrations of the analyzed biologically active compounds.

Thermal stability of the complex formed between carotenoids from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and bovine β-lactoglobulin

Sea buckthorn has gained importance as a versatile nutraceutical, due to its high nutritive value in terms of carotenoids content. β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a natural carrier for various bioactive compounds. In this study, the effect of thermal treatment in the temperature range of 25 to 100°C for 15min on the complex formed by β-LG and carotenoids from sea buckthorn was reported, based on fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results. Also, the berries extracts were analyzed for their carotenoids content. The chromatographic profile of the sea buckthorn extracts revealed the presence of zeaxanthin and β-carotene, as major compounds. The Stern-Volmer constants and binding parameters between β-LG and β-carotene were estimated based on quenching experiments. When thermally treating the β-LG-carotenoids mixtures, an increase in intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence intensity up to 90°C was observed, together with blue-shifts in maximum emission in the lower temperature range and red-shifts at higher temperature. Based on fluorescence spectroscopy results, the unfolding of the protein molecules at high temperature was suggested. Detailed information obtained at atomic level revealed that events taking place in the complex heated at high temperature caused important changes in the β-carotene binding site, therefore leading to a more thermodynamically stable assembly. This study can be used to understand the changes occurring at molecular level that could help food operators to design new ingredients and functional foods, and to optimize the processing methods in order to obtain healthier food products.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) vegetative parts as an unconventional source of lipophilic antioxidants

The profile of lipophilic antioxidants in different vegetative parts (leaves, shoots, buds and berries) was studied in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) male and female plants collected in the end of spring. Five lipophilic compounds, i.e. three tocopherol homologues (α, β and γ), plastochromanol-8 and β-carotene, were identified in each vegetative part of male and female sea buckthorn plants at the following concentrations: 7.25-35.41, 0.21-2.43, 0.41-1.51, 0.19-1.79 and 4.43-24.57 mg/100 g dry weight basis. Additionally, significant amounts of α-tocotrienol (1.99 mg/100 g dry weight basis) were detected in buds. The α-tocopherol and β-carotene were predominant lipophilic antioxidants in each vegetative part, accounting for 78.3-97.0% of identified compounds. The greatest amounts of lipophilic antioxidants were found in leaves, especially of female plants. Nevertheless, apart from leaves, also shoots of plants of both sexes seem to be a good source of α-tocopherol and β-carotene.

Carotenoid metabolism during bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit development under different light conditions is regulated by biosynthesis and degradation

BACKGROUND

Carotenoids are important pigments and precursors for central signaling molecules associated in fruit development and ripening. Carotenoid metabolism has been studied especially in the climacteric tomato fruit but the content of carotenoids and the regulation of their metabolism have been shown to be highly variable between fruit species. Non-climacteric berries of the genus Vaccinium are among the best natural sources of health-beneficial flavonoids but not studied previously for carotenoid biosynthesis.

RESULTS

In this study, carotenoid biosynthetic genes, PSY, PDS, ZDS, CRTISO, LCYB, LCYE, BCH and CYP450-BCH, as well as a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase CCD1 were identified from bilberry (V. myrtillus L.) fruit and their expression was studied along with carotenoid composition during fruit development under different photoperiod and light quality conditions. Bilberry was found to be a good source of carotenoids among fruits and berries. The most abundant carotenoids throughout the berry development were lutein and β-carotene, which were accompanied by lower amounts of 9Z-β-carotene, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin. The expression patterns of the biosynthetic genes in ripening fruits indicated a metabolic flux towards β-branch of the carotenoid pathway. However, the carotenoid levels decreased in both the β-branch and ε,β-branch towards bilberry fruit ripening along with increased VmCCD1 expression, similarly to VmNCED1, indicating enzymatic carotenoid cleavage and degradation. Intense white light conditions increased the expression of the carotenoid biosynthetic genes but also the expression of the cleavage genes VmCCD1 and VmNCED1, especially in unripe fruits. Instead, mature bilberry fruits responded specifically to red/far-red light wavelengths by inducing the expression of both the carotenoid biosynthetic and the cleavage genes indicating tissue and developmental stage specific regulation of apocarotenoid formation by light quality.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of carotenoid biosynthesis in Vaccinium berries. Our results indicate that both transcriptional regulation of the key biosynthetic genes and the enzymatic degradation of the produced carotenoids to apocarotenoids have significant roles in the determination of the carotenoid content and have overall effect on the metabolism during the bilberry fruit ripening.

Flavonol glycosides in berries of two major subspecies of sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) and influence of growth sites

Flavonol glycosides of wild sea buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides ssp. sinensis) berries from China and cultivated berries (H. rhamnoides ssp. mongolica) from Finland and Canada were identified and quantified. Twenty-six flavonol glycosides were found with isorhamnetin and quercetin as the major aglycones. The contents of flavonol glycosides ranged 23-250 mg/100 g fresh berries and were significantly higher in the berries of ssp. sinensis than in those of ssp. mongolica. Among the cultivars of ssp. mongolica, the berries of 'Oranzhevaya' had the lowest (23 mg/100 g) content, and those of 'Prevoshodnaya' the highest content of flavonol glycosides (80 mg/100 g). Within the ssp. mongolica, the samples from Kittilä (Northern Finland) had higher levels of most flavonol glycosides than those from Turku (Southern Finland) and Québec. Among the ssp. sinensis berries of different growth sites, increasing trends were detected in the contents of most of the compounds as the altitude increased and as the latitude decreased. The wild berries (ssp. sinensis) from Sichuan had remarkably high contents and unique profiles of flavonol glycosides.

Absorption of Carotenoids and Mechanisms Involved in Their Health-Related Properties

Carotenoids participate in the normal metabolism and function of the human body. They are involved in the prevention of several diseases, especially those related to the inflammation syndrome. Their main mechanisms of action are associated to their potent antioxidant activity and capacity to regulate the expression of specific genes and proteins. Recent findings suggest that carotenoid metabolites may explain several processes where the participation of their parent carotenoids was unclear. The health benefits of carotenoids strongly depend on their absorption and transformation during gastrointestinal digestion. The estimation of the 'bioaccessibility' of carotenoids through in vitro models have made possible the evaluation of the effect of a large number of factors on key stages of carotenoid digestion and intestinal absorption. The bioaccessibility of these compounds allows us to have a clear idea of their potential bioavailability, a term that implicitly involves the biological activity of these compounds.

Carotenoid Content in Organically Produced Wheat: Relevance for Human Nutritional Health on Consumption

In this study, 33 spring and winter wheat genotypes were analyzed for carotenoid content and composition. Investigated genotypes were divided into four genotype groups i.e., spelt, landraces, old cultivars and primitive wheat. The results showed a high level of variation among the genotypes in amount of carotenoids in the grain with high values (around 4 mg/Kg) especially in one of the genotypes—Öland 8. Lutein was the most common carotenoid in all the investigated genotypes, contributing 70%–90% of the carotenoids in the grain. Variation in carotenoid content and composition was found not only among genotypes, but also between genotype groups and wheat type, although there is a need to analyze more genotypes to confirm the differences found between groups and types. This study showed that 40% of the daily requirements of lutein can be achieved from the genotypes with the highest lutein content (Öland 8) produced using organic farming through the average human consumption of 200 grams of wheat per day. Furthermore, this study showed, by the use of principal component analyses, an opportunity to select genotypes combining high values of certain nutritional compounds. By a further breeding and commercial production of such genotypes, the nutritional value of wheat flour for human consumption can be improved.

Metabolite profiling and expression analysis of flavonoid, vitamin C and tocopherol biosynthesis genes in the antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

In this study, phenolic compounds were analyzed in developing berries of four Canadian grown sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) cultivars ('RC-4', 'E6590', 'Chuyskaya' and 'Golden Rain') and in leaves of two of these cultivars. Among phenolic acids, p-coumaric acid was the highest in berries, while gallic acid was predominant in leaves. In the flavonoid class of compounds, myricetin/rutin, kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin were detected in berries and leaves. Berries of the 'RC-4' cultivar had approximately ⩾ 2-fold higher levels of myricetin and quercetin at 17.5mg and 17.2 mg/100 g FW, respectively, than the other cultivars. The flavonoid content in leaves was considerably more than in berries with rutin and quercetin levels up to 135 mg and 105 mg/100 g FW, respectively. Orthologs of 15 flavonoid biosynthesis pathway genes were identified within the transcriptome of sea buckthorn mature seeds. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of these genes in developing berries indicated relatively higher expression of genes such as CHS, F3'H, DFR and LDOX in the 'RC-4' cultivar than in the 'Chuyskaya' cultivar. Vitamin C levels in ripened berries of the Canadian cultivars were on the high end of the concentration range reported for most other sea buckthorn cultivars. Orthologs of genes involved in vitamins C and E biosynthesis were also identified, expanding the genomic resources for this nutritionally important plant.