Organic Sea Buckthorn Supercritical Extract
Also known as: sea buckthorn, Siberian pineapple, seaberry, Hippophae rhamnoides L.
Overview
Sea buckthorn is a shrub belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It produces orange berries rich in bioactive compounds including carotenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, and phenolic compounds. The supercritical extract of sea buckthorn is esteemed for its health benefits, being utilized primarily for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Research highlights promising effects in managing cardiovascular health, metabolic syndrome, and gynecological issues, although further randomized clinical trials are necessary to strengthen the evidence. Various preparations of the plant are available, including oils, powders, and supercritical extracts, catering to diverse applications in supplementation and herbal medicine.
Benefits
Sea buckthorn has several evidence-based benefits. Notably, it improves cardiovascular health by reducing total cholesterol and LDL levels while increasing HDL levels, evidenced by research on animal models and some human studies. Furthermore, it addresses metabolic syndrome by enhancing insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, with studies showing decreased circulating lipid levels on high-fat diets. Additional benefits include significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which contribute to its protective role against chronic diseases. Specific populations, like postmenopausal women and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, may see enhanced outcomes with sea buckthorn supplementation. Effect sizes vary across studies, but significant improvements in lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity are typically observed within weeks to months.
How it works
Sea buckthorn extracts exert their effects primarily through the modulation of lipid metabolism and by acting on biochemical pathways involved in antioxidant activity and anti-inflammation. The extracts influence lipid metabolism by regulating gene expression associated with cholesterol regulation and fatty acid oxidation. Key molecular targets include PPARγ, PPARα, and ABCA1, which are upregulated, while inflammatory cytokine pathways are inhibited, enhancing vascular health and hormone regulation. Additionally, the extracts facilitate the scavenging of free radicals and the mitigation of oxidative stress, contributing to their therapeutic potential.
Side effects
Sea buckthorn extracts are generally regarded as safe when taken in moderate amounts, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and diarrhea, with unknown commonality. Allergic reactions and skin rashes may occur in a lesser percentage of users. Severe allergic reactions have not been thoroughly documented but cannot be ruled out. Interactions with anticoagulants are noteworthy; due to their anti-platelet properties, caution is needed for individuals on blood thinners. Moreover, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare providers, as comprehensive safety data in these populations is lacking. Overall, further investigations are needed to fully delineate long-term safety and rare side effects.
Dosage
Dosing varies based on the extraction method and intended health benefits. A minimum effective dose ranges from 500 mg to 2 grams per day for cardiovascular health, while optimal dosages typically fall between 1 to 3 grams per day. There is no firmly established maximum safe dose, but daily intake above 3 grams should be approached cautiously due to limited research. For enhanced absorption, taking extracts with meals, especially those containing healthy fats, is recommended. Microencapsulated forms may offer improved stability and bioavailability, while co-ingestion with dietary fats can facilitate absorption of fat-soluble phytochemicals.
FAQs
Are sea buckthorn extracts safe?
Generally, they are considered safe; however, individuals with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulant medications should exercise caution.
When is the best time to take sea buckthorn extracts?
Taking extracts with meals, especially those rich in healthy fats, may enhance bioavailability and absorption.
How long does it take to see results from sea buckthorn supplementation?
Improvements in lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity can typically be observed within weeks to months of consistent supplementation.
Can sea buckthorn replace conventional treatments?
While promising, sea buckthorn should not replace any prescribed medical treatment without consulting a healthcare professional.
Research Sources
- https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/12/1217 – This systematic review discusses the pharmacological effects of sea buckthorn on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, highlighting its role in improving lipid metabolism and regulating blood glucose and blood pressure.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1244300/full – This study provides insights into the effects of sea buckthorn on metabolic syndrome, emphasizing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant roles in improving vascular functions.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PharmacognRev-18-35-2.pdf – The review covers various pharmacological properties of sea buckthorn, summarizing evidence from clinical studies and discussing its potential applications in treating different health conditions.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/14/3/416 – This article investigates the effects of sea buckthorn seed oil in a rabbit model, revealing significant impacts on cholesterol levels and vascular health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1477636/full – This randomized controlled trial analyzes the impact of sea buckthorn freeze-dried powder on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disturbances in mice, demonstrating improvements in insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles.