Hippophae Rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn): a Potential Source of Nutraceuticals

Abstract

Hippophae rhamnoides, also known as sea buckthorn is an ancient plant with modern virtues, due to its nutri- tional and medicinal value. Sea buckthorn is a spiny bush with long and narrow leaves, and orange-yellow berries. It is cold resistant, and native to Europe and Asia. All parts of Hippophae e.g. berries, leaves, and seed or pulp oils contain many bioactive compounds. They are a rich source of natural antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, carotenoids, fla- vonoids, while they contain proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, lipids (mainly unsaturated fatty acids), sugars, organic acids and phytosterols. Animal and human studies suggest that sea buckthorn may have various beneficial effects: cardioprotective, anti-atherogenic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, antiviral, wound healing and anti-inflammatory. Hippophae could also be used in human and animal nutrition. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to perform more scientific research on this medicinal plant and to promote its large-scale utilization.