A study featured in SCI’s Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture sheds light on the potential of sea buckthorn shrubs as a significant source of natural antioxidants in North America. Conducted by researchers at Memorial University of Newfoundland, led by Professor Fereidoon Shahidi, the research highlights the nutritional profile of Canadian-grown sea buckthorn berries and their commercial promise as a bioactive superfood.
Sea buckthorn, a thorny deciduous shrub native to northwestern Europe and parts of central Asia, is renowned for its nutritional, pharmaceutical, and functional properties. Its berries and leaves are widely used, and sea buckthorn oil is particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins E, B, and A, and polyphenols.
Introduced to Canada in the early 2000s after governmental research recognised its commercial potential, sea buckthorn has garnered interest for its unique qualities. Renan Danielski, a PhD student at the University of Newfoundland and a study author, underscores the distinctiveness of sea buckthorn, stating, “Sea buckthorn is a crop with unique qualities and vast potential. Its popularity in Asia and Europe presents an opportunity to replicate this success in North America by leveraging locally grown varieties.”
Motivated by the experimental status and limited commercialisation of sea buckthorn in North America, the researchers aimed to characterise the polyphenolic composition of Canadian cultivars. “Understanding how our cultivar compares globally can help convey its benefits to consumers and establish a market presence,” notes Professor Shahidi, corresponding author of the study.
The study reveals significant concentrations of key polyphenolic compounds in sea buckthorn pomace and seeds, offering potential health benefits such as cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory properties. The influence of geographical factors on the polyphenolic profile is significant, with distinct bioactive compounds identified exclusively in Newfoundland-grown sea buckthorn cultivars.
Furthermore, extracts from sea buckthorn showed promising in vitro antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties, prompting further investigation into their mechanisms and therapeutic applications. “This marks an initial step in understanding how sea buckthorn polyphenols can positively influence our physiology,” explains Danielski. “Future research should delve into the underlying mechanisms and expand studies to include animal models and human trials. If confirmed in vivo, sea buckthorn polyphenols could potentially serve therapeutic and pharmacological purposes, aiding in the management of diabetes, obesity, and other conditions.”
The study underscores the potential of Canadian sea buckthorn berries as a valuable source of natural antioxidants in North America. As consumer interest in functional foods and nutraceuticals grows, sea buckthorn emerges as a sustainable option for enhancing health and well-being.
More information: Renan Danielski et al, Phenolic composition and bioactivities of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit and seeds: an unconventional source of natural antioxidants in North America, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13386
Journal information: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture Provided by Society of Chemical Industry
