Review on nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and therapeutic properties of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn)

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Sea Buckthorn) is a valuable multifunction plant largely distributed in Europe and Asia. In particular, the berries of sea buckthorn have been widely used as a food source like jam, juices, etc. The berry and seed of this plant are the main sources for its therapeutic and nutritional values. Thus, the plant has been extensively investigated for both of its nutritional and bioactive constituents. In general, the berries of this plant are rich in vitamins (C, E and K); while the ascorbic acid has been reported to be the primary vitamin, contributing to the acidic nature of the berries. Sea buckthorn berries also contain good amount of minerals like calcium and iron. On the other hand, the seed of sea buckthorn offers an excellent source of polyunsaturated fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. Significant bioactive constituents in sea buckthorn including sitosterol, salicylic acid, tritepenoid, catechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and carotenoids help in combating many diseases like cardiovascular diseases (angina), inflammation, cancer, gastric ulcer and epidermis issues. This review compiled the applications of sea buckthorn including a database of its nutritional and bioactive compounds which ultimately contribute towards the health promoting properties.