Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) as a potential source of nutraceutics and its therapeutic possibilities - a review

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is in the focus of interest mainly for its positive effects on health of both human and animal organisms. The whole plant of sea buckthorn and especially its berries are a source of a large number of different bioactive compounds. The greatest attention has been drawn to its high content of vitamins, minerals, natural antioxidants, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, and proteins. Sea buckthorn is valued for its antioxidant, cardioprotective, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-carcinogenic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects. Due to these and other positive effects, the plant is included in both human and animal nutrition, in the latter case to increase the biological value of animal products. This review summarises the botanical characteristics of sea buckthorn, lists the bio-active substances contained in individual parts of the plant, their effects in the prevention of a number of different diseases and their possible utilisation in human and animal nutrition.