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Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a proanthocyanidin-rich extract of sea buckthorn berry (SBB-PE) on the numbers of various types of adult stem cells in the blood circulation of healthy human subjects.
Study design and methods
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial was conducted in 12 healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken immediately before and at 1 and 2 hours after consuming either placebo or 500 mg SBB-PE. Whole blood was used for immunophenotyping and flow cytometry to quantify the numbers of CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ and CD45dim CD34+ CD309− stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ mesenchymal stem cells.
Results
Consumption of SBB-PE was associated with a rapid and highly selective mobilization of CD45dim CD34+ CD309− progenitor stem cells, CD45− CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells, and CD45− CD90+ lymphocytoid mesenchymal stem cells. In contrast, only minor effects were seen for CD45dim CD34+ CD309+ pluripotential stem cells.
Conclusion
Consumption of SBB-PE resulted in selective mobilization of stem cell types involved in regenerative and reparative functions. These data may contribute to the understanding of the traditional uses of SBB for preventive health, regenerative health, and postponing the aging process.
Video abstract
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Acknowledgments
This study was conducted at NIS Labs, an independent contract research organization that specializes in natural products research. The study was co-sponsored by Biomx Stemceuticals LLC and NIS Labs R&D, Inc.
Author contributions
CD and GSJ planned the testing of sea buckthorn for stem cell effects. CD researched the historical use and current scientific knowledge about sea buckthorn. GSJ designed and oversaw the clinical study. KFB conducted the stem cell staining and flow cytometry. KFB and GSJ analyzed the data and interpreted the results. CD and GSJ co-wrote the manuscript. All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
CD is the co-founder and executive director of Biomx StemCeuticals LLC, and GSJ is the research director for NIS Labs. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.