Potential cardiovascular implications of Sea Buckthorn berry consumption in humans

Abstract

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables have been correlated with decreased risks of cardiovascular disease. Particularly, berry consumption has been associated with reductions in cardiovascular risk. Despite the range of potentially beneficial phytochemical components (vitamins, polyphenols, carotenoids, and fatty acids), there is little evidence underpinning the cardiovascular effects of sea buckthorn (SB) berries. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the benefits of SB consumption on cardiovascular health in human trials. Only six human studies were found, which examine the effect of SB berries on cardiovascular outcomes (i.e. lipid metabolism, platelet aggregation, and inflammation). Although there appears to be an inverse association between SB consumption and cardiovascular risk factors, the evidence is still scarce and the results are inconsistent. In addition, limitations in study design made it difficult to form firm conclusions. More “high-quality” human clinical trials are needed in order to establish the cardio-protective benefits of SB berries.

• Blood lipids
• inflammation
• phytonutrients
• platelet aggregation
• sea buckthorn berries

Acknowledgements

The authors thank David Eagle (British Sea Buckthorn association) for his continued support as well as Dr Gordon McDougall (The James Hutton Institute), Elaine Evans (InterPharm Investments Ltd) and Celia Laur (NNEdPro) for their feedback and Professor Jill JF Belch (University of Dundee) for her encouragement to undertake this review.