If a person had heard little about sea buckthorn before and did not know anything about
its beneficial properties, the very first close acquaintance with this berry
amazing – how could you miss such a “vitamin bomb”? In addition
it contains many organic acids and all omega fatty acids.
Moreover, their unique combination in fruits makes the berry even healthier!
Useful properties of sea buckthorn
Composition and calorie content
Fresh sea buckthorn contains (in 100 g):
Calories 82 Kcal
The vitamin and mineral composition of sea buckthorn is highly dependent on
its varieties, places of growth and even the time of harvest. So,
over the fall, more is accumulated in the berries and leaves of the plant
minerals than in the August harvest. But this is the rule
not universal. Potassium, magnesium iron in autumn in sea buckthorn fruits,
on average, more than in summer, and, for example, sodium, calcium and phosphorus
– less.
From one and a half dozen sea buckthorn minerals among macronutrients
the content of potassium and calcium is most significant in the berry, and among
trace elements – iron. A good source of zinc can be
sea ​​buckthorn leaves, collected in late summer. By the way, the bark is considered
one of the best plant sources of serotonin.
Depending on the varieties and conditions, the vitamin
structure. But, on average, 100 grams of sea buckthorn berries “fit”
about 2-3 norms of the body’s daily need for vitamin C, half
vitamin B6, one third of the daily value of vitamin E and beta-carotene
– a precursor of vitamin A. There is also vitamin P in berries, as well as
phenolic compounds with P-vitamin activity. Paired with”
with vitamin C they provide a synergistic effect in prevention
atherosclerosis. Thus, sea buckthorn is really without a strong
exaggeration can be called a “vitamin treasure”.
100 grams of berries per day “closes” and 100% of human needs
in organic
acids (malic, tartaric, citric, oxalic, etc.), which
participate in a variety of biochemical reactions. Sea buckthorn – one
of the few herbal products in which all known
omega fatty acids today, including more recently
open Omega-7.
Sea buckthorn also retains active substances
butter. Ripe seeds contain 8-20% oil, pulp – about
20-25%, and the rest of the fruit after juicing is about 15-20%. These
oils have high concentrations of lipophilic components, more often
total unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins A and
E. That is, they include components that have multifunctional
effects on human health: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
and antidepressant properties. In this case, fatty acids play
important role in changing cerebrovascular and cardiovascular
diseases.
Medicinal properties
Numerous studies of sea buckthorn have shown that its fruits,
and plant parts, depending on the conditions, systemically exhibit
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress,
antithrombotic, adaptogenic, neuroprotective, antibacterial,
cytoprotective, immunostimulating properties.
This means that plant extracts can potentially be successfully
used in the treatment of various injuries and tissue pathologies,
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys, blood vessels and heart, joints. They are
relatively safe can be used to expand physical
capabilities of the body and improve cognitive functions.
Heart and blood vessels
Eating sea buckthorn fruit increases adaptive capacity
cardiovascular system and reduces cardiovascular risk.
Thus, the beneficial effect of sea buckthorn flavonol aglycones on factors
risk of developing heart disease has been found in studies
involving people. It is believed that sea buckthorn flavonoids can trap
free radicals, reduce blood viscosity and improve cardiac
function. Although the severity of the effect may vary. .
Experiments with rats have shown that sea buckthorn flavonoids are also capable of
lowering the “upper” blood pressure indicators is not worse,
than the drugs enalapril and hydrochlorothiazide. . Reduce “top”
pressure can also be sea buckthorn seeds. Antihypertensive action,
appears to be due to improved insulin sensitivity
and blocking angiotensin by the flavones of the plant seeds. .
Sea buckthorn wine created by Indian researchers in experiments
on animals showed high activity in trapping free radicals,
which made it possible to observe a pronounced protective effect against oxidative
stress. In addition, in mice that are high in cholesterol,
who were given sea buckthorn wine experienced an increase of 197%
the level of “good” cholesterol in relation to the level of “bad” lipoproteins
low density. .
The extracted seed oil has been tested in the treatment of ischemic
diseases in experiments on rabbits. Feeding animals like this
oil in 18 days caused a significant reduction in “bad” cholesterol.
In addition, the vasodilating activity of the aorta was significantly
increased, which allowed scientists to consider the oil extract
as a means with high cardioprotective activity. .
From ischemia-reperfusion of the myocardium
also protects the sea buckthorn pulp oil. .
Liver and kidney
With hepatitis,
which in the experiment of Russian scientists was provoked in animals
the introduction of paracetamol, the complex use of dry deciduous
sea ​​buckthorn extracts was able to reduce the process of lipid oxidation,
which helped to normalize blood biochemical parameters and structure
liver tissue. .
Dry sea buckthorn leaves are able to protect the buds from exposure
some toxins that molds produce. Striking
parenchyma and glomerular apparatus, they can cause disorders
in the work of the kidneys, but the addition in laboratory conditions of 2% powder
leaves in the feed of quail chicks provided partial protection
birds from nephropathy.
.
In addition, sea buckthorn extracts are able to mitigate the negative effects
some medications. One of the side effects of antineoplastic
treatment, such as methotrexate, may become an inflammatory lesion
mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, pharynx, mouth, etc. (mucositis). Related application
sea ​​buckthorn extracts prevents such a reaction. . Hinder
such extracts and the damaging effect of arsenic salts on internal
organs of mice, although the sea buckthorn salts themselves from the body and does not remove
. . At the same time, it was found that sea buckthorn preparations in therapeutic
doses (up to 250 mg / kg body weight / day) are non-toxic and in laboratory experiments
(where rodents per kg of body weight were given 100 mg of sea buckthorn for 3 months)
showed no side effects. .
Both seed oil and sea buckthorn fruits prevent liposaccharide damage
cells of the liver tissue, and also stop the development of fat
hepatosis in rats fed a high lipid diet. .
Physical abilities
Fruits (including juice squeezed out of them) and sea buckthorn leaves are capable of
positively influence the metabolic parameters of laboratory
animals and improve their physical abilities. Experimenting with
rats showed that taking water extracts of dried leaves
increased the endurance of animals with exhausting physical
loads and prevented oxidative processes. .
In another experiment, the ability to increase aerobic endurance was demonstrated by
sea ​​buckthorn juice. Animal supplementation has increased levels of
hemoglobin and testosterone, the amount of
antioxidant enzymes in skeletal muscle. . In the future,
these properties of sea buckthorn components can be used for
increasing the strength and endurance of a person.
The special effect of using sea buckthorn is observed in high altitude conditions.
Here, eating berries and especially their extracts helps
the body adapts to extreme conditions. Taking extracts
leads to a change in metabolism of anaerobic type to aerobic,
reducing the symptoms of altitude sickness (altitude hypoxia). Mechanism
is explained by the fact that sea buckthorn leaf extracts interfere with the transition
plasma from the blood vessels of the lungs into the tissues of the internal environment
(parenchyma), which also reduces the severity of altitude sickness. .
In addition, sea buckthorn helps to maintain healthy
and many other systems and organs:
- Several studies at once have been devoted to the effect of sea buckthorn
to the health of the eyes. In particular, seed preparations helped prevent
light-induced retinal aging, fruit oil – helped
with dry eye syndrome, leaf extracts prevented the development of
cataracts. - In case of functional disorders in children, berries were restored
appetite and restored digestive functions. . - Applications of sea buckthorn oil in combination with ozone therapy help
treat periodontitis
smokers. . - The plant’s leafy extracts reduce inflammation in
diseases of the joints. . - Sea buckthorn oil has shown therapeutic properties for ulcers
and erosions of the stomach. .. - Both oil and leaves can reduce radiation damage
and prevent the manifestation of behavioral pathologies of animals under
exposure to gamma radiation. . - The use of sea buckthorn berries in food, although it did not reduce the duration
infectious diseases, however, reduced the blood levels of patients
the concentration of C-reactive protein. . - Numerous studies show effectiveness
sea ​​buckthorn extracts in the healing of wounds of various nature.
Thanks to the active ingredient isorhamnetin, sea buckthorn extracts
help to cope with the effects of toxins that lead to
to a systemic inflammatory response. . This isoramnetin showed
the ability through various mechanisms to suppress the growth of cancer tumors
light . and colon cancer. .
The antitumor properties of sea buckthorn seeds are also manifested due to
procyanides, which have an inhibitory effect on cells
human breast cancer by suppressing fatty acid synthases. .
These enzymes are overexpressed in many cancers.
person. Therefore, the ability to inhibit their expression makes
sea ​​buckthorn seeds are a very promising raw material in the creation of medicines
and from other cancers. You just need to remind
which cannot be transferred to humans without additional research
results obtained in vitro and in animals.
Use in medicine
Concentrates are used in pharmacology and modern medical practice
from the fruits and leaves of the plant.
Dry extract is made from the leaves of sea buckthorn,
which becomes the active substance in medicines with action,
aimed at suppressing the activity of certain viruses. An example
such drugs may become “Hyporamine”.
It belongs to the group of antiviral drugs and is produced
in five dosage forms (tablets, ointments, suppositories, etc.).
As an indication, the manufacturer indicated ARVI with developed
against the background of infection with rhinitis and sore throat,
influenza types A and B, chickenpox, herpes, shingles.
Sea buckthorn oil both independently and as part of preparations is used
for wound healing, tissue restoration in case of frostbite, burns
eczema,
getting rid of skin diseases. Also oil is widely used
to relieve inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, cervix, its erosion.
Among the most common preparations with sea buckthorn oil
Basically, you can name the following:
- Olazol. Available in aerosol form. When
when applied to the skin, it forms a yellowish foam. Means
often included in the lists of the best burn remedies. And the manufacturer himself
classifies “Olazol” as a combination drug
type that have anesthetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
act. The remedy is used to heal infected
wounds, trophic ulcers, restoration of skin tissues.
In proctology, it is recommended to eliminate anal fissures.
and treatment of chronic proctitis, and in gynecology – to help
in the treatment of cervical erosion and bacterial vaginosis. - “Hyposol”. Also an aerosol preparation of a similar
with “Olazol” actions. Among the indications, in addition to burns of 2-3 degrees,
as well as gynecological and proctological pathologies, indicated
erosive and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa and periodontium. - “Clothing”. The tool is used for quick
regeneration of the skin as an activator of metabolism
and a tissue repair stimulant.
At the same time, despite the massive use of sea buckthorn products
in the fight against the consequences of burns, not all specialists are ready
recommend preparations based on popular sea buckthorn and calendula
to provide effective assistance.
In folk medicine
Traditional medicine considers multivitamin sea buckthorn to be universal
a means that:
- copes with peptic ulcers and stomach pains,
- reduces the symptoms of rheumatism
and gout, - treats cough, pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia,
- has a therapeutic effect in diseases of the cardiovascular
systems that - stops bleeding,
- heals the skin after burns and removes post-burn pigmentation,
- helps in the restoration of vision,
- raises male potency and saves women from gynecological
problems.
Not all traditional medicine recipes can be blindly accepted.
on faith. In particular, with exacerbation of peptic ulcer diseases, organic
acids of sea buckthorn berries can cause increased gastric secretion
juice and aggravate the patient’s condition. But most of the folk
practices related to the use of sea buckthorn have been tested
by time.
Especially often sea buckthorn parts are used for wound healing:
stopping bleeding, restoring tissue, eliminating post-burn
pigmentation. Sometimes as a preventive measure to prevent
skin problems of children are bathed in a decoction of leaves. A decoction of fruits even
drink to treat skin diseases. But more often they use a decoction of fruits
for therapeutic purposes with gastrointestinal problems.
He prepares simply. 3 tablespoons of berries are poured with boiling water (0,5
liters) and leave on low heat for 10 minutes. Sometimes after
this is not filtered immediately, but the broth is allowed to brew for
half an hour. Recommended consumption of sea buckthorn broth
different sources differ, ranging from 2-3 tablespoons
before meals up to 2-3 glasses a day.
To improve visual function and to get rid of the syndrome
“Dry eye” uses sea buckthorn oil. However, in spite of him
common advice should not be instilled in the eyes, as
so the oil can block the lacrimal canal and interfere with lacrimation.
And this not only will not help, but may even provoke development
dry eye syndrome. Therefore, modern folk healers believe
that with health benefits, sea buckthorn oil is best taken orally
in gelatin capsules.
Laryngitis is also often treated with oil.
and pharyngitis
– usually in a course of 10 procedures. To do this, they are impregnated with a cotton
a tampon, which is then smeared with mucous membranes. Also popular are oil
inhalations lasting 10-15 minutes.
Serotonin, which is very rich in the bark of the plant, is called an antidepressant.
and a “good mood hormone.” Therefore, decoctions of the bark are often recommended
to restore the activity of the nervous system. But it is also in
home treatment, it is taken to inhibit the growth of tumors (carcinomas,
sarcomas, etc.), normalization of pressure, radiation protection. Usually
for such a decoction, the bark of the branches is collected at the end of spring, dried
and grind into powder, which is then already brewed with boiling water.
For rheumatism and gout, leaves slightly softened in boiling water
put on sore joints. For the same purposes they drink tea brewed
on the leaves of the plant. A decoction is used as a laxative.
plant seeds.
In oriental medicine
Sea buckthorn ingredients were widely used in ancient Chinese
and ancient Mongolian medicine. In Tibetan medical treatises
the constituent plants have been mentioned since the 8th century. In particular, it is indicated
that sea buckthorn is useful for metabolic disorders and diseases
stomach, which Tibetans consider the main place for the production of “fire”
heat. Along with other medicinal plants, sea buckthorn should
increase heat and eliminate coldness of mucus.
Modern followers of the traditions of Tibetan medicine under the “cold
mucus “is usually understood as a decrease in trophotropic processes in the body,
which need to be activated with the help of certain products.
Trophotropic function determines the stability of the internal environment
organism by controlling peristalsis, the degree of expansion of peripheral
vessels, sweating and secretion of the salivary glands, sinus disorders
rhythm. Thus, sea buckthorn, according to Tibetan medicine, has
complex effect on the body, which gave rise to the use
it also in the treatment of diseases of the blood and heart, with intoxication and
purulent inflammation of the pleura.
In Mongolian healing practices, sea buckthorn was also actively used.
for the treatment of diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract. She was treated
tuberculosis,
acute forms of pneumonia and just a cough. It was believed to help
it is also in violation of the work of the biliary tract.
In Chinese medicine, sea buckthorn (where it is called Sha Ji) is described
as a warm, sour product, affecting the meridians of the kidneys and liver.
Using berries, Chinese healers treat cough with phlegm, relieve
patients for pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, correct
digestive disorders in the stomach and pathology arising from
delay there food. In addition, sea buckthorn activates movement
blood. Therefore, one of the indications for the appointment of sea buckthorn is considered
prolonged absence of menstruation (in women with previously normal
cycle – with a delay of six months, and for girls – in the absence
menstruation up to 16 years).
In scientific research
The content and scope of the section “Medicinal properties” shows that
sea ​​buckthorn is studied very actively all over the world. There is a ton of data
about the antioxidant function of extracts. A whole layer of research
dedicated to wound healing abilities and antibacterial properties
sea ​​buckthorn concentrates. A number of works consider the potential
sea ​​buckthorn in the protection of cells of the brain and nervous system
with a variety of damaging influences. Experiments demonstrate that
how much this protective action preserves mental adaptability,
the ability to navigate in space, memory and other cognitive
function.
But as an example of scientific research, we will cite the works
scientists dedicated to the restoration of visual function with the help
sea ​​buckthorn preparations.
Sea buckthorn oil, when taken orally, reduces the manifestation of
symptoms in people with dry eye syndrome. .
100 people who participated in the experiment (their age varied
from 20 to 75 years old), were divided into groups, representatives of one
of which daily for 3 autumn months consumed
2 grams of sea buckthorn oil. After completing the experiment and processing
data scientists came to the conclusion that sea buckthorn oil stopped
an increase in the osmolarity of the tear film during the cold season and
positively affected the symptoms of dry eye. Moreover, especially
burning sensation in the eyes significantly decreased.
Protective effect of sea buckthorn flavones against visible light-induced
retinal degeneration. .
Protective action of sea buckthorn flavones against retinal degeneration caused by
visible light, scientists tested on laboratory rabbits.
The animals were treated with sea buckthorn preparations at dosages of 250 and 500 mg
/ kg for 2 weeks before light exposure procedures
and another week after. Retinal function was quantified by
performing electroretinography 1 day before and after 1, 3 and 7 days
after exposure to light. In addition, the thickness of the outer
the nuclear layer of the retina, enzyme immunoassay and other analyzes were performed.
As a result, it was found that the sea buckthorn preparation reduced
retinal oxidative stress, inflammation and cell death,
caused by intense lighting.
Evaluation of the therapeutic role of an aqueous extract of sea buckthorn leaves
in cataracts. .
In this project, experiments were carried out “in a test tube” on lenses
experimental goats. Anti-cataract activity was assessed using
extract in the concentration range of 100, 200, 500 and 1000 μg /
ml by evaluating the indicators of a number of biochemical markers. Power
the effect of the extract on the performance ranged from 63% to 300%.
But, in general, the aqueous extract of sea buckthorn leaves has shown the ability
delay the onset and / or progression of cataracts, at least
least in vitro.
For losing weight
Lately, there have been many about the benefits of sea buckthorn for weight loss.
legends. The effectiveness of fruits and brewed sea buckthorn leaves
is explained mainly by the action of two mechanisms:
- the first is based on the fact that eating fruits suppresses appetite,
and it is easier for a person to limit the number of calories at each
food intake; - thanks to the second – the absorption of fat decreases and it slows down
deposition in the abdominal cavity around the organs.
Indeed, the results of several laboratory tests at once
on animals they say that:
- leafy extracts of sea buckthorn reduce obesity,
liver steatosis, insulin resistance and inflammation in obesity,
., - seed extract reduces obesity caused by a high
fat content, hypertriglyceridemia and triglyceride accumulation
in the liver, . - ethanol extract of sea buckthorn prevents obesity caused by
“Fatty” diet by suppressing the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic
genes. .
Another study . studied the role of powder
sea ​​buckthorn leaf tea in diet-induced obese mice
high in fat. Mice were given two different doses (1%
and 5%) within six weeks. Tea suppressed weight gain
in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced visceral fat,
plasma leptin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, and
also the activity of the supplemented mice. In addition, sea buckthorn
tea lowered the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver,
reduced the accumulation of lipids and increased their excretion in the feces.
There is evidence that dried sea buckthorn fruits in the experiment helped
patients to control weight gain due to the action of the same mechanisms
decrease appetite and assimilation of fats from high-calorie
food.
In weight loss programs, either the berries of the plant are most often used
(usually talk about 100 g per day), or tea brewed from the leaves
and / or dry fruits. This drink is recommended to drink for a quarter.
hours before the main meal.
In cooking
Back in the middle of the last century, sea buckthorn recipes in cookbooks
described mainly the processes of making preserves and jams
from this berry. If some chefs showed the author’s initiative
and “introduced” sea buckthorn in various forms into popular dishes,
then such finds did not reach the general public. In addition, the abundance
pectin seemed to be prompted to use sea buckthorn, in the first place,
in the gelling of various products, in the cooking of preserves and jams.
Recently, when the opportunity arises to popularize
any recipe, sea buckthorn began to be used much more widely. People
realized that the sour taste of these berries sets off the sweetness of desserts,
and serves as a sauce for serving meat dishes. At the same time, yellow
berries are able to “share” with other products a pleasant pineapple
(sometimes mountain ash)
aroma, leaving a long aftertaste. And the red berries are rare
red-fruited varieties add grape shades of smell to the dish
and taste.
With the need to constantly surprise the public in bars and restaurants
the popularity of sea buckthorn cocktails with dairy products has also grown.
One of the simplest recipes with milk involves the use of:
- fruit of the plant – 200 g,
- homemade baked milk – 300 ml (it can be replaced by 250
g of thick fermented baked milk), - honey
with a tart pronounced aroma – 2 tbsp. l.
In this recipe, sea buckthorn is simply ground in a blender and strained.
through a sieve, and honey is added to the cocktail poured in layers. IN
alternatively, the milk is first whipped with a mixer, and
then sea buckthorn juice with honey is already added to it.
Also in cooking, sea buckthorn oil is often used.
Usually nothing is fried on it, but it is added to baked goods, mixed
with olive
in a ratio of about ¼ and make dressings for vegetable and / or fruit
salads. It is believed that sea buckthorn oil is especially good in harmony
with an orange.
Traditionally, in some regions, teas of homemade
cooking from sea buckthorn leaves. In a tea “composition” usually
add currant leaves
and / or mint
to improve taste. However, at the Swedish University
agricultural sciences propose to consider sea buckthorn
deciduous raw materials for fermentation on an industrial scale,
to then sell the packaged product in the same way as the classic
tea. It is also proposed to make natural food products from this raw material.
preservatives that increase the benefits, for example, meat products
processing.
In cosmetology
The protective properties of sea buckthorn are used both in home and in
professional cosmetology. According to research results
Indian scientists, sea buckthorn emulsion for long-term application
on the skin of healthy people improves its barrier function. In one
from experiments, cosmetologists measured biometric indicators
hydration of the skin and transepidermal water loss once a week
within 84 days. As a result, it was found that 5% emulsion
a mixture of oil and water applied to the skin of the face significantly improved
barrier properties of the skin. .
Another experiment (albeit already laboratory) showed that
UV-induced skin aging (wrinkles, laxity, pigmentation)
effectively prevented even by oral 6-week intake
sea ​​buckthorn fruit mix. .
Hyperpigmentation and UV damage to the skin are also effective
are treated with sea buckthorn-based bleaching emulsions. At least
at least this is true for people with “Asian” skin. Scientists studying
pigmentation density of patients, found a significant decrease
the level of melanin in all participants in the experiment, applied to
skin herbal extract. .
All these properties of sea buckthorn are also used in home cosmetology,
where recipes for masks, lotions and creams are common
for skin and hair. Due to the abundance of vitamin C, sea buckthorn oil
promotes the growth of hair and nails.
Many manufacturers of skin care cosmetics have also included sea buckthorn
concentrates in the composition of anti-wrinkle and sagging products, and
also in the composition of medicinal preparations as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
and an antiseptic component.
We have collected the most important points about the benefits and possible dangers of sea buckthorn
in this illustration and we will be very grateful if you share
a picture on social networks, with a link to our page:
Fresh sea buckthorn berries begin to arrive at markets and shops
from the second half of August and remain there until the beginning of winter. To choose
ripe fruits of bright yellow color follow, which at the same time have preserved
density and elasticity. At the same time, there should not be any wrinkled or
sticky (glued) berries. There should be no uncharacteristic outsider
smell.
On the market, you can also buy a cut twig with sea buckthorn bunches
on it. If you put it in a cool place, then the hanging berries will even
longer than plucked ones, they will retain their freshness. But then you have to
shoot them yourself, which due to the technical complexity of the process,
do not like to do everything.
It is better to store sea buckthorn berries in the refrigerator, using for this
a small basket made of natural materials (from a rod or birch bark).
The advantage of such containers is that if the berries are damaged
juice flows out through the slots into the sump, from where it can be easily removed, preventing
fermentation. However, with the same success, you can store fruits in plastic
bags with drilled technological holes. Popular and
storing sea buckthorn in a glass jar, but in this case it is desirable
check the contents of the vessel from time to time to ensure that damaged
the berries did not flow, and the sea buckthorn did not float in its own juice.
For a long period, until the next harvest, sea buckthorn for storage
placed in a freezer. In frozen
condition, it does not lose its valuable properties. Some manufacturers
the quick-frozen berries are immediately packed into packages. However, not always
a transparent window is provided in such a container, therefore, to judge the quality
content is available after purchase. The cost of 1 kg of such a berry
– about 3-10 dollars (in national equivalent).
Sea buckthorn is of main interest as a raw material for medical
and the food industry. However, there are some interesting facts.
about this berry and beyond these areas:
Despite such an unexpected use of sea buckthorn, its main function,
of course it remains, curative. For the good, some people who
used to dislike sea buckthorn because of its taste and aroma, learned
cook the berry in new ways. Therefore, it is possible that in the next
the future awaits us not only scientific, but also culinary “sea buckthorn”
discoveries.
