4.1.1. Flavonoids
Flavonoid compounds may have potential roles in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer [57]. Guo et al. [57] found that total phenols and flavonoid alcohols in Flavonoid compounds may have potential roles in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer [15]. Guo et al. [15] found that total phenols and flavonoid alcohols in Sea buckthorn extracts exhibited antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities. To date, 95 flavonoid compounds have been identified in
Sea buckthorn, including 75 flavonol alcohols, 2 dihydroflavonols, 6 catechins, 1 resveratrol, 9 anthocyanins, 1 proanthocyanidin, and 1 flavone [58]. Resveratrol is a phenolic phytoalexin exhibiting antifungal properties within the realm of plant secondary metabolites. The research has indicated its beneficial impact on human health, in conjunction with other categorized compounds. Investigations highlight that diverse technical approaches during the processing of plant materials can exert an influence on the presence of these phenolic compounds in the ultimate product. The conclusions drawn from the research report authored by Aleksander V. et al. [59] underscore that the initial processing and brewing methodology can impact and augment the resveratrol content. The concentration of resveratrol tends to escalate with prolonged soaking and fermentation times. Notably, red grape wine manifests a higher resveratrol content compared to white grape wine. The thermal vinification process, involving heating to 60 °C with a 1-h incubation, proves to be more efficacious in extracting phenolic substances than traditional methods, including 75 flavonol alcohols, 2 dihydroflavonols, 6 catechins, 1 resveratrol, 9 anthocyanins, 1 proanthocyanidin, and 1 flavone [16]. Resveratrol is a phenolic phytoalexin exhibiting antifungal properties within the realm of plant secondary metabolites. The research has indicated its beneficial impact on human health, in conjunction with other categorized compounds. Investigations highlight that diverse technical approaches during the processing of plant materials can exert an influence on the presence of these phenolic compounds in the ultimate product. The conclusions drawn from the research report authored by Aleksander V. et al. [17] underscore that the initial processing and brewing methodology can impact and augment the resveratrol content. The concentration of resveratrol tends to escalate with prolonged soaking and fermentation times. Notably, red grape wine manifests a higher resveratrol content compared to white grape wine. The thermal vinification process, involving heating to 60 °C with a 1-h incubation, proves to be more efficacious in extracting phenolic substances than traditional methods
4.1.2. Phenolic Acid Compounds
Polyphenols are the main compounds in
Sea buckthorn responsible for its antioxidant activity. They are a class of compounds with multiple phenolic ring structures, including flavonoids, flavonols, and phenolic acids. Polyphenols possess strong antioxidant properties, neutralizing and stabilizing free radicals and reducing cell damage induced by oxidative stress. The reported polyphenol content in
Sea buckthorn fruit ranges from 12.36 to 34.6 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) per gram, which is higher than that in oranges (1.27 mg GAE/g), citrus fruits (1.16 mg GAE/g), blueberries (2.19 mg GAE/g), sour cherries (2.56 mg GAE/g), and strawberries (1.12 mg GAE/g) [67,68]. fruit ranges from 12.36 to 34.6 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs) per gram, which is higher than that in oranges (1.27 mg GAE/g), citrus fruits (1.16 mg GAE/g), blueberries (2.19 mg GAE/g), sour cherries (2.56 mg GAE/g), and strawberries (1.12 mg GAE/g) [18][19].
4.1.3. Vitamins
The quality of
Sea buckthorn fruit is often evaluated based on its abundant nutritional value [67]. fruit is often evaluated based on its abundant nutritional value [18]. Sea buckthorn is renowned as a “natural treasure trove of vitamins” due to its high vitamin content. The vitamin C content in
Sea buckthorn fruits varies between 52.86 mg and 896 mg per 100 g [56,67]. The vitamin C content in 100 g of fruits varies between 52.86 mg and 896 mg per 100 g [14][18]. The vitamin C content in 100 g of Sea buckthorn berries can reach as high as 275 mg, far surpassing the same quantity of other fruits, such as mangoes (27.7 mg), apricots (10 mg), bananas (8.7 mg), oranges (50 mg), and peaches (6.6 mg). Hence, owing to its elevated vitamin C content,
Sea buckthorn products are capable of retaining substantial vitamin C levels even post-processing. This is crucial, as many products encounter challenges in preserving adequate vitamin C levels throughout processing. Nevertheless, certain studies indicate that subjecting
Sea buckthorn to high-temperature processing may result in a reduction in vitamin C content. This juice can be effectively harnessed for the production of nutritionally rich fruit juice powder through the utilization of the spray drying process. Alterations in spray drying conditions, such as the inlet air temperature, are observed to impact the vitamin C content of the fruit juice powder. It was noted that a significant increase in the vitamin C content of the juice powder could be achieved by adjusting the spray drying conditions, specifically by reducing the inlet air temperature [75].
4.2. Commercial Values and Valorization of Sea Buckthorn
to high-temperature processing may result in a reduction in vitamin C content. This juice can be effectively harnessed for the production of nutritionally rich fruit juice powder through the utilization of the spray drying process. Alterations in spray drying conditions, such as the inlet air temperature, are observed to impact the vitamin C content of the fruit juice powder. It was noted that a significant increase in the vitamin C content of the juice powder could be achieved by adjusting the spray drying conditions, specifically by reducing the inlet air temperature [20].
4.2. Commercial Values and Valorization of Sea Buckthorn
4.2.1. Development of Sea buckthorn Functional Foods
Sea buckthorn has significant importance in the food industry, particularly as a raw material for functional foods or dietary supplements. While all parts of the
Sea buckthorn plant have diverse applications, the fruit, especially the pulp (used for making
Sea buckthorn juice) and the fruit seeds (used for oil extraction), are the most valuable components
[78,79][21][22]. Various products derived from
Sea buckthorn fruit have been developed, similar to common products obtained from other fruits, and there were over 200 different products derived from
Sea buckthorn species in 2018
[69][23].
Sea buckthorn low-temperature freeze-dried powder, prepared through low-temperature freeze-drying technology, can actively impact the composition and structure of the gut microbiota and help combat high-fat diet-induced obesity
[80][24]. Adding 3%
Sea buckthorn fruit juice extract to pork sausages effectively inhibited lipid oxidation and reduced the total bacterial count by approximately 7 times, thereby enhancing the microbial content of the sausages
[81][25]. In Finland,
Sea buckthorn is used as a functional ingredient in baby food products
[82][26].
4.2.2. Extraction of Sea buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil can be categorized into fruit oil, seed oil, and blended oil. Product types include capsules, oral liquid, and bottled oil, among others. In the food market,
Sea buckthorn products containing added
Sea buckthorn oil hold an important and distinct position.
Sea buckthorn oil can be found as an ingredient in certain dietary supplements, such as those aimed at improving mucous membrane conditions. These supplements are highly appealing to consumers because they are sourced naturally and offer health benefits
[83][27] Sea buckthorn fruits contain two different oil components: one obtained from the seeds and the other retained in the pulp. The primary compounds in these oil fractions are unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, but their concentrations vary significantly. Seed oil contains higher concentrations of tocopherols and α-linolenic acid, while pulp oil has higher concentrations of palmitoleic acid.
Considering the known positive effects of
Sea buckthorn oil on the skin and mucous membranes, researchers have investigated its potential impact on dry eye syndrome. A group of men and women suffering from dry eye syndrome orally consumed
Sea buckthorn oil for three months during the autumn and winter.
Sea buckthorn oil reduced the increase in tear film osmolarity during the cold season and had a positive effect on dry eye symptoms
[91][28]. Despite the long history of
Sea buckthorn’s nutritional and medicinal use, information regarding its toxicity and safety remains relatively limited.
4.2.3. Making Sea buckthorn Juice Beverages
Sea buckthorn has a wide range of applications in food, providing not only a delicious taste and color to dishes but also a rich nutritional content and antioxidants for the human body. These applications not only enrich food choices but also contribute to promoting health and creating delicious meals. Some of the most popular and ancient
Sea buckthorn products are juices and refreshing beverages. These nutrient-rich drinks are abundant in vitamin C and carotenoids and are highly popular in China, Germany, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and other Nordic countries.
Sea buckthorn beverages served as the official drink for Chinese athletes during the 1988 Seoul Olympics
[95][29]. They are also used in the diets of Indian soldiers working in extremely cold conditions
[96][30]. Furthermore,
Sea buckthorn berries, despite their tartness, are used for making jams and jellies. Their rich aroma can be balanced by blending
Sea buckthorn juice or sauce with other milder-flavored fruits in various proportions
[97][31]. The research indicates that
Sea buckthorn fruits are valuable for jam production due to their high content of bioactive compounds. In a study by Rafalska et al.
[98][32], various jams with different flavors and colors were prepared by mixing
Sea buckthorn fruit with other fruits, such as apples, currants, raspberries, and strawberries.
5. Conclusions
Sea buckthorn offers rich nutritional value; however, there is still room for ongoing improvements in various aspects, including genetic enhancement and adaptability to diverse environments. As a nutrient-rich fruit,
Sea buckthorn has a wide range of applications and prospects, but future development should encompass factors such as variety improvement, agricultural practices, food safety, market promotion, sustainable production, clinical research, and international cooperation. Through continued research and ongoing improvement in practices,
Sea buckthorn is poised to become an integral component of healthy food and sustainable agriculture.
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Breeding of New Varieties: Sea buckthorn has multiple varieties, and variations in nutritional content and taste may exist among different varieties. The future research should focus on breeding Sea buckthorn varieties with higher yields, drought resistance, and enhanced nutritional value to meet market demands. This will contribute to improving the sustainable production and commercial potential of Sea buckthorn.
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Genetic Enhancement of Sea buckthorn: While Sea buckthorn exhibits strong adaptability to the environment, the regions suitable for its growth may change with climate change and rising temperatures. The research indicates that global warming in recent decades has led to changes in the distribution range of Sea buckthorn. For instance, the population of Sea buckthorn in some high-latitude areas has decreased, while Sea buckthorn in some low-latitude regions is gradually expanding northward. Furthermore, climate change may also affect the quality and yield of Sea buckthorn berries. As Sea buckthorn has high requirements for sunlight and water, climate change may lead to drought and excessively high temperatures, affecting Sea buckthorn growth and fruit yield.
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Agricultural Practices and Sustainability: The cultivation and management techniques for Sea buckthorn need continuous improvement to enhance yield and quality while ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers need training to understand how to maximize the potential of this plant. Sea buckthorn is a highly adaptable and drought-resistant plant suitable for growth under various climatic conditions. Therefore, it has the potential to become a promising agricultural crop that can improve rural economies and increase farmers’ income. Additionally, the root system of Sea buckthorn can be used to prevent soil erosion, contributing to sustainable land management. Sustainable methods of Sea buckthorn production and harvesting need to be considered to ensure that they do not harm the ecosystem. Planting and harvesting practices should take into account their environmental impact and resource management.
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Food Safety and Innovation: As the production and consumption of Sea buckthorn products increase, ensuring food safety is crucial. The research should focus on hygiene standards and food preservation techniques during the production process to prevent foodborne illnesses. There is still significant room for the use of Sea buckthorn in the food industry. Food producers can continue to develop a variety of new products, such as Sea buckthorn jams, cookies, ice creams, beverages, and dietary supplements, to meet consumer demands for natural and nutrient-rich foods.
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Clinical Research: The potential medicinal value of Sea buckthorn has yet to be thoroughly explored. Clinical trials can investigate its role in the treatment of chronic diseases, promoting skin health, improving eye health, and its potential applications in drug development.
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International Cooperation: With increasing global demand for Sea buckthorn products, international trade will become a vital area of growth. Simultaneously, there is substantial potential for international trade and cooperation involving Sea buckthorn. Countries can collaborate to conduct research, share best practices, and promote international trade of Sea buckthorn products, fostering sustainable growth of the global Sea buckthorn industry and advancing the international trade of Sea buckthorn and its products, promoting agricultural cooperation and economic development.