Bioactive and Nutritional Properties of Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A Potential Role in Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional and bioactive potential of sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), with emphasis on its possible use in the prevention of chronic diseases. The antioxidant activity (AA; DPPH method), total polyphenol content (TPC; Folin–Ciocalteu method), fatty acid profile (GC-FID), and health-related lipid indices were determined. Commercially available cold-pressed sea buckthorn oils were analyzed. The samples originated from a Slovak producer (sample 1) and from a German producer (sample 2). Antioxidant activity was 54.33 ±1.88% in sample no. 1 and 61.48 ±1.66% in sample no. 2 (p <0.001). Statistically significant differences (p <0.001) were also found between the evaluated samples in TPC. The sample from the Slovak producer reached 44.67 ±3.18 mg GAE.L^-1, while the sample from the foreign producer reached 99.58 ±3.15 mg GAE.L^-1. Fatty acid profile analysis revealed a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in both samples. The most abundant fatty acids were linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. The n-6/n-3 ratio was 1.391 and 2.189, respectively. The low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices in the tested matrices also indicated a favorable lipid profile with potential benefits for cardiometabolic health. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that sea buckthorn oil is a promising natural raw material with high biological value. Its favorable composition, antioxidant content, and suitable fatty acid profile support its potential application in functional nutrition and in the prevention of chronic diseases.