Anti-inflammatory activity of the functional groups present in Hippophae rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) leaf extract

Chromosome-level genome assembly of Hippophae rhamnoides variety

Fructus hippophae (Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica×Hippophae rhamnoides sinensis), a hybrid variety of sea buckthorn that Hippophae rhamnoides spp. mongolica serves as the female parent and Hippophae rhamnoides sinensis serves as the male parent, is a traditional plant with great potentials of economic and medical values. Herein, we gained a chromosome-level genome of Fructus hippophae about 918.59 Mb, with the scaffolds N50 reaching 83.65 Mb. Then, we anchored 440 contigs with 97.17% of the total genome sequences onto 12 pseudochromosomes. Next, de-novo, homology and transcriptome assembly strategies were adopted for gene structure prediction. This predicted 36475 protein-coding genes, of which 36226 genes could be functionally annotated. Simultaneously, various strategies were used for quality assessment, both the complete BUSCO value (98.80%) and the mapping rate indicated the high assembly quality. Repetitive elements, which occupied 63.68% of the genome, and 1483600 bp of non-coding RNA were annotated. Here, we provide genomic information on female plants of a popular variety, which can provide data for pan-genomic construction of sea buckthorn and for the resolution of the mechanism of sex differentiation.

Protective Effect of Polyphenolic Extracts from Hippophae rhamnoides L. and Reynoutria japonica Houtt. on Erythrocyte Membrane

Sea buckthorn and Japanese knotweed are known in many traditional medicine systems to be a great source of bioactive substances. This research aims to compare the bioactivity and protective effects of the phenolic extracts of leaves from sea buckthorn and roots and leaves from the Japanese knotweed on erythrocytes. The polyphenol composition of the extract was analyzed using UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS. The extracts' toxicity and impact on the erythrocytes' osmotic fragility were measured spectrophotometrically. The antioxidant activity was determined based on the inhibition of oxidation of erythrocytes and their membrane induced by 2,2'-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH),measured spectrophotometrically and using fluorimetry. To find the possible mechanism of the extracts' action, extract-modified cells were observed under a microscope, and the potential localization of the extract's phytochemical composition was checked using fluorescent probes. The results showed that the used extracts are not toxic to erythrocytes, increase their osmotic resistance, and successfully protect them against free radicals. Extract components localize on the outer part of the membrane, where they can scavenge the free radicals from the environment. Altogether, the presented extracts can greatly protect living organisms against free radicals and can be used to support the treatment of diseases caused by excess free radicals.

Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application

Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) is an excellent medicinal and edible plant owing to its high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As an important bioactive component, H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) have aroused wide attention due to their various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and so on. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of HRP-derived functional food and medicines are constrained to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship, application, and safety of HRPs. This review systematically summarizes the advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of HRPs. The structure-activity relationship, safety evaluation, application, as well as the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of HRPs and lay a groundwork for future research and utilization of HRPs as multifunctional biomaterials and therapeutic agents.

In Search of Authenticity Biomarkers in Food Supplements Containing Sea Buckthorn: A Metabolomics Approach

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) (SB) is increasingly consumed worldwide as a food and food supplement. The remarkable richness in biologically active phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids, sterols, vitamins) is responsible for its purported nutritional and health-promoting effects. Despite the considerable interest and high market demand for SB-based supplements, a limited number of studies report on the authentication of such commercially available products. Herein, untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-ESI+MS) were able to compare the phytochemical fingerprint of leaves, berries, and various categories of SB-berry herbal supplements (teas, capsules, tablets, liquids). By untargeted metabolomics, a multivariate discrimination analysis and a univariate approach (t-test and ANOVA) showed some putative authentication biomarkers for berries, e.g., xylitol, violaxanthin, tryptophan, quinic acid, quercetin-3-rutinoside. Significant dominant molecules were found for leaves: luteolin-5-glucoside, arginine, isorhamnetin 3-rutinoside, serotonin, and tocopherol. The univariate analysis showed discriminations between the different classes of food supplements using similar algorithms. Finally, eight molecules were selected and considered significant putative authentication biomarkers. Further studies will be focused on quantitative evaluation.

Hippophae rhamnoides L.: A Comprehensive Review on the Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytonutrients, Health Benefits, Quality Markers, and Applications

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn), consumed as a food and health supplement worldwide, has rich nutritional and medicinal properties. Different parts of H. rhamnoides L. were used in traditional Chinese medicines for relieving cough, aiding digestion, invigorating blood circulation, and alleviating pain since ancient times. Phytochemical studies revealed a wide variety of phytonutrients, including nutritional components (proteins, minerals, vitamins, etc.) and functional components like flavonoids (1-99), lignans (100-143), volatile oils (144-207), tannins (208-230), terpenoids (231-260), steroids (261-270), organic acids (271-297), and alkaloids (298-305). The pharmacological studies revealed that some crude extracts or compounds of H. rhamnoides L. demonstrated various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticardiovascular disease, anticancer, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, antibacterial activities, and their effective doses and experimental models were summarized and analyzed in this paper. The quality markers (Q-markers) of H. rhamnoides L. were predicted and analyzed based on protobotanical phylogeny, traditional medicinal properties, expanded efficacy, pharmacokinetics and metabolism, and component testability. The applications of H. rhamnoides L. in juice, wine, oil, ferment, and yogurt were also summarized and future prospects were examined in this review. However, the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of some active compounds are not clear, and quality control and potential toxicity are worth further study in the future.

The protective effect of Eleutheroside E against the mechanical barrier dysfunction triggered by lipopolysaccharide in IPEC-J2 cells

Eleutheroside E (EE) exhibits immunocompetence, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can elicit a strong immune response. In vitro experiments were used to explore whether EE protects intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) barriers from LPS stress. The experiment was divided into group C (control group: complete medium), group E (group C + 0.1 mg/mL EE), group L (group C + 10 μg/mL LPS), and group EL (adding 0.1 mg/mL EE for 6 h, and then adding 10 μg/mL LPS for culture). Finally, the cell proliferation, permeability, mRNA expression of cytokines, mRNA and protein expression of tight junctions (TJs) were analyzed. The result show that, when compared to the C group, EE significantly promoted the proliferation of IPEC-J2 at 58 h and showed low permeability (P < 0.05), the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β mRNA expression were increased extremely significantly, the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ mRNA expression were extremely significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the mRNA and protein expression of TJ were significantly increased in group E (P < 0.05). However, LPS showed a damaging effect. EL group compared with L group, the cell index (CI) value was higher at 58 h (P < 0.05), the permeability was significantly lower (P < 0.05), the mRNA expressions of the inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated(P < 0.01), and the TJ mRNA and protein relative expression were increased (P < 0.05). In summary, the addition of EE protects the LPS-induced increase in permeability of IPEC-J2, potentially by expressing high levels of TJ proteins and inhibiting the increase of inflammatory cytokines.

Phytochemistry, health benefits, and food applications of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A comprehensive review

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), an ancient miraculous plant, is of great interest because of its tenacity, richness in nutritional active substances, and biological activity. Sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub or tree of the genus Hippophae in the family Elaeagnaceae. It is a pioneer tree species for soil improvement, wind and sand control, and soil and water conservation. Sea buckthorn contains many nutritional active components, such as vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Moreover, sea buckthorn has many health benefits, such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, dermatological, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Sea buckthorn not only has great medicinal and therapeutic potential, but also is a promising economic plant. The potential of sea buckthorn in the human food industry has attracted the research interest of researchers and producers. The present review mainly summarizes the phytochemistry, nutrients, health benefits, and food applications of sea buckthorn. Overall, sea buckthorn is a dietary source of bioactive ingredients with the potential to be developed into functional foods or dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of certain chronic diseases, which deserves further research.

Changes of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Sea Buckthorn Juice during Fermentation Based on Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Sea buckthorn is rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant activities. However, it is very sour, and its odor is slightly unpleasant, so it requires flavor improvement. Fermentation is one potential method. Sea buckthorn juice was fermented at 37 °C for 72 h and then post-fermented at 4 °C for 10 days. The flavor-related properties of the sea buckthorn juice were evaluated during fermentation, including the pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color, sensory evaluation, and volatile flavors. The sea buckthorn fermented juice had a low pH. The total soluble solids decreased from 10.60 ± 0.10% to 5.60 ± 0.12%. The total color change was not more than 20%. Fermentation increased the sweet odor of the sea buckthorn juice, but the fruity flavor decreased and the bitter flavor increased. A total of 33 volatile flavors were identified by headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), including 24 esters, 4 alcohols, 4 terpenes, and 1 ketone. Their total relative contents were 79.63-81.67%, 10.04-11.76%, 1.56-1.22%, and 0.25-0.55%, respectively. The differences in the characteristic volatile molecular species of the sea buckthorn juice at different fermentation stages could be visually discerned using fingerprint maps. Through principal component analysis (PCA), the total flavor difference of the sea buckthorn juice at different fermentation stages could be effectively distinguished into three groups: the samples fermented for 0 h and 12 h were in one group, the samples fermented for 36 h, 48 h, 60 h, and 72 h were in another group, and the samples fermented for 24 h were in another group. It is suggested that sea buckthorn juice be fermented for 36 h to improve its flavor. GC-IMS and PCA are effective methods of identifying and distinguishing the flavor characteristics of sea buckthorn juice. The above results can provide a theoretical basis for studying the changes in sea buckthorn's characteristics as a result of fermentation, particularly with regard to its flavor.

Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) on factors related to metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore whether the supplement of sea buckthorn affects the factors related to metabolic syndrome. The related RCTs from five databases were systematically searched and comprehensively random effects model was used to calculate SMD and 95% CI. The Cochrane deviation risk tool was used to evaluate the deviation risk. Fifteen studies were involved in the meta-analysis. First, sea buckthorn supplementation reduced triglycerides [-0.722 (-1.129, -0.316); p < .001], total cholesterol [-0.345 (-0.639, -0.051); p = .021], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [-0.396 (-0.755, -0.037); p = .031], and increased high density lipoprotein cholesterol [0.370 (0.056, 0.684); p = .021] in overall subjects. Second, subgroup analysis showed that sea buckthorn supplementation reduced lipids only in people with abnormal lipid metabolism. Third, sea buckthorn had no effect on blood sugar, blood pressure, and BMI of the overall subjects. Sea buckthorn may affect the lipid metabolism in circulation, but it cannot affect blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI. These indicators are closely associated with metabolic syndrome. This study may contribute to the development and utilization of sea buckthorn, and may provide a new and safer way for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. The limitation of this study is high heterogeneity, even if subgroup analysis is used. However, more clinical studies are needed to determine the real effect of sea buckthorn on metabolic syndrome.

Research on the Mechanism of HRP Relieving IPEC-J2 Cells Immunological Stress Based on Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis

Early weaning increased the economic benefits of piglets. However, early weaning damages the intestinal barrier of piglets and causes immunological stress. The mechanism by which Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide (HRP) alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) inflammatory damage was investigated using proteomics in our previous studies. In this study we employed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the level and function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and further explore the mechanism of the HRP anti-inflammatory and immune process. The differential expression analysis indicated that 3622, 1216, and 2100 DEGs in the IPEC-J2 cells were identified in C vs. L, L vs. H6-L, and C vs. H6-L, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis foundsix identified pathways related to the immune system. Additionally, we used the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program to categorize the 3,134 DEGs that were differentially expressed in H2-L, H4-L and H6-L into eight possible expression profiles, in which 612 were clustered into two profiles. The accuracy and consistency of RNA-seq data were validated by the results of qRT-PCR of the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 2 (NFKB2), MAP kinase interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (MKNK2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8), Ras-related protein R-Ras (RRAS), TNF receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), interleukin 8 (IL8), tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1). Transcriptome sequencing also indicated that HRP reduced the expression levels of related DEGs and inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that the application of HRP in piglet diets during the early weaning period can improve intestinal epithelial function and integrity, and relieve intestinal damage, and improve piglet health.

Changes in chilled beef packaged in starch film containing sea buckthorn pomace extract and quality changes in the film during super-chilled storage

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of super-chilled storage (-1.3 °C) combined with starch film packaging containing different contents of sea buckthorn pomace extract (SSF, 0, 1, 2, and 3%, w/w) on the quality of chilled beef. The release kinetics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the film were also measured to investigate its suitability for super-chilled storage. The results of the meat quality assessment showed that the L*, a*, and sensory evaluation values of the SSF-3% samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the pH, b*, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and total viable count (TCA) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the SSF-0%. The release of SBP from the SSF film was controlled by diffusion. Furthermore, SSF-3% was found to have a compact microstructure and good mechanical properties at the end of the super-chilled storage. The results demonstrated that SSF is an effective packaging material for beef at super-chilling temperatures.

Hippophae rhamnoides mediate gene expression profiles against keratinocytes infection of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide range of skin diseases such as bacterial keratitis, follicles, psoriasis, cellulitis and atopic dermatitis. This study aims to investigate the S. aureus mediated molecular modulation, and the effect of HR in reversing the deleterious impact of S. aureus in keratinocytes. Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were cultured in DMEM, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. Subcultures were divided into three flasks: control with no S. aureus and extract (C), S. aureus infected (SA) and S. aureus infected cells and extract (SE). RNA was isolated and microarray analysis was performed. The data was annotated using GO functional analysis and DAVID functional annotation. For each comparison group, significant probes were filtered out at significant cut off by fold change (P < 0.05 and/or > twofold change). For SA vs control, SE vs control, and SE vs SA, 204, 9369, 9900 probes were filtered respectively. In SA vs control, TNF signaling, NOD-like receptor and chemokine receptor signaling pathways were upregulated with key genes such as CCL2, CCL20 and BIRC3. The SE vs SA, showed significant expression variations of a number of important genes. Molecular pathways associated with ILs, TNFs, TGFs, IFNs, FGFs, MAPKs, MMPs, caspases and Wnts were either up regulated or downregulated. This effect was reversed by the extract, possibly through downregulating various proinflammatory cytokines and apoptotic pathways. Our study reveals that S. aureus inserts a negative impact on the regulation of various key genes which is apparently reversed by the HR extract.

A size-controlled green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using the berry extract of Sea Buckthorn and their biological activities

Herein, by using the Sea Buckthorn berry extract, we present a new eco-friendly approach for green synthesis of AgNPs, which reveal superior antioxidation and anticancer but poor antimicrobial activities.

Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides protect IPEC-J2 cells from LPS-induced inflammation, apoptosis and barrier dysfunction in vitro via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Inflammatory response caused by early weaning stress in piglets is associated with various diseases. The Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide (HRP) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and immunomodulatory properties. The mechanisms for the protective effects of HRP on barrier function, inflammatory damage and apoptosis in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) induced by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated the cytotoxicity of HRP-induced IPEC-J2 cells by reducing cell viability. IPEC-J2 cells were treated with 0-800 μg/mL doses of HRP, and 0-600 μg/mL doses were used in further experiments. Upon exposure to LPS, the viability of IPEC-J2 cells, ROS production, immunoglobulin levels (immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG)) and tight junction protein level (zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occluding, claudin-1) decreased. Inflammatory factors (interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) and apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9) were increased. Cell morphology and internal structure were damaged in the LPS treatment. Pre-treating cells with HRP (0-600 μg/mL) reduced inflammatory factors levels, apoptosis rate, increased immunoglobulins, tight junction protein levels and relieved cell surface morphology damage. Pre-treatment with HRP also reduced the levels of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and inhibited the phosphorylated NF-κB factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in cells induced by LPS. These results show that pre-treatment with HRP protected against LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cell damage through its anti-inflammatory activity.

Cytokines Driven Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Psoriasis Like Efficacies of Nutraceutical Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Oil

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by circumscribed, red, thickened plaques with overlying silvery white scales. It is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that lead to the development of edema and distress. Here we show the anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic efficacies of a neutraceutical sea buckthorn oil (SBKT) derived from the fruit pulp of Hippophae rhamnoides. Chemical analysis of the SBKT showed the presence of 16 major saturated, mono-, and polyunsaturated fatty acids components, imparting significant nutritional values. Efficacy of the SBKT in modulating psoriasis and associated inflammation was first tested in vitro using human monocytic (THP-1) cells. SBKT induced cytotoxicity at a dose of ≥25 µl/ml. Treatment of the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 cells with SBKT subdued the enhanced release of intracellular reactive nitrogen species and expression of NF-κB protein, in a concentration-dependent manner. This was accompanied by a reduction in the release of downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines: Interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6. Tumor necrosis factor-α released in the stimulated THP-1 cells were also inhibited by SBKT dose of 5 µl/ml. In vivo oral and topical treatment with SBKT in the Carrageenan-stimulated paw edema model, showed a significant decrease in paw volume and edema. In the 12-O tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated CD-1 mice psoriasis-like model, concurrent oral and tropical SBKT treatments substantially reduced ear edema and ear biopsy weights. Histopathologically, significant reduction in ear epidermal thickness and skin lesion scores was observed in the SBKT-treated animals. In conclusion, SBKT showed anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriasis-like efficacies in healing chemical-induced inflammation and psoriasis. The possible mode of action of SBKT was found through inhibition of reactive nitrogen species, and downregulation of NF-κB protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the present data suggest that Sea buckthorn oil can be used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic nutraceutical.