Phenolic compounds in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) and their health-promoting activities: a review

Sea buckthorn (SB) is used in cuisines and herbal remedies due to its remarkable nutritional composition and health-enhancing properties. The phenolic compounds present in SB plant include phenolic acids (gallic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic and ferulic acids), flavonols (isorhamnetin, quercetin and kaempferol), flavan-3-ols and polymeric procyanidins. The highest content of these compounds was reported in branches and leaves than corresponding edible parts of the plant. The antioxidant properties of SB are related to content and composition of phenolic compounds in different plant parts. The studies reported SB flavonoids (isorhamnetin and quercetin) as main phenolic compounds with medicinal potential and health-promoting effects. The present review summarises information available in recent studies on phenolic composition, phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and health-promoting activities (anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and obesity management) of SB that can be used in curtailing various acute and chronic maladies. SB can be projected as a promising source of bioactive constituents with the potential to be used in healthy foods for beneficial effects on human health.