Researchers developed a new method to extract and measure B vitamins from sea buckthorn leaves, a plant used in traditional medicine. Using advanced laboratory techniques, they found that sea buckthorn leaves contain several important B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12) and that the amount of these vitamins changes depending on how long the leaves are heated. This discovery could help people understand whether sea buckthorn supplements actually contain the vitamins they claim to have, and it might lead to better ways of preparing sea buckthorn products for health benefits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether sea buckthorn leaves contain B vitamins and how the heating process affects the amount of these vitamins present
  • Who participated: This was a laboratory study that tested sea buckthorn leaf samples rather than involving human participants. Researchers compared different extraction methods to find the best way to pull vitamins out of the leaves
  • Key finding: Sea buckthorn leaves do contain measurable amounts of five different B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12), and the amount of these vitamins changes as the leaves are heated for different lengths of time
  • What it means for you: If you use sea buckthorn supplements or are considering them, this research suggests the product may actually contain the B vitamins advertised. However, this is a laboratory study, not a human health study, so we don’t yet know how much of these vitamins your body can actually use from sea buckthorn products

The Research Details

This was a laboratory chemistry study designed to develop and test a new method for extracting and measuring B vitamins from sea buckthorn leaves. The researchers created a special material (amine-modified graphene oxide) that acts like a magnet for B vitamins, pulling them out of leaf samples so they can be measured accurately. They then used a sophisticated machine called ultra-performance liquid chromatography, which separates and identifies different vitamins in a sample. The researchers also tested how heating the leaves for different amounts of time changed the vitamin content, using a special analysis technique called 2D correlation analysis to visualize these changes.

The study involved testing multiple samples of sea buckthorn leaves that were heated for different durations. By comparing the results, the researchers could see patterns in how the B vitamins changed as heating time increased. This type of research is important because it establishes whether a plant actually contains the nutrients people claim it does, and under what conditions those nutrients are most available.

Before researchers can study whether sea buckthorn actually helps people’s health, they need a reliable way to measure what’s actually in it. This study provides that foundation by creating an accurate method to detect and measure B vitamins in sea buckthorn leaves. Understanding how heating affects vitamin content is also important because it tells manufacturers the best way to prepare sea buckthorn products to preserve these beneficial compounds.

This study was published in The Analyst, a respected peer-reviewed chemistry journal, which suggests the methods were carefully reviewed by other scientists. The researchers demonstrated that their new extraction method was very sensitive (able to detect tiny amounts of vitamins) and very consistent (producing similar results when repeated). However, this is a laboratory study focused on chemistry methods, not a study testing whether these vitamins actually benefit human health. The study also did not specify exactly how many leaf samples were tested, which would be helpful information.

What the Results Show

The researchers successfully created a new method to extract B vitamins from sea buckthorn leaves using a specially designed material. The method was able to detect five B vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, with very low detection limits (meaning it can find even tiny amounts). The method was also very reliable, with results varying by less than 4.5% when the same sample was tested multiple times.

When the researchers analyzed sea buckthorn leaf extracts that had been heated for different amounts of time, they found that the B vitamin content changed as heating time increased. This suggests that the way sea buckthorn leaves are prepared (how long they’re heated) affects how many B vitamins end up in the final product. The 2D correlation analysis allowed them to visualize exactly which vitamins increased or decreased with different heating times, providing a detailed picture of how heat affects the vitamin composition.

The study found that the new extraction method was particularly good at removing unwanted substances from the leaf samples while keeping the B vitamins intact. This is important because it means the method gives a clearer picture of what’s actually in sea buckthorn leaves without interference from other plant compounds. The research also demonstrated that different amine compounds used to create the extraction material performed differently, with triethylamine-based material working best.

While this study doesn’t directly compare to previous human health studies, it builds on existing research showing that sea buckthorn contains various beneficial compounds. This work is more advanced than previous methods because it can measure multiple B vitamins simultaneously and with greater accuracy. The study supports traditional uses of sea buckthorn in herbal medicine by confirming that B vitamins are actually present in the plant.

This is a laboratory chemistry study, not a human health study, so we don’t know yet whether the B vitamins found in sea buckthorn leaves can actually be absorbed and used by the human body. The study doesn’t tell us how much sea buckthorn you would need to eat to get meaningful amounts of these vitamins. The exact number of leaf samples tested wasn’t specified in the published information. Additionally, the study only looked at one type of sea buckthorn plant and one extraction method, so results might differ with different plant varieties or preparation methods.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, sea buckthorn leaves appear to contain B vitamins as claimed. However, this is preliminary laboratory evidence. If you’re interested in sea buckthorn supplements, look for products that specify the heating or extraction method used, since this affects vitamin content. This research alone is not strong enough to recommend sea buckthorn as a primary source of B vitamins—eating a varied diet with foods like whole grains, eggs, and leafy greens remains the best approach. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (this is laboratory evidence, not human health evidence)

This research is most relevant to: supplement manufacturers who want to ensure their sea buckthorn products contain the vitamins they claim; researchers studying sea buckthorn’s health benefits; people interested in traditional herbal remedies. This research is NOT yet strong enough to guide individual health decisions about whether to take sea buckthorn supplements. People with B vitamin deficiencies should consult their doctor rather than relying on sea buckthorn alone.

This research doesn’t address how quickly you might see health benefits from sea buckthorn. Before that question can be answered, human studies would need to be conducted. If manufacturers use this research to improve their extraction methods, improved products might be available within 1-2 years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a sea buckthorn supplement, track: daily intake amount (in grams or capsules), brand/product name, and any changes in energy levels or general wellness on a weekly basis. Note the extraction method if available on the label
  • Users could set a daily reminder to take a sea buckthorn supplement at the same time each day and log it in their nutrition tracker. They could also photograph the product label to record which extraction method was used, helping them identify which products may have higher B vitamin content based on this research
  • Over 8-12 weeks, track whether consistent sea buckthorn use correlates with changes in energy, mood, or other wellness markers. Keep notes on which specific products were used and their preparation methods. Share results with a healthcare provider to determine if any observed changes are meaningful

This research is a laboratory chemistry study and does not provide evidence that sea buckthorn supplements improve human health or treat any medical condition. The presence of B vitamins in sea buckthorn leaves does not mean your body can absorb or use these vitamins effectively from supplements. If you have a B vitamin deficiency, are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have any health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before using sea buckthorn supplements. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.