Researchers found that special compounds called polysaccharides from sea buckthorn fruit might protect your liver from damage caused by alcohol. In laboratory tests and studies with mice, these compounds reduced inflammation, decreased harmful stress on liver cells, and improved the balance of good bacteria in the gut. The study suggests sea buckthorn could become a helpful dietary supplement for people concerned about alcohol’s effects on their liver health. However, more research in humans is needed before doctors can recommend it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether special plant compounds from sea buckthorn fruit could protect liver cells and whole livers from damage caused by alcohol
  • Who participated: Laboratory liver cells (THLE-2 cells) and mice that were given alcohol to create liver damage similar to what happens in humans
  • Key finding: Three different sea buckthorn compounds all reduced liver damage by lowering inflammation, reducing harmful cellular stress, and improving the gut bacteria balance in mice with alcohol-related liver disease
  • What it means for you: Sea buckthorn may someday be used as a dietary supplement to help protect your liver if you drink alcohol, but this research is still in early stages and hasn’t been tested in humans yet. Don’t use it as a replacement for reducing alcohol consumption or medical treatment

The Research Details

Scientists first extracted and purified three different polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) from sea buckthorn fruit. They identified what these compounds were made of using various laboratory techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy—think of these as special tools that separate and identify different parts of the compounds.

Next, they tested these compounds in two ways: first in liver cells grown in a lab dish, and second in living mice that had been given alcohol to damage their livers. This two-step approach helps researchers understand both how the compounds work at the cellular level and whether they actually help in a living organism.

The researchers measured many different markers of liver health, inflammation, and gut bacteria to see if the sea buckthorn compounds made a difference.

Testing in both lab cells and living animals is important because it shows whether something works at the basic level and whether it actually helps a whole living body. This approach gives scientists confidence that the results might eventually work in humans, though human studies are still needed

This study was published in a respected scientific journal focused on biological molecules. The researchers used multiple advanced testing methods to identify the compounds and measure their effects, which strengthens the reliability of their findings. However, the study was done in animals and lab cells, not humans, so the results may not directly apply to people. The exact number of mice and cells tested wasn’t clearly specified in the abstract

What the Results Show

All three sea buckthorn compounds protected liver cells from alcohol damage by keeping the cells’ structure intact and preventing them from dying. The compounds reduced the production of inflammatory chemicals that cause swelling and damage in the liver.

In mice with alcohol-related liver damage, the sea buckthorn treatment improved several important blood markers: it lowered liver enzymes (AST and ALT) that indicate liver damage, reduced harmful cholesterol and fat levels, and raised good cholesterol. These changes suggest the liver was healing and functioning better.

The compounds also boosted the body’s natural defense system against harmful molecules called free radicals, which are created when the liver processes alcohol. This protection came from increasing antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and GSH) that clean up these harmful molecules.

Interestingly, the sea buckthorn also improved the balance of bacteria in the gut, increasing helpful bacteria and decreasing harmful ones. This gut improvement may be important because the gut and liver are connected—a healthier gut can help protect the liver

The research showed that sea buckthorn compounds strengthened the intestinal barrier (the lining that controls what gets into the bloodstream from the gut). This is significant because a damaged intestinal barrier allows harmful substances to enter the blood and damage the liver. The compounds also reduced levels of harmful inflammatory chemicals in the liver tissue itself

This research builds on earlier studies showing that plant compounds can help protect the liver. The focus on how sea buckthorn affects both the liver and gut bacteria represents a newer understanding that these two organs work together. Previous research on other plant compounds has shown similar patterns of reducing inflammation and improving antioxidant defenses

This study only tested sea buckthorn in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. Results in animals don’t always translate to humans because our bodies are more complex. The study didn’t compare sea buckthorn to other known liver-protective treatments, so we don’t know if it’s better or worse than existing options. The exact doses used in mice may not match what would be safe or effective for people. Long-term effects weren’t studied, so we don’t know if the protection lasts over time

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, sea buckthorn shows promise as a potential dietary supplement for liver protection, but it’s too early to recommend it as a treatment. The evidence is moderate in strength because it comes from animal and cell studies only. If you’re interested in liver health, the most proven approach remains limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy diet. Talk to your doctor before taking any sea buckthorn supplements, especially if you have liver disease or take medications

This research may eventually be relevant to people who drink alcohol regularly and want to protect their liver health. It could also interest people with early-stage alcohol-related liver disease, though they should work with their doctor. This is NOT a substitute for medical treatment of existing liver disease. People with severe liver disease should not self-treat with supplements without medical supervision

If sea buckthorn eventually becomes a recommended supplement, benefits would likely take weeks to months to appear, similar to other dietary supplements. This is not a quick fix—it would work best as part of long-term lifestyle changes

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly alcohol consumption in standard drinks and monitor energy levels, digestion, and any symptoms of liver stress (yellowing of skin/eyes, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue) if considering sea buckthorn supplementation
  • If you decide to try sea buckthorn (with doctor approval), use the app to set a daily reminder to take it consistently and log any changes you notice in how you feel, your digestion, or your energy levels
  • Create a monthly check-in to review your alcohol intake patterns, overall wellness markers, and any digestive or energy changes. Share this data with your healthcare provider to track whether supplementation is helping

This research is preliminary and has only been tested in laboratory cells and mice, not in humans. Sea buckthorn should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment of liver disease or as an excuse to drink more alcohol. If you have liver disease, hepatitis, or take medications that affect the liver, consult your doctor before taking sea buckthorn supplements. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications