Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides and Hippophae salicifolia) Seed Oil in Combating Inflammation: A Mechanistic Approach

Objective: This study assessed and compared in vivo anti‑inflammatory activity of Hippophae rhamnoides (HR) and Hippophae salicifolia (HS) seed oil. Materials and Methods: HR and HS seed oil was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus and characterized using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. Wistar rats were used for predicting anti‑inflammatory activity. Results: HR and HS (2 and 4 ml/kg, respectively) exhibited dose‑dependent inhibition of carrageenan‑, histamine‑, prostaglandin‑, bradykinin‑, and arachidonic acid (AA)‑induced paw edema. Significant leukotriene‑induced inhibition was observed in HR. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipid‑peroxidase (LPO) assays were performed and HR and HS seed oil significantly decreased the level of MPO and LPO at 4 ml/kg dose (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Dual inhibition of AA metabolism in HR and cyclooxygenase inhibition in HS was observed that might be attributed to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), specifically, a correct balance of n‑3 and n‑6 PUFAs. However, the findings should be interpreted in the light of limitation of this study. Detailed experimentation at enzymatic levels would further help in substantiating the results inferred in this study.