Research progress on active ingredients extraction process,biological functions,and applications in animal production of sea buckthorn leaves

ZHOU Man; AN Xiaoping; WANG Yuan; QI Jingwei

doi:10.13557/j.cnki.issn1002-2813.2026.02.027

Abstract：As a major by-product of the sea buckthorn industry,sea buckthorn leaves are rich in various bioactive substances such as flavonoids,polyphenols,polysaccharides,and tannins.They exhibit antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,immune-regulating,and gut health-improving functions,making them a novel green feed additive with development potential.This article reviews the efficient extraction process for active ingredients from sea buckthorn leaves,covering both traditional methods and modern technologies such as ultrasound-assisted,microwave-assisted,enzymatic,and supercritical fluid extraction.It also summarizes the application effects of sea buckthorn leaves in poultry,swine,and ruminant production,and further explores the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecular mechanisms based on key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element(Nrf2/ARE)and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),as well as the mechanism of promoting gut health by regulating gut microbiota and enhancing gut barrier function.Finally,addressing current challenges in the feed application of sea buckthorn leaves,such as low standardization of raw materials,high extraction costs,insufficiently in-depth mechanistic studies,and inadequate regulatory standards,the article prospects future research directions.These include breeding specialized resources,developing green and low-carbon extraction processes,constructing precise nutritional regulation models,and promoting data-driven applications.This review aims to provide references for the high-value utilization of sea buckthorn leaf resources and the sustainable development of animal husbandry.