Chemical Composition Analysis of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae) in Georgia and Development of Innovative Valorization Technologies.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a wild berry abundant in Georgia, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, with significant potential for applications in food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Despite its traditional uses, the physicochemical properties and valorization potential of Georgian sea buckthorn remain underexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of sea buckthorn berries from three distinct regions of Georgia (Adjara, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and Imereti) and develop innovative, environmentally friendly extraction technologies to maximize the recovery of valuable compounds. Using advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical water extraction (SWE), alongside traditional methods like maceration and Soxhlet extraction, the study identified and quantified 18 bioactive compounds, including organic acids (malic and citric acid), phenolic acids (quinic acid), and flavonoids (e.g., gallocatechin, catechin, and isorhamnetin derivatives). The lipid fraction, predominantly composed of C18 fatty acids (57.4%-76.9%), was rich in linoleic acid (29.4%-50.0%), with extraction yields varying by method. Total phenolic content ranged from 19.90 to 34.94 mg/g dry weight, with higher levels in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Imereti samples. The highest carotenoid content (3.363 mg/g dry weight) was observed in Samtskhe-Javakheti berries. UAE with 75% ethanol optimized carotenoid (1.684 mg/g) and phenolic (8.213 mg/g) recovery, while SWE achieved 86% lipid yield and high phenolic content (92.25 mg/g) in just 7 min. Carotenoid-enriched sunflower oil exhibited 3.5-fold higher antioxidant activity than control oil, demonstrating enhanced oxidative stability. The study highlights the efficacy of green extraction methods in valorizing sea buckthorn by-products, offering sustainable solutions for producing high-value nutraceuticals and functional foods. These findings underscore the potential of Georgian sea buckthorn as a source of natural antioxidants and lipids, with applications in health-promoting products.