Effects of a Novel Hippophae rhamnoides L. Seed Lipid Extract Formulation Obtained via Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction on Reducing Residual Cardiovascular Risk in High-Risk Patients: A Pilot Study

Unsaturated fatty acids have the potential to reduce residual cardiovascular risk. Sea buckthorn (<i>Hippophae rhamnoides</i> L.) contains several valuable bioactive substances, including lipids with a balanced fatty acid composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sea buckthorn seed lipid extract (SBS-LE) on residual cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients. In this pilot study, 86 patients with chronic coronary syndrome receiving statin (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) and/or ezetimibe were enrolled. SBS-LE capsules (1000 mg, twice daily) were prescribed in addition to standard medical therapy, with each capsule containing 300 mg of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, 370 mg of omega-6 linoleic acid, 170 mg of omega-9 oleic acid and 7 mg of the plant sterol beta-sitosterol. For this clinical trial, SBS-LE was produced via supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide. Clinical effects and impacts on laboratory test results were evaluated at baseline and after three months. Additionally, lipidomics testing was performed to confirm the bioavailability of the formulation. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure by 2.9 mmHg (2.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.012), LDL-C by 0.3 mmol/l (12.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.005) and CRP by 1.0 mg/l (37.0%, <i>p</i> = 0.032) were observed. These data suggest that SBS-LE may have potential as an add-on preventive strategy for residual cardiovascular risk reduction.