Sea Buckthorn Shows Promise Against Bird Flu

Sea Buckthorn Shows Promise Against Bird Flu

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza (including the highly pathogenic strains) in the Midwest have sounded the alarm against this dangerous disease. While the outbreak was mostly confined to commercial farms, backyard poultry keepers need to be vigilant as well.  Without any treatment options available for poultry, the influenza virus won’t be welcomed in our flocks.

Information about avian influenza

Vaccinations are used to help prevent the contraction and spread of influenza in humans and other species, but there aren't any readily available for our chickens.

The virus was first noted in wild bird populations (waterfowl) in 2014.  The H5 virus was located on the west coast, in Washington – it has since expanded into the HPAI forms H5N2, H5N8 and H5N1 strains. The CDC explains, “the USDA is the lead agency for [tracking] such activities in domestic birds. The latest information on avian influenza findings in the Pacific Flyway is available on [the] USDA’s website.”

Tracing of the virus in wild birds continues as the spring migrations are underway, and the virus has been detected in the Pacific, Central and Mississippi Flyways.  It is paramount that backyard flocks not come into contact with wild waterfowl or have access to waterways visited by waterfowl. Poultry keepers should not visit commercial farms, come into contact with unknown fowl or handle wild waterfowl. Most HPAI is introduced through human transmission of the virus on their clothes or equipment.

At this time prevention and awareness are all chicken (and other poultry) keepers can do to prevent their birds from being exposed to this disease. In addition to reducing exposure to potential wild carriers we can ensure our birds have great nutrition, stress-free lifestyles and prebiotics/probiotics with nutritional supplements to ensure they have strong immune systems. The addition of Seabuck 7 to the birds’ diet has shown some exciting benefits. Read more to find out just how amazing the sea buckthorn fruit is for your birds.

The anti-viral properties of sea buckthorn

A study from The Journal of Preventative Medicine and Hygiene (2015) used dried sea buckthorn bud extract in an experiment to test its antiviral properties against the influenza virus. The avian influenza virus can run through a flock and become highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) very quickly.  This disease’s mortality rate is astounding! “Influenza A virus displays constant evolutionary changes, defined as “antigenic drift” [1] and “antigenic shift” [2], enabling new mutant strains to emerge and spread.”

Antiviral drugs are not particularly useful in halting or stopping the effects of the avian flu. The viruses build resistance quickly making the drugs useless. There are a few other pharmacy products that have to be tested, but the most promising antiviral substances are those that knock out the virus on the cellular level. Scientists are looking to plants for the answer. One plant’s extract stands out – and that is the one made from the sea buckthorn!

“All parts of SBT [sea buckthorn] contain large amounts of several active compounds [16] and these include: vitamins (folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, riboflavin), carotenoids…phytosterols (amyrins, ergosterol, stigmasterol, lansterol), organic acids (malic and oxalic acids), polyunsaturated fatty ac ids and essential amino acids [17].” The Journal of Preventative Medicine and Hygiene  study used extracts from the sea buckthorn bud to test for antiviral activities. The results were promising, as it was determined that the extract did have a strong antiviral effect on the H1N1 (A/California/7/2009) virus group.  The researchers in the group revealed, “that SBT bud extract is able to reduce the growth of the Influenza A H1N1 virus in vitro at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. This discovery opens up the possibility of using SBT bud extract as a valid weapon against Influenza and, in addition, as the starting-point for the discovery of new drugs.”

Another hot off the press study from the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences echoed the earlier findings. The antiviral activities of sea buckthorn leaf extract proved even more compelling. The leaf extract was held against the commercially available antiviral drug Oseltamivir. Tests showed that “all extracts from [the] seabuckthorn leaf…inhibited influenza A and B virus infections more effectively than Oseltamivir… used as a control drug,” in the trials.

Wow. Now that is good news!

How chicken keepers can maintain flock health

Biosecurity is the first (and best) step for fencing out the virus. You want to keep the influenza viruses out of your flock. Quarantine new birds, separate birds returning from shows and don’t handle wild waterfowl. If you live in high risk regions, do not visit other farms (especially commercial ones), and if you must do so be sure to wash your clothes and disinfect footwear as well as vehicle tires – BEFORE going around your property and visiting your poultry. Never share poultry cages or equipment.

Good husbandry and ethical handling of poultry is always important. Always allow plenty of room for birds to engage in natural activities. Feed a variety of quality grain, vegetables and fruits while allowing the birds access to safe foraging areas. Happy birds are healthy birds. Add probiotics to their feed and supplement with sea buckthorn formulations such as Seabuck 7.  Birds build great immune systems when they have the nutritionally active compounds of the sea buckthorn fruit to do so.  Boosting the birds’ natural vigor while making sure they enjoy a stress free and enriched lifestyle goes a long way in keeping your feathered friends safe and cheerful! 

By SeaBuck 7 guest blogger, Andrea Martin
Mar 29, 2016

Horse with Heaves?- Simple Solutions

Spring is in full-swing and for some horse owners, this can be the start of another long season of heaves and related respiratory issues. You might be thinking, what is “heaves” and what does it have to do with spring and sea buckthorn berries?  Well, like many inflammatory diseases, heaves can severely affect your horse’s performance and overall well-being, and sea buckthorn berry may help turn things around.

What is “heaves”?

Heaves is the common name for a respiratory illness in horses characterized by coughing and asthma-like wheezing. It is also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and formerly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The respiratory tract of these horses are so inflamed that sometimes their airway is completely obstructed by mucous and chronic swelling. Most of these horses must cough frequently to clear their airway and they breathe heavily at rest. Horses with severe or chronic heaves may sport a ‘heave line’ along their abdomen from where their abdominal muscles have had to work over-time just to breathe. 

Some experts think that human asthma and heaves are similar diseases with a common cause:  poor air quality, which causes chronic irritation and over-reaction of the immune system.(1) There are generally two types of heaves, one being ‘summer pasture-associated’ and the other ‘winter/stable-associated.’  Spring and summer sufferers of heaves are irritated by increased pollen and mold counts and smog. These horses typically have more problems when they are housed at pasture. Horses that are stabled frequently or all the time are often ‘winter’ sufferers, and these horses react to the aerosolized particles found in the dusty environment of a typical barn.(2) 

Many horses who suffer from heaves have difficulty performing to their potential. Some horses are retired early due to this issue. Some may have an episode or two in their lives where they simply cannot breathe, requiring emergency interventions. 

Treatment

There are a great number of treatments available for horses with heaves.  Most veterinarians recommend strict environmental management.  For example, summer pasture-associated sufferers may benefit from being housed in a low-dust barn and away from blooming grasses in the pasture. Dunking hay in water to remove dust particles is also a helpful management strategy.  Concrete-floored barns with good ventilation are optimal. The solid floor can be frequently swept and hosed down to keep the dust from building up.  Feed and hay should be stored away from the main barn area to keep down the dust.  Bedding can also be an issue, as some horses react to the dust found in wheat straw or pine shavings. 

Mild cases can be managed through environmental change and sometimes antihistamine therapy if the vet suspects an allergic component. Other cases may need inhalants such as bronchodilators and even steroid therapy for management. 

How can sea buckthorn berry help?

The goal of treatment is to prevent or curb inflammation so that the airways are not swollen and causing obstruction.  There are a great number of compounds in sea buckthorn berry that may help with cases of heaves. Omegas 3 and 7 are especially noted for their anti-inflammatory prowess.(3) The airway is lined by a type of epithelium called the mucous membrane, which is severely inflamed in horses with heaves. Sea buckthorn berry has been shown to promote healing along the surfaces of mucous membranes throughout the body, not limited to the oral cavity and stomach.(4)

Supplementing your horse daily long-term may lower inflammation to an acceptable level and for some horses, this may make all the difference.  Talk to your veterinarian about incorporating sea buckthorn berry into your horse’s treatment plan and consider it daily for optimal overall health. 


Resources:
(1)  Mazan, Melissa. Horses and Humans: Shared Environment, Shared Disease? ACVIM Proceedings. 2011.
(2) Couetil, L. et al., Inflammatory Airway Disease of Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2007;21:356–361
(3)  Corbee, Ronald. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Diseases. 22nd ECVIM-CA Congress Proceedings. 2012.
(4) Huff, N. et al., Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2012. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.

Not All Sea Buckthorn is Created Equal!

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a fully sustainable, hardy, thorn-laden deciduous shrub that is found throughout Canada, Eastern Europe and Asia. It produces brilliant golden-orange berries that are packed full of antioxidants and health-boosting omega fatty acids. The Ancient Greeks discovered that wounded horses that foraged on the leaves and berries of the wild sea buckthorn healed quickly and had excellent coat and skin quality. Sea buckthorn’s scientific name is taken from these observations- Hippophae rhamnoides, translating to “shining horse.”  

Why choose a pure, whole-food sourced sea buckthorn supplement?

Our Seabuck 7 supplements are made from 100% whole-fruit, wild-crafted sea buckthorn berries, unlike many other sea buckthorn sources harvested from artificial man-made farms. SeaBuck 7’s sea buckthorn pulp and oils are 100% pure, not “purified”. Our readers and customers tend to be very well educated in the world of natural health and understand that “purified” oils may contain residual chemicals from processing, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. Some of the residues even contain known carcinogens! This purification process also exposes the fatty acids to high temperatures, breaking them down and causing the oil to go rancid. Rancid oils not only have a funny flavor and smell, making it less palatable to your furry friend, but it also loses its nutritional value. Remember to look for pure, not purified.

Seabuck 7 pure sea buckthorn fruit oil contains up to 37% omega-7 oil, the highest known source in the world. Sibu and Seabuck produce oil extracts using a simple process called CO2 supercritical extraction. Put simply, it works like a big espresso machine. High-pressure CO2 is put through the sea buckthorn, forcing out the oil component without any type of solvents or chemicals, even leaving the CO2 recyclable! This process retains the integrity of the omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the numerous varieties of carotenoids, flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.   

Essential Fatty Acids and Antioxidants Found in Sea Buckthorn Berries

Omega 3 Omega 6 Omega 7 Omega 9

Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Vitamin B5 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C

Carotenoids Selenium Quercetin Myricetin

Seabuck 7:  Ecological, Sustainable and Improving Lives

Our sea buckthorn berries are sourced high in the pristine Himalayan mountains where we work directly with local women who harvest the berries using their simple, yet effective traditional methods. These ancient methods protect the integrity of the plant, the soil and our final product. What’s even better? Our fair-trade agreement has enabled us to increase their income by 500%, allowing them to care for their family through the year by working a single harvest. We take our conscious minded efforts all the way to the finished product. SeaBuck 7 products are all made in the U.S.A. under strict quality control standards and guidelines to provide the cleanest and highest quality sea buckthorn for our four-legged friends.

In 2009 Sibu Beauty, the sister company to Seabuck, and co-founder Nico Khanna were recognized and blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for the ongoing humanitarian, economic and sustainability efforts in local villages. We are dedicated to and will continue our philanthropic efforts to create a better world for all of us involved.

Sea buckthorn berry’s health benefits for your pet*:

• Shiny Coat and flexible, healthy Skin
• Healthy Heart and Circulation
• Healthy Digestion
• Aid for Gastrointestinal problems
• Sea buckthorn berry extracts and whole-fruit purees have been scientifically shown to prevent and treat gastric ulcers in horses and other mammals**
• Nutritional Support for Diabetics**
• Promotes healthy weight
• Promotes healthy joints
• Reduces inflammation
• Fights cellular free-radical damage

Stay as close to nature as possible. Whole-foods and minimally processed supplements contain higher levels of nutrients in ratios the way nature intended and are better absorbed and assimilated into the body. Your animal friend will certainly gain more from selecting the purest products, unaltered by any man-made process, like SeaBuck 7!

* References

1. Yang, et. al., 2011, Chronic administration of palmitoleic acid reduces insulin resistance and hepatic lipid accumulation in KK-Ay mice and genetic type 2 diabetes. Lipids in Health and Disease, Vol. 10:120.
2. Cao, et al., 2008, Identification of a lipokine, a lipid hormone linking adipose tissue to systemic metabolism, Cell, Vol. 134: 933-944.
3. Wu, Y. et al., 1997, Effects of total flavones of fructus Hippophae (TFH) on cardiac function and hemodynamics of anesthetized open-chest dogs with acute heart failure. Zhongguo  Zhong Yao Za Zhi. Vol. 22 (7) 9-31, 448.
4. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
5. Xing, J. et al., 2002 December, Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats. Fitoterapia. Vol. 73(7-8), 644-50.

**  Talk to your veterinarian about including SeaBuck 7 products in your pet’s treatment plan.

Equine Joint Health: Could Sea Buckthorn be the Solution?

Our equine companions are living longer than ever and some performance horses are still going strong well into their 20’s. The horse’s natural ability to move gracefully and with strength is what captivates us. In order to preserve this movement, it is important for us to protect their joints from the march of time. But what is it that causes horses to develop painful joints in the first place?  

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, most commonly known as arthritis, is the inflammation of the cartilage that lines the joints. Over time and with enough damage, the cushioning cartilage will wear away, allowing the surface of the bones to come in contact with each other, causing pain and inflammation. Arthritis can be caused by a number of problems, including injury, infection (from penetrating wounds or sepsis), poor conformation and daily wear-and-tear. 

The most common signs of arthritis are lameness, swelling of the joint, pain upon flexion or extension, ‘grumpiness’ and reluctance to perform. If there is a significant amount of arthritis present, a “crunching” sound or feeling (crepitus) may be observed when the joint is flexed or extended. Due to the unique blood supply of the cartilage, it can take some time for horses to recover from joint injuries. It can be even harder to prevent lasting damage to the cartilage in the absence of anti-inflammatory therapy. 

Horses of all ages and activity levels can benefit from natural, holistic nutritional joint support. The key factor in preventing pain and nourishing the joints through natural remedies is to start them before problems happen. However, even if your horse has suffered an injury, these products still have significant value and can improve recovery times. 

Glucosaminoglycans (GAGs)
GAGs have been used in horses for several decades to help nourish cartilage and ‘treat’ arthritis. GAGs are naturally occurring compounds that are found within the cartilage of other animals, particularly sharks and mollusks. When these compounds are introduced into the diet, taken up by the synovium of the joint and it in turn can “lubricate” the joints more efficiently. 

GAGs also have a mild anti-inflammatory effect at the level of the joint. One of the downsides to using GAGs is that some products are made from non-environmentally friendly sources, such as factory-farmed beef cartilage and shark cartilage. If you use GAGs for joint support, select an ocean-friendly source such as sustainable New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel. 

Sea Buckthorn 
Sea buckthorn is scientifically known as Hippophae rhamnoides, which means “shining horse.” The Ancient Greeks noted that when their horses foraged on the leaves and berries of the sea buckthorn plant, that it had a wonderful effect on their health. Their coats were shiny, hooves were stronger and the horses had an overall “bloom.”  Today, researchers have begun to understand why we see these health benefits. 

Sea buckthorn berry contains over 190 bioactive compounds that support every aspect of your horse’s body.  This sustainably wild-crafted food is rich in omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 essential fatty acids, numerous antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. One of the most important reasons to consider using sea buckthorn as a joint support supplement is the high levels of omega-3 and omega-7. 

Extensive research in dogs, cats, primates, rats and horses have shown that across the board, the high levels of omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids found in sea buckthorn controls inflammation, arthritis pain and supports joint health.(1,2,3) Recently, two important groups of anti-inflammatory compounds in the body have been discovered called resolvins and protectins. These molecules are made in the body from dietary omega-3 fatty acids found in sea buckthorn berry. These compounds are “switched on” during inflammatory process and act as a “braking signal” which prevents prolonged inflammatory over-reaction within the body.(2) These findings show that high levels of omega fatty acids can be extremely helpful for controlling arthritis-related inflammation and prevent further cartilage damage and degradation. The antioxidant punch of sea buckthorn also helps to prevent free radical damage not only in the joints but in the rest of the body as well.  

It is a good idea to use a combination of natural remedies, including GAGs and sea buckthorn for your horse’s joint health.  Both supplements work in different ways and can complement each other. If you have a horse that is taking a NSAID such as phynelybutamine (“bute”) for severe arthritis pain, laminitis, or an injury, sea buckthorn has another benefit that GAGs do not. “Bute,” combined with the stress of recovering from an injury, can predispose horses to painful gastric ulcers. Studies in horses and dogs have shown that sea buckthorn berry puree and oils have a natural preventative gastro-protective effect and can speed the healing of gastric ulcers.(4,5) 

Numerous users of sea buckthorn have reported an increase in their horse’s energy level and flexibility. Even small improvements in performance can make all the difference, especially for demanding disciplines.

Horses, despite their power and strength, are somewhat delicate animals. Keeping them healthy and performing at their peak without pharmaceuticals is in everyone’s best interest. Your veterinarian will likely agree that use of holistic products like sea buckthorn will help your horse to outshine the rest.


Resources
1. Patel, C, et al., 2012, Remedial Prospective of Hippophae rhamnoides Linn. (Sea Buckthorn). ISRN Pharmacol. 2012: 436857.
2. Roudebush, Philip. Nutrition, Inflammation and Pain. Hill’s Global Mobility Symposium. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, Kansas.
3. Mozafarian, D. et al., 2010, Trans-Palmitoleic Acid, Metabolic Risk Factors, and New-Onset Diabetes in U.S. Adults. Annals Intr Med, Vol. 153, no. 12.
4. Huff, N. et al., 2012 Sep-Oct, Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med. Vol. 26(5) 1186-91.
5. Xing, J. et al., 2002 December, Effects of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) seed and pulp oils on experimental models of gastric ulcer in rats. Fitoterapia. Vol. 73(7-8), 644-50.

Sea Buckthorn Powder: Why We Don't Use It!

When something seems too good to be true, watch out because it usually is. This can be said for a variety of things in life but is especially true in the world of food and nutritional supplements. It seems that almost daily we hear about food fraud and poor quality or contaminated ingredients in our food chain. Some products are more ‘pure’ than others and some are simply gimmicks.  It is time to set the record straight about sea buckthorn products.

The health benefits of sea buckthorn have been known for thousands of years. The fruit, leaves and stems contain a number of healthy compounds, not limited to flavonoids, antioxidants, minerals and several omega fatty acids. Its boom in popularity as a health supplement has been followed by a similar boom in different types of products: pet supplements, cosmetics, fruit juice, powders, purees and oils.   It seems that there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet about using powders vs. oils, so let’s take a look:

Sea buckthorn oil

The majority of the oil found in the sea buckthorn plant is in fact in the berries, or fruit.  It can be extracted by a variety of different ways, one of the best being CO2 supercritical extraction. This is a low-temperature process that works similarly to an oversized espresso machine.  The raw, pureed sea buckthorn berry and/or seed is put into the machine and the oil fraction is extracted under high pressure CO2.  The benefit of any sea buckthorn oil, from either seed or pulp origin, is that this oil comes with a plethora of fat-soluble compounds.  Omega-3, 6, 7 and 9, vitamin A, vitamin E, amino acids, and flavonoids are just a few of these beneficial compounds that ‘hitch a ride’ with the oil and into your product.

Sea buckthorn powder

Sea buckthorn powder is made by dehydrating either sea buckthorn puree or juice. Sometimes the powder is made from the by-product of the oil-extracting process.  It can be difficult to find a sea buckthorn powder with a complete list of ingredients. Some ingredients in the powder may include added sugars such as maltodextrin. Sea buckthorn is naturally a bitter fruit and sweeteners are often added to the powder to improve palatability. While the final product can be high in Vitamin C, the oil fraction is greatly diminished in these powders, leaving the omega fatty acid nutrients almost non-existent; which is where some of the biggest health benefits truly lie.  

One of your best options is sea buckthorn oil. Be sure to select a pure oil and not a ‘purified’ oil – as there is a difference. We discussed these important differences in our previous article. Sea buckthorn oil has no additives or sweeteners and packs the best nutritional punch with high, concentrated amounts of omegas 3, 6, 9 and the elusive omega 7. Another option is to try a liquid pulp form. Pureed sea buckthorn fruit not only retains the important omegas, it provides full body nutrition with 190+ bio-active compounds. 

This is a key difference between sea buckthorn pulp and its oils. The latter contains the fat-soluble nutrients while the pulp contains the water-soluble nutrients. You can't remove the water-solubles and keep the nutrients it carries. CONSUMERS BE CAUTIOUS: Any claims stating that sea buckthorn oil houses this full array of 190 nutrients is false. This can only be found when the entire  sea buckthorn berry is incorporated. Be wary of this misleading marketing tactic. 

Most of all- be an educated consumer

When selecting a sea buckthorn product, make sure that sea buckthorn puree or oil is high on the ingredients list – listed first or possibly second is best. If there are no ingredients listed ask the company for more information before making a purchase. 

My advice: If you are going to make an investment in your pet’s health, purchase what is pure and closest to nature. You will see an improvement in their health faster than if you used an inferior or heavily processed product. 

SeaBuck on Ulcers

All Natural Horse Supplement Proves Effective in the Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

LSU profess puts sea buckthorn, the best super food and all natural supplement to the test against Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and gets impressive results.

Many factors like exercise, type of feed, stress levels, and a constant use of medications are a common cause for stomach ulcers and diminished equine health. A few signs of EGUS to watch out for are poor appetite, weight loss, and a dull coat. Travel, competition and stall confinement can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

With an estimated 60-90% of adult horses suffering from EGUS, competition horses can be the highest at risk. It is important to stay vigilant and be sure your horse doesn't become one of the majority.

With statistics this high there should be great concern and demand for a solution.

Frank Andrews, professor and Chief of Staff at LSU School of Verterinary Medicine recognizes this concern and addresses it with a solution. He conducted a study with two groups of horses feeding them the same quantity and type of feed. The only difference being one group received a 4oz serving of SeaBuck GastroPlus (SeaBuck Complete) with each meal, while the other did not. After 35 days of study, Andrews concluded that sea buckthorn can heal parts of the stomach and aid in ulcer treatment just as well as prescribed medication!

Although sea buckthorn is still rather new in the world of modern science, new and exciting findings are continually being revealed about this amazing fruit. Be sure to stay tuned for more ground breaking information on sea buckthorn and equine health!

Equine Gastro Intestinal Health - SeaBuck

SeaBuck Complete has shown time and time again that it is a very effective product for maintaining equine gastrointestinal health.  Dr. Frank Andrews, DVM is overseeing a study at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to more closely observe the effects that the product has on the horses delicate yet demanding digestive system.  The attached article speaks more in depth about equine gastric ulcers and the study that is currently underway.