Effects of seabuckthorn juice consumption on erythropoietin production, fatigue, and quality of life in women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study

Seabuckthorn has garnered attention for its potential temporary reduction of fatigue effects; however, studies exploring this effect are lacking. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was conducted to evaluate the anti-fatigue and quality-of-life effects of seabuckthorn juice. Sixty premenopausal women (aged 20–50 years) with stable menstrual cycles, free of disease, and with desk-bound jobs who experienced temporary fatigue and decreased vitality were randomly assigned to two groups (seabuckthorn juice or control juice) for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was POMS2 scores, and secondary endpoints included blood tests such as Hb, ferritin, iron-binding capacity, erythropoietin, fatigue after the Kraepelin test load by VAS, and SRS-18. POMS2 showed significantly lower TMD scores and fatigue-insensitivity, and significantly higher vitality-energy and friendliness in the juice group than in the placebo group after 8 weeks of consumption. The secondary endpoints of blood tests showed significant differences in ferritin, Hb, and erythropoietin levels in the seabuckthorn juice group compared to the placebo group at 4 and 8 weeks after intake, and the seabuckthorn juice group showed a significant increase in the change from before intake. Fatigue after the Kraepelin test load by VAS and at 4 and 8 weeks were significantly different in the seabuckthorn juice group compared to the placebo group, and fatigue was significantly reduced in the seabuckthorn juice group. Furthermore, the inducing effects of isorhamnetin present in seabuckthorn juice on erythropoietin (EPO) production were confirmed using HepG2 cells. These results indicate that consumption of seabuckthorn juice improves women's blood health by promoting EPO production, which increases Hb levels, alleviates the decline in quality of life, and reduces work-related fatigue.