A SPIKY seaside shrub is being tested by scientists who believe its sap could provide a cure for obesity.

Sea Buckthorn, long used in India as a health supplement, also grows around the Scottish coast. Scientists at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health at Aberdeen University believe the harsh weather could concentrate levels of so-called “phytochemicals” in the plants as they work hard to survive.

Phytochemicals are known to boost the energy created by the body to digest food, leading to a hope that the hardy perennial could prove to be a natural weapon in weight management.

Sea Buckthorn is a spiky, deciduous shrub which bears bright orange berries. It is particularly common on the north-east coast, around sand dunes.

Scottish wild garlic and berries are also being tested by the team at the Rowett Institute for their effectiveness in speeding up metabolism and burning fat.

Dr Viren Ranawana, of the Institute’s life-long health team, said that while foods such as chilli, mustard and horseradish were known to increase metabolism, the usefulness of Scotland’s native plants had been ignored until now.

He said: “The traditional approach to weight management is to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure and although this method works, it does not seem to be sustainable given the rise in obesity in Scotland and indeed around the world.

“What we are trying to do is look at different ways of tackling the issue.”
Wild garlic has also been well regarded for its medicinal properties, and is found in many areas in Scotland.

Dr Ranawana will use a mixture of raspberries, brambles and blueberries, as well as Sea Buckthorn, for the study. Seven volunteers will be invited to have breakfast at the Rowett Institute on four occasions. 

After the breakfast, each volunteer will lie down for around five hours as metabolic readings are taken, measuring carbon dioxide levels in the breath which are proportional to how much energy the body is using.