Food processing and phenolic bioaccessibility: a dual in vitro, in silico perspective on seabuckthorn

Seabuckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.) is rich in bioactive polyphenols with recognized health benefits. The stability and bioaccessibility of bioactive polyphenols are highly influenced by post-harvest processing. This study analyzed the phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and gastrointestinal stability via INFOGEST of fresh and osmotically dehydrated (OD) berries from three cultivars (Habego, Rori, Clara) to evaluate how OD modulates phenolic integrity, bioaccessibility, and functional potential. Combining experimental analysis (in vitro digestion) with in silico modeling, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of phenolic stability, bioaccessibility, and potential biological activity after processing. Fresh berries exhibited superior relative bioaccessibility, reaching 85.39% (gastric) and 71.68% (intestinal) in Habego compared with 63.75% and 49.81% in its dehydrated counterpart. Computational absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis highlighted 2-hydroxybenzoic acid as the compound with the most favorable predicted pharmacokinetics. OD emerges as a non-thermal, composition-preserving strategy that enhances the functional potential of seabuckthorn-derived ingredients.