Have you ever heard of The Holy Fruit of the Himalayas? How about the Siberian Pineapple? Though it may come with a variety of interesting names, they all refer to the same fruit: Hippophae rhamnoides, or the sea buckthorn berry. This vibrant orange-yellow berry is not just used because it tastes good, either – it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern science has now begun to investigate these historical claims, revealing a potent nutritional profile packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Let’s explore what makes the sea buckthorn berry a nutritional powerhouse; both of its proven and speculative benefits for human health, nutrition, and immunity.
What Are Sea Buckthorn Berries and Where Are They Found?
Sea buckthorn berries grow on a thorny shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia. The plant thrives in harsh, cold, and high-altitude environments. For this reason, it is commonly found across regions of China, Russia, Canada, and parts of Northern Europe.
The tiny berries are notable for their intense, tart flavor and incredibly vibrant color. More importantly, they are distinguished by their exceptional nutrient density. Sea buckthorn berries are one of the few plant sources that contain all Omega fatty acids: Omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9.
Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Berry: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Perhaps this potent fruit’s impressive profile is because of the harsh climates in which it grows, or perhaps it’s just simply that way. While we might not know for sure why it’s so nutrient dense, that doesn’t change the fact that it is. The berry’s benefits stem from its rich composition, which includes:
- Vitamin C: Exceptionally high concentrations, contributing to its immune-boosting reputation.
- Vitamins A and E: Powerful antioxidants vital for skin and eye health.
- Essential Fatty Acids: Including the rare Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), thought to be particularly beneficial for mucosal health. This refers to the lining of the digestive and urogenital tracts.
- Antioxidants: High levels of plant compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that combat oxidative stress in the body.
Benefits of Sea Buckthorn
There have been many proposed benefits of sea buckthorn, from its berries to the oil from its seeds. Some of these benefits have been proven, others have produced mixed results, and others simply lack any real scientific evidence. It is important to remember that with many of these ‘ancient remedies’ or benefits, life back then, and humans back then, were different from what we are now. Today, we have more access to a variety of foods that provide us with nutrients that, hundreds of years ago, we had to wait until certain seasons to eat. Imagine if you had to go months with little to no fresh fruits and vegetables. The difference a berry packed with vitamin C would make for someone’s health and immunity would be felt to a much greater extent than it would today, where even people with diets heavy in processed foods still manage to get a decent amount of the vitamin regularly. Keep this in mind whenever examining anecdotal evidence of ancient remedies and health practices.
Improved Skin and Hair Health
The impact that sea buckthorn has on skin and hair health is speculated, based on reviews of its chemical composition and traditional use. Sea buckthorn contains a unique combination of antioxidants and fatty acids that make it popular in cosmetic applications. The antioxidants are theorized to neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing the appearance of aging and damage. The fatty acids, including Omega-7, are said to add moisture and help maintain the skin’s barrier function.
A 2017 review suggested that topical sea buckthorn may be useful for moisturizing the skin, easing irritation, and even aiding in the healing of age-related damage. These, however, are primarily theoretical uses stemming from its chemical profile and require further examination.
This is another benefit that is speculated, not proven, but has shown promising results in clinical trials. Topically applied sea buckthorn oils and dressings may accelerate the healing process. Some studies suggest that the application of sea buckthorn promotes wound healing. For example, a 2021 study on people with second-degree burns found that sea buckthorn dressings were comparable to conventional treatments and improved healing times. The mechanism is believed to be related to the berry’s anti-inflammatory and tissue-regenerating properties.
Supporting Cardiovascular Health
The benefit that sea buckthorn supports cardiovascular health has shown mixed results, having shown to be effective in only certain populations. For this reason, it is considered speculated, rather than proven. Sea buckthorn may offer benefits for managing common cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A review of multiple randomized controlled trials found that sea buckthorn was associated with improvements in cholesterol levels, but primarily in people who already had a history of high cholesterol or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is partly attributed to the presence of healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health.
Aiding Blood Sugar Regulation
Limited human trials have been done studying this benefit, therefore it is also considered to be speculated. Sea buckthorn may help moderate the body’s response to sugar consumption. The antioxidant components of the berry are thought to contribute to its potential effects on blood sugar. In small human trials, consuming sea buckthorn has been linked to a slight decrease in fasting blood sugar levels in people with impaired glucose regulation (pre-diabetes). Other limited research also suggested it may decrease and delay the insulin response following a meal. However, more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm this effect.
Relief for Vaginal Dryness
Promising results were observed in a controlled study for this benefit. Despite this, it is still considered speculative as more research is needed. Oral sea buckthorn oil supplements may help relieve symptoms associated with postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. In a study involving postmenopausal women, participants taking a sea buckthorn oil supplement reported relief from symptoms like dryness, itching, and redness after 12 weeks. The beneficial effect is hypothesized to be due to the high content of Omega-7 fatty acids, which support the health and moisture of mucous membranes.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects
The phytochemistry of this benefit is complicated, therefore earning it a spot in the speculated category, as well. Sea buckthorn berries’ diverse composition suggests a protective role against inflammation and oxidative stress. The berry contains plant chemicals, particularly phenolic acids and other polyphenols, that have been extensively studied for their ability to combat inflammation and oxidative stress at a cellular level. These compounds are believed to be the source of the berry’s potential to support general immune health.
Read More: 10 Benefits of Elderberry (Immune System, Heart Health, and More)
Areas Under Preliminary Scientific Investigation
There are a few more potential benefits of sea buckthorn berries, however, the research on these is still in the very early stages. All available research is primarily limited to animal models, in-vitro (test-tube), or is simply highly preliminary. For this reason, it is not possible to say whether or not these benefits will actually be applicable in real human beings yet. These benefits include:
- Reduced Cancer Risk: Studies on animals and in-vitro settings suggest the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may have anti-cancer effects. Human trials are needed for confirmation.
- Anti-Viral and Anti-Microbial Treatment: Very preliminary in-vitro studies have suggested sea buckthorn extracts can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, such as MRSA, and viruses, such as HSV-2. Clinical trials are needed to understand its effectiveness in humans.
- Liver Protection: Limited research has suggested a potential role in reducing fat accumulation in the liver, which could be helpful in treating conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Consuming Sea Buckthorn Berries
While all of the exact proposed benefits may not be 100% scientifically certain, there is one thing we can be sure about: sea buckthorn berries are nutritiously dense and very good for your health. This means that you should eat them, if you have them available to you. Sea buckthorn can be incorporated into your diet in many different forms. These include:
- Whole berries: Mix them with sweeter fruits or honey to counteract the tartness, if you need.
- Juices and Purees: Press the berries into a tart juice, from which you can dilute and drink or even sweeten with other fruits or honey, if you’d like.
- Specialty Foods: Sometimes you can more easily find sea buckthorn in jams, jellies, sauces, and certain beverages at speciality food stores or at farmer’s markets.
Sea Buckthorn Oil: Topical and Oral Use
A more common way you will see people consuming sea buckthorn, at least for therapeutic purposes, is in the form of an oil that is extracted from the fruit pulp and seeds. It is available in soft gel capsules for easy consumption. This is the form typically used for systemic benefits like supporting cardiovascular health, reducing vaginal dryness, or improving gut health. It can also be applied directly to the skin and is often found as an ingredient in creams, serums, and ointments. Topical use is favored for skin conditions, moisturizing, and wound healing. The oil is deeply colored and can temporarily stain the skin, so be mindful of this. As always, if you are considering taking it as a supplement or applying to the skin for a specific condition, consult first with your doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist. You want to make sure that you won’t be inadvertently compromising any other medications or treatments you may be following, which could have grave consequences.
The Bottom Line
Sea buckthorn is a remarkable berry, lauded as a nutritional powerhouse due to its rich content of vitamins, antioxidants, and rare Omega fatty acids. While traditional use is extensive, modern scientific evidence is still emerging. Many of its purported benefits – from wound healing to improved cardiovascular health – are speculated but show considerable promise in preliminary studies. As research continues to investigate its full potential, it remains a valuable addition to a balanced diet and potential supplement regimen. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, including sea buckthorn, to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
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