Sea Buckthorn

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea Buckthorn is an exceptionally hardy shrub that grows across Europe and Asia, from coastal dunes to the mountainous Himalayan regions of Nepal and China. It produces bright orange-yellow berries which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, giving it the folk name 'the holy fruit of the Himalayas'.

Sea Buckthorn is naturally rich in a variety of bioactive substances, found not only in the berries but also in the seeds and leaves. The berries in particular are sought after for their content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C); phytosterols such as campesterol; carotenoids, among which lycopene and lutein can be found; tocopherols; flavonoids such as quercetin; and polyphenolic compounds such as gallic acid in the leaves and berries, with lower amounts of caffeic acid and ferulic acid. The berries also contain Vitamin E, polyunsaturated fatty acids and zinc.

What does the research say about Sea Buckthorn?

Sea Buckthorn has been extensively studied. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and vitamins C and E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Sea buckthorn's fatty acids have been studied in skin research, and they are widely used in topical skin care products.

Researchers have looked at sea buckthorn seed oil in relation to blood cholesterol and the gut microbiota. Reviews describe its wide spectrum of active compounds, as well as its phytochemistry and uses in food.

Sea buckthorn has also been studied in relation to the body's mucous membranes, the moist tissues lining areas such as the eyes, mouth and vagina. One placebo-controlled study looked at sea buckthorn oil taken by postmenopausal women, measuring vaginal health and mucosal integrity.

Where it's from: Europe and Asia, including coastal areas and the mountainous Himalayan regions of Nepal and China.

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