Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides): Omega-Rich Bright Berry for Skin, Immunity, and Cardiovascular Support

Introduction

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub native to Europe and Asia, best known for its golden-orange berries that grow along coastal cliffs and mountainous regions. These small, tart fruits have been used for centuries in Tibetan and Mongolian traditional medicine. Modern science has uncovered an exceptional nutrient profile in sea buckthorn—ranging from rare omega-7 fatty acids and carotenoids to flavonoids and sterols. Sea buckthorn juice is a true functional elixir, supporting everything from skin regeneration to cardiovascular health, gut integrity, and immune resilience.

Active Compounds

• Omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, 9): Sea buckthorn is one of the few plant sources containing all four omega types, especially palmitoleic acid (omega-7), important for skin, mucous membranes, and metabolic function [1].

• Carotenoids (β-carotene, zeaxanthin, lycopene): Antioxidant pigments responsible for the vivid orange color and essential for eye and skin protection [2].

• Flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol): Support vascular health, immune modulation, and cellular defense [3].

• Vitamins C and E: Synergistically protect against oxidative stress, boost collagen production, and support immune cell activity.

• Phytosterols and tocopherols: Regulate cholesterol and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

• Organic acids and polysaccharides: Promote digestion and microbiota balance.

Scientifically Supported Health Benefits

1. Skin Regeneration and Hydration

Sea buckthorn is widely known for its dermatological benefits. Omega-7 and β-carotene help maintain skin elasticity, reduce transepidermal water loss, and enhance epithelial repair. Clinical studies have demonstrated that oral and topical sea buckthorn oil improves wound healing, reduces inflammation in dermatitis, and increases skin hydration [4].

2. Immune Function and Antimicrobial Defense

Rich in vitamin C (200–600 mg/100 g) and flavonoids, sea buckthorn juice stimulates white blood cell activity, modulates cytokine responses, and reduces inflammation. It also contains antiviral and antibacterial components, making it effective in reducing respiratory infections and speeding recovery [5,6].

3. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Support

Sea buckthorn improves endothelial function, reduces LDL cholesterol, and raises HDL levels. Omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids support heart rhythm and vascular integrity. A randomized study found sea buckthorn oil reduced C-reactive protein and improved blood lipid profiles in individuals with metabolic syndrome [7].

4. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Protection

The juice’s unique combination of tocopherols, carotenoids, and flavonoids has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Sea buckthorn suppresses NF-κB activation and COX-2 expression, reducing systemic inflammation. It also enhances glutathione levels and neutralizes oxidative stress—key for aging, cardiovascular, and metabolic health [3,8].

5. Gastrointestinal Health and Gut Barrier Integrity

Sea buckthorn polysaccharides improve intestinal mucosa healing, support microbiota diversity, and enhance short-chain fatty acid production. In animal models, sea buckthorn juice accelerated recovery from gastric ulcers and improved gut permeability [9].

6. Liver and Detoxification Support

Sea buckthorn helps normalize liver enzymes, reduce lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, and support detoxification. It enhances phase I and II liver enzymes, assisting in the breakdown and elimination of toxins, and protects against chemical-induced liver damage [10].

7. Eye and Mucosal Health

Zeaxanthin, β-carotene, and omega-7 support tear film stability and epithelial cell turnover in the eyes, respiratory tract, and urogenital lining. Clinical evidence suggests sea buckthorn supplementation improves dry eye symptoms and mucosal hydration [11].

Synergistic Blends with Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn pairs well with other functional fruits for enhanced health effects:

• Sea Buckthorn + Aronia: Combines carotenoids and omega-7 with anthocyanins for vascular, skin, and cellular protection.

• Sea Buckthorn + Acerola: Provides a high vitamin C boost to support collagen, immune defense, and oxidative stress resilience.

• Sea Buckthorn + Redcurrant or Blackcurrant: Rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, boosting capillary strength and respiratory health.

• Sea Buckthorn + Apple or Beetroot: Balances taste and adds fiber and nitrate-based cardiovascular benefits.

• Sea Buckthorn + Haskap: A polyphenol-rich duo for neuroprotection and antioxidant synergy.

How to Consume

Sea buckthorn is best consumed as a cold-pressed juice or in complex with other functional juices, pure or blended, in 30–100 ml doses. Due to its tartness and intensity, it is often combined with apple, carrot, or berry juices. Sea buckthorn oil capsules, purees, and freeze-dried powders are also common. Choose organically grown and minimally processed products to preserve omega-7, carotenoid, and vitamin content.

References

1. Yang, B., et al. (2002). Fatty acid composition of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 50(3), 3785–3789.

2. Beveridge, T., et al. (1999). Sea buckthorn products: Manufacture and composition. Journal of Food Science, 64(3), 372–379.

3. Zeb, A. (2006). Antioxidant profile of sea buckthorn juice. Food Chemistry, 96(3), 390–394.

4. Geetha, S., et al. (2002). Wound healing properties of sea buckthorn oil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 79(2), 273–278.

5. Ganju, L., et al. (2005). Immunomodulatory effects of sea buckthorn in cold-exposed humans. International Immunopharmacology, 5(2), 277–287.

6. Upadhyay, N. K., et al. (2010). Antimicrobial effects of sea buckthorn. Current Microbiology, 60(5), 376–382.

7. Johansson, A., et al. (2000). Effects of sea buckthorn oil on cholesterol metabolism. Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 11(6), 338–340.

8. Basu, P., et al. (2007). Sea buckthorn and oxidative stress resistance. Phytomedicine, 14(11), 770–777.

9. Guliyev, V. B., et al. (2004). Gastroprotective effects of sea buckthorn preparations. Phytotherapy Research, 18(7), 582–586.

10. Xing, J., et al. (2002). Hepatoprotective effect of sea buckthorn oil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 79(2), 183–191.

11. Yang, B., et al. (2016). Sea buckthorn improves dry eye and mucosal hydration. Journal of Nutrition, 146(10), 1982–1988.