Sea Buckthorn – Properties, Uses, and Contraindications
Sea buckthorn is an ornamental shrub known for its abundance of valuable nutrients. It is easy to grow and may support the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, as well as show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Sea buckthorn is gaining popularity among consumers worldwide and has a wide range of uses across various fields and industries. What properties does this plant have? What is sea buckthorn good for? How should common sea buckthorn be used?
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What is sea buckthorn?
Common sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), also known simply as sea buckthorn, is a plant species from the oleaster family, naturally growing in parts of Asia and northwestern Europe. Due to its distinctive pineapple-like aroma, it is sometimes referred to as the “Russian pineapple.”
Sea buckthorn is a sun-loving, thorny shrub that can reach up to 6–7 meters in height. Its leaves grow alternately and fall in winter, the inconspicuous flowers are yellow, and the distinctive orange fruits ripen between September and October, with a slightly tart, juicy pulp.
This plant is easy to cultivate and has low soil requirements. It is resistant to drought and air pollution, and thanks to its decorative fruits, it is often planted as an ornamental shrub.
Interestingly, the genus name Hippophae comes from ancient Greece and literally means “shiny horse.” This is because sea buckthorn fruits were once used as horse feed, giving the animals a glossy, healthy coat.
Sea buckthorn - nutrients and composition
Common sea buckthorn is a dioecious plant considered a treasure trove of valuable nutrients. Its fruits are especially rich in vitamin C – according to some sources, it may contain up to seven times more ascorbic acid than lemons. Moreover, it is a source of B vitamins, such as vitamin B6 and niacin, as well as vitamin E and vitamin A. The fruits also provide minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Sea buckthorn is also valued for its healthy fatty acids – its oil can be extracted from the seeds or from the fruit pulp. Sea buckthorn oil contains mainly linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, as well as oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids.
In addition, the plant is a source of many bioactive compounds. The fruits are rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and in plant sterols like beta-sitosterol and campesterol. They also contain polyphenols, including phenolic acids and flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol. The most important compound found in sea buckthorn is considered to be isorhamnetin, which is attributed with numerous beneficial properties.
Sea buckthorn - properties
Thanks to its abundance of bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn is believed to have many valuable properties. What is sea buckthorn good for?
Scientific studies on people at risk of cardiovascular disease suggest that sea buckthorn may benefit heart and blood vessel health. It may help lower total cholesterol, reduce LDL cholesterol, and decrease triglyceride levels, while at the same time increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
Research also indicates that sea buckthorn may have neuroprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, as well as support immune system function by boosting resistance to infections. The plant’s compounds may also play an important role in maintaining healthy mucous membranes and supporting vision. Studies have shown that sea buckthorn oil may help relieve symptoms of dry eye syndrome, such as burning and dryness.
Due to its high antioxidant content, sea buckthorn can help neutralize free radicals and reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress and slowing aging processes.
It may also have anti-inflammatory, anti-psoriatic, and anti-atopic effects, which is why it is thought to support skin health. Research shows that common sea buckthorn can reduce the visibility of skin lesions in people with psoriasis, speed up wound healing, and lighten discolorations. It is also considered to have photoprotective properties, as its oil may reduce the harmful effects of UV radiation on skin cells. Additionally, sea buckthorn oil has been shown to support blood circulation, aid skin oxygenation, and promote regeneration and repair.
Sea buckthorn - uses
Common sea buckthorn has a wide range of uses – it is employed as a nutraceutical, a cosmetic ingredient, and a dietary supplement. Its fruits and leaves are used to make moisturizing creams, facial masks, shampoos, body lotions, and oral hygiene products.
The shrub is also used in environmental protection – due to its resistance to cold and drought, and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, it is planted to protect soil and water resources and to create windbreaks in erosion-prone areas.
In the kitchen and food industry, sea buckthorn leaves are used to make tea, and the fruits are turned into juices, jams, and jellies. The seeds are pressed into valuable sea buckthorn oil. The plant is also used to make alcoholic beverages – sea buckthorn liqueurs can support digestive health by improving stomach function, and the raw material is also used in wine and beer production.
Interestingly, refreshing sea buckthorn drinks were served at the 1992 Olympic Games in Seoul as the official beverages of Chinese athletes. Sea buckthorn juice has also been an important part of the diet of Indian soldiers working in extremely low temperatures.
Sea buckthorn - contraindications and side effects
Common sea buckthorn is a natural product generally considered safe for human use. Consuming it in moderate amounts, whether as fresh fruit or as a dietary supplement, should not cause adverse effects. However, excessive intake may lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Due to its high vitamin C content, overconsumption may also increase oxalic acid levels in the blood, raising the risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Excessive use of sea buckthorn oil may result in hypervitaminosis and an excess of vitamin A.
Although generally safe, sea buckthorn fruits and oil should be avoided by people taking blood-thinning medications and those suffering from inflammation of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
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