Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L) - Article

Sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L) is a hardy deciduous shrub whose natural habitat extends widely throughout China, Mongolia, Russia, and most parts of Northern Europe.  This drought resistant thorny shrub produces yellow to orange colored berries which have been long sought after due to the amazing health benefits they offer.   Although relatively new to North America, the sea buckthorn industry has been thriving in Russia since the 1940s when scientists there began investigating the biologically active substances found in the berries, leaves, and bark of the plant.  Recently here in Canada there has been recommendation of orchard-type cultivation in provinces such as Saskatchewan since this province has the optimal soil and weather conditions for production.

The juice of the Sea buckthorn berry is very high in several organic acids all of which have important benefits.  Protein levels are fairly high for a fruit juice, and the fruit is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E content (Bernath and Foldesi 1992). The pulp and seeds contain triglyceride oils with important medicinal value such as the anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).  SOD has shown anti-cancer activity in mice (Chen 1991).

Sea buckthorn has been reported to contain more than 190 compounds which are available in the seeds, pulp, fruit and juice. The compounds include fat soluble vitamins (A, K, E), 22 fatty acids, 42 lipids, organic acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamin C, B1, B12, folic acid, tocopherols, flavonoids, phenols, tar panes and tannins.  Preparations of sea-buckthorn oils are recommended for external use in the case of burns, bed sores, and other skin complications (Zhang et al. 1988). Internally, sea-buckthorn is used for the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers (Pentegova 1983).  Recently, clinical studies on the anti-tumor functions of sea-buckthorn oils conducted in China have been positive (Zhang et al. 1989). Sea-buckthorn oil, juice or the extracts from oil, juice, leaves and bark have been used successfully to treat high blood lipid symptoms, eye diseases, gingivitis and cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease (Zhang et al. 1989). Cosmetic applications for sea-buckthorn are well known in Russia and China. Recipes for moisturizing lotions, dandruff control and hair loss prevention are widely known and used in Russia (Pashina 1993). Sea buckthorn is an excellent source of omega fatty acids 3, 6, 7 and 9 which can support cell regeneration, healing of burns, dermatitis, eczema and wounds.

Due to the published results of clinical and research studies sea buckthorn is becoming a Canadian dietary staple.  This amazing nutritious berry will offer continued health benefits to informed consumers and their families, try some today.

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