Home Ingredients Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
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Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Hippophae rhamnoides
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Sea buckthorn is a shrub native to Eurasian mountains and coasts — distinguished by exceptionally high vitamin C content in berries (10-15× more than oranges) plus rare omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid) in seed and pulp oils. Used in Russian, Mongolian, and Tibetan traditional medicine for skin, mucous membrane, and metabolic health. Modern uses include dry eye syndrome, dry mouth (Sjögren's), vaginal/skin dryness, and cardiovascular support. For branded proanthocyanidin extract specifically, see CyanthOx™ entry.

Studied Dose 1-3 g/day sea buckthorn oil (berry pulp or seed oil); berry powder 5-10 g/day; vitamin C content ~600-2,000 mg per 100 g fresh berries
Active Compound Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) — distinctive; vitamin C; carotenoids; flavonoids; vitamin E; phytosterols

Benefits

Mucous Membrane Hydration (Dry Eye, Sjögren's)

RCT showed sea buckthorn oil (2 g/day) reduced dry eye symptoms in dry eye patients. Mechanism: omega-7 supports mucous membrane and tear film integrity. Used by Sjögren's syndrome patients for systemic dryness symptoms (eyes, mouth, vagina).

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Vaginal Dryness Relief

trial showed sea buckthorn oil (3 g/day) improved vaginal mucosa integrity in postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness and atrophy. Notable for non-hormonal approach.

Supported by Trial 2

Skin Health (Topical and Oral)

Used topically and orally for dermatitis, eczema, burns, wound healing. Rich antioxidant and fatty acid content supports skin barrier function and integrity.

Supported by Trial 2

Cardiovascular Support

Rich antioxidant content (vitamin C, carotenoids, flavonoids), modest cholesterol effects. Some evidence for endothelial function improvement.

Vitamin C and Antioxidant Source

Among the highest natural vitamin C concentrations — 600-2,000 mg per 100 g fresh berries (10-15× orange juice). Plus carotenoids (zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene), tocopherols, flavonoids.

Mechanism of action

1

Omega-7 Palmitoleic Acid

Sea buckthorn (along with macadamia nuts) is one of few significant dietary sources of palmitoleic acid (omega-7). Omega-7 has emerging research as 'lipokine' — adipose tissue-derived signaling lipid affecting hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, insulin sensitivity. Distinctive nutrient profile.

2

Mucous Membrane Trophic Effects

Sea buckthorn supports mucous membrane integrity systemically — eyes, mouth, vagina, GI tract. Mechanism includes omega-7 effects on epithelial cell membranes plus antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects.

3

Antioxidant Spectrum

Combines water-soluble antioxidants (vitamin C, flavonoids) with lipid-soluble antioxidants (carotenoids, tocopherols) — broad antioxidant coverage. ORAC value high among foods.

4

Wound Healing / Skin Barrier

Topical and oral effects on skin health via fatty acid profile, antioxidant content, and modest immunomodulatory effects.

Clinical trials

1
Sea Buckthorn Oil for Dry Eye

Clinical trial of sea buckthorn oil (2 g/day) vs placebo in 86 dry eye syndrome patients for 3 months.

86 dry eye patients.

Sea buckthorn improved symptoms (redness, burning sensation), tear film osmolarity. Established sea buckthorn as evidence-based dry eye intervention.

2
Sea Buckthorn Oil for Vaginal Dryness

Clinical trial of sea buckthorn oil (3 g/day) vs placebo in 116 postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness for 3 months.

116 postmenopausal women.

Improved vaginal mucosal integrity scores vs placebo. Reasonable non-hormonal option for vaginal dryness symptoms.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally very well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress.
Allergic reactions rare.
Theoretical bleeding risk at high doses (modest).
Possible orange-tinted skin or stool from carotenoid content (harmless).
Mild laxative effect at high doses.

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants — minor theoretical bleeding risk at very high doses.
Antihypertensives — modest theoretical additive effects.
Diabetes medications — modest theoretical hypoglycemic effects.
Generally minimal drug interaction concerns.

Standardized & branded forms of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Trademarked Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) extracts with their own clinical trials and dedicated profiles. Most Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) research is run on one of these standardized forms:

Antioxidant
CyanthOx™ (Sea Buckthorn Proanthocyanidin Extract)
CyanthOx™ is a branded sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berry extract from Puredia, so…

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Frequently asked questions about Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

What is sea buckthorn used for?

Sea buckthorn is a berry exceptionally rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and the rare omega-7 fatty acid. Its oil and berries are used for skin and mucous-membrane health, eye and vaginal dryness, and antioxidant and cardiovascular support.

What is sea buckthorn good for?

It is studied for supporting skin hydration and healing, soothing dry mucous membranes (including dry eye and vaginal dryness), and providing omega-7 and antioxidants for metabolic and cardiovascular health.

How much sea buckthorn should I take?

The oil is the most concentrated form; follow product labeling (often providing a set amount of omega-7). The juice and berries are also used. Take the oil with food.

Is sea buckthorn safe?

Sea buckthorn is generally very safe and well tolerated, as both food and supplement. It may have mild blood-thinning and blood-pressure-lowering effects at high doses, so check with your doctor if relevant.

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a shrub native to Eurasian mountains and coasts — distinguished by exceptionally high vitamin C content in berries (10-15× more than oranges) plus rare omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid) in seed and pulp oils.

What is the recommended dosage of Sea Buckthorn?

The clinically studied dose is 1-3 g/day sea buckthorn oil (berry pulp or seed oil); berry powder 5-10 g/day; vitamin C content ~600-2,000 mg per 100 g fresh berries Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Sea Buckthorn safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Sea Buckthorn is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally very well-tolerated. Mild GI distress. It may also interact with some medications. Sea Buckthorn is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Sea Buckthorn interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants — minor theoretical bleeding risk at very high doses. Antihypertensives — modest theoretical additive effects. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Sea Buckthorn?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Sea Buckthorn as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Jarvinen RL, Larmo PS, Setala NL, et al. Effects of oral sea buckthorn oil on tear film Fatty acids in individuals with dry eye. Cornea. 2011;30(9):1013-9..PubMedUsed to support: Randomized trial showing oral sea buckthorn oil affected tear film in people with dry eye.