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 — Larmo 2010
PubMed

RCT 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 — Erkkola 2014
PubMed

RCT 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.
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Frequently asked questions about Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)

What is Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)?

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 does Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) do?

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. In clinical research, Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has been studied for mucous membrane hydration (dry eye, sjögren's), vaginal dryness relief, skin health (topical and oral).

Who should take Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)?

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) may be most relevant for people interested in hair, skin & nails, antioxidant, cardiovascular. It has been clinically studied for mucous membrane hydration (dry eye, sjögren's), vaginal dryness relief, skin health (topical and oral). As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) take to work?

Most clinical trial effects appear over weeks of consistent use; individual response varies. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)?

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) can typically be taken with breakfast or dinner — taking with food reduces GI sensitivity for most supplements. Specific timing matters less than daily consistency for cumulative effects. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) worth taking?

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)?

The clinically studied dose for Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) 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 product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) used for?

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is studied for mucous membrane hydration (dry eye, sjögren's), vaginal dryness relief, skin health (topical and oral). 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).