Sea Buckthorn

botanicalSEA0400

What is it

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a hardy shrub native to Europe and Asia whose bright orange berries are unusually rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin E, and rare omega-7 fatty acids. The berries, seeds, and seed oil are used as foods and supplements.

How it works

Sea buckthorn's nutritional density is its main pharmacological asset. The berry pulp oil is one of the only plant sources of palmitoleic acid (an omega-7 fatty acid), which research suggests plays a role in mucosal membrane health. The seed oil contains a balanced ratio of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) fatty acids. The berries are also high in flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, kaempferol), carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin), tocopherols (vitamin E), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), often at levels exceeding those of citrus. These antioxidants may help mitigate oxidative stress in cell models, though clinical translation is less clear. Topically, sea buckthorn oil is incorporated into skin formulations for its fatty acid and antioxidant content, with limited evidence supporting use in dry skin and certain inflammatory dermatoses.

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Dry eye syndrome

Grade C

Moderate evidence

A small placebo-controlled trial of oral sea buckthorn oil for three months reported reductions in dry eye symptoms and improvements in tear film stability. Effect sizes were modest and the trial was limited in size.

Vaginal and mucosal dryness

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Limited research in postmenopausal women indicates oral sea buckthorn oil may improve vaginal mucosa health and reduce dryness, attributed to omega-7 fatty acid content. Larger trials are needed.

Skin conditions (eczema, dryness)

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Topical and oral sea buckthorn have been studied for atopic dermatitis and dry skin with mixed results. Some small studies suggest benefits in skin hydration and barrier function; quality is generally low.

Cardiovascular markers

Grade D

Mixed evidence

Some small trials suggest sea buckthorn berries may improve lipid markers and reduce blood pressure modestly. Evidence is preliminary and inconsistent.

3 commercial forms

Berry pulp oil

Rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and carotenoids; fat-soluble.

The orange-red oil pressed from the fruit pulp. Often emphasized for mucosal and skin support due to omega-7 content.

Seed oil

Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; fat-soluble.

Pressed from the seeds, with higher proportions of alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids and lower carotenoid content than pulp oil.

Juice or whole berry powder

Water-soluble vitamin C and flavonoids retained.

Used as a vitamin C and antioxidant-rich food ingredient. Tart, sour taste; commonly blended with other juices.

Dosage

There is no established RDA. Studies have typically used 1.5 to 3 g of sea buckthorn oil daily for mucosal and skin outcomes, or 10 to 28 g of berry pulp or juice. Capsule products commonly provide 500 mg to 1 g of seed or pulp oil per serving. No Tolerable Upper Intake Level has been set.

When and how to take it

Sea buckthorn oil is fat-soluble and is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fat. Powders, juices, and dried berry products can be consumed at any time of day. There is no stimulant effect that would interfere with sleep.

Safety

Sea buckthorn is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects are mild and infrequent, including gastrointestinal upset and rare allergic reactions. The berries are acidic, which may aggravate reflux in sensitive individuals. Quality varies between products; oxidized oils can degrade rapidly and lose benefit.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a clinician before using concentrated supplements, since data are limited. People scheduled for surgery should discontinue use one to two weeks beforehand. Those with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider.

Interactions

Sea buckthorn may have antiplatelet activity due to its flavonoid content and could theoretically increase bleeding risk in people taking warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants. Animal research suggests possible blood pressure lowering, which may add to antihypertensive medication effects. Otherwise, clinically significant drug interactions have not been well characterized.

Frequently asked questions

What is omega-7 and why is sea buckthorn known for it?⌄

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is a fatty acid found in few foods. Sea buckthorn pulp oil is one of the highest plant sources, which is why it is often marketed for mucosal membrane health.

How is the seed oil different from the pulp oil?⌄

Pulp oil is orange and rich in carotenoids and omega-7. Seed oil is a paler yellow and is dominated by omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Products may blend both or list which one is included.

Is sea buckthorn high in vitamin C?⌄

Yes. The berries contain substantially more vitamin C by weight than oranges, though the exact amount depends on cultivar and processing.

Can I apply sea buckthorn oil to my skin?⌄

Yes. It is widely used in skincare for moisturization and as a carrier oil. Test on a small patch first, as the deep orange color can temporarily stain skin and fabric.

References

  • Sea Buckthorn (Wikidata) — Wikidata link
  • Sea buckthorn (ChEBI) — ChEBI link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.