Sea bukthorn: The plant with a diverse range of benefits

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) a small shrub that grows in the mountainous regions of China and Russia is credited with possessing numerous health-giving properties.

For example, the golden-orange berries it produces are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients including vitamins C and E, folic acid, beta carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin, which can help protect against chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Oil from the plant is also packed full of health-boosting substances such as oleic, palmitoleic, palmitic and linoleic acid. They are all renowned for promoting skin healing and alleviating a variety of skin conditions such as eczema. The ingredients in the oil also have the ability to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun (J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2006 Jun 7;41(3):714-9; J Med Food. 2005;8(4):518-22).

Powerful anti-inflammatory action helps defend against cancer and heart disease

Sea buckthorn is currently being investigated for its possible benefits against cancer, heart disease, stomach ulcers and liver problems. There has been a lot of research carried out already with regards to its anti-cancer potential, and several scientific institutions across the word have recently announced breakthroughs in this area.

In a recent report that focused on the latest research findings into its anti-cancer benefits, scientists from the Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand, Chakdara, in Pakistan commented: The clinical trials and scientific studies during the 20th century confirm the medicinal and nutritional value of Sea buckthorn, and the most important of them is its anti-caner properties. Our research is focused on the anti-cancer potential of lipids from this plant (Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2006;7(1):32-5).

Cancer, heart disease and chronic diseases in general, are believed to be caused by underlying inflammation of the tissues. Fortunately, Sea buckthorn has been proven to reduce all types of inflammation and therefore it can be used as a basic protector against these types of diseases.

Indian scientists from the Immunomodulation Laboratory, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, in Delhi have recently reported that sea buckthorn extracts work at the very heart of the inflammatory process, reducing nitric oxide, a toxic by-product of your everyday metabolism which initiates inflammation.

They reported that: Our study suggests that Sea buckthorn leaf extract has significant anti-inflammatory activity and has potential for the treatment of inflammatory diseases (Int Immunopharmacol. 2006;6(1):46-52).

Sea buckthorn helps ward off illness by strengthening your immune system

Romanian scientists from the Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, in Cluj-Napoca, recently investigated the ability of sea buckthorn to reduce the risk of chronic disease by boosting the immune system. 

Maintaining a healthy immune system is extremely important as it significantly reduces your risk of developing serious diseases like cancer and heart disease (Mol Cell Biochem. 2005;278(1-2):101-9).

They used extracts from a combination of healing herbs including Allium sativum (garlic), Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice), Plantago major (plantain) and Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn). What they found was that both liquorice and Sea buckthorn significantly improved several components of the immune system, particularly the action of macrophages cells that identify and destroy inflammatory tissue in the body (Phytother Res. 2006 May;20(5):352-8).

Scientists from the Immunomodulation Laboratory, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, in Delhi have found that sea buckthorn also protects the immune system against toxins and environmental poisons (such as chromium).

Soothes irritated skin and helps repair any existing damage

Sea buckthorn oil is extremely effective at treating skin disorders such as ulcers and burns because it contains high concentrations of palmitoleic acid. This fatty acid is a natural component of the skin that acts as an emollient and promotes wound healing and protects the skin from prolonged sun exposure.  

The plants skin-protective benefits also stem from the fact that its a powerful antioxidant thanks to its high vitamin C, carotenoid, and phenolic content. This makes it effective against premature ageing of the skin and the effects of environmental pollution.

Its hardly surprising considering all these attributes that it is now used commercially as an ingredient in a number of skin creams aimed at treating blemishes, minor burns, and skin ageing in general.

Its benefits in these areas have now been scientifically endorsed by researchers who have found that extracts of Sea buckthorn can speed up the healing of burns and protect the surrounding skin from free radical damage (Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Apr 22; Epub ahead of print).

In another study, Chinese researchers from the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department, Shenzhen Buji Peoples Hospital, in Shenzhen, used Sea buckthorn oil on the wounds of 151 patients with burns. These patients were compared to another group of burns patients who were only treated with Vaseline gauze.

The Sea buckthorn patients showed a quicker rate of improvement and healing, with less swelling and less pain. The scientists conclusion was that: As a valuable plant oil with wide uses in medicine, Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) oil for external application has definite effects on the healing of burn wounds (Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue. 2006;26(1):124-5). 

What to take for best results

The recommended dosage for sea buckthorn is one 250mg to 300mg tablet a day. As a cream it is used directly on the skin, two to three times a day. There are no known side effects associated with its use.