The fruit, seed and leaves contain an impressive array of antioxidant compounds. The concentration of vitamin C in the berries reaches 2500mg/100g depending on the species.

Sea Buckthorn berries are also a rich source of vitamin E, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols including beta sitosterol; stanols, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polar lipids. The leaves are an equally rich source of important antioxidants including beta carotene, vitamin E, flavonoids, catechins, elagic acid, ferulic acid, folic acid and significant values of calcium, magnesium and potassium. The dried leaves also provide an important source of protein at 24%.

In addition to its carotenoid and vitamin E content, the oil from the Sea Buckthorn berry contains on average 35% of the rare and valuable palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7). This rare fatty acid is a component of skin fat and is known to support cell, tissue and wound healing. The seed oil is characterized by its high oleic acid content (17%) and its one to one ratio of omega 3 (alpha linolenic) and omega 6 (linoleic) at approximately 34% and 31% respectively.

The relationship of equivalence between the two omegas is critical because they self-check each other in a delicate balance to regulate thousands of metabolic functions through prostaglandin pathways. Nearly every biologic function is somehow interconnected with the delicate balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3.

Until recently, most of the research into the medicinal, nutraceutical (a food or food product that provides health and medical benefits) and cosmeceutical (the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) properties of Sea Buckthorn has originated in China and Russia where studies have been ongoing since the 1950’s.

Preparations from the fruit, seeds, leaves and bark of Sea Buckthorn have demonstrated great promise in the treatment of the mucous membranes including ulcers and gastro-intestinal disorders as well as vaginal problems.

Additional studies have shown that Sea Buckthorn oils and juice have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and have a cholesterol lowering activity.

The oils are effective in the treatment of burns, bedsores and such skin conditions as dermatitis, eczema, rosacea, acne, psoriasis and the effects of sun damage. The powerful synergies and antioxidant properties of Sea Buckthorn fruit, leaves and oils support the immune system, eye health, are anti-senescent, reduce cholesterol, support cardiovascular health, muscle nourishment, strengthens cell walls, regulate endocrine function, regulate blood lipids, and have significant anti-inflammatory activity and pain reduction. It is generally accepted in the cosmetic industry that Sea Buckthorn oils have unique anti-aging properties and stimulate tissue regeneration.

There is no doubt western women will cherish the numerous benefits offered by Sea Buckthorn. This ancient plant from the East with its powerful and healing synergies has much to contribute to this planet and its inhabitants. We can look forward to continued revelations of Sea Buckthorn’s many benefits through the increasing interest and development of its abundant and valuable properties.

Sea Buckthorn berries belong to the most vitamin-packed fruits of all flora. They have in addition many valuable substances for nutritional purposes. These have among others also antioxidative activities. The oils from the seeds and from the flesh of the berries, which is different, contains fatty acids in considerable concentrations, among others the important omega 3 -& 9 components.

Sea buckthorn has played an important role in traditional medicine of Asian peoples for over one thousand years. Scientific work for the pharmacological use of the Sea buckthorn, especially of the oil, was started in the former USSR about 1930. The extraction and the medical application of secondary substances from Sea buckthorn (seeds, leaves and wood bark) is part of more scientific work in China and India.

The fruits of Seabuckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides L. have been used as a drug by traditional Tibetan & Mongolian medicine since ancient times. According to historical records, China was the first to country to use Seabuckthorn as a drug.

In 1977, this plant was formally listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Seabuckthorn contains biologically active substances with pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular and the immune system, and anti-senility, anti-inflammation and anti-radiation effects.

"The mountainous regions of Russia and China are home to a hardy, golden berry known as the Seabuckthorn. The effects of its potent nutrition are legendary in these regions. It’s renown inspired 8th century Tibetan doctor Yu Yuendan Gongbu to study this berry, and since then its value has been mastered by that culture. In fact, Ghengis Khan, the 13th century conqueror, was aware of the astonishing nutrition of the berry. He is said to have attributed the might and vitality of his warriors, in part, to Seabuckthorn*.

Chinese natives have been using the medicinal properties of this botanical for centuries to help in blood circulation,
alleviate pain, relieve coughs, and to aid in digestion. The oils from the berry have also been effective for treating dermatitis, eczema, acne, and healing sun-damaged skin. This quality of the berry gives it anti-aging potential.