Common sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a plant that was used in Tibet to heal wounds. In China it was a valued strengthening agent, and in Scandinavia and Siberia it protected against the effects of harsh winters. In ancient Greece, sea buckthorn was given to horses to help them regain strength faster and gain shiny coats – hence its Latin name hippophaemeaning “shining horse”.
Nowadays, sea buckthorn is used both in phytotherapy, cosmetology and dietetics. During the International Sea Buckthorn Conference in Pruszków (2024), experts emphasized that Poland is becoming one of the leaders in the cultivation and research of this fruit, and its health-promoting potential is only just beginning to be fully appreciated.
Team work with West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (2024)published in the magazine Molecules under the title Chemical composition and nutritive value of sea buckthorn leaves. The results indicate that both sea buckthorn fruits and leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with strong antioxidant properties, which makes it a plant with great potential in the prevention of lifestyle diseases.
Sea buckthorn berries – small, intensely orange fruits – are hidden nearby 190 nutrientsincluding vitamins C, A, E, polyphenols, phytosterols and omega-7 fatty acids, which are rare in the plant world. In 2023, the Medical Research Agency in Poland will report Analysis of needs, trends and opportunities in biomedical research indicated sea buckthorn as one of the plant raw materials with the greatest potential in future clinical trials.
The production of sea buckthorn oil begins in late autumn, when orange berries reach full ripeness and the highest concentration of natural nutrients. Harvesting requires precision – the fruits are delicate and their flesh is extremely juicy, which is why they are often harvested by hand or using special vibrating devices that protect the bushes from damage. Right after harvesting, the berries are sent to the processing plantwhere they are carefully sorted and cleaned so that only the best raw material is pressed.
This is an important step cold pressing — a technique that preserves the natural structure of the oil, its color, aroma and nutritional value. The fruit is gently crushed and then slowly squeezed, without high temperature or chemical solvents.. Depending on which part of the fruit is used in the process, two types of oil are produced. Seed oil it is lighter in color and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, however pulp oil has an intense, deep orange color resulting from the high content of carotenoids and the unique omega-7 acid.
After pressing, the oil undergoes natural sedimentation, filtration and bottling, most often in dark glass, which protects it from light. Unlike many popular vegetable oils, sea buckthorn is more thick, aromatic and susceptible to oxidationtherefore it must be stored in a cool place, away from sunlight.
Sea buckthorn oil is a thick, amber essence of northern shrubs, in which nature has condensed everything that is best. Research review published in 2024 in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine by scientists from the University of Chinese Medicine in Shaanxi shows clearly, that flavonoids, phytosterols and carotenoids present in sea buckthorn reduce inflammation, inhibit platelet sticking, and improve the elasticity and functioning of blood vessels. In other words: regular supplementation can support the prevention of heart disease at a level that a decade ago was mainly attributed to pharmacotherapy.
However, in 2024, scientists from the Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine of the University of Latvia, analyzing the HIPPOCOR® extract, showed that supplementation with sea buckthorn seed oil lowers blood pressure, LDL and HDL levels and glucose, and at the same time improves metabolic processes. Such a wide spectrum of action is rare in the world of natural oils.
Even more intriguing are the results of work on microcirculation and protection of the retina. In studies on animal models of hypertensive retinopathy, it was observed that sea buckthorn oil reduces the activity of caspase-3 – one of the key markers of apoptosis – and limits the glial reaction. This means that it supports the protection of delicate eye vessels in people at risk of damage due to hypertension.
Against this background, the composition of active substances also looks impressive. Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins C, E and A and polyphenols, that seal vessels, reduce oxidative stress and improve arterial elasticity. The vitamins it contains exceed those of many popular fruits – it has up to fifteen times more vitamin C than oranges. 2025 research review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology by the University of Chinese Medicine in Beijing, indicates that sea buckthorn strengthens the skin barrier and mucous membranes and has a strong regenerative effect. In addition, there is a rare omega-7 acid – a compound that supports tissue healing, alleviates the symptoms of atopy and accelerates skin regeneration.
A safe and effective dose of sea buckthorn oil it’s about 0.5-1 tablespoon per day. Review published in December 2024 on the website Drugs.com indicates that clinical trials used 5 to 45 g of sea buckthorn seed oil or pulp per day, resulting in an improvement in the lipid profile and antioxidant status of the body.
Most often, sea buckthorn oil is consumed as addition to salads, yogurt, cereals or smoothies. Its intense flavor can be softened by combining it with other vegetable oils. You can pour it over groats, rice or baked vegetables just before serving to retain the full nutritional value. It has been used as an ingredient in Nordic cuisine for years fish saucesespecially salmon and cod. Combined with honey and lemon, it creates a syrup that strengthens immunity. Interestingly, sea buckthorn fruit is also used to prepare juices.
In cosmetology, the oil is used as base for regenerative balms and creams. In natural medicine, this oil is used to support the treatment of burns, frostbite and dry mucous membranes. It is also worth adding sea buckthorn oil to protein cocktails after training to support muscle regeneration thanks to the presence of antioxidants. In sports dietetics, it is increasingly recommended as a natural supplement that helps reduce inflammation and improve performance.
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, MDPI, ResearchGate
