Related Terms

• 5-Formyltetrahydrofolate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, acetic acid, aekol, alkaloids, almindelig havtorn (Danish), alpha-linolenic acid, amino acid, Amritscherl (German), anthocyanin, arabinose, argasse (French), argouse (French), argousier (French), artificial sea-buckthorn oil, ascorbic acid, ash, Audorn (German), baie d'argousier (French), baie d'hippophaé (French), beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, buckthorn, caffeic acid, campherol, carbohydrates, carotene, carotenoids, casuarinin, catechin, Chharma, cinnamic acid, citric acid, common sea-buckthorn, dehydroascorbic acid, dhar-bu (Lao), dhurchuk (Hindi), duindoorn (Dutch), Dünendorn (German), Elaeagnaceae (family), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson, epigallocatechin, espinheiro-marítimo (Portuguese - Brazil), espino armarillo (Spanish), espino falso (Spanish), European buckthorn, Fasanbeere (German), fat, ferulic acid, fiber, finbar (Swedish), finnbär (Swedish), flavo-glycoside, flavones, flavonoid, flavonol aglycones, flavonol glycosides, flavonols, folate vitamers, fruit acid, galactose, gallic acid, gallocatechin, gemeiner Sanddorn (German), gewöhnlicher Sanddorn (German), glucose, glucuronides, grisset, Haffdorn (German), hafþyrnir (Icelandic), harmalol, harmol, havtidse (Danish), havtorn (Swedish, Danish), Hippophae angustifolia Lodd., Hippophae littoralis Salisb., Hippophae rhamnoides, Hippophae rhamnoides cv. Indian Summer, Hippophae rhamnoides oil, Hippophae rhamnoides ssp. sinensis, Hippophae rhamnoideum Saint-Lager, Hippophae sibirica Lodd., Hippophae stourdziana Szabó, homoktövis (Hungarian), isolinoleic acid, isorhamnetin, kaempherol, kárpáti homoktövis (Hungarian), klintepil (Danish), klittorn (Danish), Korallenbeere (German), L-ascorbic acid, leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lycopene, malic acid, mannitol, meerdorn, mineral salt, minerals, myricetin, oblepikha, oil, oleic acid, oleum Hippophae, olivella spinosa (Italian), Osyris rhamnoides Scop., paeonin, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, p-coumaric acid, pectin, pentamethylquercetin, phenolic acids, phosphatides, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phylloquinone, physalien, Prielbrusie, proteins, protocatechuic acid, pulp oil, purging thorn, quercetin, quinic acid, rakytník řešetlákovitý (Czech), RH-3, Rhamnoides hippophae Moench, rhamnose, rokitnik, rokitnik zwyczajny (Polish), rote Schlehen (German), saccharose, salicylic acid, sallow thorn, Sandbeere (German), Sanddorn (German), sandthorn, sandtidse (Danish), sandtidsel (Danish), sandtorn (Danish), SBL-1, sceitbezien, seabuckthorn, sea-buckthorn, seabuckthorn oil, sea-buckthorn oil, seabuckthorn powder, seed oil, seed residues of Hippophae rhamnoides L., Seedorn (German), serotonin, sha ji (Chinese), shaji (Chinese), silverbuske (Swedish), star-bu (Lao), stearic acid, sterols, støggved (Norwegian), Stranddorn (German), succinic acid, sugar, syringetin, tænnved (Norwegian), tannic acid, tanning agents, tannins, terpenoids, tetrahydrofolate, tindved (Danish, Norwegian), tinnan (Norwegian), tinne (Norwegian), tinnved (Norwegian), tocopherols, tocotrienols, tørn (Norwegian), tornan (Norwegian), tørri (Norwegian), total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (TFH), trans-resveratrol, tyrni (Finnish), unsaturated fatty acids, vanillic acid, vitamin B, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, water, Weidendorn (German), Weisseldorn (German), xanthophylls, yellow spine, zeaxanthin.

• Note: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) should not be confused with alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), or cascara or California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana), although these plants have similar common names.

Background

• Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is found in Europe and Asia, mainly in eastern Europe and central Asia. The plant's orange fruit and the oil from its pulp and seeds have been used in the past to treat many conditions, such as skin and digestive problems and coughs.

• According to the Chinese Pharmacopeia, sea buckthorn can be taken by mouth as a pain reliever, cough suppressant, expectorant, digestive tonic, and blood flow promoter. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), sea buckthorn is mainly used as an expectorant and demulcent (soothing agent).

• Antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. Promising evidence has been found for sea buckthorn's use for dry eyes, atopic dermatitis, and burns. More research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abscesses, ACE-inhibitor activity, aging, antibacterial, antihelminthic (expels worms), antiplatelet (decreases platelet clumping), antitussive (cough suppressant), antiviral, arthritis, asthma, astringent (shrinks body tissues), bedsores, blood flow enhancement, cancer, chemotherapy adjuvant (chemotherapy-modifying agent), colitis (inflammation of the colon), cosmetic, demulcent (soothing agent), dengue, diarrhea, digestive disorders (infection), digestive tonic, dry skin, ear infections, enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine), expectorant, eye problems, fatigue, fever, food uses, frostbite, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acid reflux disease), gastrointestinal disorders (stomach and intestine problems), gout, gynecological disorders, Helicobacter pylori infection, hyperpigmentation (postpartum, darkening of the skin after giving birth), immune system regulation, inflammation, laxative, leukemia, liver protection, lupus, metabolic disorders, nasopharyngitis (common cold), night vision enhancement, nutrition, pain relief, performance enhancement, periodontitis / gingivitis, psoriasis (long-term skin disease), pulmonary conditions (lung problems), radioprotection (reducing the side effects of radiation therapy), scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), senility (memory loss), skin irritation, skin ulcers, stomach ache, stress (due to cold conditions), stroke prevention, sunscreen, swollen mucous membranes, tonic, toxicity, urinary tract infection, vision improvement, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• The following forms and doses of sea buckthorn have been taken by mouth: 1-2 cups of sea buckthorn leaf tea, daily; 1-3 seed oil capsules (500 milligrams per capsule), three times daily; 3-5 milliliters of sea buckthorn seed oil, three times daily; up to two "dropperfuls" of sea buckthorn berry oil, three times daily.

• For antioxidant effects, sea buckthorn juice has been taken by mouth for eight weeks, although the amount taken was unclear.

• For atopic dermatitis, ten capsules containing 500 milligrams of sea buckthorn pulp oil has been taken by mouth daily for four months. Also, creams containing 10-20% sea buckthorn have been applied to the skin.

• For burns, sea buckthorn oil dressings have been applied to the skin.

• For cirrhosis (liver disease), 15 grams of sea buckthorn extract has been taken by mouth three times daily for six months.

• For dry eyes, two grams of sea buckthorn oil has been taken by mouth for three months.

• For high blood pressure, 10 milligrams of sea buckthorn has been taken by mouth three times daily for eight weeks.

• For ischemic heart disease, 10 milligrams of sea buckthorn has been taken by mouth three times daily for three months.

• For obesity, 100 grams of fresh sea buckthorn berries were taken by mouth daily for 33-35 days.

Children (under 18 years old)

• For type 1 diabetes, a concentrate of blueberry and sea buckthorn has been taken by mouth for two months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to sea buckthorn, parts of this plant, or other bushes and shrubs from the Elaeagnaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be needed.

• Sea buckthorn may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), as well as in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be needed.

• Sea buckthorn may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that lower blood pressure, as the risk of experiencing abnormally low blood pressure may be increased for these people.

• Use sea buckthorn cautiously in people with autoimmune diseases, heart rhythm disorders, in those who exercise rigorously, or in those taking heart rate-regulating agents, anticancer agents, agents processed by the liver, or agents that affect the immune system.

• Use topical sea buckthorn oil cautiously, since rashes may occur.

• Avoid amounts higher than those normally found in food in those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Avoid in people with known allergy or hypersensitivity to sea buckthorn, its constituents, or members of the Elaeagnaceae family.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Avoid doses higher than those normally found in food, due to a lack of clinical data.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Sea buckthorn may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using other medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be needed.

• Sea buckthorn may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure, especially ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (A2R blockers), or calcium channel blockers.

• Sea buckthorn may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood, reducing the intended effects. People taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

• Sea buckthorn may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the liver, antibiotics, anticancer drugs (especially cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, or epirubicin (farmorubicin)), antigout agents, anti-inflammatories, antiulcer agents, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering agents, gastrointestinal agents, heart rate-regulating agents, weight loss agents, or wound-healing agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Many cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Many other herbs and supplements may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Sea buckthorn may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using other herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Sea buckthorn may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Sea buckthorn may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these herbs or supplements may become too low in the blood, reducing the intended effects. Sea buckthorn may also change the effects of other herbs or supplements on the P450 system.

• Sea buckthorn may also interact with antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, antigout herbs and supplements, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, antivirals, cholesterol- and fatty acid-lowering herbs and supplements, gastrointestinal herbs and supplements, heart rate-regulating herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, herbs and supplements that affect the liver, fatty acids, ulcer-healing herbs and supplements, weight loss herbs and supplements, or wound-healing herbs and supplements.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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