Hippophae rhamnoides

Related Terms

2-Methyl-chiro-inositol, 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'hippopha? (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), D?nendorn (German), Elaeagnaceae (family), Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A.Nelson, epigallocatechin, espinheiro-mar?timo (Portuguese - Brazil), espino armarillo (Spanish), espino falso (Spanish), ethyl glucose, European buckthorn, Fasanbeere (German), fat, ferulic acid, fiber, finbar (Swedish), finnb?r (Swedish), flavo-glycoside, flavones, flavonoid, flavonol aglycones, flavonol glycosides, flavonols, folate vitamers, fructose, fruit acid, galactose, gallic acid, gallocatechin, gemeiner Sanddorn (German), gew?hnlicher Sanddorn (German), glucose, glucuronides, grisset, Haffdorn (German), haf?yrnir (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 Szab?, homokt?vis (Hungarian), isolinoleic acid, isorhamnetin, isorhamnetin-3-galactoside, isorhamnetin-3-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside, kaempherol, k?rp?ti homokt?vis (Hungarian), klintepil (Danish), klittorn (Danish), Korallenbeere (German), L-ascorbic acid, leucocyanidin, leucodelphinidin, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, lycopene, malic acid, mannitol, meerdorn, methyl-myo-inositol, mineral salt, minerals, myo-inositol, myricetin, oblepikha, oil, oleic acid, oleum Hippophae, olivella spinosa (Italian), Osyris rhamnoides Scop., paeonin, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, p-coumaric acid, pectin, pentamethylquercetin, peonin, phenolic acids, phosphatides, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phylloquinone, physalien, polyunsaturated fatty acids, Prielbrusie, proteins, protocatechuic acid, pulp oil, purging thorn, quercetin, quinic acid, rakytn?k resetl?kovit? (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, st?ggved (Norwegian), Stranddorn (German), succinic acid, sugar, syringetin, t?nnved (Norwegian), tannic acid, tanning agents, tannins, terpenoids, tetrahydrofolate, tindved (Danish, Norwegian), tinnan (Norwegian), tinne (Norwegian), tinnved (Norwegian), tocopherols, tocotrienols, t?rn (Norwegian), tornan (Norwegian), t?rri (Norwegian), total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (TFH), trans-resveratrol, triterpenoids, 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) is different from alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and 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. Promising early evidence supports the use of sea buckthorn for dry eyes, burns, and scaly, itchy rashes.
The antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. These benefits may affect the impact of sea buckthorn on cancer, heart disease, immune function, inflammation, liver disorders, injuries caused by radiation, and eye disorders.
There is a lack of high quality information on the side effects of sea buckthorn.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Sea buckthorn seed oil and pulp oil may improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy rashes. However, results are mixed. More research is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 B


Sea buckthorn seed oil and pulp oil may improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy rashes. However, results are mixed. More research is needed before a strong conclusion can be made.

 B


Sea buckthorn contains fatty acids and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of dry eyes. Early evidence supports the use of sea buckthorn oil for dry eyes. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these findings.

 B


Sea buckthorn contains fatty acids and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of dry eyes. Early evidence supports the use of sea buckthorn oil for dry eyes. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these findings.

 B


The antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. These benefits may affect the impact of sea buckthorn on cancer, heart disease, immune function, inflammation, liver disorders, injuries caused by radiation, and eye disorders. Although not well studied in humans, early research suggests that sea buckthorn may protect against radiation and oxidative stress. However, results are inconsistent. Further study is needed.

 C


The antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. These benefits may affect the impact of sea buckthorn on cancer, heart disease, immune function, inflammation, liver disorders, injuries caused by radiation, and eye disorders. Although not well studied in humans, early research suggests that sea buckthorn may protect against radiation and oxidative stress. However, results are inconsistent. Further study is needed.

 C


Early results suggest that sea buckthorn oil may reduce pain, swelling, and oozing caused by burns and may improve healing. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early results suggest that sea buckthorn oil may reduce pain, swelling, and oozing caused by burns and may improve healing. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results.

 C


Early results suggest that sea buckthorn may improve liver health in people with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver caused by chronic disease). Although promising, more high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Early results suggest that sea buckthorn may improve liver health in people with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver caused by chronic disease). Although promising, more high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been used in the past to prevent and treat colds. However, there is a lack of human research to support its use for this purpose. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been used in the past to prevent and treat colds. However, there is a lack of human research to support its use for this purpose. Further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Early study suggests that sea buckthorn preparations (including berries, berry oil, and extract) may lower blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed on the possible benefit of sea buckthorn alone.

 C


Early study suggests that sea buckthorn preparations (including berries, berry oil, and extract) may lower blood sugar levels. However, more research is needed on the possible benefit of sea buckthorn alone.

 C


The antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. These benefits may affect the impact of sea buckthorn on heart disease. Early research suggests that it may reduce chest pain and improve heart function in people with ischemic heart disease (reduced blood supply to the heart). However, further study is needed.

 C


The antioxidant effects of sea buckthorn are well known. These benefits may affect the impact of sea buckthorn on heart disease. Early research suggests that it may reduce chest pain and improve heart function in people with ischemic heart disease (reduced blood supply to the heart). However, further study is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that sea buckthorn may lower blood pressure. However, strong evidence is lacking and further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that sea buckthorn may lower blood pressure. However, strong evidence is lacking and further study is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been studied as a possible treatment for high cholesterol. However, strong evidence is lacking and more research is needed in this area.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been studied as a possible treatment for high cholesterol. However, strong evidence is lacking and more research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that sea buckthorn may improve symptoms of pneumonia in children. More research is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that sea buckthorn may improve symptoms of pneumonia in children. More research is needed in this area before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been studied as a possible treatment for ulcers on the lining of the stomach or intestines. Early human research suggests that sea buckthorn oil may benefit peptic ulcers when used with other therapies. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Sea buckthorn has been studied as a possible treatment for ulcers on the lining of the stomach or intestines. Early human research suggests that sea buckthorn oil may benefit peptic ulcers when used with other therapies. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

 C


Sea buckthorn may help decrease weight and waist circumference in overweight or obese people. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Sea buckthorn may help decrease weight and waist circumference in overweight or obese people. More high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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 healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

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. Sea buckthorn berry or seed oil have also been applied to the skin 3-4 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 (itchy, scaly skin), 10 capsules containing 500 milligrams of sea buckthorn pulp oil have been taken by mouth daily for four months. Creams containing 10-20% sea buckthorn have been applied to the skin for four weeks.
For heart disease, 10 milligrams of sea buckthorn has been taken by mouth three times daily for three months.
For cirrhosis (scarring of the liver caused by chronic 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 weight loss, 100 grams of fresh sea buckthorn berries have been taken by mouth daily for 33-35 days.
For burns, sea buckthorn oil dressings have been applied to the skin.

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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Sea buckthorn may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding or clotting. 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 cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
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 altered in the blood, and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using 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, agents that treat heart disorders, agents that treat stomach and intestine disorders, antibiotics, anticancer agents (including cyclophosphamide or epirubicin (farmorubicin)), antigout agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiulcer agents, antivirals, cholesterol-lowering agents, heart rate-regulating agents, weight loss agents, or wound-healing agents.

Attribution

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).

Bibliography

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