Sea buckthorn's therapeutic uses
Sea buckthorn is a plant native to high-altitude regions of China and Russia, known for its therapeutic uses derived primarily from its berries and oil. Historically utilized in ancient Chinese medicine, sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins C and A, as well as bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which are believed to offer various health benefits. It has been proposed for uses including the prevention of colds, heart disease, and certain digestive issues, as well as promoting skin health and supporting the immune system.
Research into sea buckthorn has yielded mixed results; while some studies suggest potential benefits for cardiovascular health and blood sugar stabilization, others have found no significant effects on conditions like the common cold. The plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its reputation for aiding in wound healing and possibly providing anti-aging effects. Despite the promising potential, the safety profile of sea buckthorn oil is not well established, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Overall, while sea buckthorn presents a range of therapeutic possibilities, further research is necessary to fully understand its efficacy and safety.
Sea buckthorn's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Prevention of colds, prevention of heart disease, treatment of stomach ulcers, reduction of side effects of cancer treatment, skin health, digestive health, immune system support, eye health, liver health, anti-aging
Overview
Sea buckthorn (not to be confused with common buckthorn) is a plant native to high-altitude regions of China and Russia. However, it is cultivated in many other areas in the twenty-first century, including the Saskatchewan province of Canada and Europe. The fruits of the plant have a long history of use as food. It was also used in ancient Chinese medicine for treating skin problems and digestive disorders. The whole berry and its oil extract are the parts used medicinally.
Therapeutic Dosages
In the study of sea buckthorn for preventing colds noted below, the dose used was 28 grams (g) of frozen berry purée daily. Sea buckthorn oil is commonly recommended to be taken internally at a dose of 5 milliliters (ml) two to three times per day; it is also applied externally to lesions of the skin or mucous membranes. Other sea buckthorn products should be used according to label instructions.
Therapeutic Uses
Like many other berries, sea buckthorn berries are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and various bioflavonoids and carotenoids. There are several emerging conclusions about the health benefits of sea buckthorn that are supported by clinical studies. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in sea buckthorn are believed to have immune boosting effects. One substantial, well-designed study of this herb examined its possible efficacy for reducing the frequency and duration of the common cold. Although this double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 254 people failed to find any evidence of benefit, many others in the twenty-first century produced contradictory results.
The study also found, rather incidentally, that the use of sea buckthorn was associated with a reduction in C-reactive protein, an emerging marker for heart disease. However, contrary to widespread advertising, this incidental observation has no immediate practical meaning. High levels of C-reactive protein are, at present, only known to be associated with higher heart disease risk; it is not clear that deliberately reducing C-reactive protein will reduce heart disease risk. One of the leading theories is that high levels of C-reactive protein indicate the presence of an unidentified bacterium that accelerates atherosclerosis. If this proves to be the case, it is undoubtedly possible to reduce the C-reactive protein levels that indicate the bacterium’s presence without reducing the levels of the bacterium itself.
In other words, reducing C-reactive protein would only hide the signs of the problem rather than affect it. Furthermore, this study was designed to look at the effects on the common cold, not the impact on C-reactive protein. If one conducts a study and then goes on a hunt for something that is different between the treatment and placebo groups, the laws of chance alone guarantee that one will find some difference. This is called data dredging, and it is a common cause of false conclusions.
To determine whether sea buckthorn actually affects C-reactive protein levels (something that itself may be altogether unimportant), a researcher would need to conduct a study designed at the outset to examine this question. In the twenty-first century, other evidence has begun to emerge indicating that sea buckthorn can prevent or treat cardiovascular disease. Some studies have indicated sea buckthorn has the ability to lower cholesterol and manage blood pressure, indicating it may indeed benefit cardiovascular health.
As the study of sea buckthorn continued into the 2010s and 2020s, research indicated more positive benefits of the herb. Sea buckthorn is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains all four omega fatty acids. A 2021 study looking into the overall health benefits of sea buckthorn determined it supports a broad spectrum of benefits. Sea buckthorn is antimicrobial and antiviral and is believed to benefit cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, tumors, gastrointestinal issues, and skin healing. Sea buckthorn's high levels of palmitoleic, linoleic, and gamma linoleic acids have been shown to benefit wound health and have anti-aging properties. One small study found sea buckthorn reduced psoriasis symptoms. Additional research has indicated that sea buckthorn may protect from ultraviolet radiation. Although a study published in 2017 revealed that sea buckthorn could lower blood pressure and lower bad LDL cholesterol, other studies produced mixed results. A study published in 2021 showed sea buckthorn had the potential to stabilize blood sugar, making it a helpful supplement in the treatment of diabetes. Preliminary evidence points to sea buckthorn’s ability to aid in digestion, liver disease, symptoms of menopause, dry eyes, and brittle hair. Though it is clear sea buckthorn has many potential health benefits, more study is needed.
Safety Issues
As a widely consumed food, whole sea buckthorn berries are presumed to be safe. Oil extracts of plants, however, are often much less safe than the whole plants, and the safety of sea buckthorn oil has not been established. The safety of use by pregnant or nursing women, young children, and people with liver or kidney disease has not been investigated.
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