Seabuckthorn benefits
Seabuckthorn has been used to improve human health for more than 1,200 years. Ancient Tibetan doctors used the fruit as a daily medicine, and in 1977 the Chinese Ministry of Health listed seabuckthorn in the Chinese pharmacopoeia.
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Over 40 years of research found more than 190 active compounds in the fruit and 106 in the oil, including six lipid-soluble vitamins, 22 fatty acids, 42 lipids and 36 flavonoids and phenols. Researchers report that seabuckthorn may help with the following:
- Blood-vascular system. Seabuckthorn flavonoids are studied for coronary heart disease and angina pectoris, heart function and arrhythmia.
- Immune system. Vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD resist oxidation and clear free radicals, which is linked to immune function and anti-ageing.
- Antitumor and anticancer. The active composition includes white cyanine, guassin, coumarin and 5-hydroxy tryptamine, with reported anticancer activity.
- Inflammation and radiation damage. Seabuckthorn oil is used to resist inflammation and pain, promote tissue regeneration and support the immune function.
- Burns, scalds and wounds. Seabuckthorn oil promotes the regeneration of tissue and epithelial tissue, and is used clinically on burns, scalds, knife wounds and frostbite.
- Respiratory system. The flavonoid Mongolian oak has an expectorant, cough-relieving and asthma-relieving effect, and was used for chronic bronchitis.
- Digestive system. Used for stomach and duodenal ulcer, inflammation and indigestion; seabuckthorn oil is reported to resist gastric ulcer.
- Liver protection. Malic acid and oxalic acid can relieve the toxicity of medicines to the liver; lecithin supports cell metabolism and liver function.
- Brain and growth. Rich in amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids, it supports children's development.
- Ophthalmology. Reported use in trachoma, keratitis and conjunctivitis, as drops, ointment or intramuscular injection.
Seabuckthorn drinks
Fruit of seabuckthorn (also called hippophae or sanddorn) contains a variety of bioactive ingredients. The juice is very rich in vitamin C, E, B1, B2, carotene, sugar, acids, essential amino acids and trace elements; oil content reaches 12–18%. Seabuckthorn is known as the "mysterious fruit".
Market demand for seabuckthorn juice drinks continues to grow, and supply of concentrated juice and fruit powder does not meet demand — a result of the recognised nutrients and health benefits.
On 12 June 1985, ten drinks were designated for Chinese athletes at major international games. All used seabuckthorn juice as the main material, prepared partly with Chinese medicine and fine mineral water.
Fresh seabuckthorn juice used in production solved the problem of vitamin C instability, making it an ideal material for health products, drinks, beer, candy and ice cream. Dehydrating the juice into powder reserves its nutrients, flavour and taste, lengthens the storage period and eases transport.
Seabuckthorn cosmetics
Seabuckthorn oils are believed to have a biological protective capacity: tocopherols and carotenoids trap and reduce the formation of UV-B induced toxic products in skin cells, so the oils can be used as a natural sunscreen.
The oils condition the skin in many ways — helping acne by healing micro-tears, softening coarse areas, constricting pores and softening scars. Seabuckthorn berry oil is especially rich in omega-7 palmitoleic acid, around 30% of the total oil, and is used for cell anti-ageing, microcirculation, antioxidant protection and epidermal regeneration.
The seed oil absorbs strongly in the UV-B range (290–320 nm) and is used as a natural sunscreen absorber and emollient in cosmetics and phytopharmaceuticals. Its high tocopherol (vitamin E) content is recognised as a natural antioxidant that helps maintain skin integrity.
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