Overview
Sea buckthorn is a bright orange berry derived from the plant Hippophae rhamnoides. It has been used traditionally across Europe and Asia and is now recognised for its unusually rich nutrient profile.
Sea buckthorn powder is particularly notable for its combination of omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it relevant for longevity, skin health, cardiovascular function, and inflammation control.
Exceptional Nutrient Profile
Sea buckthorn is unique among plant foods due to its content of omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid), alongside omega-3, -6, and -9.
It is also rich in: - Vitamin C - Vitamin E - Carotenoids - Flavonoids
This combination contributes to strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Why We Include It
1. Skin and mucosal health Sea buckthorn has been shown to support skin hydration and elasticity.
2. Cardiovascular support Studies suggest improvements in lipid profiles and vascular function.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects High levels of antioxidants help reduce inflammatory markers.
4. Metabolic health Emerging evidence suggests benefits for insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
- Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) - Vitamin C - Vitamin E - Carotenoids - Flavonoids
Evidence & References
Study 1 — Skin Health & Hydration
Type: Randomised controlled trial Population: Healthy adults Intervention: Sea buckthorn oil Duration: ~3 months
Key Finding: Improved skin hydration and elasticity.
Why it matters: Skin health reflects underlying inflammation and ageing processes.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16405131/ Study 2 — Lipid Profile Improvement
Type: Randomised controlled trial Population: Adults with metabolic risk factors Intervention: Sea buckthorn supplementation Duration: ~8 weeks
Key Finding: Improvements in cholesterol markers.
Why it matters: Cardiovascular health is central to longevity.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17651080/ Study 3 — Anti-inflammatory Effects
Type: Clinical study Population: Adults Intervention: Sea buckthorn extract
Key Finding: Reduction in inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.
Why it matters: Chronic inflammation is a key driver of ageing and disease.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359271/ Supporting Evidence — Antioxidant Capacity
Type: Laboratory studies
Key Finding: High antioxidant activity due to carotenoids and polyphenols.
Why it matters: Supports cellular protection and longevity pathways.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630280/ Accessible Overview: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sea-buckthorn
Summary
Sea buckthorn is a highly nutrient-dense ingredient with evidence supporting its role in skin health, cardiovascular function, inflammation reduction, and metabolic health.
Its unique omega-7 content and antioxidant profile make it a valuable addition to a longevity-focused formulation.