Sea buckthorn contains every vitamin except vitamin D
Sea buckthorn has been recognised as a medicinal plant since ancient times. In Ancient Greece, the young branches and leaves of sea buckthorn were used in the care of horses, as the plant was observed to make horses' coats smooth and glossy, and the animals were seen to grow well.
Beneficial fatty acids
Today, sea buckthorn is known to be an exceptionally versatile and nutrient-dense berry. It contains a significant amount of valuable oils, fats, and fatty acids. The oil content of sea buckthorn berries is approximately 7 g / 100 g. These oils contain several high-quality fatty acids, including glycerides of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, as well as other amino acids. The oil itself consists of 80–95% fatty acids.
A wide spectrum of vitamins
Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins A and E, as well as carotenoids. The vitamin E (tocopherol) content of sea buckthorn exceeds that of any other plant fruit or berry. Sea buckthorn contains 3.23 mg of vitamin E and 3.05 mg of tocopherol per 100 g. The vitamin A content is 250 micrograms / 100 g, while the ß-carotene content is 1,500 micrograms / 100 g.
Sea buckthorn contains approximately 200–450 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. This is up to 10–20 times the amount found in oranges. The flavonoids present in sea buckthorn significantly support the absorption of vitamin C.
Sea buckthorn also provides a wide range of other vitamins. The berry contains thiamine (B1) at 0.03 mg / 100 g, riboflavin (B2) at 0.21 mg, niacin at 0.26 mg, pyridoxine (B6) at 0.11 mg, folic acid at 10 micrograms, pantothenic acid at 0.15 mg, and biotin at 3.3 micrograms / 100 g. Partial studies suggest that the shell of the sea buckthorn seed may contain considerable amounts of vitamin B12, which is typically found only in animal-derived products. Vitamin B12 is essential for blood formation, nervous system function, prevention of vascular fat accumulation, and the maintenance of immune responses.
In addition, sea buckthorn berries contain vitamin K (coumarins and oxycoumarins), which are associated with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, as well as phytosterols that act as cholesterol antagonists. The vitamin E present in sea buckthorn oil supports the maintenance of muscle function.
Rich in trace elements
Sea buckthorn contains 0.44 mg of iron per 100 g. It also includes approximately 20 different minerals and trace elements, such as zinc, manganese, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.
Abundant flavonoids
Sea buckthorn contains numerous flavonoids, including quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. Altogether, sea buckthorn berries provide 150–300 mg of flavonoids per 100 g.
Traditional uses of sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn oil is a traditional remedy originating from folk medicine, and it has also been utilised in modern medical applications.
Sea buckthorn oil supports the normal regeneration of damaged tissues and promotes the natural healing of wounds and abrasions. For this reason, it is particularly well suited for supporting various skin-related issues. Thanks to its bioflavonoids, sea buckthorn exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Consequently, sea buckthorn oil may have beneficial effects in the management of many skin conditions. The oils contained in sea buckthorn may help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. Sea buckthorn oil also protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and is suitable for sunburned skin. The natural oils found in the pulp, peel, and seeds of sea buckthorn have been shown to alleviate atopic dermatitis.
Sea buckthorn oil has also demonstrated beneficial effects in supporting the management of gastric ulcers. Because sea buckthorn promotes faster tissue recovery, it is well suited for various forms of gastric irritation. In addition, the organic acids present in sea buckthorn support normal digestion. Sea buckthorn berries have also been observed to exert astringent and antiseptic effects on mucous membranes, which is why they have been traditionally used to manage loose stool.
The flavones found in sea buckthorn (quercetin and kaempferol) support cardiac contractility and pumping efficiency, reduce vascular resistance, and help maintain vascular elasticity. Through these mechanisms, sea buckthorn may contribute positively to normal blood pressure regulation. Sea buckthorn has also been observed to reduce plasma cholesterol levels. Bioflavonoids, together with vitamin C, strengthen capillary walls. Many of sea buckthorn's wellbeing effects are attributed to its oil containing oleic, linolenic, and linoleic acids, as well as fat-soluble vitamins A and E and phospholipids, plant sterols, and water-soluble vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C. Sea buckthorn oil is also believed to support fat and protein metabolism.
Sea buckthorn supports immune function, particularly due to its high ß-carotene and vitamin C content. For this reason, sea buckthorn products are beneficial for supporting the body's natural resistance and for helping to prevent viral and seasonal illnesses. Sea buckthorn can be used as a vitamin- and mineral-rich general tonic, especially in cases of fatigue and general exhaustion.
The oils present in sea buckthorn help maintain liver cell function, which is important, for example, in the management of allergies and as supportive care in various liver conditions.
Sea buckthorn contains phytoestrogens and phytogonadotropins, plant compounds that act in a manner similar to female hormones. Phytoestrogens exert anabolic effects in the body, supporting normal protein synthesis and growth. In animals, phytoestrogens are known to reduce blood cholesterol levels and increase potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels. They also enhance red blood cell metabolism, improve nutrient absorption across the digestive tract mucosa, and influence cell membrane permeability, thereby significantly affecting cellular metabolism.
Sea buckthorn is therefore an excellent vitamin- and nutrient-rich dietary supplement for dogs as well.
