Also known as: Hippophae rhamnoides, Omega-7, Palmitoleic acid, Seabuckthorn oil
BotanicalEmerging evidence
An orange berry from a thorny shrub, and the main supplement source of omega-7. Berry and seed oils have quite different fatty acid profiles, which most labels fail to make clear.
Typical dose
1.0–3.0 g per day
Daily with food; allow three months
What it is
Sea buckthorn is Hippophae rhamnoides, a hardy thorny shrub growing across Europe and Asia, producing dense clusters of bright orange berries.
Two distinct oils come from it. Berry pulp oil is rich in palmitoleic acid, the omega-7 fatty acid, and gives the oil its deep orange colour. Seed oil is quite different, supplying omega-3 and omega-6 in a roughly equal ratio.
If omega-7 is what you are after, the berry or pulp oil is the one to buy. A product labelled only sea buckthorn oil may be either, and the two are not interchangeable.
How it works
Palmitoleic acid is a component of cell membranes and appears to act as a signalling molecule influencing lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways.
Sea buckthorn is also unusual among plants in supplying fats to mucous membranes throughout the body, which underlies the traditional use for dryness of the eyes, mouth and other membranes.
The berries are additionally very high in vitamin C, several times the concentration of citrus, alongside carotenoids and vitamin E.
What the evidence shows
The better-supported area is dryness of mucous membranes, with controlled trials reporting improvements in eye dryness and comfort over three months of daily use.
There is smaller work on skin condition, reporting improved hydration and elasticity, and preliminary research on lipid and inflammatory markers.
Overall the human evidence is modest. The nutrient density of the berry is not in question; the specific omega-7 claims are still early, and much of the marketing runs ahead of what has been shown.
Dosing
Oil doses are typically 1 to 3 g daily. The mucous membrane trials used around 2 g of berry oil daily over three months.
Take with food, as with any oil, and give it three months before judging. The trials that found effects ran that long, and shorter trials have been less convincing.
Check whether you are buying berry oil or seed oil, and look for a declared palmitoleic acid figure if omega-7 is the goal. Sea buckthorn oil stains strongly, which is worth knowing before opening a bottle over a light worktop.
Sea buckthorn is well tolerated with a history of use as a food. Digestive upset is occasional and mild.
At higher intakes it may affect how readily blood clots and may lower blood pressure modestly.
Speak to your doctor before use if you take anything affecting blood clotting or blood pressure, and stop high doses before scheduled surgery.
Who should avoid it
Speak to your doctor before use if you take anything affecting blood clotting or blood pressure, or any regular medication. Stop high doses before scheduled surgery. Not established at supplemental doses in pregnancy or breastfeeding. The oil stains strongly.
This entry is provided for information only. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision.
