Sea Buckthorn Berry: Boreal Superfruit Between Medicinal Tradition and Modern Science

According to legend, horses abandoned in the Siberian steppes regained their vigor and a shiny coat after grazing on sea buckthorn bushes. This observation is said to have inspired the Greek name Hippophae rhamnoides , derived from hippos ("horse") and phaos ("shining"), in reference to its ancestral use to restore shine and vitality to weakened horses. Resistant to extreme climates, sea buckthorn grows as well in Siberia, the Himalayas, and Quebec. Used for centuries by nomadic peoples for its ability to strengthen horses and heal wounds, this bright orange fruit is today at the heart of cutting-edge research on cellular health, mucous membranes, and inflammation. From homemade herbal tea to hospital care, sea buckthorn is establishing itself as a true ally of longevity.

1. A survival plant with deep roots

Sea buckthorn is resistant to temperatures from –43°C to +40°C and adapts to poor, dry soils. It develops a deep root system that fights erosion and fixes atmospheric nitrogen [1]. This ability makes it a strategic plant for reforestation and the regeneration of depleted soils.

2. From Siberia to the Himalayas: a recognized traditional use

• In Siberia, pulp oil was applied to burns and frostbite.

• In Mongolia and China, the leaves were infused to boost immunity.

• In the Himalayas, certain wild varieties are considered to be the richest in active compounds.

Christian Drapeau , a Quebec researcher in cellular neurophysiology, explored the potential of Himalayan sea buckthorn in mobilizing endogenous stem cells . One study [2] showed that a 500 mg dose of Himalayan sea buckthorn berry extract increased the number of circulating CD34+ cells within 2 hours of ingestion.

This suggests that sea buckthorn stimulates the release of bone marrow stem cells into the bloodstream , a key mechanism in regeneration.

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3. Exceptional nutritional composition

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4. Five scientifically proven effects

Effect	Figures and dosage	Source
Anti-inflammatory	–73% CRP in 30 days with 210 mg/day of pulp oil in 30 adults suffering from disturbed metabolism.	Bernstein et al., 2014 [9]
Cell regeneration	x1.6 of stem cell proliferation in vitro (sea buckthorn berry extract at 100 µg/mL over 24 h).	Zhao et al., 2022 [10]
Skin hydration	+26% barrier function in 14 days with 2x/day application of pulp oil on elderly volunteers.	Gogoladze et al., 2020 [11]
Hair growth	+32% hair density after 3 months in women aged 40-65: 500 mg/day orally + topical oil 2x/day .	Huang et al., 2021 [12]
Eye relief	Improvement of ocular lubrication after 2 g/day of seed oil for 3 months in deficient adults.	Golebiowski et al., 2013 [13]

These results show a multi-systemic effect of sea buckthorn on regeneration, the skin barrier, mucous membranes and systemic inflammation.

Omega-7: What you need to know

It is not an essential fatty acid

• Essential fatty acids are those that the body cannot manufacture and must be obtained through diet:
  → Omega-3 (ALA, EPA, DHA)
  → Omega-6 (LA, GLA)

• Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) can be synthesized by the body from palmitic acid… but in very small quantities and with strong variations depending on the metabolic state.

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The unique potential of omega-7 (palmitoleic)

Ref.: Yang et al., Lipids Health Dis. 2020; Bernstein et al., PLoS One, 2014; Mirmiran et al., J Am Coll Nutr 2021

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Why Sea Buckthorn Omega-7 Is So Valuable

• Sea buckthorn pulp contains up to 30-40% lipids , including a unique concentration of palmitoleic acid .

• Unlike omega-7 from anchovies (purified), that from sea buckthorn is plant-based, bioavailable and synergistic (with carotenoids, vitamin E, polyphenols).

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5. Modern uses and available forms

Consumable forms:

• Pure or mixed juice : rich in vitamin C and polyphenols

• Oils (pulp or seed) : plant source of omega-7

• Leaf teas : rich in gentle antioxidants

• Supplements (capsules or shots) : standardized for beauty, immunity or digestion

Cosmetic applications:

• Anti-aging creams (Europe, Asia)

• Healing care for burns and wounds (Russia, Germany)

• Natural sunscreens

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6. Why choose Quebec sea buckthorn?

Grown locally by farms like La Ferme d'Achille , Quebec sea buckthorn benefits from an ideal climate, organic methods, and an ecosystem of artisanal processing (juices, herbal teas, soaps, etc.). By consuming it, we support biodiversity, soil health, and local regeneration .

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Conclusion

Few fruits combine so many qualities: adaptogenic, regenerative, nourishing, anti-inflammatory. Sea buckthorn is a comprehensive ally for cellular health , from hair to gut, from skin to heart. Let's rediscover this Nordic treasure through its traditional forms... and its modern proofs.

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Indexed references

[1] Cieslak et al., Agronomy, 2020
[2] Yang et al., J Ethnopharmacol, 2010
[3] Tiitinen et al., J Agric Food Chem, 2005
[4] Tolkachev et al., Meditsina, 2007
[5] Andersson et al., J Food Sci, 2008
[6] Suryakumar et al., Lipids Health Dis, 2021
[7] Gao et al., Int J Mol Sci, 2019
[8] Pop et al., Plants, 2022
[9] Bernstein et al., PLoS One, 2014
[10] Zhao et al., Int J Mol Sci, 2022
[11] Gogoladze et al., Exp Dermatol, 2020
[12] Huang et al., J Cosmet Dermatol, 2021
[13] Golebiowski et al., Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2013

Scientific framework

A key study led by Christian Drapeau (2019) showed that a single 500 mg dose of Himalayan sea buckthorn berry extract (SBB-PE: proanthocyanidin-rich extract) enabled significant mobilization of circulating stem cells. Two hours after ingestion, a statistically significant increase in CD34+ progenitor cells ( undifferentiated ) and CD45- CD31+ CD309+ endothelial stem cells ( blood vessels ) was observed, although the precise percentage was not indicated. This rapid mobilization supports the potential of sea buckthorn in tissue regeneration and systemic health. PMC6368418

Understanding CD34+, CD45-, CD31+, CD309+ markers

• CD34+ : marker of hematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to blood and immune cells.

• CD45- : absence of the marker of mature immune cells, suggests a more immature or endothelial phenotype.

• CD31+ : marker of endothelial cells (vessels), involved in vascular repair.

• CD309+ (VEGFR-2) : key receptor for vascular growth, expressed by endothelial stem cells involved in regeneration.

Together, these markers make it possible to identify cells with high repair potential, mobilized into the circulation after ingestion of sea buckthorn extract.