Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae): Benefits, Processing & Superfruit (Part 2)

31 Dec

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From Tibetan Scrolls to Modern Clinic: A Comprehensive Guide to the World of Sea Buckthorn

As early as the 8th century AD, the classic Tibetan medical book Gyud Bzi described a plant capable of healing the lungs, blood, and digestion. Today, we know this plant as sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.). What ancient healers knew from empirical experience, modern science confirms today on a molecular level.

Sea buckthorn is a complex biological system producing more than 190 bioactive substances that act synergistically on the human organism. From protecting Russian cosmonauts against radiation to treating burns and cardiovascular diseases, the pharmacological potential of this shrub is astounding. This article provides a deep analysis of the mechanisms by which sea buckthorn influences health and the journey of its processing from a thorny shrub to a final product.

“Sea buckthorn is one of the few plants containing the rare Omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid), a natural component of our skin. Thanks to this, it possesses such a strong ability to heal wounds and regenerate mucous membranes.”

Part 1: Biological and Pharmacological Effects

1. Protector of the Heart and Blood Vessels

Cardiovascular diseases are a worldwide problem, and sea buckthorn plays a role as a strong preventive player.

Cholesterol Regulation: Flavonoids and seed oil (rich in phytosterols) can effectively lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing "good" HDL cholesterol.
Lowering Blood Pressure: Clinical studies have shown that taking sea buckthorn oil (0.75 ml daily) in hypertensive patients normalized blood pressure.
Thrombosis Prevention: Leaf extracts inhibit platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots without affecting platelet count.

2. Dermatology: Healing and Regeneration

This is the area where sea buckthorn excels the most. Its regenerative capabilities are used in both medicine and cosmetics.

Clinically Proven Burn Healing

In a study with patients suffering from second-degree burns, wounds treated with sea buckthorn ointment healed in 6.7 days, compared to 11.2 days with standard treatment. The mechanism lies in promoting collagen production and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).

3. Mucous Membranes, Stomach, and Liver

Sea buckthorn acts as an "internal balm" for mucous membranes throughout the body.

Stomach Ulcers: The oil creates a protective film on the stomach lining and accelerates the healing of stress-induced ulcers.
Dry Eye and Vaginal Atrophy: Helps with dry eye syndrome and alleviates symptoms of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.
Liver Protection: Studies have shown that sea buckthorn consumption lowers liver enzymes and protects the liver from fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Part 2: From Thorny Shrub to Industrial Gold

Sea buckthorn is a crop with enormous potential, but its harvesting and processing are a technological challenge. The fruits are soft, juicy, and cling tightly to thorny branches.

Harvesting: The Biggest Challenge

Harvesting accounts for nearly 60% of costs. Different methods are used:

Sea Buckthorn Harvesting Methods

Method	Principle	Pros/Cons
Branch Cutting	Cutting off entire fruit-bearing branches and freezing them.	High efficiency, but reduces yield the following year (shrub fruits on 2-year-old wood).
Manual Picking	Individual picking or shaking.	Extremely labor-intensive, risk of damaging the fruit.
Chemical Induction	Applying ethephon to loosen the fruit.	Reduces force needed for picking by 30%, facilitates mechanical harvesting.

Processing: The Three-Phase Phenomenon

When sea buckthorn juice is pressed and left to stand, it naturally separates into three layers:

Top Layer: Creamy layer rich in pulp oil.
Middle Layer: Clear fruit juice.
Bottom Layer: Sediment and heavier particles.

This phenomenon is resolved in the industry by centrifugation to obtain pure oil and clear juice.

Two Types of Oil

Sea buckthorn is unique in that it provides two different oils:

Pulp Oil: Obtained from the soft part of the fruit. Typically dark red in color and high in Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) and carotenoids.
Seed Oil: Obtained by extraction from seeds. Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic acid).

Sea Buckthorn "Zero Waste"

Almost nothing is wasted from sea buckthorn. Leaves are rich in proteins and antioxidants and are used for teas or fodder. Press residues (skins) are a source of yellow food coloring ("Sea Buckthorn Yellow").

Conclusion

The biological effects of the genus Hippophae are complex and affect almost every organ system. From traditional hand-picking in the Himalayas to supercritical extraction in modern laboratories, every part of this plant finds its use. Sea buckthorn is not just a food source but a complex raw material for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental industries, making it one of the economically most promising crops of the future.