Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides · Sea buckthorn oil

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Postmenopausal vaginal atrophy^{1, 2} Dry eye symptoms^3–6 Abnormal lipid profile⁷ Chronic idiopathic constipation⁸ Atopic dermatitis^9–11 Psoriasis lesions¹²	Pregnancy or nursing¹³ Children under 18¹³

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a berry whose pulp oil is rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and carotenoids, while the seed oil is higher in polyunsaturated fatty acids¹⁴. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity is attributed to flavonoids, carotenoids, and fatty acids¹⁵. People take it for mucosal dryness, inflammatory skin conditions, and lipid support. The typical patient is a postmenopausal woman with vaginal dryness who cannot use estrogen¹.

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found lower triglycerides and cholesterol only in people with abnormal lipid metabolism, with no change in glucose, blood pressure, or body mass index⁷. Oral oil improved vaginal epithelial integrity over placebo in postmenopausal women¹. A Cochrane review of supplements for eczema, including one sea buckthorn oil trial, found no convincing evidence of benefit⁹. A 2026 randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a fruit extract in chronic idiopathic constipation reported improved bowel movement frequency and stool consistency; no trial has replicated it. Products listing sea buckthorn number in the thousands, sold as capsules, softgels, powders, and liquids; see Form comparison.

Health Canada lists a label caution that pregnant or breastfeeding patients consult a health care practitioner before use¹⁶.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

57 sources, 47 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources