Top 11 Health Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil

1. Improves heart health

Sea buckthorn oil may be beneficial in promoting heart health due to the following nutrients:

• Phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the body from damage and disease
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which may have the following benefits:
  • Help maintain cholesterol levels
  • Reduce fat deposits
  • Boost metabolism
  • Provide energy
• Quercetin, which may help lower the risk of heart disease

One study suggested that taking 0.75 mL of sea buckthorn oil daily may help reduce blood pressure levels in people with hypertension along with total and bad cholesterol levels.

2. Boosts the immune system

Sea buckthorn oil has a high concentration of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can strengthen your natural defenses against viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms. 

Some animal and test-tube studies have reported that sea buckthorn oil has shown activity against influenza virus and herpes virus. Sea buckthorn oil has shown similar activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. However, more human studies are needed to come to a strong conclusion.

3. Promotes liver health

Sea buckthorn oil may boost liver health due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These substances protect liver cells from damage caused by hepatotoxins. Hepatotoxins are substances that can contribute to liver damage and include alcohol, painkillers, and carbon tetrachloride.

Flavonoids present in sea buckthorn oil may also reduce fatty deposits in the liver. In an animal study, sea buckthorn oil was shown to cause a significant reduction in liver enzymes that may be elevated with liver damage. However, more human studies are required to determine the efficacy of sea buckthorn oil in promoting liver health.

4. Protects brain health

Due to the high levels of antioxidants such as carotenoids, sterols, and polyphenols, sea buckthorn oil may help reduce plaque deposition in the neural pathways and reverse the effects of dementia. Antioxidants protect against damage to the brain cells caused by free radicals and inhibit the degeneration of nerve cells, preventing or slowing cognitive impairment. 

5. May have anti-cancer effects

Quercetin, one of the antioxidants in sea buckthorn oil, has powerful cancer-fighting properties. Other antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin E can also help combat cancer cells. 

Animal studies have suggested that sea buckthorn oil may reduce the damage of RBCs during chemotherapy, as well as prevent the spread of cancer cells. However, more human studies are needed to come to a strong conclusion.

6. May reduce blood sugar levels

Sea buckthorn oil may be effective in preventing diabetes and maintaining steady blood sugar levels. 

In one animal study, sea buckthorn oil was shown to help regulate insulin levels and insulin sensitivity. Another study reported that drinking 3 ounces of sea buckthorn fruit puree daily for 5 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels. This study was small in scale, however, and further large-scale studies are needed to determine the effects of sea buckthorn oil on blood sugar levels.

7. Promotes wound healing

Sea buckthorn oil may promote wound healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area. Quercetin may accelerate wound healing by stimulating the production of collagen and skin cell repair. 

Animal studies have shown that topical application of the oil to burns can significantly increase blood flow to the area, reducing pain and promoting healing. However, other studies have had conflicting results.

8. Treats digestive problems

Sea buckthorn oil may have the following effects on digestive health:

• Helps treat stomach ulcers
• Maintains healthy gut bacteria
• Reduces inflammation
• Lowers acidity levels in the gut

However, most of the studies done on sea buckthorn oil have been done on animals, and more human studies are needed to draw a strong conclusion.

9. May relieve menopause symptoms

Sea buckthorn oil may help relieve menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness or atrophy caused by low estrogen levels. 

A double-blind study reported that women who took sea buckthorn oil daily for 3 months showed improvement in their symptoms, indicating a potential alternative for women who cannot tolerate estrogen treatment.

10. May improve vision

Beta-carotene breaks down into vitamin A in the body, which is essential for eye health. One study has linked the consumption of sea buckthorn oil with reduced eye redness and burning.

11. May improve hair texture

The presence of lecithin in sea buckthorn oil may reduce excessive oiliness in the scalp. It may also help restore hair elasticity and repair damage.

Side effects of sea buckthorn oil are typically rare. 

However, in people with high blood pressure, sea buckthorn oil can cause side effects such as: 

• Swelling
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Palpitations

When applied topically, sea buckthorn oil may cause the following side effects:

• Rash
• Anaphylactic reactions (rare)

Avoid using sea buckthorn oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking blood thinners, or currently on diabetes medications.