Delving into the science behind its efficacy unveils a treasure trove of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, each contributing to its remarkable ability to promote wellbeing. Let’s embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of Sea buckthorn oil for human health.
Bioactive constituents
Sea buckthorn oil contains a rich and complex supply of medicinal compounds, including:
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) and linoleic acid (omega-6)
- Monounsaturated fatty acids – palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and oleic acid (omega-9)
- Plant sterols – campsterol and beta-sitosterol
- Vitamin E – tocotrienols and tocopherols
- Carotenoids – betacarotene, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin
- Flavonoids – quercetin and kaempferol
The bioactive constituent profiles of the seed and fruit oil vary considerably. Seed oil is particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids whereas fruit oil is predominantly rich in carotenoids and omega-7. Omega-7 is a rare fatty acid that is found exclusively in the fruit[1].
Due to compositional variations between the fruit and seed, clinical studies assessing its health benefits typically use a combination of the fruit and seed oil to achieve a comprehensive blend of therapeutic constituents.
Sea buckthorn oil and skin health
Sea buckthorn oil contains the rare omega-7 fatty acid, palmitoleic acid, which is not commonly found in plant sources. One of the standout properties of Sea buckthorn oil is its exceptional capability to support skin hydration. Skin hydration plays a fundamental role in maintaining overall skin health. When the skin is properly hydrated it appears plump, smooth, and radiant. Moreover, hydrated skin is more resilient and better equipped to repair and regenerate itself, to promote faster wound healing and provide a more youthful complexion.
Sea buckthorn oil for eye health
Dry eyes are a common complaint, with a 2022 survey commissioned by Optometry Australia revealing that 85% of Australians have experienced dry or irritated eyes[2].
Various influences can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including environmental factors such as dry air or wind, prolonged screen time, ageing, hormonal changes, certain medications, or even underlying health concerns. Symptoms of dry eyes may include stinging or burning sensations, excessive tearing, redness, sensitivity to light, and a feeling of grittiness in the eyes.
While occasional dryness may be temporary, if you experience dry eyes on an ongoing basis, perhaps Sea buckthorn oil can help.
Sea buckthorn oil can be used to support both eye health while also relieving dry eyes, with evidence showing that as little as 2g a day can attenuate markers of eye dryness and mediate associated redness[3].
If you find yourself experiencing either dry skin or dry eyes, consider Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil.
Herbs of Gold Sea Buckthorn Oil contains 100% pure, certified organic Omegia™ Sea buckthorn oil, a proprietary ingredient extracted from both the fruit and seed to provide a balance of omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 beneficial fatty acids. Since the therapeutic quality of Sea buckthorn oil can be easily affected by agricultural factors, using Omegia™ Sea buckthorn oil ensures batch-to-batch potency and consistency.
[1] Solà Marsiñach, M., & Cuenca, A. P. (2019). The impact of sea buckthorn oil fatty acids on human health. Lipids in Health and […], 18(1), 1-11.
[2] Optometry Australia (2022). 2022 Vision index: taking a closer look at Australian’s eye health. https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Vision_Index/2022-Vision-Index-Report.pdf
[3] Larmo, P. S., Järvinen, R. L., Setälä, N. L., Yang, B., Viitanen, M. H., Engblom, J. R., ... & Kallio, H. P. (2010). Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye. The Journal of Nutrition, 140(8), 1462-1468.
