Sea Buckthorn

What the trials found

A 2022 meta-analysis of 15 randomized trials (Geng 2022; abstract read) found lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL and higher HDL overall, with the effect limited to people with abnormal blood fats. In a 30-day crossover study in 80 overweight women (Larmo 2013), berries tended to lower triglycerides and VLDL in the higher-risk group and the oil showed a downward trend in cholesterol, but most single changes were not significant after correction for multiple testing, and a phenolic extract mixed with maltodextrin raised triglycerides and VLDL. In 12 healthy men, 4 weeks of berry oil did not change plasma lipids (Johansson 2000).

Results

Meta-analysis: lower triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL, higher HDL, only in people with abnormal lipids. Healthy people: no change in the small oil study.

Effect sizes as reported

Standardised mean differences: triglycerides -0.722 (95% CI -1.129 to -0.316), total cholesterol -0.345 (-0.639 to -0.051), LDL -0.396 (-0.755 to -0.037), HDL +0.370 (0.056 to 0.684).

Why this rating

Pooled result is statistically significant but the authors report high heterogeneity even after subgroup analysis, the abstract does not name the products, and no GRADE rating is given in it. The one extract-versus-berry comparison went in the opposite direction. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Products pooled in the meta-analysis are not listed in the abstract. Individual trials used dried berries, oil (5 g a day in Johansson 2000) and a phenolic extract; see each study.

Who was studied

Adults, mostly with abnormal lipids or overweight.

Limits

High heterogeneity; unclear products; a change in blood tests does not show fewer heart attacks or strokes.

Why researchers looked

Berries and oils contain unsaturated fats and flavonols, so researchers tested them for effects on blood fats.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Lab and animal work suggests flavonoids and fatty acids may change how the body handles fats; this has not been shown to be the reason in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No serious problems were reported in these abstracts. Anyone on cholesterol medicine should keep taking it unless a doctor says otherwise.

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What the trials found

Eighteen overweight or obese men ate three test meals (sea buckthorn puree, strawberry puree or a control with added fructose) in a single-blinded crossover design (Mortensen 2018). Blood glucose was not affected, but insulin was 39.6 percent lower at 30 minutes (P < 0.01) and 16.5 percent lower at 45 minutes (P < 0.05), the peak insulin rise was 23.6 percent lower, and desire for something sweet was higher after sea buckthorn. The 2022 meta-analysis (Geng 2022) found no effect on blood sugar overall. A 2026 review (Kordas 2026) says effects on glucose regulation in human trials were small or inconsistent.

Results

Single meal: lower and delayed insulin, no glucose change. Weeks-long trials pooled: no effect on blood sugar.

Effect sizes as reported

Insulin 39.6 percent lower at 30 min, 16.5 percent lower at 45 min; peak rise 23.6 percent lower; glucose unchanged.

Why this rating

One single-blinded study of 18 men, one meal, no diabetes patients; the pooled analysis found no blood sugar effect. A lower insulin response is not the same as better blood sugar control. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Sea buckthorn puree in a sucrose-containing test meal; the dose is not given in the abstract.

Who was studied

Overweight or obese men; no people with diabetes in this study.

Limits

One meal; small; no long-term data in people with diabetes.

Why researchers looked

Berry polyphenols are thought to slow sugar absorption, so researchers tested sea buckthorn with a sugary meal.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not shown in these studies; possible slowing of sugar uptake is a hypothesis from lab work.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

If you take diabetes medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist before adding concentrated sea buckthorn products, because an effect on blood sugar has not been ruled out.

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What the trials found

The 2022 meta-analysis (Geng 2022) found no effect on blood pressure overall. In 88 people with essential hypertension (Zhang 2001, Chinese-language abstract), 8 weeks of total sea buckthorn flavones did not change resting heart rate or stress hormones (catecholamines) in the flavone group, and after isometric exercise heart rate, blood pressure and catecholamines did not rise as they did on nifedipine. The comparison drugs were nifedipine and verapamil, with no placebo group.

Results

Pooled trials: no effect on blood pressure. Flavone trial: no resting change; blunted exercise response compared with nifedipine; no blood pressure numbers in the abstract.

Effect sizes as reported

Not quantified in the abstracts.

Why this rating

The pooled analysis found no blood pressure effect, so we rate the evidence against a blood pressure benefit. The flavone trial is old, in Chinese, without a placebo, and gives no numbers.

Form and dose studied

Total flavones extract (Zhang 2001); products pooled in Geng 2022 are not named in the abstract.

Who was studied

Adults with high blood pressure (Zhang 2001).

Limits

Old trial; no placebo; blood pressure values not available to us.

Why researchers looked

Flavonoids from the fruit are thought to relax blood vessels or calm the stress-nerve system, so this was tested.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Lab studies suggest effects on the sympathetic (stress) nerves; not confirmed in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

People taking blood pressure medicines should not swap them for sea buckthorn. No study of sea buckthorn combined with those medicines was found.

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What the trials found

In 254 healthy volunteers (233 finished), sea buckthorn berries did not change the number or length of colds, but CRP fell more than with placebo (difference in median change -0.059 mg/l, P = 0.039; Larmo 2008). In 45 hemodialysis patients, sea buckthorn oil for 8 weeks did not change high-sensitivity CRP or other inflammation markers (Rodhe 2013). Isorhamnetin-rich flavonols in porridge did not change CRP, oxidized LDL or homocysteine (Suomela 2006).

Results

One small CRP fall in healthy adults; no change in dialysis patients or with isolated flavonols.

Effect sizes as reported

CRP difference in median change -0.059 mg/l (P = 0.039) in Larmo 2008; the other two studies showed no significant change.

Why this rating

Positive and null human results, a very small CRP change that may have no meaning for health, and different products (berries, oil, isolated flavonols). We rate it mixed.

Form and dose studied

Berries (Larmo 2008, dose not in abstract); oil 2 g a day (Rodhe 2013); isolated flavonols in porridge (Suomela 2006).

Who was studied

Healthy adults; dialysis patients.

Limits

The CRP change was a secondary outcome and very small.

Why researchers looked

CRP is a blood marker of inflammation linked to heart risk, and berries are rich in antioxidants.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Lab studies report anti-inflammatory effects of the flavonoids; the human trials did not show this clearly.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See the safety tab for the blood chemistry changes seen in dialysis patients.

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What the trials found

Twelve healthy men took 5 g a day of berry oil or fractionated coconut oil for 4 weeks in a crossover design; the oil lowered ADP-induced platelet aggregation rate and maximum aggregation, while lipids and glucose did not change (Johansson 2000). In the lab, isorhamnetin and two derivatives from the fruit reduced clot formation in human whole blood (Stochmal 2022), and raw and roasted seed extracts lowered platelet activation and inhibited COX-1 (Slawinska 2024). A 2026 review says platelet effects in human trials were small or inconsistent (Kordas 2026).

Results

Human: lower platelet aggregation with berry oil in one small study. Lab: anti-platelet effects of fruit flavonol and seed extracts.

Effect sizes as reported

Numbers are not given in the human abstract; lab tests used 50 micrograms per mL.

Why this rating

One 12-person preliminary crossover study plus test-tube work. Lab antiplatelet activity does not tell us whether a bleeding risk exists at normal intakes. We rate it very low.

Form and dose studied

Berry oil 5 g a day for 4 weeks (Johansson 2000); isolated compounds and seed extracts in the lab.

Who was studied

Healthy men.

Limits

Small; no bleeding outcome measured; lab results use concentrations not known to be reached in the body.

Why researchers looked

Platelet clumping contributes to blood clots, and fatty acids and flavonols in the plant are known to affect it in the lab.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

In human blood in the lab, isorhamnetin and seed extracts reduced clot formation, platelet activation and the enzyme COX-1; the real-world effect of eating or taking sea buckthorn is not known.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Possible additive effect with blood thinners and antiplatelet medicines; no human interaction study or bleeding case report was found. See the safety tab.

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What the trials found

The meta-analysis (Geng 2022) found no effect on BMI. In 80 overweight women, dried berries, oil, a phenolic extract and bilberries each shifted the overall blood metabolite profile in a 30-day crossover study, with changes that depended on the baseline profile (Larmo 2013). A 2026 review on leaves (Kordas 2026) found human trials of berries, puree, juice and oils had small or inconsistent effects on lipids, glucose, blood pressure and platelets.

Results

No BMI effect in pooled trials; profile changes depend on starting state.

Effect sizes as reported

Not quantified here beyond the meta-analysis statement of no BMI effect.

Why this rating

Based on one meta-analysis statement and one exploratory crossover study with no placebo arm in the abstract. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Dried berries, oil or extract, 30 days (Larmo 2013).

Who was studied

Overweight women.

Limits

Exploratory; multiple testing; no weight-loss outcome.

Why researchers looked

Researchers asked whether berries change the wider blood chemistry that links to metabolic syndrome.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Same as under blood fats.

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What the trials found

In a double-blind trial of 100 adults with dry eye (86 finished), 2 g a day of sea buckthorn oil for 3 months led to a smaller rise in tear film osmolarity than placebo (ITT P = 0.04; per protocol P = 0.02). Redness was lower in the ITT analysis (P = 0.04) and burning in the per protocol analysis (P = 0.04) (Larmo 2010). In a three-part randomized study of an eyelid spray containing sea buckthorn oil and sodium hyaluronate, symptom scores (OSDI) fell more in the treated eye than the untreated eye (P = 0.0007, n = 40 in part three) and than a commercial spray (P = 0.022, n = 10) (Larmo 2019).

Results

Oral oil: smaller rise in tear osmolarity; some symptoms improved. Spray: lower OSDI than untreated eye.

Effect sizes as reported

Oral oil ITT P = 0.04 for osmolarity; spray OSDI P = 0.0007 vs untreated eye.

Why this rating

Two small trials from the same research circle, results differ by analysis set, the spray used an untreated eye rather than placebo and contains hyaluronate, and authors are linked to a sea buckthorn company. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Oral oil 2 g a day for 3 months; eyelid spray with hyaluronate (amount per use not in the abstract).

Who was studied

Adults with dry eye.

Limits

Small; company-linked authors; combination spray.

Why researchers looked

Oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants could support the tear film.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Unknown; the authors suggested the fatty acids and antioxidants.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

The spray was well tolerated in the first part (n = 2).

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What the trials found

In 116 postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness, itching or burning (98 finished), 3 g a day of sea buckthorn oil for 3 months improved integrity of the vaginal epithelium better than placebo (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.11-8.95; in compliant participants only OR 2.9, CI 0.99-8.35, a trend). The overall vaginal health index trend was not significant (P = 0.08) (Larmo 2014). In 377 women before colposcopy, a compound sea-buckthorn oil vaginal suppository for 2 weeks improved epithelial integrity and colposcopy adequacy versus no treatment (P < 0.001), similar to estrogen ointment; the breast discomfort, dizziness and headache reported were in the estrogen group only (Yu 2025).

Results

Oral oil: better epithelial integrity than placebo, index trend not significant. Suppository: similar to estrogen ointment, better than nothing.

Effect sizes as reported

OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.11-8.95) for epithelial integrity.

Why this rating

One placebo-controlled trial with a borderline main index, plus a combination-product trial without a placebo. Authors of the first have ties to Aromtech Ltd. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Oral oil 3 g a day for 3 months (Larmo 2014); compound sea-buckthorn oil vaginal suppository for 2 weeks (Yu 2025, a combination product, ingredients not in the abstract).

Who was studied

Postmenopausal women.

Limits

Small; combination product in the second trial; no symptom-based placebo trial for the suppository.

Why researchers looked

Oil rich in fatty acids is used for mucous membranes; women who cannot use estrogen look for options.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Unknown.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

In Yu 2025, local vaginal reactions did not differ significantly from the estrogen group, and the suppository group had no breast discomfort, dizziness or headache.

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What the trials found

In 49 patients with atopic dermatitis who took 5 g of seed oil, pulp oil or paraffin oil daily for 4 months, dermatitis improved significantly with pulp oil (P < 0.01) and with paraffin oil (P < 0.001) but not significantly with seed oil (P = 0.11) (Yang 1999). The 2012 Cochrane review of 11 trials in 596 people concluded there is no convincing evidence of benefit from dietary supplements in established eczema; sea buckthorn seed and pulp oil was one of the single small studies included (Bath-Hextall 2012).

Results

Placebo improved as much as or more than the oils.

Effect sizes as reported

Pulp oil P < 0.01; seed oil P = 0.11; paraffin placebo P < 0.001.

Why this rating

One small 1999 trial where the placebo also improved, and a Cochrane conclusion of no convincing evidence. We rate it very low.

Form and dose studied

Seed oil or pulp oil 5 g a day for 4 months.

Who was studied

People with atopic dermatitis.

Limits

Small groups; old; placebo effect.

Why researchers looked

The oils contain skin-related fatty acids.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

The authors linked symptom change to rises of alpha-linolenic acid in plasma in the seed oil group.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported in the abstracts.

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What the trials found

Fifty-five adults with second-degree burns got sea buckthorn cream or 1 percent silver sulfadiazine dressings until healed; healing was shorter with sea buckthorn cream (P < 0.001), and the abstract gives no days (Abdullahzadeh 2021). In rats, seed oil by mouth and on the skin sped burn healing with no toxicity seen in acute and sub-acute oral tests (Upadhyay 2009).

Results

Shorter healing time than silver sulfadiazine in one trial.

Effect sizes as reported

P < 0.001; number of days not in abstract.

Why this rating

One small triple-blind trial with no days given and no cream composition in the abstract, backed by rat work. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Sea buckthorn cream dressing (composition not in the abstract).

Who was studied

Adults with second-degree burns.

Limits

Small; single center; product details missing.

Why researchers looked

Oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants is used on skin damage; rat studies of seed oil showed faster healing.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

In rats, seed oil raised wound contraction and collagen markers (Upadhyay 2009).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Skin product only; burns need medical care.

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What the trials found

A PRISMA-style review of 26 PubMed studies from 2020 on found consistent lower inflammation and better barrier function in preclinical models, with limited clinical data on rosacea (Hincu 2026).

Results

No human rosacea results.

Why this rating

Evidence is almost entirely lab and animal work; no rosacea trials.

Form and dose studied

Extracts, oils and isolated compounds.

Limits

Only PubMed since 2020; lab work.

Why researchers looked

Rosacea involves inflammation and a weak skin barrier, which sea buckthorn compounds affect in the lab.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

In lab and animal models, sea buckthorn compounds lowered pro-inflammatory mediators and improved barrier integrity (Hincu 2026).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None known.

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What the trials found

Ninety adults with chronic idiopathic constipation took 500 mg a day of a hydroethanolic fruit extract or placebo for 28 days; weekly spontaneous complete bowel movements rose from 1.5 to 2.6 (P < 0.001) and the Bristol stool form score from 1.4 to 3.5 (P < 0.001) with no change on placebo; bloating, abdominal pain and heaviness fell, flatulence did not differ, quality of life was largely unchanged, and no adverse events were reported (Morone 2026).

Results

Complete bowel movements 1.5 to 2.6 a week; stool form normalised.

Effect sizes as reported

1.5 to 2.6 a week (P < 0.001).

Why this rating

One single-center, 4-week trial with product supplied by the sponsor and no independent replication. We rate it low.

Form and dose studied

Hydroethanolic fruit extract 500 mg a day for 28 days.

Who was studied

Adults with chronic idiopathic constipation.

Limits

One center; short; sponsor-supplied product.

Why researchers looked

Fruit extracts contain flavonoids and other compounds that the authors say may act like a mild laxative.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not established; the study characterised 75 compounds in the extract by mass spectrometry (flavonoids, triterpenoids, phospholipids).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Because it increases bowel movements, people with loose stools or bowel disease should ask a doctor first (a precaution, not a finding).

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What the trials found

One hundred and twenty children with functional dyspepsia were randomized to sea buckthorn, domperidone or both for 8 weeks; leptin and neuropeptide Y were higher and ultrasound stomach emptying was faster in the sea buckthorn groups than domperidone alone, and body fat measures increased (Xiao 2013). An erratum was later published.

Results

Faster stomach emptying and higher leptin and NPY than domperidone alone.

Effect sizes as reported

Not quantified in the abstract.

Why this rating

Unclear product and dose, no symptom outcome, hormone and ultrasound measures only, and a correction was issued. We rate it very low.

Who was studied

Children with functional dyspepsia.

Limits

Unclear methods; weight and fat measures rose; no clinical symptom result in the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Sea buckthorn is used in traditional Chinese medicine to aid digestion (Ma 2023).

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a basis for giving sea buckthorn to children; ask a pediatrician.

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What the trials found

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 254 healthy volunteers (233 finished) found no difference in the number or duration of common colds (relative risk 1.15, 95% CI 0.90-1.48 for number; 1.05, CI 0.87-1.27 for duration) or digestive infections (Larmo 2008).

Results

No effect on colds.

Effect sizes as reported

RR 1.15 (0.90-1.48) number; RR 1.05 (0.87-1.27) duration.

Why this rating

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of reasonable size found no benefit for colds. We rate the evidence against a cold-prevention benefit.

Form and dose studied

Berry product, dose not in the abstract.

Who was studied

Healthy adults.

Limits

One trial; urinary infection signal too small to judge.

Why researchers looked

Berries are rich in antioxidants, so they were tested for preventing colds.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported in the abstract.

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What the trials found

In 45 hemodialysis patients, 2 g a day of sea buckthorn oil for 8 weeks versus placebo (4-week washout) did not change DNA breaks, oxidative DNA lesions, saliva flow or inflammation markers, while plasma phosphate and sodium rose and plasma iron fell (Rodhe 2013).

Results

No benefit on the main outcomes.

Effect sizes as reported

No significant changes in the primary outcomes.

Why this rating

A placebo-controlled crossover found no effect on the main outcomes. We rate the evidence against a benefit here.

Form and dose studied

Oil capsules, 500 mg each, 4 a day.

Who was studied

Adults on hemodialysis.

Limits

Small; dialysis patients only.

Why researchers looked

Dialysis patients often have dry mouth, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Raised phosphate and sodium and lowered iron are a caution for kidney patients.

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What the trials found

Twelve healthy adults took 500 mg of a proanthocyanidin-rich berry extract or placebo in a crossover design; blood drawn 1 and 2 hours later showed selective rises in some progenitor, endothelial and mesenchymal stem cell types (Drapeau 2019). Authors disclose ties to companies in the field.

Results

Brief rise in some circulating cell counts.

Effect sizes as reported

Not quantified in the abstract.

Why this rating

Twelve people, one dose, a lab count with no health outcome, and company-linked authors.

Form and dose studied

Proanthocyanidin-rich berry extract, 500 mg once.

Who was studied

Healthy adults.

Limits

No clinical meaning shown.

Why researchers looked

The authors explored whether polyphenols mobilise cells involved in repair.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

None reported.

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What the trials found

A structured review of 85 publications (Kordas 2026) found that human trials examined berries, puree, juice and oils, and that no controlled human trial or human pharmacokinetic study has evaluated a chemically characterized leaf preparation.

Results

No human leaf trials.

Why this rating

No controlled human evidence for leaf.

Form and dose studied

Leaf preparations in animal and lab work only.

Limits

Content varies by cultivar, harvest and extraction.

Why researchers looked

The leaf is rich in flavonol glycosides and tannins and is used in teas and traditional preparations.

Traditional use

Sea buckthorn berries and oil have a long place in European and Asian food and folk medicine. A review of the traditional Chinese use says different parts of the plant were used for cough, to aid digestion, to invigorate blood circulation and to relieve pain (Ma 2023, abstract only). This is traditional use, not proof of benefit.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Leaf preparations improved selected metabolic, vascular or inflammatory outcomes in animal and ex vivo models; isolated flavonols support plausibility but do not identify what drives the leaf's effects (Kordas 2026).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Human safety of regular leaf use has not been tested in trials.

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