Introduction
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a hardy, deciduous shrub known for its bright orange berries. Native to Europe and Asia, This plant is available in Europe and Asia, (Central Asia, China, Mangolia, India, Sibaria, Russia, Finland, Germany & Estonia). In India, It is available in The Himalayas and Ladakh. Also known as Himalayan Berry, Badri Fal, Wonder Berry, Ladakh Gold, Holy Fruit, Ladakh Berry and Cha-Mara.

• The root of the plant goes 200 ft deep into the soil which enables the plant to get many nutritious.
• It can survive up to temperature - 40° AND + 40°.
• It contains about 190 plus bio compounds.

This plant has been revered for centuries for its medicinal, nutritional, and environmental benefits. With its unique combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, sea buckthorn has gained recognition as a powerful super food with extensive health applications.

1. History of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn has a rich historical background spanning various cultures and civilizations. The earliest recorded use dates back to ancient Tibet, China, and Greece. In Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine, it was prescribed for digestive disorders, skin conditions, and immune support. The Greek name “Hippophae,” meaning “shiny horse,” originates from reports that feeding the berries to horses improved their health and made their coats glisten.

During the Soviet era, Russia extensively studied sea buckthorn for its nutritional value, incorporating it into the diet of cosmonauts and athletes. The plant has also been used in traditional Mongolian - Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan) – Used it to improve the memory, stamina, fitness and disease fitting abilities of his army and Chinese medicine for treating inflammation, infections, and cardiovascular diseases. Today, its popularity has surged globally, with growing interest in its applications for health, skincare, and agriculture.

According to scientific studies all medicinal properties of sea buckthorn are similar to the legendary Sanjivani Booti was used to receive Lord Shree Ram’s younger brother Lakshman ji. That’s why it is also called Sanjivani Booti.

2. Nutritional Composition of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn berries are an exceptional source of essential nutrients. Their unique profile includes:
• Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (10 times higher than oranges), Vitamin E, Vitamin A (beta-carotene), and B-complex vitamins.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Contains omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9 fatty acids, beneficial for skin and heart health.
• Flavonoids & Antioxidants: Loaded with polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids that fight oxidative stress.
• Minerals: A good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
• Amino Acids: Provides essential amino acids for overall metabolic function.
• Fiber: High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and gut health.
This unique combination makes sea buckthorn a powerhouse of health-promoting compounds.

3. Health Benefits of Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn offers a wide range of health benefits due to its dense nutrient profile:

a) Boosts Immunity
The high Vitamin C content strengthens the immune system, enhances the body's ability to fight infections, and promotes faster wound healing.
b) Supports Skin and Hair Health
Omega-7 fatty acids promote collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. Sea buckthorn oil is widely used in skincare for its ability to hydrate, heal wounds, and reduce inflammation in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
c) Heart Health and Cholesterol Regulation
The plant’s fatty acid content helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants further protect against oxidative damage to blood vessels.
d) Digestive Health
Sea buckthorn improves gut health by supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It is particularly helpful in treating gastric ulcers and acid reflux.
e) Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties
Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, sea buckthorn reduces inflammation, combats oxidative stress, and supports overall cellular health, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
f) Supports Liver Function
The berries aid liver detoxification and help protect against liver damage caused by toxins, alcohol, or fatty liver disease.
g) Benefits for Eye Health
With high levels of beta-carotene and other carotenoids, sea buckthorn supports vision, reduces the risk of macular degeneration, and helps in dry eye syndrome.
h) Aids Weight Management
The fiber and healthy fats in sea buckthorn help regulate metabolism, reduce cravings, and support weight loss efforts.

Conclusion
Sea buckthorn is a versatile and nutrient-dense plant with a rich history of medicinal use. Its wide array of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids make it beneficial for immunity, skin health, heart function, digestion, and overall well-being. With growing research supporting its therapeutic properties, sea buckthorn continues to gain popularity in the fields of nutrition, skincare, and medicine. Incorporating sea buckthorn into one’s diet, whether through supplements, oils, or juices, can be a natural way to enhance overall health and vitality.

Recent research on sea buckthorn has highlighted its potential in various health applications. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and supporting metabolic functions. Research published in recent years has demonstrated that sea buckthorn oil may aid in skin regeneration, wound healing, and the management of dry eye syndrome. Additionally, investigations into its antioxidant properties suggest that it can help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to aging and chronic diseases. Ongoing clinical trials are also exploring its role in improving gut microbiota and enhancing immune function. Scientists continue to study its bioactive compounds to unlock further medicinal benefits.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has conducted extensive research on sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), focusing on its applications for both military personnel and civilian use.