An Introduction...

Seabuckthron berries, Hippophae rhamnoides L

Not many of our readers would have heard about the seabuckthorn berry (Hippophae rhamnoides L) - better known in Europe and Asia for its bright orange colour and avid pigmentation, needle-sharp throns and rich nutrient content.

Seabuckthorn, already very popular in Tibet, Mongolia, China and Russia, is a rich source of antioxidants reported to inhibit the oxidative the modification of LDL ('bad') cholesterol, reported to be an important part of the pathogenesis of artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and cardiovascular disease.

Indeed, seabuckthorn oil has also been reported to have a number of other health applications, including atopic aczema, other skin problems related to deficient regeneration, UV radiation stressed skin, mouth dryness, mouth ulcers, gastric ulcers, urinary tract inflamations, cervicitis, genital ulsers, sinus inflammation and eye dryness.

"The antioxidants in sea buckthorn juice and pulp may protect the heart by reducing harmful chemicals in the blood. The pulp oil also contains unsaturated fatty acids and plant sterols, which could help to reduce blood cholesterol levels. In addition, there is evidence that seabuckthorn juice might help to protect 'bad' cholesterol from oxidation, a process which is involved in the development of coronary heart disease."

- Sara Stanner, a nutritionist at the British Heart Foundation.