NewsSea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn: the hardy berry of the Himalayas
Some plants seem to love a challenge. Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub that grows where winters are freezing and rain is scarce, and it still fills its branches with bright orange berries every year.
Where sea buckthorn grows
Sea buckthorn is found across the temperate and cold regions of Europe and Asia, often in high-altitude, dry areas. In India it grows in the cold-desert districts of the Himalayas, such as Lahaul & Spiti and Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh, at elevations of about 2,500 to 4,500 metres. Locally it is known as chharma.
Because the berries are so valued, the Government of India has backed programmes to grow more sea buckthorn across several Himalayan states.
What is inside the berry
Scientists have studied sea buckthorn closely, and a 2026 scientific review describes a berry with an unusually rich mix of nutrients:
- Vitamin C, at levels reported to be higher than in many commonly eaten fruits.
- Carotenoids, the natural pigments behind its orange colour, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Vitamin E (tocopherols) and plant sterols in its oil.
- Polyphenols and flavonoids, plant compounds studied for their antioxidant activity.
Its most famous feature is its oil. The oil from the fruit pulp is rich in palmitoleic acid, an omega-7 fatty acid, which the review reports makes up roughly a third to a half of its fatty acids. Omega-7 is rarely found in plant foods, which is one reason sea buckthorn gets so much attention. The berries also contain omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.
What research does, and doesn't, show yet
Sea buckthorn is being studied for areas such as skin and heart health. It is important to be honest about where that research stands. The same review notes that human evidence remains limited, varies from study to study, and has focused mainly on oil-based products. Much of what we know comes from laboratory and animal studies, and the authors call for more well-designed human studies.
So think of sea buckthorn as a nutrient-rich food ingredient, not a remedy for any health condition.
How people use it
In the Himalayan regions and beyond, sea buckthorn is used in juices, jams, teas and oils, and it is also used by the food, cosmetics and supplement industries.
Who should check with a doctor first
Sea buckthorn is part of many diets, but supplements are more concentrated than food. WebMD notes that sea buckthorn may interact with some medicines, especially those for blood pressure and blood clotting, and that its safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding is not known. If any of these apply to you, or you have a surgery coming up, talk to your doctor before taking it.
Where Niroza Sea Buckthorn fits in
Niroza Sea Buckthorn comes in 60 veg capsules, with 1000 mg of sea buckthorn extract in each serving of 2 capsules. As printed on the label, it is a natural source of vitamins A, B, C, E and K, omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, and antioxidants.
The recommended usage on the label is 1 capsule twice a day with lukewarm water, or as directed by your physician, for adults above 18 years. Please don't exceed the recommended daily usage, and always consult your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, taking medication or have an existing medical condition.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Niroza products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and are not a substitute for a varied diet.