Carrier Oil

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Hippophae rhamnoides

B Limited clinical evidence

Sea buckthorn oil capsules eased dry eye symptoms in one small trial; for vaginal dryness after menopause the main outcome was not significant.

General NutritionWomen’s Health
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
ChildrenUnknown
Drug interactionsNo recorded interactions
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On this page

At a glance

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub whose orange berries and seeds yield an oil. Taken by mouth, the oil eased dry eye symptoms in a study of 100 people. In a study of vaginal dryness after menopause, the main outcome was not significant. The evidence is limited.

Parts used: fruit and seed oil
Key constituents: Palmitoleic acid (omega-7), Carotenoids, Tocopherols (vitamin E)

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources and research limitations appear below. The existence of a source does not mean every use has been clinically verified.

What is it used for?

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In a double-blind controlled trial of 100 adults with dry eye symptoms, those taking 1 g of sea buckthorn oil twice daily for 3 months reported less eye redness and burning, and tear film measures changed. It is a single trial. [1]

  • B Limited clinical evidence

    Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    In 116 postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness, burning or itching, 3 g of sea buckthorn oil a day for 3 months did not significantly improve the vaginal health score compared with placebo; only vaginal tissue integrity improved more. Symptoms eased similarly in both groups. The trial was manufacturer-supported. [2][1]

How is it used?

Oral oil

In studies the oil was taken as capsules with meals: 2 g a day for dry eye and 3 g a day for vaginal dryness, for 3 months. These are study doses, not recommendations.

[1][2]

Safety & interactions

  • There is no safety information for pregnancy or breastfeeding; do not use supplements.
  • In a small study it reduced platelet clumping; tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or are having surgery.
  • Very large amounts can cause harmless but noticeable yellow-orange skin colour (carotenodermia).
  • See a doctor if dry eye or vaginal complaints persist; the oil does not replace treatment.
[1][2]

Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

Side effects

  • Abdominal and digestive complaints
  • Yellow-orange skin colour at very high intakes (carotenodermia)
  • Increased joint pain reported in one trial

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Is sea buckthorn oil good for dry eyes?

In a study of 100 people, those taking 2 g of oil a day for 3 months reported less eye redness and burning. It is a single trial; see an eye doctor if dry eye persists.

Does sea buckthorn oil help vaginal dryness after menopause?

In a trial of 116 women, the main outcome (vaginal health score) did not improve significantly versus placebo; only tissue integrity differed. Symptoms eased similarly in both groups.

Can I take sea buckthorn while pregnant?

Supplements should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is no safety information.

Does sea buckthorn lower cholesterol?

Results are mixed; in a study of 229 people, berry purée did not change cholesterol. The evidence is not enough to recommend it for this.

Is sea buckthorn the same as Russian olive?

No. Sea buckthorn is Hippophae rhamnoides, while Russian olive (eaten as iğde in Türkiye) is Elaeagnus angustifolia. They belong to the same family but are different plants.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. Sea BuckthornDrugs.com — Natural Products (Wolters Kluwer) · 2025 · Reference bookSource accessed:
  2. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyMaturitas · 2014 · Randomized controlled trialSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sea-buckthorn-oil/

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