Sea Buckthorn - A Woman's Health Hero

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a plant known for its high content of bioactive compounds, including omega fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamins, which may provide benefits for menopausal symptoms. Here’s a look at the current evidence:

Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy

One of the most well-studied benefits of sea buckthorn for menopause is its potential to improve vaginal dryness and atrophy, common issues due to declining estrogen levels.

• Study Evidence: A 2014 randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in Maturitas evaluated the effects of sea buckthorn oil on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. The study found that taking 3g of sea buckthorn oil daily for three months significantly improved vaginal epithelium integrity compared to a placebo. The researchers attributed these benefits to the omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid), which support mucosal health.

Skin and Hair Health

Declining estrogen levels can lead to dry skin, thinning hair, and reduced elasticity.

• Antioxidant and Fatty Acid Effects: Sea buckthorn oil is rich in omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9 fatty acids, along with vitamin E and carotenoids, which contribute to skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier repair. Some studies suggest it may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improving overall skin health in menopausal women.

Cardiovascular Health

Postmenopausal women face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to hormonal changes.

• Study Evidence: Research suggests that sea buckthorn may support heart health by:

• Lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to heart disease.
• Supporting endothelial function (healthy blood vessels).

A small study showed that sea buckthorn berry extracts improved lipid profiles in postmenopausal women, though more research is needed.

Mood and Cognitive Function

• Flavonoid and Antioxidant Benefits: Sea buckthorn contains quercetin, kaempferol, and other flavonoids that may have neuroprotective effects. Since oxidative stress is linked to cognitive decline, sea buckthorn’s antioxidants might help with memory, focus, and mood stabilization.
• Omega-3 Content: Omega-3s are essential for brain function and mood regulation, potentially alleviating anxiety, depression, and brain fog associated with menopause.

Bone Health Potential Support:

Some research suggests that sea buckthorn’s bioactive compounds may help reduce bone loss by lowering inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. However, direct studies on bone density in menopausal women are limited.

Conclusion

There is promising evidence that sea buckthorn oil, particularly its omega-7 fatty acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants, may help relieve vaginal dryness, skin issues, cardiovascular risks, and possibly mood-related symptoms in menopausal women. However, while small studies support these benefits, larger, long-term clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.