SEABUCK THORN “THE ORANGE JEWEL OF HEALTH”

Pratidnya Prakash Sapkal*

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia, known for its bright orange berries and exceptional nutritional value. This review explores the diverse health benefits of sea buckthorn, which range from its rich antioxidant content to its unique profile of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the potential therapeutic applications of sea buckthorn, such as its use in skincare, wound healing, and cardiovascular health, are discussed. The review also examines the traditional uses of sea buckthorn in various cultures and its modern applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Overall, sea buckthorn emerges as a versatile and valuable natural resource with promising implications for human health and wellbeing. Sea-buckthorn, with high economic value, is one of the important tree species for windbreak, sand fixation and conservation of water and soil. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae L., Elaeagnaceae) is an economically and ecologically important medicinal plant comprising of species which are winter hardy, dioecious, wind-pollinated multipurpose shrubs bearing yellow or orange berries with nitrogen-fixing ability. It grows widely in cold regions of Indian Himalayas, China, Russia, Europe and many other countries. It is commonly known as ‘cold desert gold’ due to its high potential as a bio-resource for land reclamation, reducing soil erosion and its multifarious uses. The wild populations are being used for harvesting economic benefits with negligible plantation efforts. Although this plant has many excellent traits, it is still in an early phase of domestication. This woody plant is prone to many pests and diseases which destroy the plants and halt its commercial production. Sea buckthorn holds significant economic importance, serving as a key species for windbreaks, sand fixation, and soil and water conservation. This economically and ecologically vital medicinal plant belongs to the family Elaeagnaceae and consists of six species and twelve subspecies. Hippophae rhamnoides, also known as sea buckthorn, sandthorn, or seaberry, is particularly notable and is currently being domesticated in many parts of the world. The plant's ability to fix nitrogen and thrive in cold regions, such as the Indian Himalayas, China, Russia, and Europe, further underscores its ecological benefits. Known as "cold desert gold," sea buckthorn is valued for its potential in land reclamation and reducing soil erosion, as well as for its multiple uses. Despite its many advantageous traits, sea buckthorn is still in the early stages of domestication and faces challenges from pests and diseases that impede commercial production. Sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices are essential to ensure its long-term availability. Future research is needed to enhance cultivation techniques, improve pest and disease management, and fully unlock the potential of sea buckthorn. As a multifunctional plant, sea buckthorn promises significant contributions to ecological sustainability and human health, marking it as a valuable resource for the future.