Sea buckthorn (chash e guno): The northern “superfruit” with real science behind it

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Mehreen Khan

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), locally known as chash e guno in Burushaski, grows wild across Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral regions. Locally it is often seen as a hardy, thorny shrub used for fencing and boundary protection, yet globally it is increasingly recognised as a nutrient-dense fruit with a unique profile of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats.

What makes sea buckthorn special is that it is not only “vitamin rich” in a vague way. Scientific reviews repeatedly describe its berries as unusually high in vitamin C and rich in carotenoids and tocopherols (vitamin E compounds), along with a broad range of polyphenols that contribute antioxidant activity. In a 2020 review published in Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, Vilas-Franquesa and colleagues highlighted sea buckthorn’s high concentrations of vitamin C, carotenoids, and tocopherols, and its wide range of bioactive compounds used in food and nutrition products.

Nutritional and bioactive profile

Sea buckthorn is sometimes called a “superfruit” because it combines two worlds in one berry. It contains hydrophilic antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, and lipophilic antioxidants, such as carotenoids and tocopherols, alongside oils with a distinctive fatty-acid composition. The same 2020 review emphasized that both the pulp and seed fractions offer valuable bioactive components, which is why sea buckthorn appears in juices, concentrates, supplements, and skin products. (Springer Link)

Health benefits

Supports skin and mucosal health

Sea buckthorn has a long history of topical and dietary use for skin support. A 2017 review in the MDPI journal Cosmetics discussed sea buckthorn oil as a valuable source for cosmeceuticals and highlighted that the plant has been used historically as both food and medicine, with multiple vitamins and bioactive substances identified in the berries and oils. This helps explain why sea buckthorn is widely used in dry-skin products and why people often report improved “skin comfort,” especially in harsh climates. One of the more convincing human studies on sea buckthorn is related to dry eye. In a double-blind randomized trial published in 2010, Larmo and colleagues reported that oral sea buckthorn oil attenuated the increase in tear film osmolarity during the cold season and had a positive effect on dry-eye symptoms. A follow-up study by Järvinen and colleagues explored mechanisms and continued to support the view that sea buckthorn oil may influence dry-eye symptoms through pathways beyond simple tear fatty-acid changes.

Antioxidant and inflammation pathways remain a major research focus

Sea buckthorn is often promoted for immunity and inflammation, but the most responsible way to phrase this is that the research focus is strong and growing, while outcomes depend on preparation, dose, and the health condition studied. A 2020 review in RSC Advances summarized sea buckthorn’s chemical profile and discussed nutritional, health-related, and toxicological findings, describing it as a plant with extensive bioactive constituents and broad research interest.

How to use it right

In northern regions, sea buckthorn is often consumed as juice, syrup, or a tart fruit preparation. Its taste can be strongly sour, so people commonly blend it with other fruits or dilute it. If using commercial products, choose reputable sources and avoid assuming that “more” is better. For many households, the simplest approach is occasional seasonal use as part of a balanced diet, rather than daily high-dose supplementation.

Cautions and considerations

Sea buckthorn are nutritious but are not suitable for everyone in medicinal doses. WebMD warns that sea buckthorn can act as a blood thinner and may increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with medications that also slow blood clotting. People on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders should avoid sea buckthorn supplements unless a clinician specifically approves. WebMD also cautions that sea buckthorn may lower blood sugar, which can be risky for people with diabetes who take medications to reduce glucose, because it can increase the chance of low blood sugar episodes. Reliable safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so it is safer to avoid medicinal use during these periods unless medically advised.

In summary, sea buckthorn is one of Pakistan’s northern gifts that deserves both pride and prudence. Its nutrient density and antioxidant profile are well-supported by scientific reviews, and specific human trials suggest real promise in areas such as dry-eye symptoms. At the same time, responsible use matters, especially for people on blood thinners, managing diabetes, or in pregnancy. When treated as a supportive food, not a miracle cure, sea buckthorn can be a meaningful addition to health-focused living.