Sea Buckthorn: Multi-Pathway Protection Against Arterial Hardening

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is drawing increased scientific attention for its remarkable ability to protect against hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). An array of new research highlights the unique, multi-targeted mechanisms by which this vibrant orange berry supports vascular health and combats atherosclerosis—a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

The infographic above captures the comprehensive pathways through which sea buckthorn acts on vascular health. Below, we walk through each segment of the diagram, weaving in the latest clinical and preclinical findings.

Multi-Targeted Vascular Protection:

1. Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a core driver of atherosclerosis, setting the stage for plaque buildup and artery stiffening. Sea buckthorn’s rich supply of flavonoids and triterpenoids has been shown to down-regulate key inflammatory pathways (including MAPK and NF-κB), leading to:

- Lower production of inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α, IL-6)

- Reduced expression of adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1)

- Inhibition of endothelial cell activation

Scientific insight:

Flavonoids such as isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol have demonstrated the ability to block LPS-induced inflammation and suppress immune cell release of nitric oxide and PGE2 in both cell and animal studies (Sun et al., 2024).

2. Increased Vasodilatory Activity

For healthy arteries, proper dilation is essential for normal blood flow and pressure. Sea buckthorn enhances vasodilation by:

- endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity

- Increasing production of nitric oxide (NO)

- Counteracting vasoconstriction

Key bioactives:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols in sea buckthorn oil have been shown to significantly improve vasodilation responses in animal models (Basu et al., 2007).

3. Inhibiting Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Over-proliferation of these cells is a hallmark of plaque formation.

Sea buckthorn:

Inhibits voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDC)
Reduces intracellular calcium in smooth muscle cells
Slows cellular growth and migration

Mechanistic details:

Flavonoids like isorhamnetin and quercetin directly suppress these pathways, curbing plaque risk (Zhu et al., 2005).

4. Improving Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized in vascular aging and atherosclerosis. Sea buckthorn’s proanthocyanidins and alkaloids activate energy-protective pathways (AMPK-PGC-1α-Nrf2), enhance cellular metabolism, and reduce oxidative mitochondrial damage.

5. Attenuation of Endothelial Cell Injury and Apoptosis

Endothelial cell death is a pivotal event in arterial hardening.

Sea buckthorn:

Reduces macrophage-induced apoptosis via PI3K/AKT signaling
Increases antioxidant enzymes (e.g., HO-1)
Shields against oxidative and inflammatory injury

6. Anti-Platelet Aggregation and Thrombosis

Blood clots are a dangerous consequence of atherosclerosis.

Sea buckthorn:

Inhibits platelet aggregation via flavonoids and phenolics
Reduces activity of clotting enzymes (thrombin, COX)
Prolongs clotting time and guards platelets from oxidative injury

7. Regulation of Blood Lipids

Sea buckthorn is highly effective at correcting blood lipid imbalances:
Reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides
Increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Inhibits cholesterol absorption and promotes excretion

Active ingredients:

Omega-3, -6, -7, -9 fatty acids, phytosterols, and polyphenols all play a part in these benefits.

8. Antioxidant Effects

Oxidative stress is a central force in plaque formation. Sea buckthorn’s antioxidants:

Scavenge free radicals (ROS)

Activate endogenous antioxidant pathways (Nrf2/ARE)

Protect lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidative insult

Detailed Result

Clinical Evidence Brings It Home

Children’s Heart Health: Clinical Trial Results:

A randomized clinical study in obese children found that supplementing with 800 mg/day sea buckthorn pulp oil for 60 days led to:

Significant reductions in total cholesterol and triglycerides
Lower blood pressure
Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation
Decreased carotid artery intima-media thickness, a marker of early atherosclerosis
Improved insulin resistance and other metabolic markers

Women Over 45: Clinical Validation

A separate 12-week randomized controlled trial using sea buckthorn oil capsules reported:

HDL cholesterol increased by ~15%
LDL cholesterol and triglycerides reduced
Significant rise in antioxidant enzyme catalase
Inflammatory marker TNF-α lowered
No significant adverse effect

Download paper

Featured Ingredient

CardiOmegia™, Highest Omega 7 in Natural Triglyeride Form

100% Plant-Based
Organic-Certified
No Additive
Available in oil & powder form
TRI-CAP™ Microencapsulated
Sustainably & Responsibly Made

Learn More >>

This ingredient is certified with: