Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), also known as sandthorn, sallowthorn, or seaberry, is a resilient shrub renowned for its bright orange-yellow berries. Native to Europe and Asia, this hardy plant thrives in rugged coastal regions and sub-alpine locations. The berries, approximately the size of small cranberries, are packed with a rich array of nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them a staple in traditional medicine and modern dietary wellness.

By nature, they have an intense tangy and citrusy taste that some describe as sour orange meets mango. Those who appreciate a zesty flavor often enjoy them.
Sea buckthorn berries can be juiced to create a refreshing and nutrient-rich beverage, and if desired, their tartness can be balanced with sweeter fruits or honey. The juice or puree of sea buckthorn also can be used to make sauces or salad dressings, adding a unique tangy flavor. They can be added to muffins, cakes, or pastries for an added nutritional boost and burst of flavor.
Sea buckthorn berries pair well with dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and cream, which help mellow its tartness, as well as with savory dishes, such as fish or poultry.
Sea buckthorns are celebrated for their impressive nutritional profile
They contain a high concentration of vitamins, particularly B1, B2, K, C, A, E, and folic acid. They also contain essential fatty acids, including Omega-3, 6, and 9, as well as the rare Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), which is known for its skin and mucous membrane health benefits. Additionally, sea buckthorn berries are a potent source of carotenoids and flavonoids, compounds known for their antioxidant properties.
Historically referred to as the "miracle berry" or "holy berry," sea buckthorn has been used for centuries in traditional medicine from China to Greece. Its applications range from promoting heart health and skin care to supporting overall vitality and combating aging.
Notably, its rich antioxidant profile has garnered attention more recently for its potential role in cancer prevention, particularly leukemia. The antioxidants, alongside other nutrients, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to the development and progression of cancer. Here are some key points about their potential benefits in this context:
Potential Anti-Leukemia Benefits

1. Rich in Bioactive Compounds
Sea buckthorn berries are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins (such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E), and fatty acids. These compounds possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are crucial in preventing cellular damage and reducing inflammation, key factors in the progression of cancer.
The flavonoids in sea buckthorn, particularly quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin, have been highlighted for their anticancer properties. These compounds have been shown to induce cytotoxic responses in cancer cells, inhibiting their proliferation and triggering apoptosis (cell death). Quercetin, in particular, is noted for its ability to inhibit inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.

2. Apoptosis (cell death) Induction
Research has shown that sea buckthorn extracts can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in leukemia cells. This is a vital mechanism in cancer therapy, as it helps to eliminate cancerous cells from the body, preventing their proliferation and spread.

3. Anti-Proliferative Effects
Sea buckthorn extracts have been observed to inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells. By slowing down or stopping the growth and spread of these cells, the extracts play a significant role in controlling the disease's progression.

4. Immune System Support
The berries are known to boost the immune system, which can aid the body’s natural defenses against cancer. A strengthened immune response is beneficial in identifying and destroying cancer cells more effectively.

5. Antioxidant Properties
Sea buckthorn berries are high in antioxidants, which help mitigate oxidative stress, a factor closely linked to cancer development and progression. These antioxidants, such as quercetin, scavenge free radicals, reducing cellular damage and protecting against cancerous changes in cells.
This information is summarized by this figure:

The Anticancer Activity of Sea Buckthorn [ Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson]
Beata Olas 1, Bartosz Skalski 1, Karolina Ulanowska 1 Front Pharmacol1 . 2018 Mar 15:9:232. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00232. eCollection 2018.

Additional Evidence of Anti-Leukemia Activity Requiring Further Study
A study by Zhamanbaeva et al. investigated the effects of ethanol extract from sea buckthorn leaves on human acute myeloid leukemia cells. The extract was found to inhibit cell growth depending on the cell strain and extract dose, potentially slowing down the cell cycle and inducing of apoptosis. However, the specific chemical constituents responsible for these effects have not been identified.

Conclusion
Overall, sea buckthorn berries, with their rich composition of bioactive compounds, offers promising potential as a complementary therapy in cancer treatment, including leukemia. Their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, and support the immune system, coupled with their antioxidant properties, positions them as a valuable natural supplement in cancer prevention and management strategies. While it is known to accelerate the return to health of patients receiving chemotherapy by significantly improving the performance of the immune system and relieving hematological damage, further clinical research is needed to understand fully the therapeutic potential and efficacy of sea buckthorn berries in treating leukemia and other cancers.

=============================================================
Resources Used for NWWF  The Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Berries for Treating Leukemia
https://nwwildfoods.com/collections/wild-berries/products/fresh-frozen-wild-sea-buckthorn?variant=44392885682460
https://nwwildfoods.com/collections/dried-berries/products/dried-organic-sea-buckthorn?variant=44392888205596
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5861756/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10662087/
https://naturalsociety.com/23-health-benefits-of-sea-buckthorn-miracle-berry/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-sea-buckthorn
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sea-buckthorn-oil
https://draxe.com/nutrition/sea-buckthorn-oil/
https://arcticflavors.com/sea-buckthorns/sea-buckthorn-berry-10-things-that-everyone-should-know/