Research progress on the medicinal and nutritional properties of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) – a review

Summary Common sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Elaeagnaceae), is a small fruit tree widely distributed throughout Europe and Asia. Because H. rhamnoides plants are actinorhizal and tolerant of abiotic stresses, they grow in nutritionally-poor environments where it is difficult to grow other crops. Furthermore, sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, and is used for medicinal purposes and as food in some parts of the World. In this review, we discuss (i) the pharmaceutical efficacy of H. rhamnoides; (ii) research on the sugars and acids contents of H. rhamnoides fruit, because it is part of the diet in some cultures and also shows promise as a functional food; and (iii) the various fruit phenotypes of sea buckthorn found in India and Russia because a high level of genetic diversity is important for improving fruit quality and yield. Few reviews on the medicinal and nutritional properties of H. rhamnoides have been published in the field of horticultural science. Sharing knowledge on this topic will contribute to the goal of improving the characteristics of sea buckthorn and increasing fruit production.