Omega-7

The main source: the Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is the richest plant source of palmitoleic acid available in nature. It is a deciduous shrub in the Elaeagnaceae family, native to the mountainous regions of central Asia and Europe, spreading wild from Europe’s Atlantic coast to northeastern China. The orange berries — technically drupes —contain one of the richest phytochemical compositions among known plants.

Sea Buckthorn oil is obtained from two parts of the plant with distinct compositional profiles. Pulp Oil (pulp oil) is extracted from the fleshy part of the fruit and contains high concentrations of palmitoleic acid — up to 54 percent of total fatty acids in some varieties-as well as carotenoids that give it its characteristic deep orange color. In contrast, Seed Oil (seed oil) has a composition richer in Omega-3 (ALA) and Omega-6, with significantly lower concentrations of Palmitoleic Acid. Quality commercial products specify the part used and the method of extraction.

Comprehensive Phytokinetic Profile of Sea Buckthorn

In addition to Palmitoleic Acid, Sea Buckthorn oil offers a particularly complex phytokinetic profile that distinguishes it from simple sources of Omega-7:

• Multiple Fatty Acids — In addition to Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid and vaccenic acid), it contains Omega-3 (ALA), Omega-6 (linoleic acid) and Omega-9 (oleic acid)-a profile of unsaturated fatty acids rare in the plant world.
• Carotenoids — among the richest plant sources of beta-carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids with antioxidant properties. Vitamin A from Sea Buckthorn Carotenoids contributes to the normal maintenance of skin and mucous membranes.
• Vitamin C — The Sea Buckthorn berries contain some of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in the plant kingdom-up to 10 times higher than orange by fresh weight.
• Tocopherols and Tocotrienols (Vitamin E) — fat-soluble antioxidants that protect polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation.
• Phytosterols — with documented effects on cholesterol metabolism.
• Flavonoids and Polyphenols — with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mechanism of action

Palmitoleic Acid exerts its functions mainly through three mechanisms:

• Support Mucosal Membrane Integrity — Palmitooleic Acid incorporates into the phospholipids of epithelial and mucosal cell membranes, contributing to the maintenance of fluidity and barrier function. In mucous membranes-particularly the vaginal, ocular, oral, and gastrointestinal-this results in support of natural moisturizing film production and resistance to mechanical and chemical stresses.
• Modulation of Inflammatory Response — In vitro and in vivo studies document anti-inflammatory activity of palmitoleic acid mediated by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and reduction of NF-κB activity, with effects on skin and mucosal tissues.
• Support Insulin Sensitivity — Preliminary evidence indicates that palmitoleic acid may act as a “lipokin”-a lipid signal produced by adipose tissue-with favorable effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. This is an evolving area of research.

Omega-7 and Menopause: the clinical context

The drop in estrogen during menopause progressively reduces sebum and mucus production in the body’s mucous membranes, with consequences ranging from vaginal dryness to ocular, skin, and oral dryness. This change affects not only physical comfort but also the barrier function of mucous membranes, which become more permeable and vulnerable to irritants and infection.

Omega-7 from Sea Buckthorn has proven to be one of the nutraceutical ingredients with the most specific evidence in this context. A randomized controlled clinical trial (Larmo et al., Maturitas 2014) in postmenopausal women documented a significant reduction in vaginal atrophy symptoms in the group treated with Sea Buckthorn oil compared to placebo, with improvements in vaginal epithelium integrity measured objectively. A second study showed benefits on dry eye in subjects with dry eye syndrome.

These results have positioned Omega-7 from Sea Buckthorn as a key ingredient in formulations for women’s wellness during the menopausal and climacteric phases — often in combination with Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and other skin and connective tissue health actives.

Omega-3 and Omega-7: differences and complementarities

Omega-3 and Omega-7 both belong to the unsaturated fatty acid family but act on different planes. Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) has the strongest evidence on systemic inflammation, cardiovascular health and neurological function. Omega-7 has more localized action on mucosal and epithelial membranes. In formulations for women’s wellness and healthy aging, the two families are frequently associated because of complementary mechanisms of action: omega-3 manages the systemic inflammatory component, omega-7 locally supports tissue integrity.

Vitamin A and Carotenoids from Sea Buckthorn

Quality Sea Buckthorn oil carries a significant contribution of provitamin Carotenoids — beta-carotene in particular — that are converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A has EFSA-approved claims for normal maintenance of skin, mucous membranes and vision — claims that also apply to Sea Buckthorn supplements that contribute significant amounts of beta-carotene. This makes the Sea Buckthorn oil formulation potentially richer in communicable claims than isolated palmitoleic acid supplements alone.

The regulatory framework and claims

Omega-7 as a category has no EFSA-approved health claims under EC Regulation 1924/2006. EFSA evaluated the proposed claims for palmitoleic acid and Sea Buckthorn oil without approving specific ones for this molecule.

Communicable claims in Sea Buckthorn formulations derive from the associated nutrients present in the oil: Vitamin A (for skin, mucous membranes and eyesight), Vitamin C (if present in significant amounts), Omega-3 ALA (for maintenance of normal cholesterol). This is a situation that requires care in formulation: the choice of raw material, standardization in palmitoleic acid, and the verified presence of nutrients with approved claims determine the communicability of the finished product.

Sea Buckthorn oil may interfere with anticoagulant therapies due to the presence of vitamin K and the antiplatelet effect of fatty acids. Women on hormone replacement therapy or menopause-specific therapies should consider Omega-7 supplementation with their physician.

Always remember that it is important to consult a health care professional before starting any new supplement or treatment.