Seabuckthorn-A Secret Wonder Species: Review

Hippophae L. is a multipurpose wonder plant found in the Himalayan region which is beneficial both ecologically and economically. The genus Hippophae has seven species which are distributed mainly in the Himalayan region. It contains different kinds of nutrients and bioactive substances such as vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, free amino acids and elemental components which have been proved to be very effective for the treatment of various diseases and skin related problems. Not only is it rich in nutrients but it also effectively mitigates many soil related tribulations. It shows multiple pharmacological and therapeutic activities such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-stress, cardio protective and wound healing. Seabuckthorn has attracted attention world over due to its nutritional and medicinal values. Not only is it valuable nutritionally and medicinally but in a place like Sikkim it can be used to control soil erosion since it has long and extensive ischolar_maining system which can bind the soil effectively and its association with Frankia makes it a nitrogen fixer as well.This review highlights the importance of Hippophae both ecologically and economically, also encourages the upcoming researchers to work on wonder species.