"Sea-buckthorn, especially its leaves, synthesizes dozens of allelochemicals, which are vital for preventing diseases," said Zhang Jike, a professor at Shanxi University working at its College of Life Sciences, who has been researching sea-buckthorn efficacies against cancers over the past 16 years.

Zhang Jike (middle), professor at the Life Sciences College in Shanxi University, and his research team inspect sea-buckthorn bushes. [Photo/sxrb.com]

The 82-year-old Professor Zhang is one of China’s pioneers in sea-buckthorn studies. He also serves as a member of the International Sea-buckthorn Association (ISA), China Sea-buckthorn Industry Association, editor of the Global Sea-buckthorn Research and Development journal, and consultant at the sea-buckthorn center established by the Water Resources Ministry. His work is focused on the study of sea-buckthorn. [Photo/sxrb.com]

He has claimed when interviewed, that the function of sea-buckthorn used for cancer treatment has been proven in experiments, although there is little peer-reviewed scientific evidence for this.

"My research team and I have been engaged in seeking Chinese herbal medicines to fight against cancer since 2001, but it was not going well," Zhang said.

"And finally we selected sea-buckthorn leaves as a useful remedy after a series of tests on the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of various herbs over the past 16 years," Zhang added.

"The allelochemicals in sea-buckthorn leaves are able to improve cells’ self-healing capacities and recover the metabolic balance of the human body," he claimed.

Professor Zhang and his team members are exploring the clinical applications of their findings. And he believes Shanxi should place the highest superiority on developing the medicine using the wild sea-buckthorn grown in the province.

Sea-buckthorn, also referred to as sandthorn, sallowthorn, or seaberry, is a herb. The leaves, flowers, and fruits are used to make medicine. [Photo provided to China Daily]