Sjögren’s Syndrome is an auto-immune disease. This particular autoimmune illness causes inflammation in certain glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears leads to decreased fluid for tears causing eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce saliva in the mouth leads to dry mouth and dry lips. Sjögren’s Syndrome can also be associated with a connective   tissue disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma. It is also found more commonly in families that already have members experiencing auto-immune illnesses such as lupus, auto-immune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) and juvenile diabetes. About 90%  of patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome are female. Other inflammatory conditions associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome include those of the lining of the breathing passages causing lung infections, and the vagina sometimes causing pain during intercourse and recurrent vaginal infections.

In a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, 24 female Sjögren’s Syndrome patients took Sea Buckthorn oil (SBA 24) in a vegetable based capsule manufactured by supercritical CO2* extraction technology. Fractionated  coconut oil (FCO) was used as a placebo,   6 capsules (3.0 g oil) per day. Each product was taken for three months. The conditions of mucosa of the eyes, mouth and genital tract and the skin were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after each of the supplementation periods. A higher percentage of patients had the condition of genital mucosa improved by Sea Buckthorn (SBA 24) than FCO (placebo). In addition, the use of SBA 24 led to better improvement in symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome suggesting beneficial effects of Sea Buckthorn oil softgel on the overall condition of the mucous membranes.  Dramatic improvement was noticed in reduced itching, burning, pain, secretion, dryness, dry eyes, mouth and nose, fatigue, joint pain, skin eczema and pale finger (Fingers that change color when they are exposed to cold temperatures or stress are a sign of cyanosis. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes from lack of oxygen).