May. 13, 2024
Scientific Name(s): Ribes nigrum
Common Name(s): Black currant, Blackcurrant, European black currant
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 22, 2022.
Conflicting evidence exists on the benefits of black currant as an antioxidant source and its effects on night and fatigue-related visual impairment. Small trials suggest some benefit in rheumatoid arthritis, although black currant wasn't compared to a gold standard. Limited antimicrobial and prebiotic activities were noted in oil and juice extracts, with potential benefits in preventing infant atopic dermatitis, reducing cardiovascular risk, and improving exercise performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy remain unstudied.
Limited clinical trial data provide few dosage recommendations. Commercial products are usually standardized by anthocyanin and/or vitamin C content. A tea from 2 to 4 g of chopped leaves can be taken several times daily. Commercial extracts have been used at doses ranging from 300 mg to 6 g daily for 1 to 2 weeks to improve exercise performance. Black currant juice drinks with low (6.4%) and high (20%) concentrations have been administered at 250 mL/day for 6 weeks to improve cardiovascular risk parameters.
No identified contraindications.
Information on safety and efficacy during pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
No well-documented interactions.
Reported self-limiting adverse reactions include indigestion, loose bowels, and increased urinary frequency. Use caution with epileptic patients as lowered seizure thresholds have been reported with evening primrose oil.
No data available.
Black currant is a stout, woody, spineless, deciduous shrub native to northern Asia and Europe, cultivated worldwide, including the U.S. It grows to about 1.2 to 2.1 m high with maple-like leaves. It produces cold-resistant fruits used in jams and jellies.
Domesticated about 400 to 500 years ago, black currant has uses in Chinese folk medicine and has been part of nutraceuticals, wines, and jams in China and Europe. It was banned in the U.S. for a period due to its role in spreading white pine blister rust but saw restrictions lifted in 2003.
The leaves, seeds, and berries of black currant have been analyzed, showing varying chemical compositions influenced by species, not cultivation methods. Black currants are rich in vitamin C and phenolic compounds like flavonoids and anthocyanins.
In vitro studies showed black currant extract inhibits breast and colon cancer cell proliferation. High vitamin C content correlated with greater inhibition.
No clinical data supports black currant use in cancer. However, black currant extract improved gut microbiota in a small study and reduced biomarkers associated with colon cancer risk.
Black currant inhibited bacteria and viruses like influenza and herpes simplex in various studies, showing some antimicrobial potential.
High in antioxidants, black currant berries and juice have been studied for potential cardiovascular and anticancer effects, with varied results due to different analytical methods.
Animal studies indicate black currant juice increases radical scavenging capacity and protects against oxidative damage.
Clinical trials produced mixed results, but a study on exercise-induced damage showed black currant nectar reduced muscle damage and inflammation.
Black currant seed oil supplementation reduced atopic dermatitis prevalence in infants and improved cytokine profiles in breast milk.
Studies show mixed results on black currant's effects on cardiovascular parameters, but high-concentration juice improved endothelial function.
Black currant oil improved nerve conduction velocity in diabetic rats but was less effective than other oils.
Several small trials found short-term black currant extract consumption improved various exercise performance measures in athletes.
Black currant inhibited alpha-glucosidase, suggesting potential dietary use for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.
Consumption of black currants improved postprandial glycemic profiles in healthy women.
Black currant is no longer recommended for gout treatment based on updated clinical guidelines.
Black currant seed oil showed a moderate immunoenhancing effect in elderly subjects.
Studies on black currant's effects on lipid profiles showed varying results.
No significant lipid profile changes were observed in clinical trials.
Black currant extract showed potential in preventing and treating periodontal diseases related to smoking.
Black currant extract powder significantly improved gut microbiota and reduced colon cancer risk biomarkers.
Black currant seed oil showed anti-inflammatory effects in animal and in vitro studies.
Black currant seed oil trials showed some benefit in reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, warranting larger-scale studies.
Black currant increased urine pH and acid secretion, showing potential as a urolithiasis treatment.
Black currant anthocyanins accelerated rhodopsin regeneration and relaxed ocular muscles in vitro and animal studies.
Black currant anthocyanin extract lowered the dark adaptation threshold in humans and improved visual field metrics in glaucoma patients.
Limited clinical trial data provide dosage recommendations. Black currant tea from 2 to 4 g leaves and commercial extracts varied. Black currant juice was used at 300 mL/day to improve cardiovascular risk.
New Zealand black currant extract doses up to 900 mg/day were studied for cardiovascular effects.
32 oz/day of black currant nectar was used to evaluate muscle damage reduction.
Short-term studies used 300 mg/day of New Zealand black currant extract.
4.5 g/day of black currant seed oil was used to study immune response in elderly subjects.
Black currant extract powder at 672 mg/day for 2 weeks promoted beneficial bacteria growth.
Black currant seed oil for rheumatoid arthritis was used at gamma-linolenic acid 525 mg for 6 weeks and 10.5 g of oil daily for 24 weeks.
330 mL of black currant juice was administered daily in urolithiasis studies.
Data on black currant use during pregnancy and lactation is lacking.
Black currant oil's effects on platelet aggregation suggest potential interactions with anticoagulants.
Black currant can cause soft stools, mild diarrhea, and intestinal gas. It can slow blood clotting, so it is not recommended for bleeding disorders or pre-surgery. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
No toxicity data available.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the displayed information applies to your circumstances.
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