BLACK CURRANT

OTHER NAME(S):

Black Currant Seed Oil, Cassis, European Black Currant, Groseille Noir, Grosella Negra, Kurokarin, Nabar, Paper, Ribes Nigri Folium (Black Currant Leaf), Ribes Nero, Ribes nigrum.<br/><br/>

Overview

Overview Information

Black currant is a plant. People use the seed oil, leaves, fruit, and flowers to make medicine.

Black currant seed oil is used for treating high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms of menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and breast pain (mastodynia).

Black currant berries, black currant juice, and black currant extracts are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, upper airway infections, the common cold, the flu, allergies due to Japanese cedar pollen, tired muscles, and poor blood flow in the veins and arteries.

Black currant dried leaf is used orally for arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), gout, diarrhea, colic, hepatitis and other liver ailments, and convulsions (seizures). Black currant dried leaf is also used for treating coughs, colds, whooping cough, urinary tract infections (UTIs), fluid build-up (edema), and bladder stones.

Some people apply black currant leaf to the skin for wounds and insect bites.

In foods, black currant berry is used to flavor liqueurs and other products such as jams and ice cream. People also eat black currant berry.

How does it work?

Black currant seed oil contains a chemical called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Some research suggests that GLA might improve the immune system, making it more able to fight off disease. GLA might also help decrease swelling. Black currant also contains chemicals called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Effective for

  • Glaucoma. Early research shows that black currant might lower eye pressure in people with open-angle glaucoma who are already taking medicine for glaucoma. It seems to work best in people with glaucoma who are using only one other glaucoma medication. In these people, black currant might lower eye pressure by about 1.5 mmHg. But black currant doesn’t seem to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma who are already taking more than one glaucoma medication.
  • High cholesterol. Some research suggests that taking black currant seed oil can reduce total cholesterol, “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and blood fats called triglycerides. It also seems to increase “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • High blood pressure. Early research suggests that taking black currant seed oil by mouth does not reduce blood pressure in adults with borderline high blood pressure. But it appears to reduce stress-related increases in blood pressure in adults with borderline high blood pressure.
  • A specific type of seasonal allergies (Japanese cedar pollinosis). Early research suggests that taking black currant by mouth does not improve allergy symptoms in people with Japanese cedar pollinosis.
  • Muscle fatigue. Early research suggests that taking black currant by mouth reduces muscle fatigue or stiffness after doing repetitive tasks.
  • Artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD). Early research shows that drinking a mixture of black currant juice and orange juice reduces markers of swelling in people with peripheral arterial disease.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research suggests that taking black currant seed oil by mouth reduces joint tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Circulatory problems (venous insufficiency). Early research suggests that taking black currant by mouth reduces pain and swelling in women with circulatory problems associated with taking birth control.
  • Menopause symptoms.
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
  • Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).
  • Breast pain (mastodynia).
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Gout.
  • Alzheimer's disease.
  • Lung infections.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Hepatitis.
  • Liver problems.
  • Coughs.
  • Colds.
  • Flu.
  • Whooping cough.
  • Fluid build-up (edema).
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Bladder stones.
  • Convulsions (seizures).
  • Wounds.
  • Insect bites.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate black currant for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Black currant is LIKELY SAFE when used as food, or when black currant berry, juice, extracts, or seed oil is used appropriately as medicine. Not enough is known about black currant dried leaf to be able to rate its safety.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking black currant if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Black currant might slow blood clotting. There is some concern that it might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Low blood pressure: Black currant can lower blood pressure. In theory, taking black currant might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

Surgery: Black currant might slow blood clotting. There is concern that it might increase the risk of extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking black currant at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for BLACK CURRANT Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULTS

BY MOUTH:

  • For glaucoma: 50 mg of black currant anthocyanins has been taken daily for up to 24 months.
  • For high cholesterol: Up to 3.6 grams of black currant seed oil has been taken daily for up to 6 weeks.

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View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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