Overview
Black currant seed oil is used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Black currant berries are used for a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma). Black currant seed oil, berries, and dried leaf are also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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 ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- A group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (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 levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Some research suggests that taking black currant seed oil can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol, and blood fats called triglycerides. It also seems to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol.
Insufficient Evidence for
- High blood pressure. Early research shows 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.
- Allergy to Japanese cedar pollen. Early research shows that taking black currant by mouth does not improve allergy symptoms in people with Japanese cedar pollinosis.
- Muscle fatigue. Early research shows that taking black currant by mouth reduces muscle fatigue or stiffness after doing repetitive tasks.
- Narrowing of blood vessels that causes poor blood flow to the limbs (peripheral arterial disease). 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 shows that taking black currant seed oil by mouth reduces joint tenderness in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poor circulation that can lead to varicose veins and other conditions (venous insufficiency). Early research shows that taking black currant by mouth reduces pain and swelling in women with circulatory problems associated with taking birth control.
- Alzheimer disease.
- Bladder stones.
- Breast pain (mastodynia).
- Colds.
- Convulsions (seizures).
- Coughs.
- Diarrhea.
- Flu.
- Fluid build-up (edema).
- Gout.
- Hepatitis.
- Insect bites.
- Liver problems.
- Lung infections.
- Menopause symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea).
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Whooping cough.
- Wounds.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black currant leaf is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black currant leaf is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if black currant is safe to use when 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 ?
Medications used during surgery (Anesthesia) interacts with BLACK CURRANT
There is concern that black currant might interact with medications used during surgery. There is one report of seizure during surgery in someone who took a supplement containing the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid. Black currant also contains gamma-linolenic acid. Be sure to tell your healthcare professional what natural medicines you are taking before having surgery. To be on the safe side, you should stop taking black currant at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BLACK CURRANT
Black currant might slow blood clotting. Taking black currant along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.Phenothiazines interacts with BLACK CURRANT
Taking black currant with phenothiazines might increase the chance of having a seizure in some people.
Some phenothiazines include chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), and others.Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with BLACK CURRANT
Black currant may decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking black currant along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Do not take too much black currant if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.
Some medications for high blood pressure include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, others), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma): 50 mg of black currant anthocyanins has been taken daily for up to 24 months.
- For high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia): Up to 3.6 grams of black currant seed oil has been taken daily for up to 6 weeks.
Agostoni, C., Riva, E., Biasucci, G., Luotti, D., Bruzzese, M. G., Marangoni, F., and Giovannini, M. The effects of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipids and fatty acids of treated phenylketonuric children. Prostaglandins Leukot.Essent.Fatty Acids 1995;53(6):401-404. View abstract.
Allaert, F. A., Vin, F., and Levardon, M. [Comparative study of the effectiveness of continuous or intermittent courses of a phlebotonic drug on venous disorders disclosed or aggravated by oral, estrogen-progesterone contraceptives]. Phlebologie. 1992;45(2):167-173. View abstract.
Carmen Ramirez-Tortosa, M., Garcia-Alonso, J., Luisa Vidal-Guevara, M., Quiles, J. L., Jesus, Periago M., Linde, J., Dolores, Mesa M., Ros, G., Abellan, P., and Gil, A. Oxidative stress status in an institutionalised elderly group after the intake of a phenolic-rich dessert. Br J Nutr 2004;91(6):943-950. View abstract.
Deferne, J. L. and Leeds, A. R. Resting blood pressure and cardiovascular reactivity to mental arithmetic in mild hypertensive males supplemented with blackcurrant seed oil. J.Hum.Hypertens. 1996;10(8):531-537. View abstract.
Diboune, M., Ferard, G., Ingenbleek, Y., Bourguignat, A., Spielmann, D., Scheppler-Roupert, C., Tulasne, P. A., Calon, B., Hasselmann, M., Sauder, P., and . Soybean oil, blackcurrant seed oil, medium-chain triglycerides, and plasma phospholipid fatty acids of stressed patients. Nutrition 1993;9(4):344-349. View abstract.
Knox, Y. M., Suzutani, T., Yosida, I., and Azuma, M. Anti-influenza virus activity of crude extract of Ribes nigrum L. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(2):120-122. View abstract.
Lengsfeld, C., Deters, A., Faller, G., and Hensel, A. High molecular weight polysaccharides from black currant seeds inhibit adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosa. Planta Med. 2004;70(7):620-626. View abstract.
Leventhal, L. J., Boyce, E. G., and Zurier, R. B. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with blackcurrant seed oil. Br.J.Rheumatol. 1994;33(9):847-852. View abstract.
Matsumoto, H., Nakamura, Y., Hirayama, M., Yoshiki, Y., and Okubo, K. Antioxidant activity of black currant anthocyanin aglycons and their glycosides measured by chemiluminescence in a neutral pH region and in human plasma. J.Agric.Food Chem. 8-28-2002;50(18):5034-5037. View abstract.
Moller, P., Loft, S., Alfthan, G., and Freese, R. Oxidative DNA damage in circulating mononuclear blood cells after ingestion of blackcurrant juice or anthocyanin-rich drink. Mutat.Res. 7-13-2004;551(1-2):119-126. View abstract.
Mulleder, U., Murkovic, M., and Pfannhauser, W. Urinary excretion of cyanidin glycosides. J Biochem Biophys Methods 2002;53(1-3):61-66. View abstract.
Nakaishi, H., Matsumoto, H., Tominaga, S., and Hirayama, M. Effects of black current anthocyanoside intake on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced transient refractive alteration in healthy humans. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(6):553-562. View abstract.
Nielsen, I. L., Dragsted, L. O., Ravn-Haren, G., Freese, R., and Rasmussen, S. E. Absorption and excretion of black currant anthocyanins in humans and watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits. J.Agric.Food Chem. 4-23-2003;51(9):2813-2820. View abstract.
Norred, C. L. and Brinker, F. Potential coagulation effects of preoperative complementary and alternative medicines. Alt Ther 2001;7(6):58-67.
Suzutani, T., Ogasawara, M., Yoshida, I., Azuma, M., and Knox, Y. M. Anti-herpesvirus activity of an extract of Ribes nigrum L. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(6):609-613. View abstract.
Watson, J., Byars, M. L., McGill, P., and Kelman, A. W. Cytokine and prostaglandin production by monocytes of volunteers and rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with dietary supplements of blackcurrant seed oil. Br.J.Rheumatol. 1993;32(12):1055-1058. View abstract.
Young, J. F., Nielsen, S. E., Haraldsdottir, J., Daneshvar, B., Lauridsen, S. T., Knuthsen, P., Crozier, A., Sandstrom, B., and Dragsted, L. O. [Polyphenolic antioxidants in fruit juice. Urinary excretion and effects on biological markers for antioxidative status]. Ugeskr.Laeger 3-6-2000;162(10):1388-1392. View abstract.
Anon. EPOGAM Capsules. G.D. Searle (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd. January 1990. Available at: https://home.intekom.com/pharm/searle/epogm.html
Bitsch I, Janssen M, Netzel M, et al. Bioavailability of anthocyanidin-3-glycosides following consumption of elderberry extract and blackcurrant juice. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2004;42:293-300. View abstract.
Dalgård C, Nielsen F, Morrow JD, et al. Supplementation with orange and blackcurrant juice, but not vitamin E, improves inflammatory markers in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Br J Nutr 2009;101:263-9. View abstract.
Dejima K, Ohshima A, Yanai T, et al. Effects of polysaccharide derived from black currant on relieving clinical symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2007;71:3019-25. View abstract.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
Erlund I, Marniemi J, Hakala P, et al. Consumption of black currants, lingonberries and bilberries increases serum quercetin concentrations. Eur J Clin Nutr 2003;57:37-42. View abstract.
Fa-lin Z, Zhen-yu W, Yan H, et al. Efficacy of blackcurrant oil soft capsule, a Chinese herbal drug, in hyperlipidemia treatment. Phytother Res 2010;24 Suppl 2:S209-13. View abstract.
Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
Fryer S, Giles D, Bird E, et al. New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances muscle oxygenation during repeated intermittent forearm muscle contractions in advanced and elite rock climbers. Eur J Sport Sci 2020 Nov 17:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1827048. View abstract.
Furse RK, Rossetti RG, Seiler CM, Zurier RB. Oral administration of gammalinolenic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties, modulates interleukin-1beta production by human monocytes. J Clin Immunol 2002;22:83-91. View abstract.
Gopalan A, Reuben SC, Ahmed S, et al. The health benefits of blackcurrants. Food Funct 2012;3(8):795-809.View abstract.
Guivernau M, Meza N, Barja P, Roman O. Clinical and experimental study on the long-term effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and prostacyclin production. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1994;51:311-6. View abstract.
Kenny FS, Pinder SE, Ellis IO, et al. Gamma linolenic acid with tamoxifen as primary therapy in breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2000;85:643-8. View abstract.
Lappi J, Raninen K, Väkeväinen K, Kårlund A, Törrönen R, Kolehmainen M. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) lowers sugar-induced postprandial glycaemia independently and in a product with fermented quinoa: a randomised crossover trial. Br J Nutr 2020 Nov 9:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S0007114520004468. View abstract.
Lyall KA, Hurst SM, Cooney J,et al. Short-term blackcurrant extract consumption modulates exercise-induced oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009;297:R70-81. View abstract.
Matsumoto H, Takenami E, Iwasaki-Kurashige K, et al. Effects of blackcurrant anthocyanin intake on peripheral muscle circulation during typing work in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2005;94:36-45. View abstract.
Menendez JA, Colomer R, Lupu R. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (18:3n-6) is a selective estrogen-response modulator in human breast cancer cells: gamma-Linolenic acid antagonizes estrogen receptor-dependent transcriptional activity, transcriptionally represses estrogen receptor expression and synergistically enhances tamoxifen and ICI 182,780 (Faslodex) efficacy in human breast cancer cells. Int J Cancer 2004;10;109:949-54. View abstract.
Menendez JA, del Mar Barbacid M, Montero S, et al. Effects of gamma-linolenic acid and oleic acid on paclitaxel cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells. Eur J Cancer 2001;37:402-13. View abstract.
Nanashima N, Horie K, Maeda H, Tomisawa T, Kitajima M, Nakamura T. Blackcurrant Anthocyanins Increase the Levels of Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid in Human Skin Fibroblasts and Ovariectomized Rats. Nutrients. 2018;10(4). View abstract.
Ohguo H, Ohguro I, Yagi S. Effects of black currant anthocyanins on intraocular pressure in healthy volunteers and patients with glaucoma. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2013;29(1):61-7. View abstract.
Ohguru H, Ohguru I, Katai M, Tanaka S. Two-year randomized, placebo-controlled study of black currant anthocyanins on visual field in glaucoma. Ophthalmologica 2012;228:26-35. View abstract.
Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
Röhrig T, Kirsch V, Schipp D, Galan J, Richling E. Absorption of anthocyanin rutinosides after consumption of a blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) extract. J Agric Food Chem. 2019;67(24):6792-6797. View abstract.
Rose DP, Connolly JM, Liu XH. Effects of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid on the growth and metastasis of a human breast cancer cell line in nude mice and on its growth and invasive capacity in vitro. Nutr Cancer 1995;24:33-45. . View abstract.
Shaw D, Leon C, Kolev S, Murray V. Traditional remedies and food supplements: a 5-year toxicological study (1991-1995). Drug Saf 1997;17:342-56. View abstract.
Somjorn P, Kamanamool N, Kanokrungsee S, Rojhirunsakool S, Udompataikul M. A cream containing linoleic acid, 5% dexpanthenol and ceramide in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2021 Apr 18. doi: 10.12932/AP-230920-0969. View abstract.
Tahvonen RL, Schwab US, Linderborg KM, et al. Black currant seed oil and fish oil supplements differ in their effects on fatty acid profiles of plasma lipids, and concentrations of serum total and lipoprotein lipids, plasma glucose and insulin. J Nutr Biochem 2005;16:353-9. View abstract.
Traitler H, Winter H, Richli U, Ingenbleek Y. Characterization of gamma-linolenic acid in Ribes seed. Lipids 1984;19:923-8.. View abstract.
Wu D, Meydani M, Leka LS, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with black currant seed oil on the immune response of healthy elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:536-43. View abstract.
Yoshida K, Ohguro I, Ohguro H. Black currant anthocyanins normalized abnormal levels of serum concentrations of endothelin-1 in patients with glaucoma. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2013;29(5):480-7.View abstract.
Select a condition to view a list of vitamins
You Might Also Like
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.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.