BLACK CURRANT: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a shrub that grows to about 1-2 meters tall. It makes edible, purple-black berries that taste sweet and contain a seed.

Black currant seed oil contains a chemical called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA might improve immune function and help decrease swelling. Black currant berries contain chemicals called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects. There is interest in these chemicals to prevent skin aging and wrinkles.

People use black currant for eczema, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, muscle fatigue, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse black currant with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), omega-6 fatty acids, borage, evening primrose, or flaxseed oil. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for BLACK CURRANT overview.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth Black currant berries, leaves, and flowers are commonly consumed as foods. Black currant juice, extract, and seed oil are likely safe when used appropriately as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if any part of black currant 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 seed oil might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Surgery: Black currant seed oil might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking black currant seed oil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BLACK CURRANT
Black currant seed oil might slow blood clotting. Taking black currant seed oil along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Phenothiazines interacts with BLACK CURRANT
Taking black currant seed oil with phenothiazines might increase the chance of having a seizure in some people.

Dosing

Black currant berries, leaves, and flowers are commonly consumed as foods.

As medicine, black currant seed oil has most often been used by adults in doses of 3-10.5 grams by mouth daily for up to 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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.

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.

Holman CP and Bell AF. A trial of evening primrose oil in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia. J Orhtomolecular Psych 1983;12:302-304.

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, Kitajima M, et al. Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Extract in Healthy Female Subjects: A Pilot Study. Molecules 2021;26(13):4085. 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.

Puri BK. The safety of evening primrose oil in epilepsy. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 2007;77:101-3.

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.

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.

Vaddadi KS. The use of gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid to differentiate between temporal lobe epilepsy and schizophrenia. Prostaglandins Med 1981;6(4):375-379. 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.

Chronic Conditions Common in Minorities

Understanding Heartburn: The Basics

6 Good Food Sources of Zinc

What Vitamins Do You Need as You Age?

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.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS CENTER

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS CENTER

FIRST AID RESOURCES

RELATED TO VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

BLACK CURRANT - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BLACK CURRANT

Phenothiazines interacts with BLACK CURRANT

Dosing

You Might Also Like

Health Solutions

More from WebMD