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
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.
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