Black currant (Ribes nigrum)

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

Alpha-linolenic acid, anthocyanidin glycosides, anthocyanin, anthocyanoside, astragalin, BCA, BCSO, black currant, black currant berry, black currant juice, black currant power, black currant seed oil, cassis (French, Spanish), cassistee (German), European black currant, Feuilles de Cassis (French), gamma-linolenic acid, Gichtbeerblaetter (German), groselha preta (Portuguese), groselheira preta (f) (Bot.), Grossulariaceae (family), isoquercitrin, kurokarin extract, linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acid, phenolic compounds, polyphenolic antioxidants, proanthocyanidins, prodelphinidins, quercetin, Quinsy berries, red currant, Ribes nero, Ribes nigri folium, Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum, Ribis nigri folium, Rob, Saxifragaceae (family), schwarze Johannisbeerblaetter (German), schwarze Johannisbeere (German), Squinancy berries, solbaerbusk (Danish), stearidonic acid, svart vinbar (Swedish), tutin.

Background

The black currant shrub is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is particularly popular in Eastern Europe and Russia. Traditional herbalists uphold that black currant has diuretic (increases urine flow), diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and antipyretic (fever reducer) properties. In Europe, it has been used topically (applied to the skin) to treat skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, and as part of gargles to treat sore throats. Black currant juice has been boiled down into a sugary extract, called Rob, to treat sore throat inflammation, colds, the flu, and febrile (fever) illness. A mixture made from black currant bark has been used to treat calculus (hardened plaque), edema (swelling), and hemorrhoids.

With a vitamin C content estimated to be five times that of oranges (2,000 milligrams/kilogram), black currant has potential dietary benefits. Black currant is also rich in rutin and other flavonoids, which are known antioxidants. Because of black currant's high essential fatty acid content, researchers believe that it may be effective in the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain management, as well as in regulating the circulatory system and increasing immunity.

As a medicinal treatment, black currant seed oil is the most commonly used part of the plant and is available in capsule form. The effectiveness of black currant seed oil is mixed and safety concerns seem to be minor in non-allergic people.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Antioxidant: There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant juice as an antioxidant.
Grade: C

Chronic venous insufficiency (a blood flow disorder): Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which damaged valves in the veins or a blood clot in the leg may cause ongoing swelling or blood pooling in the legs. Black currant treatment may benefit women with blood flow disorders, such as chronic venous insufficiency. More study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

High blood pressure: Patients with hypertension have blood pressure above the normal range. Black currant seed oil supplementation may lower blood pressure, although additional study is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Immunomodulation: There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant seed oil in changing immune system function.
Grade: C

Musculoskeletal conditions (stiffness): Results are conflicting and more study is warranted to determine whether black currant is effective for muscle stiffness.
Grade: C

Night vision: Certain components in black currant called anthocyanosides may be helpful for improving night vision. However, additional studies are needed.
Grade: C

Nutrition supplementation (phenylketonuria): There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant seed oil for nutrition supplementation in phenylketonuric patients.
Grade: C

Rheumatoid arthritis: Early study shows promise for the use of black currant seed oil in reducing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. However, additional study is needed to confirm these findings.
Grade: C

Stress: There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant seed oil for stress. More research is needed in this area.
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Alcoholism, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic (blood thinner), atopic dermatitis, bladder stones, breast tenderness, calculus (hardened plaque), cardioprotective, cardiovascular disease (heart disease), chronic inflammatory conditions, cleansing (tea), colds, colic, convulsions, coughs, cramps, depression, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), diarrhea, diuretic, dropsy, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), edema, gout (foot inflammation), Helicobacter pylori, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, herpes, herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, influenza, insect bites, liver and gallbladder complaints, menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, osteoarthritis, pain, prevention of upper respiratory tract infections, respiratory problems, rheumatism, skin disorders, sore throat, tumors (hemorrhoidal), weight loss, whooping cough, wounds.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)

As a dietary supplement, black currant is available in 500 milligram and 1,000 milligram capsules that typically contain black currant seed oil, vegetable glycerine, and gelatin. Black currant is likely safe when used at a maximum dose of 1,000 milligrams (500-1,000 milligrams are often used per day). Black currant juice is also commercially available and has been taken in doses up to 1.5 liters per day, when mixed with apple juice. Maximum doses of black currant seed oil used in clinical trials range from 4.5-6 grams per day up to eight weeks, although there is no proven effective dose, and safety has not been established. Black currant anthocyanins have been taken in doses of 7.7-50 milligrams for up to two months. Based on some herbal textbooks, there is a lack of reported toxicity concerns with black currant consumed as food or ingested in 500 milligram tablets three times a day.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for black currant in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to black currant, its constituents, or plants in the Saxifragaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

In general, there is a lack of safety information about black currant. Anecdotal information indicates that black currant seed oil may cause diarrhea. Furthermore, some people are not able to tolerate black currant seed oil in capsule form, resulting in diarrhea and other mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The gamma-linolenic acid in black currant may alter blood pressure. Use cautiously in patients with high blood pressure or those taking blood pressure medication.

Avoid in patients with hemophilia or those on anticoagulants (blood thinners) unless otherwise recommended by a qualified healthcare provider, as black currant may enhance the effects of anticoagulants.

Use cautiously in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and in children and the elderly, as their immunity and bodily functions are compromised or underdeveloped.

Use cautiosly in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), vitamin C supplements, or in patients with epilepsy.

Use cautiously in those with venous disorders, as black currant may increase peripheral blood flow and circulation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Black currant is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence; therefore, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the use the black currant seed oil, unless a qualified healthcare provider recommends otherwise.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Black currant seed oil may have antibacterial activity; use cautiously with antibiotics and anti-ulcer medications.

Black currant may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, such as warfarin (Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), aspirin (Bayer®, Ecotrin®, St John®), enoxaparin (Lovenox®), and dalteparin (Fragmin®).

Black currant may alter blood pressure; use cautiously with blood pressure medications due to possible additive effects.

Black currant may have antioxidant effects. Patients taking other antioxidants should use black currant with caution.

Black currant may have monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) effects. Use cautiously with anti-depressant medications, such as MAOIs, due to possible additive effects.

Black currant may interact with anti-viral agents. Consult a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Black currant seed oil may have immune-enhancing effects in the elderly, and should be used cautiously with other agents that affect the immune system.

Black currant may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) and COX-2 inhibitors; use cautiously.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Black currant may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto.

Black currant may have monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) effects. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with antidepressant activity.

Black currant may interact with anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements; use cautiously due to possible additive effects.

Black currant anthocyanins have antioxidant effects and caution is advised when taking black currant with other agents with antioxidant effects.

Black currant may interact with anti-viral agents. Consult a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, to check for interactions.

Blackcurrant seed oil (BSO), a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, may alter blood pressure. Use cautiously in herbs and supplements that may also alter blood pressure, due to possible additive effects.

Black currant seed oil may have immune-enhancing effects in the elderly, and should be used cautiously with other agents that affect the immune system.

Black currant fruit and juice contain rutin and other flavonoids. The flavonoids found in black currant belong to one of two classes: the anthocyanin class or the proanthocyanidin class. Caution is advised when taking black currant with other herbs or supplements containing these flavonoids due to additive effects.

Black currant fruit has a high vitamin C content. Use cautiously with other vitamin C supplements or multivitamin preparations.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Rebecca Bramwell, PharmD (Northeastern University); Ashley Brigham, PharmD (Northeastern University); J. Kathryn Bryan, BA (University of Virginia); Gary Deng, MD, PhD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center); Jamie Hegarty, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); April Reynolds, MS (University of the Sciences in Philadelphia); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Kenneth Triptow, PharmD (Drake University); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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(5):293-300.

Carmen Ramirez-Tortosa M, Garcia-Alonso J, Luisa Vidal-Guevara M, et al. Oxidative stress status in an institutionalised elderly group after the intake of a phenolic-rich dessert. Br J Nutr 2004;91(6):943-950.

Garbacki N, Angenot L, Bassleer C, et al. Effects of prodelphinidins isolated from Ribes nigrum on chondrocyte metabolism and COX activity. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch.Pharmacol. 2002;365(6):434-441.

Knox YM, Suzutani T, Yosida I, et al. Anti-influenza virus activity of crude extract of Ribes nigrum L. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(2):120-122.

Lengsfeld C, Deters A, Faller G, et al. High molecular weight polysaccharides from black currant seeds inhibit adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucosa. Planta Med. 2004;70(7):620-626.

Matsumoto H, Nakamura Y, Hirayama M, et al. 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.

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(1-2):36-45.

Moller P, Loft S, Alfthan G, et al. 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.

Mulleder U, Murkovic M, Pfannhauser W. Urinary excretion of cyanidin glycosides. J Biochem Biophys Methods 2002;53(1-3):61-66.

Nakaishi H, Matsumoto H, Tominaga S, et al. 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.

Netzel M, Strass G, Janssen M, et al. Bioactive anthocyanins detected in human urine after ingestion of blackcurrant juice. J.Environ.Pathol.Toxicol.Oncol. 2001;20(2):89-95.

Nielsen IL, Dragsted LO, Ravn-Haren G, et al. 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.

Suzutani T, Ogasawara M, Yoshida I, et al. Anti-herpesvirus activity of an extract of Ribes nigrum L. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(6):609-613.

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(6):353-359.

West NX, Hughes JA, Parker DM, et al. Development of low erosive carbonated fruit drinks 2. Evaluation of an experimental carbonated blackcurrant drink compared to a conventional carbonated drink. J.Dent. 2003;31(5):361-365.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.