Black Currant
GrossulariaceaeRibes nigrum
Also known as: Cassis, Blackcurrant, Quinsy Berries
clinical_notes Clinical Summary
Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) is a European deciduous shrub whose berries provide anthocyanins (especially delphinidin and cyanidin rutinosides) supporting vascular, ocular, and immune health, while its seed oil is one of the richest plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, ~12-15%) along with alpha-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid.
Clinical applications include atopic dermatitis prevention in newborns (RCT evidence), PMS, dry skin, rheumatic complaints, eye strain, and adjunctive cardiovascular support.
Generally well tolerated with minimal interactions beyond theoretical antiplatelet additive effects.
Pregnancy Safety
Berries and juice considered safe as food. Black currant seed oil (3 g daily) studied from 8-16 weeks gestation through breastfeeding in a randomized study without documented adverse effects on mothers or infants.
Lactation Safety
Seed oil supplementation altered breast milk cytokine balance (lower IL-4/5/10/12, higher IFN-γ) suggesting immune-modulating transfer; no adverse effects on infant development or exclusive breastfeeding duration documented in clinical studies.
warning Contraindications
- Concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy (caution)Theoretical
- Surgery (within 2 weeks) (avoid)Theoretical
- Concurrent phenothiazine antipsychotics (caution)Theoretical
- Pregnancy and lactation (caution)Clinically Proven
vital_signs Clinical Profile
Primary Indications
- check_circle atopic dermatitis / eczema
- check_circle dry skin
- check_circle PMS (breast tenderness, depression, cramps)
- check_circle rheumatoid arthritis (adjunctive)
- check_circle diabetic neuropathy
- check_circle Sjögren's syndrome
- check_circle Raynaud's
- check_circle age-related vision decline
- check_circle video display terminal eye strain
- check_circle elevated cholesterol
- check_circle menopausal symptoms
- check_circle glaucoma (anthocyanins)
- check_circle common cold and sore throat (traditional 'quinsy berries')
Therapeutic Actions
System Affinities
- check_circle immune system
- check_circle cardiovascular
- check_circle skin (atopic)
- check_circle ocular
- check_circle joints
- check_circle endocrine (PMS)
labs Active Constituents
gamma-linolenic acid
alpha-linolenic acid
stearidonic acid
anthocyanins
proanthocyanidins
flavonoids
vitamin C
polysaccharides
potassium
rutin
history_edu Traditional Use
No TCM data available for this herb yet.
Traditional Uses Across Healing Systems
While many herbs lack controlled clinical trials, centuries of traditional practice across cultures provide valuable insight into their therapeutic applications.
Berries traditionally called 'quinsy berries' — used for sore throat, common cold, and respiratory infections. Leaves used as diuretic, diaphoretic, and for rheumatic complaints, gout, and dropsy. Seed oil (modern era) used for atopic eczema, PMS, and dry skin.
Banned in parts of the USA (Maine, NY) historically due to white pine blister rust concern; cultivation now widely permitted.
Modern naturopathic use of seed oil for atopic dermatitis, PMS, dry eye, rheumatoid arthritis (adjunctive), and skin aging.
GLA content of black currant seed oil is the highest among plant sources after borage — preferred over evening primrose oil for some indications due to ALA and SDA content.
Northern European folk medicine used leaves and berries for joint pain, fevers, and as a diuretic.
spa Parts Used
seed (seed oil)
- atopic dermatitis
- PMS
- dry skin
- rheumatoid arthritis (adjunctive)
- dry eye
Seed oil cold-pressed from seeds left after juice production. Typical analysis: 12-15% GLA, 13-15% ALA, 2-3% SDA. Sensitive to oxidation — store refrigerated. Capsules typically 500 mg, dosed 1-3 g daily.
fruit (berry)
- common cold
- sore throat
- macular health
- VDT eye strain
- glaucoma (anthocyanins)
- elevated cholesterol
Fresh, frozen, dried, juice, or standardized anthocyanin extract. Anthocyanin content among the highest of edible fruits. Used as concentrate (1:4 to 1:8) or standardized extract (25% anthocyanins).
leaf
- rheumatic pain
- gout
- edema
- diuretic
Used in traditional European herbal medicine. Tea made from 1-2 tsp dried leaf in 250 mL hot water. EMA monograph supports leaf for symptomatic relief of joint pain and as adjuvant in flu-like infections.
bud
- adrenal support (gemmotherapy)
- anti-inflammatory
Used in gemmotherapy (bud-extract therapy) as 'Cassis bourgeons' for adrenal and anti-inflammatory support.
shield Safety
Contraindications — Evidence Basis
Concurrent anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
May slow blood clotting via GLA's effect on prostaglandin balance; theoretical additive bleeding risk with warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel.
Surgery (within 2 weeks)
Discontinue at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery due to potential bleeding effect.
Concurrent phenothiazine antipsychotics
Theoretical risk that GLA may lower seizure threshold when combined with phenothiazines (chlorpromazine).
Pregnancy and lactation
Berries and juice safe as food. Seed oil has been studied in pregnancy/lactation with no documented harm; one RCT supplemented mothers from 8-16 weeks gestation through breastfeeding without adverse effects. Conservative approach: limit to food amounts unless clinician supervises supplementation.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor during use, especially with prolonged or high-dose therapy.
INR (in patients on warfarin)
More frequent monitoring after initiationTheoretical antiplatelet effect from GLA-derived prostaglandins.
flagThreshold: INR >3.5: adjust warfarin dose.
Toxicity
Generally regarded as safe in food and supplement doses. Seed oil up to 3 g/day well tolerated in long-term studies.
Mild GI upset, soft stools, belching (seed oil); rare allergic reactions.
Discontinue; reduce dose; supportive care.
Adverse Effects
CYP Metabolism
Anthocyanin and flavonoid constituents may have mild CYP modulation but no clinically significant interactions established. GLA itself has minimal CYP interactions.
swap_horiz Interactions
Warfarin
Class: Anticoagulant
Black currant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is metabolized to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and may shift prostaglandin balance toward PGE1, producing antiplatelet effects. Additive bleeding risk when combined with warfarin or other anticoagulants is theoretically possible.
Monitor INR more frequently when initiating or discontinuing black currant seed oil. Counsel patients on bleeding signs. Discontinue at least 2 weeks prior to elective surgery.
Aspirin / Clopidogrel / NSAIDs
Class: Antiplatelet/NSAID
GLA from black currant seed oil has documented antiplatelet activity via modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and reduced thromboxane A2 synthesis. Additive antiplatelet effect with aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, or chronic NSAIDs increases bleeding risk.
Use caution in patients with bleeding disorders, peptic ulcer disease, or on dual antiplatelet therapy. Counsel on signs of bleeding. Avoid in patients with thrombocytopenia.
Phenothiazine antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine)
Class: Antipsychotic
GLA-containing oils (black currant seed, evening primrose) have been associated with reports of lowered seizure threshold in patients taking phenothiazines, possibly via altered prostaglandin synthesis affecting CNS excitability. Risk of seizure is increased.
Avoid black currant seed oil in patients on phenothiazine antipsychotics or with known seizure disorders. Consider alternative essential fatty acid sources.
Antihypertensive agents
Class: Antihypertensive
Black currant seed oil and anthocyanin-rich extracts have demonstrated modest vasodilatory and blood pressure-lowering effects in clinical studies, attributed to enhanced endothelial nitric oxide signaling.
Monitor blood pressure when adding black currant to an established antihypertensive regimen. Hypotensive symptoms (dizziness, lightheadedness) warrant dose adjustment.
Iron supplements
Class: Mineral supplement
High polyphenol content (anthocyanins, tannins) in black currant juice and extract can chelate non-heme iron in the GI tract and reduce its absorption, similar to other polyphenol-rich beverages.
Separate black currant intake from oral iron supplements by at least 2 hours. Vitamin C in black currant simultaneously enhances iron absorption — net effect is variable.
hub Combinations
Synergistic pairings can enhance therapeutic outcomes, while knowing suitable substitutes helps when specific herbs are unavailable or contraindicated.
Classical Formulas
2Boswellia
Limited EvidenceCombined with bromelain and vitamin D in proprietary supplement for chronic sinusitis — anti-inflammatory synergy.
Case-control study in chronic sinusitis showed reduced local inflammation.
Eleuthero
Limited EvidenceCombined with zinc, L-carnitine, and elderberry/eleuthero/currant in a study of asthenopia (eye fatigue) in VDT operators — improved contrast sensitivity and quality of life.
Pilot phase II observational study showed benefit for VDT eye strain.
Synergistic Combinations
3Bilberry
Limited EvidenceBoth rich in anthocyanins with affinity for ocular tissue; combined extracts provide broader anthocyanin profile for macular and visual health.
Synergistic anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin support for vision and microvascular integrity.
Elderberry
Traditional UseBoth rich in anthocyanins (cyanidin and delphinidin) and immune-supportive polysaccharides; classical European combination for upper respiratory infections.
Traditional and modern integrative use for cold and flu prevention.
Evening Primrose
Moderate EvidenceBoth supply GLA; black currant adds ALA and SDA for broader essential fatty acid spectrum. Often used together or as alternatives for atopic dermatitis and PMS.
Both have independent RCT evidence for atopic dermatitis and PMS.
science Studies
No studies match your criteria.
medication Dosing
capsule
500-1000 mg black currant seed oil
1-3x/day (total 1-3 g daily)
For atopic dermatitis, PMS, and dry skin. Take with food for best absorption. Clinical trials in newborn eczema prevention used maternal supplementation of 3 g daily from gestation week 8-16 through breastfeeding.
powder
100-300 mg standardized berry anthocyanin extract
1-2x/day
For ocular health, VDT eye strain, glaucoma adjunctive support. Standardized to 25% anthocyanins.
tea
1-2 tsp (1-2 g) dried leaf in 250 mL water
2-3x/day
Traditional European preparation for rheumatic pain, diuresis, and febrile illness. Steep 10 minutes covered. EMA traditional use monograph supports leaf preparation.
tincture
2-4 mL of 1:5 leaf tincture
TID
Less commonly used than the seed oil or berry extract. For rheumatic and inflammatory complaints.
Disclaimer: This information is largely AI-generated and reviewed by human experts at Evara Health. It is intended for educational and clinical reference purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
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