Black Currant

Black Currant

Black currants are woody shrub that belongs to the Grossulariaceae family. It bears small, dark red and purple berries that are juicy and sweet, with a slightly tart aftertaste. Because of this, black currants are often used to make jams and jellies. Aside from being palatable, black currants are a powerhouse of nutrition. They contain decent amounts of protein, dietary fiber, manganese and potassium.

Benefits of Black Currant

Loading up on black currant through diet and supplements can give you the following proven health benefits:

Prevents Cognitive Decline

The antioxidant ability of blackcurrant can help protect nerve cells (neurons), making it beneficial for people with brain disorders. Many epidemiological studies have shown that regular intake of bioflavonoids in black currant is associated with a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.^[1-4] One study suggests that the specific mechanism by which black currant exerts its neuroprotective effect is by inhibiting the formation of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain called beta amyloid, thus, lowering one’s risk for various brain disorders.^[5]

Improves Eye Health

There is increasing evidence that the anthocyanins in black currant can help improve vision and treat various eye disorders. According to a study published in the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, oral administration of black currant anthocyanins (BCACs) can slow down vision loss in patients with glaucoma.^[6] Researchers observed that patients who took BCACs experienced a significant reduction in visual field deterioration and improved blood flow to the eyes.

Lowers Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have also reported specific associations between berries containing anthocyanins, particularly black currant, and cardiovascular health. Data reported from the Iowa Women’s Health Study found that post-menopausal women with higher berry intake had a lower risk for heart disease-related deaths.^[7]   

Fights Cancer

Black currant contains high concentrations of the potent antioxidant anthocyanin (250 mg/100 g fresh fruit). Researchers believe that these anthocyanins possess anti-cancer properties. One laboratory study revealed that black currant appears to inhibit the reproduction of human liver cancer cells, possibly due to its antioxidant properties.^[8]  

Boosts Immune Function

Black currant supplementation can help boost immune function especially in the elderly. One study found that healthy elderly subjects who took black currant seed oil supplements experienced a significant increase in the activity of the T cells of their immune system when they were tested for immune response via blood tests.^[9]    

Lowers High Cholesterol Levels

Black currant oil soft capsule (BOSC) is a safe and effective herbal medicine used for the treatment of elevated cholesterol levels. According to a Chinese study, BOSC supplementation in 2,154 patients with high cholesterol levels at a dose of 1.8 grams twice daily for 6 weeks resulted in significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels without adverse side effects.^[10] 

References:

1. Bell L, Lamport DJ, Butler LT, Williams CM. A Review of the Cognitive Effects Observed in Humans Following Acute Supplementation with Flavonoids, and Their Associated Mechanisms of Action. Nutrients. 2015;7(12):10290-10306. doi:10.3390/nu7125538.
2. Keservani RK, Sharma AK, Kesharwani RK. Medicinal Effect of Nutraceutical Fruits for the Cognition and Brain Health. Scientifica. 2016;2016:3109254. doi:10.1155/2016/3109254.
3. Kasparaviciene G, Briedis V. [Stability and antioxidant activity of black currant and black aronia berry juices]. Medicina (Kaunas). 2003;39 Suppl 2:65-9.
4. Slimestad R, Solheim H. Anthocyanins from black currants (Ribes nigrum L.). J Agric Food Chem. 2002;50(11):3228-31.
5. Subash S, Essa MM, Al-Adawi S, Memon MA, Manivasagam T, Akbar M. Neuroprotective effects of berry fruits on neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regeneration Research. 2014;9(16):1557-1566. doi:10.4103/1673-5374.139483.
6. Yoshida K, Ohguro I, Ohguro H. Black Currant Anthocyanins Normalized Abnormal Levels of Serum Concentrations of Endothelin-1 in Patients with Glaucoma. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2013;29(5):480-487. doi:10.1089/jop.2012.0198.
7. Mink PJ, Scrafford CG, Barraj LM, et al. Flavonoid intake and cardiovascular disease mortality: a prospective study in postmenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:895–909.
8. Bishayee A, Háznagy-radnai E, Mbimba T, et al. Anthocyanin-rich black currant extract suppresses the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Nat Prod Commun. 2010;5(10):1613-8.
9. 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(4):536-43.
10. Fa-lin Z, Zhen-yu W, Yan H, Tao Z, Kang L. Efficacy of blackcurrant oil soft capsule, a Chinese herbal drug, in hyperlipidemia treatment. Phytother Res. 2010;24 Suppl 2:S209-13.