General Description
Black currant (also known as quinsy berry) is a deciduous bush native
to northern regions of Europe and Asia. Categorized in the same
genus as gooseberry, red currant, and American currant, black currant
grows in moist soils and reaches roughly 2 to 2 1/2 meters in height.
The leaves are alternate, with three to five doubly-serrate lobes.
Black currant flowers in April and May, bearing clusters of greenish-white
blossoms that eventually give way to dark brown, blueberry-sized
fruit, which turn black as they ripen. Oil derived from the seeds
is used medicinally.
Health Applications
- Cardiovascular health
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Skin health
History and Traditional Use
Traditionally, different parts of the black currant plant were used
for a variety of medicinal and culinary applications. The berries
are used in jellies, sauces, and relishes. The juice from the berries
(cassis) is the chief flavoring agent of the apertif known as kir
and the liqueur known as creme de cassis. Medicinally, infusions
of the dried leaves were used as a diuretic and as treatment for
diarrhea, colic, liver ailments, and a variety of inflammatory disorders.
Externally, preparations from the leaves were used for wounds and
insect bites. The berries were used to relieve colds, sore throat,
cough, stomach ache, bladder ailments, and diarrhea.1
Recent medicinal use of black currant has centered on the unique
fatty acid profile of the oil extracted from the seeds.
Chemical Composition
Although roughly 47 percent of black currant seed oil consists
of the omega-6 essential fatty acid linoleic acid, its 17 to 19
percent gamma linolenic acid (GLA) portion is believed to be the
oil's most active component. The oil also contains approximately
25 percent alpha linolenic acid and 9 percent stearidonic acid,
two omega-3 fatty acids that may contribute to the oil's activity.
Contemporary
Uses
Most medical research on black currant seed oil has centered on
its antiinflammatory potential. Studies have shown that GLA suppresses
the production of inflammatory compounds,2,3 suggesting
potential in the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,4,5
diabetic neuropathy,6-8 and inflammatory skin conditions
such as psoriasis.9 Black currant seed oil has demonstrated
antiiflammatory activity in rats,10 as well as blood
pressure-reducing and immune-enhancing effects in human subjects.11,12
Other studies indicate that black currant seed oil may help maintain
cardiovascular health by preventing blood platelets from clumping
together and sticking to blood vessel walls.13,14 While
these preliminary findings appear to be promising, further research
is needed before the therapeutic potential of black currant seed
oil can be fully understood.
Dosage/Toxicity
Recommended dosages for black currant seed oil vary widely with
intended applications. Black currant seed oil has no known toxicity,
and as much as 6 grams per day have been used in human trials
with no serious adverse effects.11 |
