Black currant oil is extracted from black currant seeds to produce a valuable nutritional oil with 14% GLA. The omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid, and the omega-6, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), are both considered essential fatty acids. Although the body can manufacture GLA from other dietary omega-6 fatty acids, GLA can be more efficiently utilized for body functions when supplied directly through dietary sources. NOW Black Currant Oil is expeller-pressed and hexane-free. This double strength softgel has twice the black currant oil (1,000 mg) as in our regular strength product (500 mg). Natural color variation may occur in this product.

The seeds of the plant Ribes nigrum are used to extract oil by using a cold-pressed method which is called black currant seed oil. The oil is bright yellow having no odor. Black currant berries have a high concentration of Vitamin C. It is used for the production of jellies, jams, and flavored ice creams. Due to the high presence of Vitamin C, it is a cure for cold and flu. The oil has a high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It also contains healthy amounts of stearidonic acid and linoleic acid. This oil has cardioprotective, anti-diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Other common names for Black current berry are Cassis, Feuille de Cassis, European Black Currant, Gadelier Noir, Grosella Negra, Groseille Noir, Nabar, Huile de Pépins de Cassis, Paper, Ribes Nero, Ribes Nigri Folium, Ribes nigrum, Quincy berries, Kurokarin and Grosellero Negro.

History

Blackcurrants are used as a nutritious fruit for centuries. It is native to Northern Europe and used as traditional herbal medicine since Middle Ages. In the 16th century, the berries are used by Germans to cure hepatic disorders and to cure bladder stones. It is used to prepare syrup for respiratory ailments and coughs. It was originated from Asia and Northern Europe. In the 12th century, it was cultivated in Russia. It was produced in the 16th century. During World War II, fruits rich in vitamin C became a shortage in the United Kingdom. Blackcurrants were grown in the climate of the United Kingdom. Blackcurrant cultivation was banned during the 1900s due to the presence of white pine blister rust that was considered to be a danger for the American logging industry. It was abolished in 2003 in New York. It was banned in New Hampshire, Virginia, Maine, and Massachusetts. It is rich in dietary fiber, polyphenols, and nutrients that again made it popular. When it arrived in the 18th century, it was cultivated in gardens and home lawns. It has been quite popular in recent years.

Chemical Properties

A popular health supplement, black currant oil is brimming with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activity, and antibacterial action. Along with essential vitamins and minerals, it contains high concentrations of the following incredible health-boosting nutrients:

• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
• Anthocyanins
• Vitamin C
• Polyphenols
• Sterols

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Black currant oil is an excellent natural source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 – alpha-linolenic acid (EFA) and Omega-6 gamma linoleic acid (GLA) are not produced naturally by the body and therefore need to be consumed through food or supplementation.

In fact, black currant oil is one of the primary plant-based sources of GLA.  Other sources include evening primrose oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, and hemp oil.

Research suggests that gamma linolenic acid (Omega 6 fatty acid) has immune boosting properties and helps to fight inflammation and disease. It also helps to promote healthy skin, strong nails and prevent hair loss.

Vitamin C

Black currant oil has an extremely high concentration of Vitamin C. As mentioned above, it has 4 times the amount of Vitamin C as that of oranges.

Why is Vitamin C so important?

There are plenty of reasons. Vitamin C helps the body in the absorption of iron, which in turn helps oxygen circulation in the blood. It’s also one of the best vitamins to fight the flu and the common cold.

Vitamin C also helps in the production of muscle tissue and collagen, an important protein. Collagen helps maintain elasticity in the skin and keeps it supple, and is essential in strengthening bones, and supporting connective tissues in ligaments, cartilage, and tendons.

Providing high concentrations of vitamin C, black currant oil is great for sustaining joint health and amazing for anti-aging.

Anthocyanins

Black currants are rich in plant-based pigments called anthocyanins, which are essential antioxidants, that give the berry its deep purple color. Other anthocyanin loaded foods include purple grapes, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and red cabbage, and their hues will either be red, blue or purple depending on the pH levels of the pigment they contain.

Studies have shown that anthocyanins can be used for the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes, heart health, and even cancer. Acting as antioxidants, anthocyanins help to fight free radicals in the body which can help to protect cells and prevent disease.

Research shows that black currant extract contains, “fifteen anthocyanin structures,” making it a highly potent source of receiving these benefits.

Polyphenols

Black currants also contain polyphenols, micronutrients rich in antioxidants that are found in foods such as chocolate, blueberries and green tea. Polyphenols have shown to help with reducing inflammation, which is often at the root of most chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Polyphenols are also known to improve weight control and treat digestive problems.

Sterols

Black currant seed oil also contains plant-based compounds or sterols, called phytosterols. Even at low concentrations, these compounds can provide incredible health benefits.

One study concluded that black currant seed oil, “is a good source of essential fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols.” These power-packed nutrients can help to control inflammation, lower blood sugar, regulate the thyroid and reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Black currant oil also contains a multitude of other vitamins and minerals including all the B vitamins, thiamin, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and Vitamin E.

Health Benefits of Black currant Oil

Black currant oil provides various health benefits such as:

Black Currant Oil for Immunity

As mentioned above, black currant oil is abundant with vitamin C which makes it an excellent anti-viral. It’s also rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants which help to build immunity and alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

A study conducted on elderly participants showed that black currant seed oil had a moderate “immune-enhancing effect” on the subjects, mainly due to its “ability to reduce prostaglandin E₂ production.”

With aging, the body starts to produce more prostaglandin E₂, this can lower immune function. Black currant seed oil supports the body with GLAs and ALAs (Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids) which decrease prostaglandin from synthesizing, directly boosting immunity.

As a result, supplementing with black currant seed oil can assist the body to deal with infections making it an effective antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral. It can also help you recover faster from a cold or flu and help to fight cold-related symptoms.

Increase Blood Flow

We’ve seen that polyphenols like those found in anthocyanin-rich black currants can help increase blood flow and circulation to the eye, boosting vision health.

But these blood flow benefits can also support the cardiovascular system as a whole. Let’s take a look at some studies on black currant, polyphenols, and blood flow:

1. A study published by the European Journal of Applied Physiology showed that black currant helped reduce shoulder stiffness in typists by increasing blood flow and improving peripheral circulation.
2. In the Atlas of Science, a study showed that the polyphenols in black currant improved cardiovascular function — including stroke volume and cardiac output — in trained cyclists who consumed black currant for seven days.

How does this reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

Well, studies have shown that a subgroup of polyphenols called flavonoids may be able to reduce blood clots and bad cholesterol that clog arteries. These flavonoids support healthy blood vessels and improve blood flow which contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

Dry Eye

A 2003 study showed that “supplementation with gamma-linolenic acid (black currant seed oil) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids improved ocular irritation symptoms, maintained corneal surface smoothness, and inhibited conjunctival dendritic cell maturation,” in thirty-eight postmenopausal female participants with “moderate to severe dry eye.”

Supplementing with black currant seed oil can provide relief for dry eye sufferers possibly due to its high concentration of essential fatty acids. Low levels of healthy fats may lead to fewer tears, which is a definite contributing factor to dry eye.

Improve Digestion

We have already discussed how black currants can boost levels of gut-healthy bacteria, which can prove pivotal in supporting a healthy digestive system.

However, there’s one more component of black currants that help improve digestion: fiber.

Black currants are unique in that they contain two types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber. Inside our bodies, soluble fiber turns into a gel-substance that helps slow down digestion sufficiently for our bodies to absorb more nutrients from the food we eat. It also helps lower cholesterol in the body, which is enormously important for cardiovascular health.
• Insoluble fiber. We need insoluble fiber in order to keep the digestive system flowing with healthy bowel movements. Because insoluble fiber helps move undigested food through your intestinal tract, it can help reduce the buildup of toxins and reduce the risk of intestinal cancer.

Together, the different types of fiber in black currants can help contribute to a healthy, balanced digestive system that supports whole-body health.

Visual Fatigue

If you sit on the computer for long hours you may suffer from visual fatigue. This basically means that your eye muscles tighten and get strained and can lead to a feeling of heaviness, blurry vision and even headaches.

Research showed that 1 tbsp of black currants significantly reduced “visual fatigue following prolonged visual display terminal (computer screen) work 2 hours after consumption.” Also, the group that did not supplement with black currants displayed a “significant deterioration in refractive index indicating visual fatigue,” whereas the participants who did take black currants did not experience any of these symptoms.

Clinical trials have also shown that anthocyanin in black currents can help to improve the ability of the eyes to adapt to the dark.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve due to high pressure in the eye, caused by fluid build-up. If left untreated it can lead to blurry vision, defects in the visual field, and even vision loss and blindness.

Certain studies have shown that anthocyanins in black currant oil can help to prevent and control the symptoms of glaucoma and promote improved vision.

One study showed that after the consumption of 50mg of black currents for 6 months, there was a significant increase in blood flow at key sites in the eye.

Another study concluded that patients with glaucoma supplementing with 50mg of black currant per day saw a decrease in eye intraocular pressure (IOP), which was not apparent in the placebo group.  After a year of supplementation, visual field deterioration was also significantly less than the placebo group.

A third study showed that black currant extract decreased levels of a hormone called endothelin-1, that is considered to be a contributing factor to the progression of glaucoma.

These studies show that when combined with conventional medication, black currant seed oil is a potentially promising supplement for glaucoma patients.

Increased Alertness & Enhanced Brain Function

Need a brain boost? One interesting study had 36 young volunteers consume either a placebo or black currant juice before taking a series of mental tests.
Those who had taken the black currant juice showed better cognitive abilities, memory, alertness, and attention span than the placebo group.

Healthy Gut Bacteria

You probably don’t spend too much time thinking about the bacteria that inhabit your gut, but the right type of gut-bacteria can actually be powerful weight loss ally. In fact, slim people have, on average, 70% more gut bacteria than people who are overweight. What does this have to do with black currant? Well, studies have shown that taking black currant can work to increase the amount of healthy bacteria – like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria – in the gut.

In addition to helping boost weight loss and promote weight management through healthy gut bacteria, the gamma-linoleic acid in black currant can help the body eliminate excess fat.

Black Currant Oil for Herpes

One of the most common STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), the herpes virus, affects millions of people globally.

Symptoms include painful blisters around the mouth or genital area, which can get painful and annoying.

A 2003 in-vitro study showed that black currant extract “inhibits virus replication in cells,” as it stopped the virus from attaching to cells, thereby preventing the spread of the herpes infection.

The study concluded that black currant seed extract could be a “possible candidate” for treating herpes infections.

Heart Health

If you’re having issues managing your cholesterol levels, black currant oil can help.

Studies have shown that black currant seed oil can lower bad cholesterol (LDL levels) and raise good cholesterol (HDL levels), which means that it can potentially lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and even help to control blood pressure.

Abundant with essential fatty acids, the GLAs in black currant oil help to slow down blood platelet clotting. These clumps can not only damage artery walls but also release cholesterol causing compounds that can stick to the blood vessel lining. As the arteries clog up and narrow, blood circulation is affected leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Research has shown that black currant oil not only helps to prevent cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) but also helps to control LDL cholesterol levels.

One study researching the prevention of cardiac arrhythmia in aged rats showed that blackcurrant seed oil even had an “enhanced benefit” over “evening primrose oil or sunflower seed oil,” possibly due to its high GLA levels, making it an excellent supplement to take for heart health.

Anti-aging

Antioxidants are the secret to anti-aging, and black currant oil is brimming with them!

Research shows that berries are high in antioxidants, and can actually slow down the aging process. The antioxidants in black currant oil can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, causing less wear and tear, and reflecting positively on the appearance of your skin.

Vitamin C present in black currant seed extract, also helps to improve collagen production, keeping your skin elastic, and preventing fewer wrinkles as you age.  Vitamin E in the oil protects against sun damage, and the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil are beneficial for all kinds of conditions such as heart disease, dementia, and arthritis that can lead to quicker aging.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

An excellent anti-inflammatory, black currant seed oil can help to fight inflammation that causes joint pain and leads to chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Research shows that “healthy fats such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and omega-3s work by several pathways to reduce the dangers of inflammation throughout the body.”

Another promising study revealed that in a trial of fifty-six patients with rheumatoid arthritis who received 2.8g of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) showed “significant improvements related to joint pain, stiffness and grip strength” at 6 months and considerable improvement in a year of taking GLA.

In a 24 week trial, black currant seed oil helped reduce “signs and symptoms of disease activity in patients with RA.” Rich in high concentrations of GLA, these studies show that black currant oil can help reduce inflammation in the body, easing pain, soreness, and stiffness in the muscles and joints.

Hair Fall

When consumed internally as a supplement, over a period of time, black currant oil can provide your body with essential fatty acids that can support your hair follicles with much-needed nutrition. This encourages thicker hair growth and strengthens the hair.

The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in black currant oil helps to essentially moisturize the hair, making it less dry, which can help to prevent hair from thinning and lessen hair-splitting.

You won’t notice results overnight, as with any other supplement — however, on average you can expect to see results in 6-8 weeks of taking the supplement on a regular basis.

Virus-Fighting Power

Remember those anthocyanins in black currants?

In addition to their antioxidant power and their role in supporting eye health, anthocyanins in black currant have been shown to boost the body’s immune response – which can help your body fight infections and viruses more effectively.

Take the flu virus, for example. Although the only way to become immune to a specific flu virus is through developing antibodies, anthocyanins are thought to have anti-viral benefits by supporting your body’s natural immune response to influenza.

In this way, anthocyanins may be a powerful ally in decreasing flu symptoms. In fact, studies have shown that anthocyanins can help your body produce tumor necrosis factor alpha, which has a viricide (virus-killing) effect.

Healthy Skin

Black currant oil is highly effective when it comes to soothing the skin and controlling the spread of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema.

When taken internally, black currant oil has been recommended by the National Psoriasis Foundation to control symptoms such as dryness, itching, and burning. High levels of GLAs in the oil reduce dryness, preventing the skin from flaking.

When symptoms are better controlled, there’s a lesser need to itch, which helps to control inflammation and infection and stop chronic skin conditions from spreading.

GLAs can also help with controlling breakouts and alleviating the symptoms of acne, by reducing inflammation and skin redness.

Vitamin C in the oil improves collagen production, increasing skin elasticity, giving you glowing skin and stronger nails.

PMS and Menopause

The body uses gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) or Omega 6 essential fatty acids to produce prostaglandins, compounds that maintain cellular function, improve immunity and skin health. They also help to regulate the menstrual cycle in women.

GLAs have shown to be helpful in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and improving symptoms such as low mood and tender breasts in women going through PMS.

Black currant seed oil contains high levels of GLAs and can alleviate PMS symptoms and help to control irritable moods, insomnia, body aches and pains, and more. It may also help menopausal women deal with hot flashes and control night sweats.

Many women prefer not to take medications to control their PMS symptoms but rather rely on essential fatty acids. Unlike drugs, black currant oil is a much safer alternative if you’re looking to find PMS relief.

Cancer treatment

The root cause of cancer is free radicals. These are toxins which are released when oxygen metabolizes. This process known as oxidative stress can cause a lot of damage to the body. Antioxidants are chemicals that balance free radicals and can prevent, or minimize the damage caused.

So, consuming supplements with high antioxidant content such as black currants may help slow down the progression of diseases such as cancer, and there’s supporting research to prove it.

Research conducted in 2010 showed that black currant extract was found to be the “second most effective amongst nine different berry extracts studied for their free radical scavenging activity,” and could potentially be “useful in the prevention and treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma,” or liver cancer.

Other research showed that black currant extract which has “high amounts of anthocyanin polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic health benefits,” could inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and endometrial (uterine) cancer.

A 2016 study showed that black currant extract may possibly be “a promising anticancer candidate,” by inducing “cancer cell apoptosis,” or cancer cell death.

These are promising studies to show that black currant seed oil may be effective for preventing cancer and controlling cancer cell growth.

Brain Health

As the brain ages, it may affect cognition and cause memory issues. The essential fatty acids in black currant oil have shown to improve memory, concentration, and cognition.

Just taking essential fatty acids is not going to help as much as taking them in the right ratio. Black currant oil provides an excellent ratio between ALA (Omega-3) and GLA (Omega-6) which is crucial for mental health and can help ease symptoms of ADHD, depression, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders.

Research out of the Journal of Functional Foods showed that thirty-six healthy young adults who were supplemented with black currant extract displayed “attention and mood” improvements and reduced “mental fatigue” as compared to the placebo group – both groups were tested on the same demanding mental tests.

The research also showed a significant decrease in monoamine oxidase enzymes (MAO) which in high numbers could lead to oxidative stress and affect neurotransmitter levels. This could also potentially explain the role of black currant seed oil in improving cognition and supporting brain health.

Strengthen body

Black currant seed oil helps to promote the function of the immune system. It provides alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid to the body that helps to lower prostaglandin synthesis. Regular supplements help the body to counteract pathogens and infections caused due to virus, bacteria, and fungi. It speeds up the healing process. It assists the conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and lupus.

Lowers cholesterol level

The supplements of Black currant oil help to lower the level of LDL cholesterol. This oil is helpful to maintain cardiovascular health. It could lower the chances of heart problems such as atherosclerosis. It prevents the chances of cardiac arrhythmia.

Hair health

This oil helps to treat hair-related problems such as splitting, hair thinning, and frizzy hair. The internal use of the oil provides it with essential fatty acids.

Treat acne

The oil extracted from Black currant seeds possesses a high concentration of ALA and GLA which are omega-3 fatty acids that helps to lower inflammation and skin redness.

Cure  arthritis pain

It is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that helps to lower pain, swelling, and joint injury in arthritis patients. It also lowers the inflammation caused due to gout.

Traditional uses

• It treats dry and damaged hair.
• It is useful for treating skin problems.
• It helps to counteract infection.
• It lowers breast tenderness related to PMS.
• It enhances the immune system and lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels.
• It treats premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and painful periods.
• It is useful for Alzheimer’s disease and coughs.
• It promotes urination.
• It also lowers rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Black Currant Oil Dose

There are various uses of black currant oil, but when it is used medicinally, the typical dose is approximately 500 milligrams twice a day for no more than 2 months. Children should take half the dose of adults, and only under the supervision and permission of a doctor.

While there are obvious benefits to using the oil, research on extended, regular use is lacking, and generally not advised, due to the possible side effects. The omega-3 fatty acids found in this oil are certainly healthy, but an excessive amount will lead to unpleasant side effects.

Black Currant Oil Side Effects

As mentioned, there are some side effects especially associated with excess consumption of this oil, including the following:

• Complications of pregnancy
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Bleeding problems
• Inflammation
• Increased risk of prostate cancer

These side effects are primarily experienced by people who consume more than the recommended amount, but in some cases, this can occur. The blood-thinning qualities of this oil are good, except when used in conjunction with other blood thinners, as this can cause bleeding problems.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• It might cause the side effects such as upset stomach such as constipation, diarrhea, and headaches.
• Symptoms such as rashes, itchy skin, difficulty in breathing, chest pains, and swelling of lips and tongue.
• The excessive use of Black currant oil leads to side effects.
• One should consult the doctor for knowing the required amounts of black currant seed oil.
• It should not be used by pregnant women.
• People with medication should consult the doctor for use.
• Epileptic patients should use it with caution.
• It is not used for aromatherapy uses.
• The bleeding disorder patients should not use it.
• It should be avoided by prostate cancer patients.

References

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