Cassis

Related Terms

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, casis (Spanish), cassis (French), 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 Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


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

C


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

C


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.

C


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.

C


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.

 C


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.

 C


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

C


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

C


Results are conflicting and more study is warranted to determine whether black currant is effective for muscle stiffness.

 C


Results are conflicting and more study is warranted to determine whether black currant is effective for muscle stiffness.

 C


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

 C


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

 C


There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant seed oil for nutrition supplementation in phenylketonuric patients.

 C


There is currently a lack of information in humans on the effectiveness of black currant seed oil for nutrition supplementation in phenylketonuric patients.

 C


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.

 C


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.

 C


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.

 C


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.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

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.

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.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

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.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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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.
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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.
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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.
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