Blackcurrant leaves help relieve mild joint pain and, due to their mild diuretic effect, promote urinary tract cleansing and reduce discomfort in mild urinary issues. The fruits, rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, boost immunity, protect cells from oxidative stress, support heart and vascular health, reduce inflammation, and improve overall energy levels. Due to these properties, blackcurrant leaves and fruits are valuable for supporting joint, urinary tract, and immune system health.
Health benefits: joint health, urinary tract health, immunity.
Chemical compounds: the leaves contain flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, essential oil, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and minerals. The fruits contain ascorbic acid, organic acids, pectins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, sugars, vitamins (B-group, vitamin E), and minerals.
Herbal action: the leaves have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and joint pain-relieving effects, while the fruits possess immunity-boosting, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular health-supporting properties.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Blackcurrants are commonly used as food and is considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when consumed in moderation. Leaves are generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used in moderation (1-2 cups per day). However, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
- European Medicines Agency. (2016). Final European Union herbal monograph on Ribes nigrum L., folium. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-ribes-nigrum-l-folium_en.pdf
- Lyall KA, Hurst SM, Cooney J, Jensen D, Lo K, Hurst RD, Stevenson LM. Short-term blackcurrant extract consumption modulates exercise-induced oxidative stress and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammatory responses. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Jul;297(1):R70-81. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.90740.2008. Epub 2009 Apr 29. PMID: 19403859.
- Ejaz A, Waliat S, Afzaal M, Saeed F, Ahmad A, Din A, Ateeq H, Asghar A, Shah YA, Rafi A, Khan MR. Biological activities, therapeutic potential, and pharmacological aspects of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum L): A comprehensive review. Food Sci Nutr. 2023 Aug 15;11(10):5799-5817. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.3592. PMID: 37823094; PMCID: PMC10563683.