Black Currant
Ribes nigrum
Ribes nigrum, commonly known as blackcurrant, originates from traditional European medicine. It has been traditionally used for various ailments but specific uses are not well-documented in historical records. Scientific studies have shown that polysaccharides derived from blackcurrant can alter gut microbiota, enriching Akkermansia muciniphila and increasing GUDCA levels, which may help suppress renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic mice. Additionally, whole blackcurrant has been observed to improve body weight, fat volume, lipid profiles, and gut microbiota in mice on a high-fat diet. Imoviral® supplementation led to early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β but did not show significant differences compared to control groups. Blackcurrant extracts (BCE) have demonstrated protective effects against oxidative stress in cells and improved spatial memory in mice with high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, though further research is needed to confirm these findings comprehensively.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Polysaccharides from blackcurrant altered gut microbiota, enriched Akkermansia muciniphila, and increased GUDCA levels, which suppressed renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic mice.
- Whole blackcurrant showed beneficial effects on body weight, fat volume, lipid profiles, intestinal inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice fed a high-fat diet.
- Imoviral® supplementation led to early transient upregulation of TNF-α and IL-1β, with limited changes in other immune genes compared to control groups.
- Black currant extract showed protective effects against oxidative stress and improved spatial memory in mice with high-fat diet-induced cognitive impairment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Black Currant?
Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Black Currant?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Black Currant; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Polysaccharides from blackcurrant altered gut microbiota, enriched Akkermansia muciniphila, and increased GUDCA levels, which suppressed renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic mice.
How strong is the evidence for Black Currant?
The strongest finding for Black Currant carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Black Currant safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Black Currant in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Black Currant interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Black Currant in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Black Currant?
Black Currant is also known as: смородина чёрная, Cassis, Cassissier, Groseillier noir.
Is Black Currant a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Black Currant Extract Protects against Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells and High-Fat Diet-Induced Cognitive Impairment in C57BL/6 Mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Polysaccharide from Ribes nigrum L. Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Injury in Mice by Modulating the GUDCA/GPBAR1 Axis through the Remodeling of the Gut Microbiota. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Whole Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Alleviates High-Fat Diet Induced-Obesity and Colonic Inflammation by Modulating the Gut Microbiota in Mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of Imoviral® effects on early immune response in Sparus aurata challenged with Vibrio anguillarum. literature abstract metadata