Black Currant Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Black Currant

Black Currant

Also known as
  • Ribes nigrum
  • Black Currant Seed Oil
  • Cassis
  • European Black Currant
  • Groseille Noir
  • Grosella Negra
  • Kurokarin
  • Nabar
  • Paper
  • Ribes Nigri Folium (black currant leaf)
  • Ribes Nero
Black Currant Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It produces small, edible berries known for their sweet-tart flavor and deep purple color. They are often used in a variety of culinary applications and are a popular flavoring agent. Black currants are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and several other nutrients. They are also believed to have various health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. In addition to the whole fruit, black currant seeds are often utilized for dietary supplements and are sometimes marketed as 'black currant seed oil', which contain a high amount of GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid.
There are 138 drugs known to interact with Black Currant

Additional Details

Is Black Currant Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Black currant, a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, produces sweet, purple-black berries that are consumed for dietary and medicinal purposes. When used orally, black currant products like juice, extracts, and seed oil are generally considered safe. However, topical use and safety during pregnancy and lactation require caution due to limited information.

How Is Black Currant Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Black currant is rich in various constituents such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, phenolic acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These compounds contribute to its potential health benefits. Anthocyanins, found in black currant berries, possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and potential antiviral effects. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in black currant seed oil may have antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing effects. The plant's other components contribute to its diverse mechanisms, including potential effects on cardiovascular health, skin aging, and eye function.

Pharmacokinetics

When consumed, anthocyanins from black currant juice are absorbed, with some variations in absorption rates based on their chemical structure. Black currant seed oil, rich in GLA and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), is commonly used and shows potential for lipid modulation. Urinary excretion patterns indicate the elimination of anthocyanins and other compounds, while quercetin levels remain consistent regardless of juice intake.

Interaction Overview

Black currant's interaction potential involves considerations for anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs and phenothiazines. GLA in black currant seed oil might interact with anticoagulant drugs, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Similarly, GLA's presence could affect patients taking phenothiazines, possibly influencing seizure risk.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Orally consumed black currant is generally well-tolerated, but limited information exists about potential topical adverse effects. As with any supplement, individual reactions may vary.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Information about the standardization of black currant supplements is lacking. Standardization ensures consistent levels of active compounds, but for black currant, this aspect requires more investigation.

What Is Black Currant Typically Used For?

Black currant has a wide range of potential uses, but many require further research to establish their clinical effects. These potential uses include addressing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, atopic dermatitis, common cold, cough, diarrhea, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, influenza, muscle fatigue, osteoarthritis, and more. Some promising areas of research include its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential cardiovascular benefits. However, more evidence is needed to definitively support these applications.

Dosing & Administration

Black currant supplements, particularly black currant seed oil, are commonly used in doses ranging from 3 to 10.5 grams daily for various periods. However, dosing specifics for black currant berry or leaf remain unclear.

Drugs that interact with Black Currant

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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