Black currant is a plant that produces edible, purple-black berries that taste sweet and contain a seed. Black currant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which might improve immune function and help decrease swelling. Black currant berries contain chemicals called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects and are of interest in preventing skin aging and wrinkles. People use black currant for various conditions such as eczema, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, muscle fatigue, and wound healing, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Black currant is used to make health supplements from its seed oil, leaves, fruit, and flowers. It contains anthocyanidin, a type of pigment, and GLA. Raw black currants are 82% water, 15% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and 0.4% fat. They are high in vitamin C and moderate in iron and manganese. Black currant seed oil is rich in vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid.
Black currant is also used in cosmetics preparations, often in combination with vitamin E. The leaves can be extracted to yield a yellow dye, and the fruit is a source for a blue or violet dye resulting from its rich content of anthocyanins. Black currants have a high concentration of anthocyanins, polyphenolic substances, antioxidants, vitamin C, and GLA. They have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitoxic, antiseptic, and anticancer properties. One study showed that black currant supplements enhanced the immune response in people who exercised regularly and could also train harder for longer periods of time.
