Blackcurrant is a shrub that grows to about 1-2 meters tall and produces edible, purple-black berries that taste sweet and contain a seed. Blackcurrant seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which might improve immune function and help decrease swelling. Blackcurrant berries contain chemicals called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant effects and are of interest in preventing skin aging and wrinkles. People use blackcurrant for various conditions such as eczema, gout, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, muscle fatigue, wound healing, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Blackcurrant seed oil is an ingredient in cosmetic preparations, often in combination with vitamin E, and the leaves can be extracted to yield a yellow dye. Health supplements are made from the blackcurrant plant using its seed oil, leaves, fruit, and flowers, and blackcurrant extracts are shown to reduce risk factors for metabolic conditions such as type 1 and 2 diabetes. Blackcurrants contain many vitamins, such as A, B-5, B-6, B-1, and E, and the most significant is vitamin C, which is essential for skin care and anti-aging. Black currant flavor is a flavor used in medicine to mask or impart taste to medications.