BLACK CURRANT
The scientific name of Black Currant is Ribes nigrum
Common names are.
- Black currant
- Blackcurrant
- European black currant
- Gichtbeerblaetter
- Johannisbeere (German)
- Kuro Karin.
- Quincy berries.
- Schwarze (German).
- Siyah Frenulum.
The black current plant was first domesticated for its fruit approximately 400 to 500 years ago. It has been used in Chinese folk medicine as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and febrifuge. It has also been used as an ingredient in nutraceuticals, wines, juices, and jams in China and Europe. It was used as a flavoring and coloring agent in syrupus ribis fructus, or "syrup of currants" (100 parts red currants, 10 parts red cherries, and 5 parts black currants).
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of edema, rheumatic pain, whooping cough, sore throat, and mouth ulcers. The fruits have been used as a source of vitamin C during the cold and flu season van Wyk 2005 young roots and bark decoctions have also been used.
USES
- Two, small, published trials showed some benefit in rheumatoid arthritis, but black currant was not compared to a gold standard.
- Long-term safety and efficacy have not been studied for any of the above potential uses.
- Oil and juice extracts have also exhibited limited antimicrobial and prebiotic activities, as well as potential benefits in preventing infant atopic dermatitis, reducing cardiovascular risk, and improving certain exercise performance measures.
Benefits of Black Currant
- Anthocyanins- Black currants are almost as pretty as they are powerful, with a deep, rich, reddish, or purplish-black color. Interestingly, the compound that creates that color, called anthocyanin, is also responsible for some of the black currant’s most medicinal properties.
What exactly are anthocyanins, and how can they help you? As a powerful plant with antioxidant properties, anthocyanins are found in particularly high quantities in black currant. It’s been extensively researched for its many health benefits:
- Anti-cancer. Various studies have shown that anthocyanins have potential anti-cancer effects, with one study showing that the compound suppressed tumor growth in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.
- Diabetes. In animal studies, anthocyanins have been shown to offer health benefits to diabetics by addressing insulin resistance.
- Eye health. Anthocyanin-rich foods like black currant are known to be incredibly supportive of eye health.
In various studies, black currant anthocyanins were shown to increase nourishing blood flow to the eyes in patients with glaucoma, reduce intraocular pressure in the eye, and slow down visual field deterioration.
- Anti-inflammatory Effect -GLA. Short for gamma-linolenic acid, GLA is abundantly found in black currant seeds.
According to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, GLA is an important Omega-6 oil. Like essential fatty acids, Omega-6 and Omega-3 oils are fundamental to healthy human function, contributing to healthy skin, hair growth, brain function, and metabolism. Each essential fatty acid is used differently by your body, and gamma-linolenic acid is uniquely helpful in fighting against inflammation.
This is because your body converts GLA into an inflammation-reducing substance called DGLA.
For this reason, black currant can be very helpful for those with joint pain and stiffness caused by inflammation. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation cites an exciting study in which patients with the inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis experienced far less pain, more joint mobility, and decreased stiffness as a result of GLA’s incredible anti-inflammatory effects.
Soothes Stomach and Helps in Digestion- These berries are abundant in flavonoids. These phytochemicals have been shown to cause smooth muscle relaxation. Blackcurrant extracts could relax contractions in the GI tract, according to animal studies. Studies confirm the antispasmodic activity of these fruits. Quercetin, myricetin, and other flavonoids inhibit spasms in the stomach and intestines. Also, blackcurrant leaves have been used in folk medicine to treat diarrhea. Reduces Blood Cholesterol Levels -High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol elevate the risk of cardiovascular, liver, and other metabolic disorders. Research shows that diets rich in anthocyanins cause a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL levels. They also increase serum HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Animal studies with blackcurrant extracts are supporting evidence of this effect. Subjects treated with this extract showed significantly lower cholesterol levels than the untreated/control ones. Moreover, blackcurrant juices are abundant in antioxidants. These juices prevent the oxidation of lipids in your body. This way, they can prevent the onset of obesity and chronic conditions like atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s.
Have Antidiabetics Effects - Blackcurrant has anthocyanins like cyanidin 3-rutinoside, delphinidin 3-glucoside, and peonidin 3-rutinoside. When consumed in fair amounts, these phytochemicals improve insulin sensitivity, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes (like Ξ±-Glucosidase and pancreatic Ξ±-amylase) are the targets of anthocyanins. They block the activity of these enzymes. As a result, the rapid breakdown of carbohydrates is slowed down. Ultimately, anthocyanins can prevent sudden spikes in your blood sugar levels. It Protects Your Brain -Like vitamin C, black currant extract inhibits lipid peroxidation in your body. Experimental studies report about 65% inhibition, thanks to its antioxidant capacity. This activity is most beneficial in protecting your central nervous system(CNS). In the absence of this effect, free radicals accumulate in your system. Free radicals are known to trigger neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases.
Has Antimicrobial Properties- Recent studies have reported potent antiviral properties in the leaves of wild blackcurrants. Their extracts can particularly eliminate Influenza A viruses (IAV) that cause highly contagious human diseases. The typical symptoms of IAV infections are fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and nasal inflammation.
The leaf extracts prevent the entry and internalization of these viruses at the molecular/genetic level. The essential oil of these leaves also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Such an amazing info about the plant
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