Black Currant Extract

Black currant extract is a stout, woody, usually spineless, deciduous shrub native to northern Asia and central and eastern Europe and cultivated in the United States and throughout the world.

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.Matsumoto 2005, Suzutani 2003 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).

Basic Information:

COA

Black Currant Extract Benefits

1. Have Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation may cause heart, liver, and kidney diseases. It may also induce arthritis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, etc.). Including foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds in your diet can prevent/reduce the severity of this phenomenon.

Anthocyanins are a class of polyphenols predominantly found in blackcurrants. Black currant fruit extract suppress the activation of pro-inflammatory components in your immune system .

These molecules target specialized cells like macrophages. This prevents several inflammatory disorders from worsening.

2. Soothe The Stomach And Aid 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.

3. Boost Kidney Health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of blackcurrants prevent chronic kidney disorders. They protect your excretory system from inflammation and infections. The extracts also inhibit the formation of kidney stones.

Black currant extract makes your urine more alkaline (increases its pH). It also promotes the excretion of excess citric acid and oxalic acid from your body. If not, these two acids can react to form kidney stones when left to pile up.

A hundred grams of black currants has about 4.3mg of oxalate. That makes these fruits safe for individuals with kidney disorders and bladder stones (9).

4. Lower 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 (10).

Animal studies with black currant extract are supporting evidence to this effect. Subjects treated with this extract showed significantly lower cholesterol levels than the untreated/control ones (11).

Moreover, blackcurrant juices are abundant in antioxidants. These juices prevent the oxidation of lipids in your body (12). This way, they can prevent/delay the onset of obesity and chronic conditions like atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s.

5. Have Antidiabetic 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 (13).

Carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes (like α-Glucosidase and pancreatic α-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/glucose levels.

6. May Help Manage Eye Disorders

The black currant fruit extract anthocyanins improve the functions of your eyes/vision. These molecules increase the blood flow in the optical nerves and eyes. Regular consumption of such foods and supplements may decelerate the loss of vision or related symptoms in patients with glaucoma.

Anthocyanins may have positive effects on chronic eye ailments. These include diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinal artery occlusion.

These active molecules are absorbed and transferred beyond the blood-retina barrier when taken orally. They reach various parts of the ocular tissues and preserve their function. Thus, blackcurrants or their extracts can slow down the effects of aging and disease on eyes.

7. Protect 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).

8. May Promote Liver Health

Alcohol abuse causes permanent changes in the structure and function of liver cells. The proteins and phospholipids get structurally modified. This may have a direct effect on the liver’s functionality.

9. Repair And Nourish Skin

Various skin diseases arise due to inflammation, infections, or aging. They leave you with dry skin, lesions, itching, redness, scabs, etc. Atopic dermatitis is an example of a serious skin condition seen in children and adults.

10. Possess 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.

Black Currant Powder Application:

* Be applied in pharmaceutical field, used to improve body immunity blood vessel.

* Be applied in food and drink field, widely used as natural coloring.