GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
This thorn less shrub belongs to the red currant
family. The leaves and berries are used medicinally. In European folk medicine, black currant
once had a considerable reputation for controlling diarrhea,
promoting urine output (as a diuretic) and reducing
arthritic and rheumatic pains. Black currant oil is a
source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)
to treat a wide range of
ailments.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Factors such as high cholesterol, aging, stress, alcohol, diabetes, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), aging, viral infections, and other conditions
may interfere with the normal conversion of linoleic acid
into GLA. Thus, people who obtain little GLA from their
diet and those whose systems are unable to metabolize linoleic acid into GLA may benefit from
taking GLA-rich supplements like black currant seed oil.
According to a study published in February 2000 by
researchers at Tufts University in Boston, 4.5 gm daily of
black currant seed oil was able to promote cell-mediated immune function. In addition, a similar
study found that black currant seed oil had an
immune-enhancing effect attributable to its ability to
reduce prostaglandin E (2) production. Other studies have
found that the extract has anti-inflammatory properties
due to its capability of stimulating the production
of prostaglandin-1, an anti-inflammatory hormone.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
A daily dosage of 600 to 6,000 milligrams is
typical. Capsules containing black currant oil are available in 200 to 400 milligram doses – the
capsules typically have a fixed oil component, and usually
contain 14 to 19% GLA.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No side effects have been reported, however
German health authorities warn that people with fluid accumulation, because of heart or kidney
problems, should not take the leaf preparations. It should
be noted, that no studies appear to have been done to
determine the safety of black currant seed extract
over the long term, although preliminary findings
for other GLA-rich oils suggest that the supplements are relatively safe.
