Blackcurrant

Information
Application
Notes
References

Photo: P. Schönfelder

Botanical name

Ribes nigrum L.

Family

Grossulariaceae

Common name

European Blackcurrant, Black Currant, Cassis

Information about the plant

Native to European and Asian forest areas, blackcurrants occasionally grow wild in damp thickets or humus-rich deciduous and floodplain forests. However, in Europe they are mainly cultivated in various species and garden forms. It is highly valued for its black berries, similar to the red berries of the red currant (Ribes rubrum L.). The berries of both plants are used to make jellies, jams, fruit juices, compotes, and similar fruit preparations.

The genus name Ribes is of Persian origin, later adopted into Arabic, and is the species epithet of the rhubarb (Rheum ribes), native to that region. Linné transferred this name to the sour-tasting, berry-bearing plants, which resemble rhubarb. The species epithet nigrum is Latin and means ‘black’ (blackcurrant), while rubrum (= red) refers to the redcurrant. The name ‘currant’ is associated with the berries ripening around St. John's Day (21 June).

The leaves that grow on the shrub, which can reach a height of up to 2 meters, are used for medicinal purposes. They are 3- to 5-lobed and cordate at the base. The leaf margin is double-serrated. The small, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers grow together in long, hanging clusters. When the pea-sized berries are ripe, they are harvested in clusters and only then separated from the flower axis and their small stalks. As they are inferior ovaries, remnants of the sepals remain attached to the berries. The flowering time is from April to May.

Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)

The dried leaves harvested during or shortly after flowering (blackcurrant leaves – Ribis nigri folium) are used.
The commercially available drug is sourced from Poland, Hungary, and Romania.

Constituents of the herbal drug

Blackcurrant leaves contain tannins (mainly catechin tannins), flavonoids, and phenolic carboxylic acids.

Quality of the drug

The quality of blackcurrant leaves (Ribis nigri folium) is specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

Medical applications

Recognised medical use

The HMPC has classified blackcurrant leaves as a traditional herbal medicinal product (see ‘Traditional use’).

ESCOP: Supportive in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. This application is based on long-standing use in humans.

Traditional use

Blackcurrant leaves have been classified by the HMPC as a traditional herbal medicinal product (Article 16a of Directive 2001/83/EC). Based on long-standing use, blackcurrant leaves can be used to treat minor joint pain. They can also be used to increase urine production and thus flush the urinary tract, providing relief for mild urinary tract complaints.

Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms

Chopped blackcurrant leaves for tea preparation
Dry extracts in solid medicinal preparations

Dosage

Finished medicinal product: See patient information leaflet.

Tea: Drink one cup of blackcurrant leaves several times a day. The daily dose is 6 to 12 g of the drug. For urinary tract complaints, it is recommended to combine it with other herbal drugs such as orthosiphon leaves, restharrow root, goldenrod herb, birch leaves, or nettle leaves (bladder and kidney tea, urinary tea).

Preparation of a tea

Pour approximately 150 mL of boiling water over 2 to 4 g of finely chopped blackcurrant leaves and strain after 10 minutes. It is also possible to prepare it cold and bring it to the boil briefly.

Notes

During irrigation therapy, it is important to drink plenty of fluids!

If increased fluid intake is not possible due to impaired heart and kidney function, irrigation therapy with blackcurrant leaves should not be used. If symptoms worsen, and fever, urinary retention, cramps when urinating, or blood in the urine occur, seek medical advice.

No studies have been conducted on the safety of blackcurrant leaves during pregnancy and lactation. The use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 is not recommended due to a lack of evidence.