Black Currant Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Black Currant Extract (Ribes nigrum L. (Blackcurrant Anthocyanins / Polyphenols)) is a dietary supplement with 18 published peer-reviewed studies involving 132 participants, researched for Eye Health & Visual Fatigue, Glaucoma Support, Athletic Performance & Recovery and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Eye Health & Visual Fatigue
ModerateGlaucoma Support
ModerateAthletic Performance & Recovery
ModerateClinical trials
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Eye Health & Visual Fatigue
To examine the effects of oral blackcurrant anthocyanoside on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced visual fatigue.
Study Type
Double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To examine the effects of oral blackcurrant anthocyanoside on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced visual fatigue.
Dose
12.5 mg/day or 20 mg/day blackcurrant anthocyanoside
Participants
12 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks per treatment arm
Results
Blackcurrant anthocyanoside significantly improved dark adaptation and reduced transient myopic shift from VDT work. Subjective visual fatigue scores were significantly reduced vs placebo.
How They Measured It
Dark adaptation threshold, transient refractive alteration (VDT work), subjective asthenopia scores
To review the therapeutic effects of anthocyanins including blackcurrant for vision and eye health.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the therapeutic effects of anthocyanins including blackcurrant for vision and eye health.
Dose
Various anthocyanin preparations
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Blackcurrant anthocyanins consistently improved dark adaptation, reduced visual fatigue, and improved retinal blood circulation. Evidence for glaucoma support via retinal blood flow enhancement was particularly strong.
How They Measured It
Review of visual acuity, dark adaptation, retinal blood flow, and IOP studies
Glaucoma Support
To evaluate 2 years of blackcurrant anthocyanin supplementation on visual field deterioration and endothelin-1 levels in normal-tension glaucoma patients.
Study Type
Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-masked
Purpose
To evaluate 2 years of blackcurrant anthocyanin supplementation on visual field deterioration and endothelin-1 levels in normal-tension glaucoma patients.
Dose
50 mg/day blackcurrant anthocyanins
Participants
38 patients with normal-tension glaucoma
Duration
24 months
Results
Blackcurrant anthocyanins significantly slowed visual field deterioration. Serum endothelin-1 (elevated in glaucoma) was normalised. IOP remained stable. Results support blackcurrant anthocyanins as adjunct therapy in normal-tension glaucoma.
How They Measured It
Visual field testing, serum endothelin-1 levels, IOP
Athletic Performance & Recovery
To evaluate the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cycling performance and fat oxidation.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on cycling performance and fat oxidation.
Dose
300 mg/day New Zealand blackcurrant extract (NZBC)
Participants
14 trained cyclists
Duration
7 days
Results
NZBC extract significantly increased fat oxidation during exercise by 24% and improved cycling time trial performance. Plasma lactate was lower during exercise. Anthocyanins enhanced metabolic efficiency.
How They Measured It
Cycling time trial performance, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), fat oxidation rate, plasma lactate
Clinical trials
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in individual responses to repeated dosing with anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant extract during high-intensity intermittent treadmill running in
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in individual responses to repeated dosing with anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant extract during high-intensity intermittent treadmill running in
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
7 days
Results
Intake of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract for 7 days has been shown to improve high-intensity intermittent running (HIIR) performance.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in blackcurrant supplementation and habitual physical activity enhance functional capacity and quality of life in previously sedentary older women.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in blackcurrant supplementation and habitual physical activity enhance functional capacity and quality of life in previously sedentary older women.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
Loss of functional capacity negatively impacts the quality of life in older adults.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant increases postexercise hypotension following sustained moderate-intensity exercise.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant increases postexercise hypotension following sustained moderate-intensity exercise.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
PLA: -3.5 ± 6.0 mmHg, p = .033) but was not different for diastolic or mean arterial pressure. There were no alterations in heart rate variabilities during the 2 hr following the exercise with NZBC. A 7-day intake of NZBC causes a larger postexercise hypotension response in young, physically active men and women following 1 hr of treadmill exercise at 50% maximal oxygen uptake.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract augments muscle glycogen storage at rest and enhances intramuscular triglyceride degradation during prolonged exercis
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract augments muscle glycogen storage at rest and enhances intramuscular triglyceride degradation during prolonged exercis
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
. Greater rates of fat oxidation during prolonged exercise following NZBC extract supplementation are linked to increased IMTG utilisation in type I fibres. NZBC extract did not improve exercise capacity or spare muscle glycogen. Interestingly, pre-exercise muscle glycogen concentrations were elevated with NZBC extract supplementation, the physiological benefits of which now require investigation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effects of blackcurrant juice on pre-frontal cortical haemodynamics and cognition in healthy young adults.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effects of blackcurrant juice on pre-frontal cortical haemodynamics and cognition in healthy young adults.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
icrovascular blood flow, and large artery plasticity. Polyphenol-rich blackcurrants have been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase, modulate brainwave spectral activity and modulate peripheral blood flow. This study assessed whether blackcurrant consumption can modulate blood flow in the shallow pre-frontal cortex, as measured using near infrared spectroscopy, during rest and under cognitive demand.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in the effects of an acute dose of new zealand blackcurrant extract on 5-km running performance.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in the effects of an acute dose of new zealand blackcurrant extract on 5-km running performance.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
5-km time trial (p > .05). Ingesting 900 mg of NZBC extract as an acute dose improves performance in trained male runners without altering physiological or metabolic responses to exercise. Further research is needed to assess a wider range of possible mechanisms (e.g., cardiovascular function, metabolite profiles) to advance insight into improved performance following supplementation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in alterations of exercise-induced carbohydrate and fat oxidation by anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant are associated with the pre-intervention m
Study Type
Clinical study
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in alterations of exercise-induced carbohydrate and fat oxidation by anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant are associated with the pre-intervention m
Dose
420 mg
Participants
46 participants
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
: Our secondary analysis of the data in studies on the effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract suggests that the metabolic response of individuals to the intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract depends partly on the pre-intervention respiratory exchange ratio, with the majority of individuals showing enhanced exercise-induced fat oxidation and lower exercise-induced carbohydrate oxidation.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract has no effect on physiological and cardiovascular responses during low-intensity sustained intermittent isometric con
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract has no effect on physiological and cardiovascular responses during low-intensity sustained intermittent isometric con
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ckcurrant (NZBC) extract for 7 days showed beneficial effects on cardiovascular function at rest and during moderate and high-intensity exercise. The effects of 4- and 7-day intake of 600 mg of NZBC extract on cardiovascular function, femoral artery diameter, muscle force, muscle activity and muscle fatigue during low-intensity sustained intermittent isometric contractions were examined.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant extract reduces treadmill running-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in the heat: pilot observations.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in anthocyanin-rich new zealand blackcurrant extract reduces treadmill running-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in the heat: pilot observations.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
11 participants
Duration
7 days
Results
still reporting those in the NZBC extract condition). Seven-day intake of New Zealand blackcurrant extract reduced the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms during 1-h of running in hot environmental conditions. Future research should examine the efficacy of NZBC extract on exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms in conditions in which gastrointestinal symptoms can be expected to be severe.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in no effect of acute or chronic new zealand blackcurrant extract on cycling performance or physiological responses in trained cyclists.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in no effect of acute or chronic new zealand blackcurrant extract on cycling performance or physiological responses in trained cyclists.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
e were no significant effects on measured physiological and metabolic parameters, and any observed differences in performance or physiology were trivial to small. Blackcurrant supplementation delivered either acutely or over a period of 7 days had no significant effect on cycling performance or physiology. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12622001277730.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effects of new zealand black currant extract on exercising substrate utilization and postexercise blood pressure in men and women.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effects of new zealand black currant extract on exercising substrate utilization and postexercise blood pressure in men and women.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
11 men and 11 women
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
PLA (no exercise vs. NZBC: -5.5 ± 5.4 mmHg vs. no exercise vs. PLA: -2.9 ± 5.1 mmHg, p < .001) but was not different between men and women. A 7-day intake of NZBC extract increases fat oxidation during moderate-intensity exercise and decreases postexercise blood pressure in men and women. The magnitude of change in fat oxidation in women is correlated to body fat percentage.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract modulates the heat shock response in men during exercise in hot ambient conditions.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in new zealand blackcurrant extract modulates the heat shock response in men during exercise in hot ambient conditions.
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
To determine if 7d of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract alters the heat shock, inflammatory and apoptotic response during prolonged exertional-heat stress.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in the effectiveness of herbal mixture of echium amoenum l. and rheum ribes on obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized controlled triple-blind clinic
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in the effectiveness of herbal mixture of echium amoenum l. and rheum ribes on obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized controlled triple-blind clinic
Dose
Black Currant Extract (dose not specified)
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
The use of complementary and alternative medicine has gained traction in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This trial investigates the efficacy of an herbal combination of Echium amoenum L. and Rheum ribes in reducing OCD symptoms.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effect of one-week new zealand blackcurrant extract on rowing performance and cognitive function in national team male rowers.
Study Type
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To investigate the effects of Black Currant Extract in effect of one-week new zealand blackcurrant extract on rowing performance and cognitive function in national team male rowers.
Dose
600 mg
Participants
Participants not specified
Duration
Duration not specified
Results
ficant ergogenic benefits from NZBC supplementation (420 ± 12 s) compared to PL (424 ± 15 s) and CL (423 ± 14 s), despite showing a minimal effect size (Cohen's d = 0.23). Six subjects had negligible enhancements in performance. No changes were seen in cognitive function or RPE (p > 0.05). A seven-day regimen of NZBC did not enhance rowing performance, cognitive function, or RPE.
How They Measured It
See study for outcome measures
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Black Currant Extract research
There are currently 18 peer-reviewed studies on Black Currant Extract (Ribes nigrum L. (Blackcurrant Anthocyanins / Polyphenols)), involving 132 total participants. Research covers Eye Health & Visual Fatigue, Glaucoma Support, Athletic Performance & Recovery and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (17 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Black Currant Extract has been researched for: Eye Health & Visual Fatigue, Glaucoma Support, Athletic Performance & Recovery, Clinical trials. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 17 out of 18 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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