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Black Currant Seed Oil

Ribes nigrum
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Black currant seed oil is cold-pressed from black currant seeds (Ribes nigrum) — distinguished from other GLA-containing oils by providing both GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, omega-6) and SDA (stearidonic acid, omega-3) — the only common plant oil with this combination. SDA is more efficiently converted to EPA than ALA (~30-40% conversion vs <5% for ALA). 'Cassis' in French. Used for similar GLA applications as borage and evening primrose, plus modest omega-3 contribution.

Studied Dose 1-3 g black currant seed oil/day (providing ~150-600 mg GLA + modest SDA); RA trials used 3 g/day
Active Compound GLA (15-19%), SDA (2-4%), ALA (12-14%), LA (47%)

Benefits

Combined GLA + SDA (Unique Among Plant Oils)

Distinguished from evening primrose and borage by containing SDA (stearidonic acid, omega-3) in addition to GLA. SDA converts to EPA at ~30-40% efficiency — much better than ALA (<5%). Provides modest plant-based EPA precursor.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

GLA Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Same GLA mechanisms as borage and evening primrose — DGLA → PGE1 anti-inflammatory pathway. Smaller GLA content than borage but adequate for most applications.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Rheumatoid Arthritis Adjunct

Leventhal 1994 (companion study to borage oil RA trial) showed black currant seed oil reduced symptoms in RA patients. Adjunct to standard treatment.

Supported by Trial 1

Cardiovascular Effects (Mixed)

SDA component theoretically supports cardiovascular health better than pure ALA sources. Limited specific cardiovascular outcome trials.

Supported by Trial 2

No Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Concerns

Distinguished from borage oil by NO PA contamination concern. Safer profile for chronic use.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Skin Health (Modest Evidence)

Some evidence for skin moisture and atopic dermatitis support similar to other GLA sources. Same caveat — systematic review evidence does not strongly support GLA for eczema.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

GLA Pathway (Same as Borage/EPO)

GLA → DGLA → PGE1 anti-inflammatory series-1 prostaglandins.

2

SDA → EPA Conversion (Distinguishing Feature)

SDA (stearidonic acid, 18:4 ω-3) is one step further along the omega-3 conversion pathway than ALA (18:3 ω-3). Conversion to EPA much more efficient: ~30-40% SDA → EPA vs <5% ALA → EPA in humans. SDA-rich foods/oils provide more 'plant-based EPA' than ALA-rich foods.

3

Combined Pathway Effects

Provides both omega-6 anti-inflammatory pathway (GLA) and omega-3 cardiovascular/anti-inflammatory pathway (SDA → EPA). Theoretical advantage of dual mechanism.

4

Polyphenol Co-Delivery (Black Currant)

Black currants are rich in anthocyanins (in fruit, not significant in seeds). Black currant seed oil is the omega component; whole-fruit extracts provide anthocyanins.

Clinical trials

1
Black Currant Seed Oil for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical trial of black currant seed oil (10.5 g/day, providing ~2 g GLA) vs placebo in 38 RA patients for 24 weeks.

38 RA patients.

Significant reduction in signs/symptoms of disease activity vs placebo. Comparable to borage oil RA results from same era.

2
Black Currant Oil Cardiovascular Effects

Smaller trials of black currant oil on cardiovascular markers and lipid profile.

Mixed populations.

Modest effects on inflammatory markers and lipids. Effects smaller than fish oil. Plant-based alternative for those avoiding fish oils.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress.
Allergic reactions to black currant rare.
No PA contamination concern (advantage over borage).
Theoretical seizure threshold lowering at very high doses (less concerning than borage).

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants — modest additive bleeding risk.
Phenothiazines — less concerning than borage but theoretical.
Pregnancy — limited safety data; better safety profile than borage; avoid concentrated supplementation without medical guidance.
Lactation — limited data; moderate culinary intake of berries safe.
Pre-surgery — discontinue 1-2 weeks before.

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Frequently asked questions about Black Currant Seed Oil

What is black currant seed oil used for?

Black currant seed oil provides GLA (an omega-6) along with some omega-3 (ALA), giving it a balanced fatty-acid profile. It is used for skin health, joint comfort, immune support, and women's hormonal symptoms.

How is black currant oil different from evening primrose or borage oil?

All three supply GLA. Black currant oil is notable for also containing some omega-3 (ALA) and the omega-6 stearidonic acid, giving a broader fatty-acid mix, while borage oil is highest in GLA and evening primrose is the most traditional.

How much black currant oil should I take?

Doses are based on GLA content; follow product labeling, often providing a few hundred milligrams of GLA per day. Take it with food and give skin or hormonal goals several weeks.

Is black currant oil safe?

It is generally well tolerated. Like other GLA oils, it may have mild blood-thinning activity, so check with your doctor if you take anticoagulants or are scheduled for surgery.

What is Black Currant Seed Oil?

Black currant seed oil is cold-pressed from black currant seeds (Ribes nigrum) — distinguished from other GLA-containing oils by providing both GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, omega-6) and SDA (stearidonic acid, omega-3) — the only common plant oil with this combination.

What is the recommended dosage of Black Currant Seed Oil?

The clinically studied dose is 1-3 g black currant seed oil/day (providing ~150-600 mg GLA + modest SDA); RA trials used 3 g/day Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Black Currant Seed Oil safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Black Currant Seed Oil is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress. It may also interact with some medications. Black Currant Seed Oil is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Black Currant Seed Oil interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants — modest additive bleeding risk. Phenothiazines — less concerning than borage but theoretical. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Black Currant Seed Oil?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Black Currant Seed Oil as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Veselinovic M, Vasiljevic D, Vucic V, Arsic A, Petrovic S, Tomic-Lucic A, Savic M, Zivanovic S, Stojic V, Jakovljevic V Clinical Benefits of n-3 PUFA and ɤ-Linolenic Acid in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients. 2017;9(4). doi: 10.3390/nu9040325.PubMedUsed to support: Clinical review/trial in rheumatoid arthritis patients showing GLA (the active component shared with black currant seed oil) alongside n-3 PUFAs reduced inflammation markers and disease activity scores. Supports GLA Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Rheumatoid Arthritis Adjunct benefits; note this examines the GLA component, not the black currant brand product specifically.
  2. Cameron M, Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S Herbal therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2011;2011(2):CD002948. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002948.pub2.PubMedUsed to support: Cochrane systematic review covering herbal therapies for RA, including GLA-containing oils; found moderate evidence that GLA supplementation (from evening primrose, borage, or black currant seed oil) reduces RA symptoms. Supports Rheumatoid Arthritis Adjunct and GLA Anti-Inflammatory Effects benefits; evidence applies to GLA as component, not specifically the black currant seed oil brand.