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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 — Leventhal 1994
PubMed

RCT 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
PubMed

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 the recommended dosage of Black Currant Seed Oil?

The clinically studied dose for Black Currant Seed Oil is 1-3 g black currant seed oil/day (providing ~150-600 mg GLA + modest SDA); RA trials used 3 g/day. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Black Currant Seed Oil used for?

Black Currant Seed Oil is studied for combined gla + sda (unique among plant oils), gla anti-inflammatory effects, rheumatoid arthritis adjunct. 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.

Are there side effects from taking Black Currant Seed Oil?

Reported potential side effects may include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Does Black Currant Seed Oil interact with medications?

Known drug interactions may include: Anticoagulants — modest additive bleeding risk. Phenothiazines — less concerning than borage but theoretical. Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you take prescription medications.

Is Black Currant Seed Oil good for hair, skin & nails?

Yes, Black Currant Seed Oil is researched for Hair, Skin & Nails support. 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.