Last verified: 17 days ago
Black Currant Extract
Also known as: Ribes nigrum extract, NZBC extract, New Zealand black currant extract, black currant anthocyanin extract, BCE
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Berry extract with antioxidant anthocyanins. Early evidence for fat burning during exercise and post-workout blood pressure.
-
What it does
Black currant extract is a concentrated berry supplement rich in anthocyanins — the pigments that give black currants their deep color and most of their health properties. One small clinical trial...
-
Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
-
Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Black currant extract is a concentrated berry supplement rich in anthocyanins — the pigments that give black currants their deep color and most of their health properties. One small clinical trial found that taking it for 7 days increased fat burning during moderate exercise by about 29% and produced a slightly larger drop in systolic blood pressure after exercise compared to placebo. Lab studies also suggest it may help slow starch digestion (potentially useful for blood sugar control) and protect cells from inflammation and oxidative stress, though these findings come from test tubes and animal models, not human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to cause meaningful weight loss on its own. No human evidence it improves vision or prevents myopia in people — the eye study was done in chicks. No proven cognitive benefits in humans yet. Don't expect dramatic blood pressure reductions — the clinical effect was modest. Not a substitute for cardiovascular exercise or a healthy diet.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Increases fat burning during moderate-intensity exercise after 7 days of use.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Produces a modest additional drop in systolic blood pressure after exercise.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Anthocyanins in black currant may slow starch digestion and inhibit sugar-processing enzymes.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
May reduce inflammatory signaling and protect cells from oxidative damage in lab models.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies. Anthocyanins as a class are generally considered to have variable and moderate absorption in humans.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most supporting evidence comes from animal and cell studies, not human clinical trials
- The one human RCT was very small (22 participants) — results may not generalize
- Specific effective doses are not clearly established from the available research
- Products vary widely in anthocyanin content and standardization — check for standardized extracts
- Over 1,000 supplement products on the market despite very limited clinical evidence
Products Containing Black Currant Extract
See how Black Currant Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Black Currant Extract do?
Berry extract with antioxidant anthocyanins. Early evidence for fat burning during exercise and post-workout blood pressure.
What is the effective dose of Black Currant Extract?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Black Currant Extract safe?
Most supporting evidence comes from animal and cell studies, not human clinical trials
What doesn't Black Currant Extract do?
Not proven to cause meaningful weight loss on its own.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25