Currant Extract (Black Currant)
Also known as: New Zealand Black Currant Extract, NZBC, Ribes nigrum extract, black currant anthocyanin extract, BCE
Effective Dosage
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Black currant extract is a plant-based supplement rich in anthocyanins — the pigments that give dark berries their color. One small clinical trial found that 7 days of supplementation increased fat burning during moderate-intensity exercise and produced a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure after exercise in both men and women. Lab studies also suggest the anthocyanins in black currant may help slow starch digestion and reduce blood sugar spikes, though these effects have not been confirmed in human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to cause significant weight loss on its own. No human evidence it improves cognition or protects the brain — those findings are from mouse and cell studies only. No proof it prevents muscle soreness in humans. The blood pressure drop seen after exercise was small (about 2.6 mmHg difference vs. placebo) — don't expect it to replace blood pressure medication. No evidence it works without exercise.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Currant extract is derived from black currants and is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. Some studies suggest it may have potential benefits for cardiovascular health and inflammation, but evidence is limited and not robust.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Unknown (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — the provided studies do not report pharmacokinetic data on anthocyanin absorption from black currant extract specifically.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Only one small human RCT (22 participants) supports the exercise and blood pressure claims — results need replication in larger studies
- Most cognitive and blood sugar findings come from animal or cell studies, not human trials — these are often used in marketing but don't confirm human benefit
- Specific effective doses are not reported in available abstracts, making it hard to evaluate whether commercial products contain meaningful amounts
- Over 1,000 supplement products on the market contain this ingredient despite very limited clinical evidence
- Sex-based differences in fat oxidation response (women showed a body-fat correlation, men did not) suggest effects may vary significantly by individual
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: 2026-04-06