Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has a history of traditional use in European folk medicine for various ailments, including joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. The berries and especially the seeds are rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Traditional herbalists have used black currant oil as a remedy to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions due to these constituents.

While some small clinical trials and laboratory studies suggest that GLA and other polyphenols found in black currant may help reduce inflammation, the evidence specific to black currant for arthritis is limited and not robust. A few studies on black currant seed oil supplementation have shown modest improvements in morning stiffness and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis; however, these studies are generally small, not consistently replicated, and sometimes confounded by the use of mixed oils or additional treatments. Major health organizations do not currently recommend black currant as a standard therapy for arthritis, and systematic reviews note a lack of high-quality, large-scale clinical trials.

In summary, black currant’s use for arthritis is primarily based on traditional practices and its theoretical anti-inflammatory components, with only low to moderate quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy.

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