Evidence supporting the use of: Black currant
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Its fruit and leaves have been valued for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which led to their use in various folk remedies for eye health, including conjunctivitis (pink eye). In traditional medicine, black currant leaves or fruit extracts were sometimes made into washes or infusions applied to the eyes, or consumed as teas, with the belief that their soothing and anti-inflammatory effects could relieve redness and irritation. However, there is little to no robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of black currant for treating conjunctivitis specifically. Most current scientific research on black currant focuses on its general antioxidant activity and potential benefits for cardiovascular and immune health. Some in vitro and animal studies indicate that black currant extracts can reduce inflammation, but these findings have not been directly linked to conjunctivitis treatment in clinical studies. Thus, while its use for conjunctivitis is justified by tradition in herbal medicine, it lacks strong scientific validation. Anyone considering using black currant for conjunctivitis should consult a healthcare provider, especially since conjunctivitis can have infectious causes requiring medical treatment.

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