Evidence supporting the use of: Black currant
For the health condition: Cough (dry)

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Synopsis

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

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has a long-standing tradition of use in European folk medicine for respiratory ailments, including dry cough. In traditional herbal medicine, black currant berries, leaves, and sometimes even buds, have been prepared as syrups, teas, or extracts to soothe the throat and relieve cough symptoms. The rationale behind its use lies in its content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other polyphenols, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, black currant preparations are thought to help moisten the throat and reduce irritation, which can contribute to the alleviation of dry cough.

Scientific studies directly evaluating black currant for dry cough are limited and mostly preclinical or anecdotal. Some laboratory and small-scale clinical research suggest that black currant extracts may have mild anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating effects, which could theoretically be beneficial in respiratory conditions. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically examining its efficacy for dry cough. Therefore, while the traditional use is established, robust scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence supporting its use for dry cough is considered weak to moderate.

In summary, black currant is primarily used for dry cough based on tradition rather than strong scientific evidence. Individuals considering its use should consult healthcare professionals, as more research is needed to substantiate its effectiveness and safety in this context.

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