Evidence supporting the use of: Black currant
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Synopsis

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

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is sometimes explored for its potential benefits in diabetic retinopathy due to its rich content of anthocyanins and antioxidant polyphenols, which may combat oxidative stress implicated in diabetic retinal damage. Laboratory and animal studies have suggested that black currant extracts can improve retinal blood flow, reduce inflammation, and decrease vascular permeability—mechanisms relevant to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. For example, several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that anthocyanins from black currant can attenuate oxidative stress and inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), both of which are key contributors to retinal microvascular injury in diabetes. A few small human studies with related berry extracts indicate potential improvements in retinal function or blood flow, but clinical trials specifically assessing black currant for diabetic retinopathy in humans are limited, small, and methodologically weak.

Overall, while there is some scientific rationale and preclinical evidence supporting the use of black currant for this condition, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. The evidence strength is therefore rated as 2 out of 5, reflecting primarily animal and mechanistic data rather than large, well-conducted human trials. Traditional use of black currant has focused more on general eye health or circulatory issues, not specifically diabetic retinopathy.

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