Evidence supporting the use of: Currant
For the health condition: Influenza
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Currant, particularly black currant (Ribes nigrum), has a history of traditional use in European and Asian folk medicine for treating colds, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses. The use is largely based on the fruit's rich content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants, which have been believed to support immune function and help the body resist infections. However, few high-quality clinical trials have specifically evaluated the efficacy of currants against influenza in humans.
Some laboratory studies have shown that black currant extracts may inhibit the replication of influenza viruses in vitro, potentially due to the antiviral properties of their polyphenolic compounds. For example, a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" (2003) reported that black currant juice suppressed the growth of influenza virus in cell culture. Despite these promising findings, clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most modern use for influenza relies on the fruit’s general immune-supportive properties rather than robust, targeted antiviral effects demonstrated in controlled trials.
In summary, currant’s role in treating influenza is primarily rooted in traditional practices, with limited scientific evidence suggesting possible benefit. The overall evidence supporting its effectiveness remains low, and currant should not be considered a substitute for evidence-based influenza treatments.
Other ingredients used for Influenza
Abies spectabilisAcacia
Adenophora
Agarikon Mushroom
Agastache
Agrimony
AHCC
Algae
Allicin
Alliin
alpinia galangal
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
Anamarrhena
anamu
Andrographis
andrographolide
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
Asarum sieboldii
astragaloside
astragalus
avens
baicalin
Baikal Skullcap
balloon flower
balsam
Basidiomycota
bee propolis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black garlic
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black seed
boneset
borage
Bryonia
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
camu camu
carvacrol
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
Centipeda
Chaenomeles lagenaria
chaga mushroom
Chondrus
chrysanthemum
cineole
Cistus
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Coptis chinensis
cordyceps
coriolus mushroom
currant
dog rose
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
elk antler
Embelia
Ephedra
eucalyptus
Euphorbia
European Elder
fat liver oil
flavanones
flavones
flowering quince
frankincense
Gallesia
ganoderma
ginger
Glehnia littoralis
glehnia root
Glycyrrhizin
goldenseal
gooseberry
Greek mountain tea
green chiretta
green tea
Guaco
honey loquat syrup
honeysuckle
Houttuynia
Hyperoside
Immunoglobulin G
Indian frankincense
iridoids
L-cysteine
labrador tea
Lactobacillus casei
Lactoferrin
Lactoperoxidase
Ledebouriella
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lichen
licorice root
little ironweed
liverwort
Lomatium
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Microtea debilis
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quercetin
ravinsara
reishi mushroom
Salvia
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selenium
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spirulina
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Sundew
Sweet Annie
Sweet Bay
sweet wormwood
Tremella
turmeric
Umckaloabo
Vasicine
Visnea Mocanera
vitamin C
vitamin D
Xanthophyll
Yerba santa
zhejiang fritillary
Zinc
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by currant
AnemiaArthritis
Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney Stones
Memory and Brain Function
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin Care (general)
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores
