Evidence supporting the use of: Currant
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Currant, referring broadly to species in the genus Ribes (such as black currant, Ribes nigrum), has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments, including urinary tract issues. Folk medicine in Europe and parts of Asia has sometimes employed currant leaves or fruit as mild diuretics or anti-inflammatory agents, with the aim of promoting urinary tract health and alleviating mild symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, there is very limited scientific research specifically evaluating currant’s effectiveness for UTIs. The traditional rationale is based on its diuretic properties and possible mild antimicrobial effects attributed to its polyphenol content, but these have not been rigorously studied in the context of UTIs.
Unlike cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), which has some scientific support for UTI prevention, currant lacks robust clinical trials or high-quality studies to validate its use for this condition. Most references in herbal texts are anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than empirical evidence. Therefore, while there is a tradition of using currant for urinary tract health, current evidence does not substantiate its efficacy for treating or preventing urinary tract infections.
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
alfalfaaloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Angelica
Arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Black Gram
Bauhinia
Baobab
Baicalin
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Cloudberry
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
Cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
Corn
Carambola
Cynodon dactylon
Currant
Dwarf Morning Glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
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