Description
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Black currant seed oil is a balanced oil which contains some linoleic acid, but is also one of the few oils

containing gamma linolenic acid (makes prostaglandins of the one series).  These prostaglandins are

hormone-like substances that are anti-inflammatory and counteract the pain-producing, inflammatory,

vasoconstrictive properties of the two series.  The use of black currant seed oil has been well researched for its

benefits.  Black Currant Seed Oil (BCSO) is a rich source of the popular gamma linolenic acid and is a very

popular omega-6 fatty acid.

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications
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- Chronic inflammatory conditions

- Dermatitis

- Eczema

- Rheumatoid arthritis

- PMS

- Menstrual cramps

- Immune effects

- Cardiovascular conditions

- Poor wound healing

- Sparse hair growth

- Dry eyes (one study found BCSO to be helpful in Sjogren’s Disease)

Clinical Applications/Research
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Immune effects

Black currant seed oil (BCSO) has a profound effect on the immune system, and a correlation was found

between the oil and the degree of developing resistance to infection and virus accumulation (Vopr Virusol

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

A study on rheumatoid arthritis patients showed, "A significant improvement in morning stiffness was noted in

the rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving black currant seed oil" (British J Rheumatology 1993;32:1055-8).  A

clinical trial with 37 RA patients showed such positive results that the authors concluded that gamma-linolenic

acid, "is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for active RA" (Ann Int Med 1993; 119(9):867-73).

The beneficial effects of BCSO on RA may result from its ability to decrease inflammatory cytokine production,

which would explain why it is so effective in treating RA.  It is probably hitting the source of inflammation and not

just treating symptoms.  In a clinical trial where BCSO demonstrated improvement of RA symptoms, "The

results suggest that the numerous beneficial effects of (BCSO) in inflammatory diseases such as RA may be

due to a reduction in the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines Il-1 and TNF-alpha..." (Br J Rheumtol 1993;

Cardiovascular effects

The prostaglandins made by black currant seed oil counteract vessel constriction.  Vessel wall thrombus

formation (atherosclerotic lesions) was decreased when a diet rich in black currant seed oil was fed.  "This latter

 effect was better obtained when gamma linolenic acid was present suggesting a secondary effect of this fatty

acid...We conclude that both fish oil and black currant seed oil rich diets inhibit platelet/vessel wall adhesion"

(Thromb Res 1990;59(5):819-30).  In two Canadian studies, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) significantly reduced

blood pressure (Heinerman, John.  Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs.  Parker

Publishing, West Nyack, NY p.134).

Female conditions

Antiinflammatory substances produced by black currant seed oil, along with the beneficial immune effects, can

have a favorable influence on many female conditions.

           1  ) Menstrual cramps

                Supplementation with gamma linolenic acid has been shown to be beneficial

                in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for menstrual cramps.  By producing

                anti-inflammatory prostaglandins instead of inflammatory ones, GLA reduced

                symptoms of cramping (Curr Ther Res 1989;46:58-63; Recent Adv Clin Nutr

                1986;2:404-405).  It has been shown that there are a significant amount of

                inflammatory metabolites circulating during the menstrual period that are

                probably responsible for cramping.

           2  ) PMS

                Thirty women with severe PMS took 3 gms of GLA-containing oil from the 15th

                cycle day to menses during 2 cycles, and placebo for 2 cycles. Symptoms,

                especially depression, were alleviated, and therapeutic benefits were noticed

                (Heinerman, John.  Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and

                Herbs.  Parker Publishing, West Nyack, NY p.134).

           3  ) BCSO

                BCSO Is important for production of estrogen, which can be an important

                application for both PMS and menopause (Balch, J.F., M.D. and Balch, P.A.,

                C.N.C.  Prescription for Nutritional Healing.  1990.  Avery Publishing, Garden

                City Park, NY, p. 241).

Dermatitis

Supplementation of oil containing 10% gamma linolenic acid was tested on dermatitis, and antiinflammatory

substances were increased.  The abnormal fatty acid pattern seen in dermatitis is believed to be involved in the

pathogenesis of the disease, "and should therefore be the target for future therapeutic approaches with fatty acid

 supplements" (Lipids 1991;26:557-60).  In another study of 12 volunteers, gamma linolenic acid-enriched oil

not only inhibited the inflammatory substance LTB4, but the larger dose (1.5g) had a greater inhibition than the
.5 g dose (AJCN 1992;55:39-45).

The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA.  The nutritional suggestions and research provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice.  Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.  The Professional Description, Professional Notes, Patient Instructions, and items marked with an astrisk (*) are provided by the practitioner and are the sole responsibility of the practitioner.Copyright © 1998-2002 Standard in Natural Solutions, LLC.