Ribes nigrum

Ribes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenols
Ribes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenolsRibes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenolsRibes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenolsRibes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenolsRibes nigrum, Saxifragaceae, Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenols
Botanical Nomenclature Ribes nigrum
Common Name Blackcurrant
Taxonomy- Family Saxifragaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Ribes nigrum is a deciduous shrub growing up to 130cm, with wavy, lanceolate leaves, small, green flowers in inflorescences and small, black, spherical fruits in bunches. The flowering lasts from April to May, the harvesting of the fruits takes place from May to June, while the harvesting of the leaves takes place from July to August
Region Found Ioannina (Smolikas, Pindos)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, fruits
Active Substances Essential oil, tannins, quinic acid, organic acids, vitamins C, P, B, E, A, flavonoids, pectins, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, iron, polyphenols
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The herbal tea is used as diuretic against chronic urinary tract diseases, as well as sudorific, antipyretic, anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory against chronic rheumatism, arthritis and osteoporosis. It is recommended for the treatment of various skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, insect bites, burns and photoallergy. Finally, it is used as immune stimulant and against chronic fatigue, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, migraine, gastritis and atrophy oh the adrenal glands, as plant's consumption increases cortisol blood levels
Method of Administration The plant is administered as diuretic and anti rheumatic in the form of herbal tea (25g of dried leaves in 500mL of boiled water, once a day). It is applied externally to the skin against various skin problems in the form of tincture (a quantity of dried leaves in alcohol, 20 drops daily)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects No side effects have been reported.
References 1)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1085-black%20currant.aspx?activeingredientid=1085&activeingredientname=black%20currant 2)http://flipper.diff.org/app/items/5194 3)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/blog/black-currant-leaf-drink.html 4)http://www.naturafoundation.co.uk/monografie/Ribes_nigrum_berries.html 5)http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2010/07/WC500094204.pdf