Synopsis

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

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) has a long history of use in European herbal medicine, primarily for supporting general health, immune function, and inflammation. Its use for menopause is grounded more in traditional herbal practice than in robust scientific validation. In folk medicine, black currant seed oil—rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and other omega-6 fatty acids—has been used to help with symptoms sometimes associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, dry skin, and joint discomfort. The rationale is that GLA may help modulate inflammatory pathways and support hormonal balance, which can be affected during menopause. However, direct scientific studies specifically examining black currant or its oil for menopause symptom relief are sparse. Most clinical research focuses on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or cardiovascular effects rather than menopausal symptoms. Some extrapolation is made from studies of evening primrose oil (also high in GLA), but these findings cannot be directly applied to black currant. Overall, while black currant's use for menopause is rooted in traditional and naturopathic practices, there is limited direct scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific indication.

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Nature's Sunshine Natural Changes
Nature's Sunshine Super GLA