Black Currant Seed Oil

fatcastor oil

What is it

Black currant seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of Ribes nigrum, the European black currant. It is notable for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid) along with alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3) and stearidonic acid, making it one of the few oils providing a balanced array of essential fatty acids.

How it works

Black currant seed oil's most studied component is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) and then to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids (series 1 prostaglandins). GLA may help when the body's conversion of linoleic acid to GLA is impaired by aging, diabetes, or other factors. The oil also contains alpha-linolenic acid (the parent omega-3) and stearidonic acid, the latter of which can be more efficiently converted to EPA than alpha-linolenic acid alone. This balanced fatty acid profile is the basis for its use in conditions involving inflammation and skin barrier function. Clinical evidence is more limited than for evening primrose oil or borage oil, which contain higher GLA concentrations.

Evidence for 5 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Small studies of black currant seed oil have shown improvements in eczema symptoms in adults and children, possibly through effects on essential fatty acid metabolism. Evidence is less robust than for borage or evening primrose oil but similar in direction.

Rheumatoid arthritis / inflammation

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Some studies have shown reductions in joint pain and stiffness with GLA-rich oils in rheumatoid arthritis. Black currant oil specifically has fewer trials than evening primrose oil.

Cardiovascular markers

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Some studies have shown modest improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles with black currant seed oil. Effects are small.

Skin health / dryness

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Black currant seed oil has been studied for skin barrier function in elderly people and people with dry skin, with some positive effects on hydration and transepidermal water loss.

PMS / cyclic mastalgia

Grade D

Mixed evidence

GLA-containing oils have been used for premenstrual syndrome and breast pain with mixed evidence; black currant seed oil specifically has limited dedicated study.

2 commercial forms

Cold-pressed black currant seed oil (liquid)

Full fatty acid profile preserved

Used as a culinary or supplemental oil; store cold and protected from light.

Black currant seed oil softgels

Standardized doses, protected from oxidation

The most common supplement form. Look for products that specify GLA content.

Dosage

Studies have used 500-3000 mg of black currant seed oil per day, providing roughly 60-450 mg of GLA. Higher doses are used for inflammatory conditions; lower doses for general health. The oil should be cold-pressed and stored in dark containers, as the polyunsaturated fats are prone to oxidation.

When and how to take it

Take with meals to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Daily dosing is more important than specific timing. Effects on inflammatory conditions develop over weeks to months. Store oil in the refrigerator after opening to prevent rancidity.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Black currants (fresh berries)	minimal seed oil per berry	—
Cold-pressed black currant seed oil	1 teaspoon (~4.5 g)	—

Safety

Generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and (rarely) headache. Allergic reactions to black currant are uncommon but possible. Because GLA can have antiplatelet effects, large doses may increase bleeding risk in susceptible people.

Who should be cautious

People taking anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders should consult a clinician before use. Avoid before scheduled surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks prior). Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a clinician. People with epilepsy should be cautious; some GLA-containing oils have been suggested to lower seizure threshold, though evidence is limited.

Interactions

Black currant seed oil may interact with anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) and antiplatelet medications by increasing bleeding risk. It may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive medications. Theoretical interactions with anti-inflammatory NSAIDs (additive effects) and chemotherapy agents exist.

Frequently asked questions

How is black currant seed oil different from evening primrose oil?⌄

Both contain GLA, but black currant seed oil also has omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and stearidonic acid. Evening primrose oil has higher GLA concentration (~10%) vs black currant (~14% GLA but with more omega-3).

Will black currant seed oil help my eczema?⌄

Some studies show modest improvements. It is not a quick fix and effects develop over weeks of regular use.

Is black currant seed oil the same as the berries?⌄

No. The berries are rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins; the seed oil specifically provides fatty acids. Both have health benefits but different mechanisms.

Can black currant seed oil affect blood clotting?⌄

GLA-rich oils can have mild antiplatelet effects. Discuss with a clinician if you take anticoagulants or have bleeding disorders.

How should I store black currant seed oil?⌄

Polyunsaturated oils are prone to oxidation. Store in dark containers in the refrigerator after opening. Softgels are protected and more stable.

References

Black currant seed oil (Wikidata) — Wikidata link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.