Scientists from Nippon Sport Science University have found that blackcurrant extract may help improve artery function and lower blood pressure in older adults.
Blackcurrants are small dark berries that grow on the Ribes nigrum plant.
They are packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C—one serving provides about 85% of the daily requirement. They are also rich in iron, vitamins B1, B2 and B5, manganese, and phosphorus.
A major beneficial component of blackcurrants is anthocyanins, the natural pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colors.
These water-soluble compounds exist mainly in glycosylated forms and are abundant in berries, currants, grapes, and some tropical fruits.
Why anthocyanins matter for heart health
Previous studies suggest that anthocyanins have several heart-protective effects.
- A large review showed that frequent consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods was linked to a 9% lower risk of coronary heart disease.
- Clinical and preclinical studies have also demonstrated that anthocyanins can lower cholesterol levels.
The researchers aimed to test whether taking New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract for just 7 days could improve arterial stiffness and blood lipids in older adults. New Zealand blackcurrants are known for having some of the highest levels of anthocyanins of any berry in the world.
The study included 14 healthy older adults with an average age of about 70. Each participant completed two separate 7-day trials:
- NZBC extract trial: Two 300 mg capsules per day (each containing 35% blackcurrant extract)
- Placebo trial
A washout period separated the two trials. The researchers measured central arterial stiffness and central blood pressure at the beginning and end of each 7-day period.
Central arterial stiffness refers to how rigid the walls of major arteries are, while central blood pressure measures the pressure in the aorta—the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
What the researchers found
After 7 days of taking blackcurrant extract, participants showed:
- A strong decrease in central arterial stiffness
- A strong decrease in central blood pressure
These improvements were significantly greater than those seen during the placebo period.
The findings suggest that even short-term intake of blackcurrant extract can improve arterial function and lower blood pressure in older adults. This could make anthocyanin-rich blackcurrants a potential natural alternative to help support heart health.
However, the study had several limitations:
- The trial lasted only 7 days, so it only reflects short-term effects.
- Despite blackcurrants being rich in anthocyanins, the study did not find any cholesterol-lowering effects within this short period.
More long-term studies are needed to determine whether continued blackcurrant consumption can improve cholesterol levels and maintain or enhance these cardiovascular benefits over time.
This research, led by Takanobu Okamoto and colleagues, was published in Clinical and Experimental Hypertension.
