Ribis nigri folium

The dried, whole or cut leaves of blackcurrant used medicinally, obtained shortly after the plant has flowered. Positive ESCOP monographs are available for this drug.

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: aching limbs, increase in urine volume, flushing of the urinary tract, supportive for mild urinary tract complaints.
ESCOP monograph: rheumatic diseases
Commission E: not processed

Empirical medicine: diuretic effect, flushing of the urinary tract, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, painful urination, urinary stones, colic, biliousness, liver complaints

0.5 % flavonoids, especially kaempferol and quercetin. Furthermore tanning agents, essential oil with cymol and vitamin C.

A wide range of health effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective effects can be demonstrated. The drug has a slightly diuretic and hypotensive effect (study results are missing). There is also evidence of a broad antimicrobial spectrum, ranging from C.albicans, S.aureus, E.coli and E.faecium to influenza viruses. In cell cultures, extracts of Ribris nigri folium (arabinogalactan) lead to an increase in proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

According to ESCOP guidelines, the drug is indicated for rheumatic complaints.

3-4g of the drug as a tea infusion, 3 times a day; duration of use no longer than 2-4 weeks.

Rarely hypersensitivity

No reliable data for pregnancy and lactation and for children and adolescents under 18 years.

Allergy to one of the ingredients

Not known.

1. Feng C et al.(2016) Antioxidant capacities and anthocyanin characteristics of the black-red wild berries obtained in Northeast China. Food Chem 204:150-158.
2. Haasbach E et al. (2014) Antiviral activity of Ladania067, an extract from wild black currant leaves against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo. Front Microbiol 5:171.
3. Miladinović B et al,(2014) Chemical profile and antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of juices and extracts of 4 black currant varieties (Ribes nigrum L.). J Food Sci 79:C301-309.
4. Nanashima N et al.(2015) Phytoestrogenic activity of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) anthocyanins is mediated through estrogen receptor alpha. Mol Nutr Food Res 59:2419-2431.
5. Nowak A et al.(2016) Polyphenolic extracts of cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves as natural preservatives in meat products. Food Microbiol 59:142-149.
6. Vagiri M et al. (2015) Phenolic compounds in blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) leaves relative to leaf position and harvest date. Food Chem 172:135-142.
7. Zippel J et al.(2009) A high molecular arabinogalactan from Ribes nigrum L.: influence on cell physiology of human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes and internalization into cells via endosomal transport. Carbohydr Res 344:1001-1008.
8. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/johannisbeere.php
9. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-ribes-nigrum-l-folium_en.pdf
10. https://www.awl.ch/heilpflanzen/ribes_nigrum/schwarze_johannisbeere.htm