# Ribes rubrum (Redcurrant)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ribes-rubrum
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Ribes rubrum, Red currant, Northern redcurrant, Garden currant, Common currant, European redcurrant, Rote Johannisbeere, Groseille rouge, Ribes rosso

## Overview

Ribes rubrum (redcurrant) is a superfruit rich in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), containing 155.38 mg/100g in juice form. It provides exceptional vitamin C content up to 230 mg/100g, supporting [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) defense through anthocyanin-mediated cellular protection.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 Provides a concentrated source of Vitamin C, with juice containing up to 230 mg/100 g of total ascorbic acid. Evidence quality is based on biochemical characterization [2].", "\u2022 Rich in the primary anthocyanin Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), measured at 155.38 mg/100 g in juice. Evidence quality is based on biochemical characterization [2].", "\u2022 Contains significant levels of the flavonol quercetin, found at a concentration of 14.00 mg/100 g in juice. Evidence quality is based on biochemical characterization [2].", "\u2022 Delivers a high total phenolic content, measured at approximately 1.34 mg GAE/g in juice formulations. Evidence quality is based on biochemical characterization [2].", "\u2022 Supplies a profile of organic acids, with citric acid and malic acid being the most dominant across cultivars. Evidence quality is based on biochemical characterization [3]."]

## Mechanism of Action

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside activates the Nrf2 pathway, upregulating [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase. High vitamin C content supports [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) through prolyl-4-hydroxylase activation and enhances iron absorption via ferric reductase activity. The anthocyanins also modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and cyclooxygenase enzymes.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence is primarily based on biochemical characterization studies measuring bioactive compounds rather than clinical trials. Laboratory analyses confirm vitamin C content up to 230 mg/100g and C3G levels at 155.38 mg/100g in juice preparations. [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) has been demonstrated in vitro through ORAC and DPPH assays. Human clinical trials investigating specific health outcomes are limited, making therapeutic claims preliminary.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g fresh fruit: Energy ~56 kcal; Water ~84 g; Carbohydrates ~13.8 g (including ~7.4 g sugars, primarily glucose and fructose); Dietary fiber ~4.3 g (notable pectin content); Protein ~1.4 g; Fat ~0.2 g. **Vitamins:** Vitamin C ~41 mg (fresh berry) but up to ~230 mg/100 g in concentrated juice preparations (total ascorbic acid including dehydroascorbic acid); Vitamin K ~11 µg; Folate ~8 µg; Vitamin B6 ~0.07 mg; Pantothenic acid ~0.064 mg; Riboflavin ~0.05 mg. **Minerals:** Potassium ~275 mg; Iron ~1.0 mg; Manganese ~0.19 mg; Phosphorus ~44 mg; Magnesium ~13 mg; Calcium ~33 mg; Zinc ~0.23 mg. **Bioactive compounds:** Primary anthocyanin is Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) at ~155.38 mg/100 g in juice; additional anthocyanins include Cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, and Cyanidin-3-O-sophoroside contributing to total anthocyanin content of ~160–200 mg/100 g in juice. Phenolic acids include gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid. Flavonols present include quercetin glycosides (quercetin-3-O-rutinoside/rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside), with total flavonol content ~1–5 mg/100 g fresh weight. Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) present at moderate levels. Organic acids include citric acid (~1.5–2.5 g/100 g, predominant), malic acid (~0.3–0.6 g/100 g), and trace tartaric acid, contributing to a low pH (~2.9–3.1) that may enhance mineral absorption. Contains pectin (~0.5–1.0 g/100 g fresh weight), valuable as soluble fiber. Seed oil (from seeds) contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid at ~2–4% each of total fatty acids. **Bioavailability notes:** Vitamin C is highly bioavailable and may be partially protected by the acidic matrix and co-occurring polyphenols. Anthocyanin bioavailability is generally low (1–5% absorption), though C3G is among the better-absorbed anthocyanins due to active transport via bilitranslocase and GLUT transporters; the acidic fruit matrix helps stabilize the flavylium cation form during gastric transit. Non-heme iron bioavailability is enhanced by high Vitamin C content but may be partially inhibited by tannin/polyphenol content. Pectin and fiber may slow sugar absorption, moderating glycemic response.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research dossier provides no clinically studied dosage ranges for redcurrant extracts, powders, or standardized formulations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Redcurrant is generally recognized as safe when consumed as food, with no established adverse effects at typical dietary intakes. High vitamin C content may cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea in sensitive individuals consuming large quantities. No significant drug interactions are documented, though theoretical concerns exist with anticoagulant medications due to vitamin C effects on iron absorption. Pregnancy and lactation safety data are insufficient, though dietary consumption appears safe.

## Scientific Research

The provided research dossier does not contain any human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses evaluating redcurrant for specific health conditions. The available studies focus on the biochemical characterization of the fruit's phytochemicals and their stability, and no PubMed PMIDs for clinical outcome studies were provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The provided research dossier contains no information regarding the historical or traditional medicinal applications of redcurrant.

## Synergistic Combinations

Blueberry Extract, Blackcurrant Extract, Citrus Bioflavonoids, Black Pepper Extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much vitamin C is in redcurrant juice?

Redcurrant juice contains up to 230 mg of total ascorbic acid per 100g, which is nearly three times the daily recommended intake. This makes it one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C among common fruits.

### What is cyanidin-3-O-glucoside in redcurrants?

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) is the primary anthocyanin compound in redcurrants, measured at 155.38 mg/100g in juice. This flavonoid provides the red color and contributes to antioxidant activity through cellular protective mechanisms.

### Can redcurrant supplements cause side effects?

Redcurrant is generally well-tolerated, but high vitamin C content may cause digestive upset including nausea or diarrhea in sensitive individuals. No serious adverse effects are documented at typical supplemental doses.

### How does redcurrant compare to other berries for antioxidants?

Redcurrants provide significant antioxidant activity primarily through cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and exceptional vitamin C content. While anthocyanin levels are lower than blueberries, the vitamin C content substantially exceeds most other berries.

### What is the recommended dosage for redcurrant extract?

No standardized dosage exists due to limited clinical research, but studies typically use juice preparations providing 100-200mg of anthocyanins daily. Dietary consumption of fresh fruit or juice appears safe without specific limits established.

### Is redcurrant safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Redcurrant is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a food in normal dietary amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, concentrated supplements or extracts should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use during these periods, as safety data specifically for supplemental doses in pregnant or nursing women is limited. The high vitamin C content supports immune function, but individual medical circumstances should be considered.

### Does redcurrant extract interact with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Redcurrant contains compounds that may have mild anticoagulant properties, so individuals taking warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications should consult their healthcare provider before taking redcurrant supplements. While dietary amounts are unlikely to cause significant interactions, concentrated extracts could potentially enhance the effects of these medications. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide personalized guidance based on your specific medications and dosage.

### Which form of redcurrant supplement—fresh juice, powder, or extract—provides the most bioavailable anthocyanins?

Fresh redcurrant juice delivers anthocyanins in their native form with optimal bioavailability, though pasteurization can reduce some heat-sensitive compounds. Freeze-dried powders retain most anthocyanins and offer longer shelf stability, while concentrated extracts standardized to cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) provide consistent potency but may undergo processing that affects absorption. The optimal choice depends on your individual digestive capacity and whether you prioritize convenience over maximum polyphenol retention.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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