Black Currant Seed Oil

The black currant (Ribes Nigrum), is a deciduous shrub of the Saxifragaceae family. Though all parts of the shrub are used - berries, bark, leaves, and seeds - it is the oil of the seed that is used most commonly today. Black currant seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, which promote and maintain the body's vital functions. Essential fatty acids provide energy, regulate body temperature and metabolism, protect tissues, and insulate nerves. Approximately 17% of black currant seed oil consists of an omega-6 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Another 13% consists of an omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Evening primrose oil is primarily used for its essential fatty acid content, but it contains only about 8%.

Specifically, studies have shown that GLA promotes healthy prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) production. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, reported that GLA helps support healthy cytokine activity, a mechanism that may help to support joint comfort. Furthermore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial reported statistically significant support of joint health in subjects supplementing with GLA. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial performed at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging reported that black currant seed oil supplementation provided immune support in elderly subjects. Black currant seed oil has also been shown to potentially support premenstrual comfort.

Black currant Oil
Specification sheet:
Acid Value (AV):                            3.0mgKOH/g max.
Peroxide Value (POV):                   16.0meq/kg max.
 
Refractive Index:                             1.4683-1.4810
Specific gravity:                               0.917-0.928
Moisture & Volatile:                         0.05% max.
Iodine value:                                    173-183g/100g
Saponification value:                        185-195mg/g
 
Fatty acid profile:
Palmitic acid:              C16:0            5.0-8.0%
Stearic acid:                C18:0           0.5-3.0%
Oleic acid:                   C18:1           8.0-16.0%
Linoleic acid:                C18:2          44.0-50.0%
Gamma Linolenic acid: C18:3          11.0-18.0%
Alpha Linolenic acid:     C18:3          10.0-15.0%
 
Microbiology:
Aflatoxin:    5ug/g max.
 
Heavy metals:
Arsenic:       0.010 max.
Lead:          0.050 max.