Effects of CurraNZ blackcurrant extract on arterial functions in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial

Synopsis: A study has found that CurraNZ blackcurrant extract might provide clinically-significant cardioprotective effects after 'turning the clock back ten years’ in a project on arterial health in adults.

Japanese scientists made the startling discovery after measuring the effect of the anthocyanin extract on arterial stiffness and blood pressure – powerful predictors of future cardiovascular events - in a group of healthy men and women aged 65 and over. 

The group took blackcurrant for just seven days, with the clinically-relevant changes illustrating that if these changes were sustained with longer-term use, blackcurrant extract might offer a natural dietary means of reducing cardiovascular risk factors in the ageing population.

The 14 adults tested had no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, were non-smokers of healthy weight and did not take habitual exercise.  They took two capsules (600mg) CurraNZ® blackcurrant supplement daily for seven days. 

The tests showed CurraNZ® blackcurrant extract:

• Reduced central blood pressure by an average 10mmHg
• Reduced arterial stiffness in both the carotid and femoral arteries
• Displayed ‘whole body’ improvements to vascular health

 The study, the Effects of blackcurrant extract on arterial functions in older adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, was published in the journal, Clinical and Experimental Hypertension on May 13, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641963.2020.1764015