Blackcurrant seed oil is derived from the seeds of Ribes nigrum (black currant, or European currant). It contains an unusually high amount of omega-6 (15-20 percent) as well as a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids (12-14 percent). It also contains linoleic acid

Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is an unsaturated n-6 fatty acid. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. In physiological literature, it has a lipid number of 18:2...

 as well as 2-4 percent stearidonic acid

Stearidonic acid

Stearidonic acid is an ω-3 fatty acid, sometimes called moroctic acid. It is biosynthesized from alpha-linolenic acid by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase. Natural sources of this fatty acid are the seed oils of hemp, blackcurrant, corn gromwell and echium, and the cyanobacterium Spirulina....

. There are some indications that black currant seed oil is anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective. In European folk medicine

Folk medicine

-Description:Refers to healing practices and ideas of body physiology and health preservation known to a limited segment of the population in a culture, transmitted informally as general knowledge, and practiced or applied by anyone in the culture having prior experience.All cultures and societies...

, black currant once had a considerable reputation for controlling diarrhea

Diarrhea

Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and...

, promoting urine output (as a diuretic

Diuretic

A diuretic provides a means of forced diuresis which elevates the rate of urination. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way.- Medical uses :...

) and reducing arthritic

Arthritis

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....

 and rheumatic

Rheumatism

Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...

pains. It is primarily used medicinally and as a diet supplement.