The Current State of Knowledge on Ribes spp. (Currant) Plants

Abstract

This review systematically compiles and evaluates current research on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and the clinical potential of plants of the genus Ribes L. Ribes species have long been used in traditional medicine for cardiovascular diseases, hepatitis, gastrointestinal ailments, hyperlipidemia, and detoxification, owing to their rich content of phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and polysaccharides. We analyze data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, focusing on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, and vision-protective properties of extracts and isolated compounds. Particular attention is given to R. nigrum, a species recognized in French and British pharmacopeias for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Our synthesis reveals significant gaps: many Ribes spp. remain poorly characterized chemically; toxicology and pharmacokinetics are seldom studied; clinical trials are limited in number and rigor. We propose that future research should prioritize the comprehensive metabolomic and chemoprofiling of understudied Ribes species; standardized safety and dosage studies; the elucidation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of key bioactives; and well-designed randomized clinical trials to validate traditional uses and establish therapeutic efficacy. Our review demonstrates that Ribes spp. are promising sources for novel phytopharmaceutical agents and functional foods, but that translational and regulatory research is essential to move from traditional claims toward evidence-based medical applications.