Ribes nigrum

Ribes nigrum, commonly known as blackcurrants, is an economically important species and considered a super fruit due to its immense health-promoting properties. The temperate hardy perennial shrub with dark purple-colored berries grows indigenously in Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. Blackcurrants are widely used in medicines and food industries for its significant levels of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, organic acids, and vitamin C. The species has depicted a range of pharmacological actions including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial activities. R. nigrum vasomodulatory, cardiovascular and immunomodulatory effects have been proven through several clinical researches. The plant is widely used in the commercial production of juice, jam, wines, beverages, and nutritive value products in food industries. The present chapter highlights the phytochemical, nutraceutical importance of blackcurrants, pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies, factors affecting the nutritional value and commercial production of blackcurrants, case studies of available product formulations along with encountered challenges and future recommendations.