Ribes rubrum

Redcurrant

Ribes rubrum, commonly known as the red currant, is a versatile medicinal shrub valued for its potent nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins C and K, along with powerful antioxidants, it supports immune function and reduces inflammation. Traditionally used to treat fevers and digestive issues, it remains a functional superfood.

  • Scientific name: Ribes rubrum
  • Family: Grossulariaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Saxifragales, it is classified under the family Grossulariaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Ribes.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Saxifragales WCVP
Family Grossulariaceae WCVP
Genus Ribes WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ribes rubrum, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Polish, it is referred to as Ua spineła, while in Chinese, it is identified as 红加仑 (zh-hans), 紅加侖 (zh-hant), 紅加侖 (zh-hk), and 红加仑 (zh-cn).
Language Common Name Source
vec Ua spineła Wikidata
zh-hans 红加仑 Wikidata
zh-hant 紅加侖 Wikidata
zh-hk 紅加侖 Wikidata
zh-cn 红加仑 Wikidata
zh-sg 红加仑 Wikidata
zh-tw 紅加侖 Wikidata
pl porzeczka zwyczajna Wikidata
eu Andere-mahats Wikidata
udm Горд сутэр Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Ribes rubrum, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, it is found throughout the various territories of Great Britain. The species also extends its reach to the island of Iceland. Finally, its geographical range includes the country of Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the red currant, is valued for its edible and medicinal properties which are primarily found in its fruit. The most notable parts used are the small, translucent red currants that grow in drooping clusters. These tart berries are highly nutritious, containing significant amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that contribute to their therapeutic benefits in supporting the immune system and overall health.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
red currants 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Berries 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ribes rubrum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Quercetin, amines, ascorbic acid, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
amines 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ascorbic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyanidin-3-O-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tocopherols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ribes rubrum has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antiplatelet.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiplatelet 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antispasmodic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antithrombotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Spasmolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ribes rubrum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetic complications, dyslipidemia, gastrointestinal disorders, hyperglycemia, inflammation.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diabetic complications 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyslipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastrointestinal disorders 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperglycemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
platelet activation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
type 2 diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆