CurraNZ’s Latest Breakthrough: How Blackcurrant Extract Can Transform Heart Health Outcomes

High blood pressure—affecting one in three adults across the UK and US—remains a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and a range of other serious conditions.

As a modifiable risk factor, managing elevated blood pressure is crucial to improving long-term health outcomes, and exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce resting blood pressure levels.

However, new research is revealing that the benefits of exercise can be significantly amplified with the addition of CurraNZ blackcurrant extract.

At CurraNZ, we are excited to share the results of our latest study, published in International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, which reveals how just one week of CurraNZ supplementation enhances the blood pressure-lowering effects of exercise by an impressive 11% on average.

A Powerful Heart-Health Boost

The study, led by Dr. Matthew Cook, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Worcester, examined the impact of blackcurrant extract on blood pressure and energy metabolism in healthy participants. The findings were striking: when paired with exercise, blackcurrant extract delivered a substantial boost in the post-exercise reduction of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

As Dr. Cook explains, "This study has shown that short-term intake of blackcurrant extract effectively increases the hypotensive benefits of exercise, which is an exciting and novel finding. Even small reductions in blood pressure can have large implications for health outcomes across the lifespan, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events."

How Does CurraNZ Work?

Blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, powerful compounds known for their ability to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and support cardiovascular health. These compounds also help restore normal blood vessel function, which is essential for regulating blood pressure. Blackcurrant extract—especially in high concentrations like the 35% anthocyanin formulation found in CurraNZ—has fast-acting, measurable effects that make it an incredibly potent heart-health supplement.

In this recent study, participants took 600mg daily of CurraNZ for one week before engaging in moderate treadmill exercise. Blood pressure measurements were taken both at rest and after exercise. The results in the health men and women were impressive:

• Systolic blood pressure (the higher number) decreased by an average of 6mmHg
• Diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) decreased by an average of 3mmHg

These reductions are comparable to the kind of results a doctor might aim for when prescribing blood pressure medication, underscoring the power of blackcurrant extract to deliver real-world health benefits.

Meaningful and Repeatable Health Benefits

The implications of this study are far-reaching. A reduction of just 5mmHg in systolic blood pressure is associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events in adults over 60. In this study, we saw reductions of up to 12mmHg, which is not only significant but meaningful when it comes to reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Cook emphasizes the importance of these findings, particularly for individuals at risk of hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions: "Blackcurrant anthocyanins can deliver meaningful physiological health benefits and should be implemented as a daily dietary strategy—especially for those at risk of developing high blood pressure."

What Makes CurraNZ So Effective?

One of the standout features of CurraNZ is its ability to enhance post-exercise hypotension, or the reduction in blood pressure that occurs after physical activity.

CurraNZ contains a specific combination of anthocyanins that are unique to our proprietary extract formulation, which deliver these benefits. 

The study revealed that blackcurrant supplementation further decreased resting blood pressure by up to 11% in the two hours following exercise—something that wasn't observed in the placebo group.

Given that blood pressure often remains elevated after exercise, especially in individuals with high blood pressure, CurraNZ could provide a significant tool for managing blood pressure more effectively and reducing overall cardiovascular risk.

The Road Ahead

While the results of this study are promising, Dr. Cook suggests that further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of blackcurrant extract. "It would be interesting to see whether these benefits continue over a longer period, as post-exercise hypotension can persist for up to 24 hours. Extended testing could provide further insight into the full range of benefits blackcurrant can offer for heart health."

Takeaway: CurraNZ for Better Heart Health

This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the cardiovascular benefits of CurraNZ blackcurrant extract. By incorporating this powerful, natural supplement into your daily routine—especially if you're already engaging in regular exercise—you could see a significant improvement in your heart health, lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Whether you’re managing existing high blood pressure, aiming to optimize your heart health, or simply looking for a natural way to complement your exercise routine, CurraNZ offers a scientifically-backed, easy-to-implement solution. After all, every small change in blood pressure can have a big impact on your health—especially when you make CurraNZ part of your daily routine.

Reference:

1. Cook, M. D., Shan, Y., & Willems, M. E. T. (2025). Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on exercising substrate utilisation and post-exercise hypotension in males and females. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0108