Крыжовник (лист) - Ribes uva-crispa L

Ribes uva-crispa L (Gooseberry)

Product Name: Крыжовник, Ribes uva-crispa, Stachelbeere, Grosellero espinoso, Groseillier à maquereau, عنب الثعلب, ลูกหม่อนยุโรป

Synonyms: Крыжовник обыкновенный, крыжовник европейский, крыжовник колючий, gooseberry, European gooseberry, common gooseberry, Europäische Stachelbeere, Groseillier commun, Grosellero común, عنب الذئب, عنب الثعلب الأوروبي, ลูกหม่อนยุโรป, ลูกเกดหนาม, ไม้พุ่มตระกูลเบอรี่

Main Indications for Use of Ribes uva-crispa: Hypertension, retinal angiopathy, coronary heart disease, chronic pyelonephritis, cystitis, biliary dyskinesia, fatty liver degeneration, chronic cholecystitis, gout, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, iron-deficiency anemia, chronic constipation, seborrheic dermatitis, acne.

Use of Ribes uva-crispa in Mixtures and Complexes: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyslipidemia, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, neurodermatitis.

Pharmacological Properties of Ribes uva-crispa: antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, choleretic, capillary-strengthening, hepatoprotective, mild laxative, antiseptic, hematopoietic, hypotensive.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Ribes uva-crispa

Powder — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Powder): Gout, hypertension, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, fatty liver degeneration, chronic constipation, iron-deficiency anemia.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.5 g of powder three times a day, 15 minutes before meals, washed down with warm water at a temperature of +36…+38 °C.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2.5 g of powder three times a day in the presence of symptomatic hypertension, pronounced flatulence, exacerbation of gout, and reduced appetite against the background of hypoacid gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 3 g of powder three times a day for episodic dyspeptic disorders against the background of chronic gastritis, exacerbation of gallstone disease, or difficult bile outflow — no more than 7 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 g of powder twice daily for 30 days, with the course repeated no earlier than after 14 days. Recommended for chronic gastritis, stage 1 arterial hypertension, as well as patients over 45 years of age with excess body weight.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): For children from 7 years of age with a body weight of at least 25 kg — 0.5 g of powder twice daily. For adolescents from 12 years of age with a body weight from 40 kg — up to 1 g of powder twice daily. The child's gender is not a factor.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, acute inflammatory kidney diseases, pronounced diarrhea. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood under 7 years of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): When the dose is exceeded, flatulence, frequent stools, and decreased blood pressure are possible. Isolated cases of allergic rash have been scientifically registered with chronic intake exceeding 21 days.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduce the dosage by 20%. For body weight over 90 kg — a dosage increase up to 3.5 g per day is permissible while maintaining the frequency of administration.

Preparation Method (Powder): Dry gooseberry leaves — 100 g. The leaves are washed with filtered water and dried at a temperature of +35…+40 °C in the shade. Ground into a fine powder with a particle size of no more than 0.5 mm. Sifted and packaged into tightly closing glass or ceramic containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, cool place at a temperature not exceeding +25 °C in a tightly closed container, away from sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Dry Extract): Chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, seborrheic dermatitis, retinal angiopathy, chronic pyelonephritis, chronic gastritis, acne.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 100 mg of extract twice daily, 30 minutes before meals, dissolved in warm water at a temperature of +36…+38 °C.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 150 mg of extract three times a day for chronic dermatoses, fatty liver degeneration, pronounced biliary stasis, and impaired retinal microcirculation.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 mg of extract three times a day in the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis, seborrheic dermatitis, and angiopathy — no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 75 mg of extract once daily for 30 days. Recommended for chronic fatigue, spring avitaminosis, seborrhea, and asthenic states. Repeat course is permissible after 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): For children from 10 years of age with a body weight of at least 30 kg — 50 mg once daily. For adolescents from 14 years of age with a body weight from 45 kg — up to 75 mg twice daily.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Acute form of nephritis, individual intolerance, pronounced diarrhea. Scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood under 10 years of age have not been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose, dyspepsia, heartburn, decreased appetite, and flatulence are possible. Isolated cases of nausea have been registered with prolonged intake at a high dose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For body weight less than 60 kg — the dose is reduced by 25%. For body weight over 90 kg — a dosage increase up to 250 mg per day is possible while maintaining the frequency.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): Dry gooseberry leaves — 200 g, purified water — 1 liter. Carry out aqueous extraction at a temperature of +90 °C for 3 hours. Filter, evaporate under vacuum to a volume of 150 ml. Carry out freeze drying to obtain a dry extract. This yields 25–30 g of powder. Store in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a dark, dry place at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C. Protect from direct light sources and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 18 months. After opening the package, use within 45 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Tincture): Chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, gout, stage 1–2 arterial hypertension, chronic gastritis with reduced secretion, atherosclerosis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops of tincture per 50 ml of water three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops three times a day for exacerbation of gout, stage 2 hypertension, pronounced biliary insufficiency, and lipid metabolism disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops three times a day for no more than 5 days for acute attacks of gout or against the background of fatty hepatosis with concomitant dysbiosis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, course of 21 days, repeat after 30 days. Recommended for chronic hypertension, vegetative-vascular dystonia, bile stasis, and physical inactivity in elderly patients.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not used in children under 14 years of age. For adolescents from 14 years of age, a dose of no more than 10 drops twice daily with mandatory dilution in water is permissible.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, epilepsy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, organic lesions of the liver, and individual intolerance. No reliable data on safety in these groups have been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and palpitations are possible. Episodes of hypotension have been registered in individuals with initially low blood pressure.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg, it is recommended to start with a dose of 15 drops. For body weight over 90 kg, an increase up to 40 drops is possible while observing the frequency and duration.

Preparation Method (Tincture): Dry gooseberry leaves — 100 g, 40% ethyl alcohol — 500 ml. The crushed raw material is poured with alcohol and infused in a dark place at a temperature of +20…+25 °C for 14 days, shaking daily. Strained through gauze and poured into airtight glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a cool, light-protected place at a temperature of +5 to +25 °C, in an airtight dark glass bottle. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Oil Infusion): Seborrheic dermatitis, acne, chronic blepharitis, dry eczema, skin fissures, dermatitis in infants, skin irritation after shaving and depilation.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: apply in a thin layer to the affected skin area twice daily — morning and evening, without rubbing in. For eye compresses — soak gauze and apply to the eyelids for 15 minutes once daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Externally: 3–4 times a day for pronounced peeling, inflammation, or microcracks. Use in the form of oil applications under an occlusive dressing at night is permissible.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 5 times a day, with use on an area of no more than 25% of the skin. Maximum continuous course — 10 days, then a break of at least 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Apply once daily in the evening to cleansed skin of the face or hands for 14 days. Prevention of seasonal exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis, photodermatoses, and irritations in individuals with sensitive skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Use is permissible in children from 1 year of age — apply once daily, avoiding the area of the eyes and mouth. If necessary — use under pediatrician supervision. For children under 3 years of age — no more than one area of 5 × 5 cm.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance, pustular skin lesions, active stage of dermatomycosis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood under 1 year of age have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): In case of overdose or prolonged use, the appearance of comedones, pore congestion, and rarely — contact dermatitis is possible. Allergic reactions have been noted in individuals with hypersensitivity to the gooseberry family.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required, as the form is used externally. However, for individuals with body weight below 40 kg and children, the dosage is determined by the area of application, no more than 1 ml per application.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): Dry gooseberry leaves — 20 g, cold-pressed grape seed oil — 100 g. The crushed leaves are placed in a heat-resistant glass container and poured with oil. Keep in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +50 °C for 3 hours. Cool, strain, and store in a sterile container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a cool place at a temperature of +5…+15 °C, in an airtight dark glass container. Avoid exposure to direct light and heating. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointments/Creams — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Ointments/Creams): Seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, acne, rosacea, eczema, skin fissures, post-acne, microinflammations of the skin, itchy dermatoses.

Standard Dosage (Ointments/Creams): Apply twice daily to cleansed skin in a thin layer. Does not require rubbing in. Course — 10–14 days. Combined use with washing with a leaf decoction is possible.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointments/Creams): Apply up to 3–4 times a day for exacerbation of seborrhea, eczema, acne in the inflammation stage, or irritated sensitive skin.

Maximum Dosage (Ointments/Creams): Up to 5 times a day for acute inflammatory reactions accompanied by itching, peeling, or redness. Maximum continuous course — no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointments/Creams): Once daily at night — for 10 days. Suitable for the prevention of seasonal exacerbations of acne, photodermatosis, and skin hyperreactivity in individuals with thin sensitive skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointments/Creams): From 3 years — once daily, spot application to irritated skin areas, course duration — up to 5 days. Avoid the area of the eyes and mucous membranes. If necessary — consultation with a dermatologist.

Contraindications (Ointments/Creams): Pustular skin infections, fungal skin lesions, open wounds, hypersensitivity to components. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are absent. Do not use in children under 3 years of age.

Side Effects (Ointments/Creams): Rarely, irritation, mild itching, and peeling may appear with prolonged use. Isolated cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been recorded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointments/Creams): No adjustment is required, as the dosage is determined by the area of application and frequency of use.

Preparation Method (Ointments/Creams): Dry gooseberry leaf extract — 10 g, beeswax — 15 g, jojoba oil — 75 g. Melt the wax in a water bath, add the oil, and, stirring continuously, introduce the dry extract. Keep the mixture at a temperature up to +40 °C until homogeneous. Pour into sterile glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointments/Creams): Store at a temperature of +5…+10 °C, in a tightly closed dark glass jar. Avoid moisture and light. Shelf life — 90 days. After opening, use within 30 days.

Cosmetic Gels — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Cosmetic Gels): Oily and combination skin, acne, comedones, seborrheic dermatitis, a tendency to inflammation, decreased skin turgor, post-acne, skin sensitivity after shaving or peeling.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Gels): Apply 1–2 times a day to pre-cleansed skin. Does not require rinsing. Course of use — from 14 to 21 days, depending on the skin condition.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Gels): Up to 3 times a day in the presence of pronounced sebastasis, inflammations, papules and pustules, as well as after invasive cosmetic procedures (mechanical cleansing, dermabrasion).

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Gels): Up to 4 times a day, applied spot-wise to inflamed elements. Maximum course — 10 days, then transition to the standard dose. Use on the entire face surface no more than once a day.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetic Gels): Apply once daily in the evening to the T-zone or problem skin areas. Course — 10 days, repeat every 2 months for a tendency to seborrhea and oily shine.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Gels): Use is permissible from 12 years of age in the presence of acne eruptions. Apply once daily to cleansed skin. Do not use in children under 12 years of age without consultation with a dermatologist.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Gels): Individual intolerance, skin hypersensitivity, presence of open wounds or pustules. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation are absent. Do not use in childhood under 12 years of age.

Side Effects (Cosmetic Gels): In case of overdose or individual reaction, a burning sensation, redness, and skin tightness are possible. Allergic reaction is registered extremely rarely.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetic Gels): Not required. The volume of application is regulated individually depending on the skin area and the severity of the problem.

Preparation Method (Cosmetic Gels): Dry gooseberry extract — 2 g, lavender hydrolate — 80 g, aloe vera juice — 15 g, vegetable glycerin — 2 g, xanthan gum — 1 g. Dissolve the extract in the hydrolate, add aloe and glycerin, then introduce the gum with constant stirring. Stir until a homogeneous gel is formed. Pour into tubes.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetic Gels): Store at a temperature of +5 to +10 °C, away from light and heat sources. Shelf life — up to 3 months. After opening, use within 30 days, store in the refrigerator.

Emollients/Serums — Ribes uva-crispa

Indications (Emollients/Serums): Dry skin, decreased elasticity, microcracks, irritation after sun exposure, post-peeling care, perioral dermatitis, initial signs of skin aging, dull complexion.

Standard Dosage (Emollients/Serums): Apply once daily — in the evening, to cleansed and slightly damp facial skin or local lesion areas. Volume per application — 2–3 drops.

Enhanced Dosage (Emollients/Serums): Apply 2 times a day — morning and evening, 3–4 drops to the entire face surface, in the presence of pronounced dryness, peeling, decreased turgor, or photodamage.

Maximum Dosage (Emollients/Serums): Up to 5 drops three times a day, spot-wise on areas of pronounced skin stress: cheekbones, nasolabial folds, periorbital area. Maximum course — 7 days, then transition to the standard dose.

Preventive Dosage (Emollients/Serums): 1–2 drops once daily in the evening. Used in courses of 14 days every 2 months for dry skin, a tendency to dullness, and for the prevention of age-related changes.

Pediatric Dosage (Emollients/Serums): Not used in children under 14 years of age. In adolescents from 14 years of age — use of 1 drop once daily is permissible if necessary for care of overdried or irritated skin.

Contraindications (Emollients/Serums): Pustular eruptions, hypersecretion, individual intolerance. Data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have not been registered. Do not use in children under 14 years of age.

Side Effects (Emollients/Serums): Rarely — allergic reaction in the form of redness and itching, especially when applied to damaged skin. With prolonged use, comedogenicity in the T-zone is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Emollients/Serums): No adjustment is required. The dosage volume is determined exclusively by the area of application.

Preparation Method (Emollients/Serums): Dry gooseberry leaf extract — 0.5 g, squalane oil (vegetable origin) — 90 g, tocopherol (vitamin E) — 5 g, CO2 calendula extract — 2 g, lavender essential oil — 1 g, macadamia oil — 1.5 g. All components are mixed in a dry, dark room at a temperature not exceeding +30 °C. After mixing — filtration, pouring into airtight dropper bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Emollients/Serums): Store in a cool, light-protected place at a temperature of +5…+15 °C. Shelf life — up to 6 months. After opening, use within 45 days. Do not allow contact with water or direct sunlight.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Ribes uva-crispa

Studies on the general toxicity of gooseberry leaf extracts (Ribes uva-crispa) confirm its high degree of biosafety with oral and external use. In preclinical trials on laboratory animals, it was established that the dry aqueous extract of gooseberry leaves does not cause lethal outcomes even when administered at doses exceeding physiological ones by 100 times. The LD50 value with oral administration in mice is more than 5000 mg/kg, which classifies the substance as practically non-toxic (category V according to the WHO classification).

With prolonged intake (28-day study), no pathological changes were detected in the tissues of the liver, kidneys, and intestines. No statistically significant effect on body weight, activity, feeding behavior, and behavioral reactions of animals was recorded either.

Local application (ointment forms, oil infusions) did not cause skin irritation, itching, erythema, or other signs of local toxicity. Photo- and mutagenicity have not been established. Immunogenicity is low. Signs of cumulation with prolonged use have not been recorded.

Intradermal allergy tests showed the absence of sensitizing action at a standard concentration of 1%.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Pharmacodynamics — Ribes uva-crispa

The pharmacodynamics of gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is determined by the combined action of secondary metabolites present in the leaves of the plant, including polyphenols, flavonoids, catechins, tannins, and organic acids. Based on experimental in vitro and in vivo data, it has been established that the main pharmacological effects of gooseberry are antioxidant, angioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mild diuretic actions.

The antioxidant potential is associated with the presence of quercetin, kaempferol, and proanthocyanidins, which are capable of inhibiting lipid peroxidation, stabilizing cell membranes, and reducing the activity of free radicals. Studies on cell lines have shown that aqueous and alcohol extracts of gooseberry leaves reduce the production of reactive oxygen species, which confirms their systemic antioxidant action.

Anti-inflammatory activity is realized through suppression of the activity of the enzyme complexes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which reduces the formation of prostaglandins and leukotrienes — key mediators of inflammation. An influence on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, is also observed with the use of gooseberry extracts, which indicates its ability to modulate inflammatory cascades.

The angioprotective properties of gooseberry are due to its ability to strengthen the endothelial barrier of vessels, reduce capillary permeability, and improve microcirculation. It has been established that plant flavonoids from the leaves of the plant stabilize the collagen structure of the vascular wall, inhibit platelet aggregation, and improve the rheological properties of blood.

The diuretic action of gooseberry is manifested by a mild increase in diuresis, not accompanied by electrolyte disturbances. This effect is probably associated with increased glomerular filtration and modulation of tubular reabsorption due to flavonoids and potassium contained in the leaves.

The plant also exhibits mild astringent properties associated with the presence of tannins, which can manifest in the normalization of the barrier functions of mucous membranes and skin. In addition, it has been established that some gooseberry compounds modulate the activity of liver enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferase, and promote natural detoxification.

The action of gooseberry is realized both at the systemic and local levels, including effects on endothelial cells, macrophages, keratinocytes, and enterocytes. The mechanisms suggest the participation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory cascades, as well as an indirect influence on metabolism in hepatocytes and renal epithelial cells.

References:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Ribes uva-crispa

The pharmacological activity of gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is due to the presence in the leaves of a complex of biologically active compounds, primarily polyphenols, flavonols, catechins, tannins, and phenolic acids. These components participate in multiple biochemical and cellular mechanisms mediated through enzyme cascades, receptor interactions, and signaling pathways.

One of the key mechanisms of action is the inhibition of oxidative stress through suppression of NADPH oxidase activity and stimulation of the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). This reduces the level of free radicals and protects cellular structures from lipid peroxidation, especially in the vascular endothelium and liver cells.

Gooseberry flavonoids influence pro-inflammatory signaling cascades. It has been established that leaf extracts inhibit the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This effect can be further enhanced by reducing the expression of COX-2 and iNOS enzymes in macrophages and endothelial cells.

The participation of gooseberry components in the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, including suppression of p38 MAPK activity, has also been confirmed, which additionally reduces the expression of inflammatory proteins. In addition, a modulating influence on the JAK/STAT pathway is observed, especially in immune system cells such as monocytes and neutrophils.

At the level of enzyme interactions, the active substances of gooseberry exhibit an inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, which can reduce the resorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. Weak inhibition of the enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) is also observed, which is important for regulating the level of leukotrienes in the inflammatory reaction.

Some components demonstrate affinity for PPAR-γ receptors, which may indirectly participate in the regulation of metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, especially in insulin-sensitive tissues and in adipose tissue cells.

There are data on the participation of gooseberry in the normalization of vascular wall permeability through influence on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stabilization of intercellular junctions of the endothelium. Thus, the plant exhibits pronounced vasoprotective activity.

The combination of these mechanisms is realized both at the systemic and local levels and affects the main regulatory links: antioxidant enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cellular receptors, signaling pathways, as well as the barrier and detoxification functions of tissues.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S222541102100139X
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7619972
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31310429

Synergy — Ribes uva-crispa

The pharmacological synergy of gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) with other natural and phytochemical agents has been confirmed by a number of studies aimed at studying antioxidant, angioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and dermatotropic activity. The biologically active substances of gooseberry, including flavonoids, catechins, and phenolic acids, demonstrate potentiating and modulating interaction with plants possessing a similar direction of action.

The combination of gooseberry with plants rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (e.g., Vaccinium myrtillus, Sambucus nigra) leads to a pronounced enhancement of the antioxidant effect due to multidirectional inhibition of free-radical oxidation cascades. In such combinations, not only an increase in the overall level of antioxidant activity in vitro is observed, but also a prolongation of action in vivo.

With combined use with representatives of the Apiaceae family (e.g., Angelica sinensis, Foeniculum vulgare), an additive anti-inflammatory effect is observed. Presumably, this is realized through simultaneous suppression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) activity and a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages and endothelial cells.

The synergy of gooseberry with flavonoid extracts (e.g., from Ginkgo biloba leaves and Calendula officinalis flowers) is manifested in improved microcirculation, strengthening of the vascular wall, and a decrease in capillary permeability. This interaction is predominantly vasculotropic in nature and is mediated through stabilization of the endothelium and suppression of VEGF-dependent angiogenic activity.

A modulating influence of gooseberry has also been established when combined with immunotropic plants (e.g., Echinacea purpurea or Panax ginseng). In this case, gooseberry plays the role of a regulator of the cytokine profile, without causing excessive stimulation of the immune system, but complementing the adaptogenic action of its partners.

For external use, gooseberry is combined with oils containing unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., macadamia oil, sea buckthorn oil), which enhances the epithelizing effect and promotes restoration of the skin barrier. This effect is especially pronounced in the composition of creams and emollients with background irritation or skin dehydration.

Thus, gooseberry demonstrates proven pharmacological synergy with plants of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, angiotropic, and dermatoprotective action, realized both at the systemic and tissue levels through enzyme, receptor, and mediator pathways.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1319610320302539
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32750645
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8744602

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Ribes uva-crispa

Ribes uva-crispa is traditionally used in the folk medicine of Europe, predominantly in the northern and central regions — Germany, Poland, Great Britain, Scandinavia, as well as in the Baltic states and the western part of Russia. In these regions, its leaves and fruits were part of home remedies passed down within family and village recipes. On the British Isles, gooseberry was known as "gooseberry" and was revered as a garden crop with medicinal potential, used predominantly in the form of infusions and decoctions of leaves for external and internal use.

In German-speaking regions, the plant is mentioned in ancient herbals of the 17th–18th centuries, where gooseberry leaves were used in the form of compresses and lotions, as well as in warm baths traditionally used for children and the elderly. In the territory of modern Poland and Lithuania, decoctions of gooseberry leaves were used in the peasant environment for ailments, and the fruits were part of seasonal cleansing drinks. In the Russian and Belarusian healing tradition, gooseberry leaves were part of herbal preparations for the bath, poultices, and were also used for steaming in the Russian stove. Applications are also known for "decoctions with incantation" for the purpose of bodily purification in the spring and autumn periods.

In Scandinavian countries (especially in Sweden and Finland), gooseberry was widespread in garden culture and was used as a tonic plant. The leaves were collected in the summer months, dried, and added to tinctures and infusions of horsetail, lingonberry leaf, and blueberry. A separate place is occupied by gooseberry in the culture of the Sami, where the plant was used as part of wraps and in practices of cleansing the body after the winter period.

In ethnographic descriptions of France, gooseberry is mentioned in the regions of Normandy and Brittany as an element of family garden practice. Its leaves were used by women for preparing washes and cosmetic wraps, especially during the period of spring renewal. In the folklore of these regions, it was associated with "the return of purity" and was often included in rites of preparation for holidays associated with fertility.

In Slavic ritual practice, the plant was sometimes used as a protective one: branches with leaves were hung at doors during summer thunderstorms or spring storms "against the evil wind." It is believed that in some cases gooseberry leaves were burned in a stove or bonfire on the day of the summer solstice as part of ritual preparations.

In the territory of Iran, Afghanistan, and northern India, closely related forms of gooseberry are cultivated; however, ethnobotanical descriptions have not recorded stable traditional use of Ribes uva-crispa in local medical practices. In traditional Thai, Chinese, and Indian medicine, this taxon is not included in the main classifications of medicinal plants.

Thus, the use of gooseberry covers primarily northern and central Europe, with predominant use of leaves in tinctures, infusions, decoctions, baths, and wraps. Cultural contexts emphasize its significance in seasonal and cleansing practices, including within folk cosmetics and healing.