28 Sep 2009 --- Researchers in Japan have completed an intensive study which highlights the beneficial effects of blackcurrants on dark circles under the eyes.

Blackcurrants have long been renowned for their benefits in helping to improve blood circulation, but less well known, however, is that this improved circulation can also help reduce the dark rings around and predominantly under the eyes.

This common beauty problem has been the subject of a study using 33 healthy women by researchers in Japan at Hirosaki University. The tests proved conclusively that the consumption of blackcurrants improved the blood flow around the optical nerves and drastically reduced the effect of 'sagging eyes'.

It is thought that the effect is derived from the ability of the natural components in blackcurrants, such as anthocyanins, to increase the blood flow in the capillaries in these dark regions thereby delivering more oxygen to the tissues. This encourages them to expand, helping to reduce the dark shadowed effect. The experiment is now being repeated in the UK by the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI).

Dr Derek Stewart of the SCRI commented: "We are keen to replicate this experiment here in the UK and would hope to see the same strong results as demonstrated in Japan. Blackcurrants have been proven to aid circulation in a number of previous laboratory studies so it was only a matter of time before we started utilising their benefits in aiding eye skin appearance. This goes to show that blackcurrants can offer excellent health and beauty benefits."