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Herbs > Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a plant native to North America and commonly called; black cohosh, black snakeroot, macrotys, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot and rattleweed
with
Latin Names; Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa.
Black cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for malaise,
gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat.
It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to
induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used
for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation. It was
extremely popular among a group of alternative practitioners who called black
cohosh "macrotys" and prescribed it for rheumatism, lung conditions,
neurological conditions, and conditions that affected women's reproductive
organs (including menstrual problems, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries,
infertility, threatened miscarriage, and relief of labor pains)
Today Black Cohosh is a popular alternative to hormonal therapy in the treatment
of menopausal (climacteric) symptoms such as hot flashes, mood disturbances,
diaphoresis, palpitations, and vaginal dryness. Several controlled trials and
case series have reported black cohosh to improve menopausal symptoms for up to
six months. Although these initial studies are suggestive, they have been few in
number and have universally suffered from methodological weaknesses.
The mechanism of action of black cohosh remains unclear, and the effects on
estrogen receptors or hormonal levels (if any) have not been fully elucidated.
Recent publications suggest that there may be no direct effects on estrogen
receptors, although this is an area of active controversy. Safety and efficacy
data beyond six months are not available, although recent reports suggest safety
of short-term use, including in women experiencing menopausal symptoms for whom
estrogen replacement therapy is contraindicated. Nonetheless, due to a lack of
long-term follow-up, caution is advisable until better-quality safety data are
available. Use of black cohosh in high-risk populations (such as in women with a
history of breast cancer) should be under the supervision of a licensed
healthcare professional.
How It Is Used
The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried
to make b teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or
liquid extracts (tinctures).
Known Products Containing Black Cohosh
Notes
- Study results are mixed on whether black cohosh effectively relieves menopausal
symptoms. Studies to date have been less than 6 months long, so long-term safety
data are not currently available.
- NCCAM is funding studies to determine whether black cohosh reduces the frequency
and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
-
There are not enough reliable data to determine whether black cohosh is
effective for rheumatism or other uses.
-
Preliminary work on individual cells suggests black cohosh may act on
estrogen receptors in some way and is associated with lowered breast cancer
risk. Until more is known, women with breast cancer or who are at high risk for
breast cancer should avoid black cohosh.
-
Black cohosh can cause headaches and stomach discomfort. In clinical trials
comparing the effects of the herb and those of estrogens, a low number of side
effects were reported, such as headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the
legs, and weight problems.
-
No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and prescription
medicines.
-
Black cohosh has recently been linked to a few cases of hepatitis (inflammation
of the liver), but it is not clear whether black cohosh caused the problem.
-
It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for women who have had breast cancer or
for pregnant women.
-
Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides),
which has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black
cohosh. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue cohosh to stimulate labor, but
this therapy has caused adverse effects in newborns, which appear to be due to
blue cohosh.
References
Mayo Clinic - which offers a balanced view.
Office of Dietary Supplements and National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine. Questions and Answers About Black Cohosh and the Symptoms
of Menopause.
Office of Dietary Supplements.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Office of Dietary
Supplements. Workshop on the Safety of Black Cohosh in Clinical Studies.
National Center
for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Black cohosh root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal
Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins; 2000:2226. |
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