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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
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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