Black cohosh is a North American perennial herb and a member of the buttercup family. It has two Latin names--Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa--and a host of common names: bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattleweed and black snakeroot. Its popularity derives from its supposed attributes as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. Particular interest lies in its reported ability to lessen or eliminate the hot flashes that often accompany menopause.
History
The National Institutes of Health reports that American Indians used black cohosh for ailments such as malaria, rheumatism, sore throat and gynecological disorders. The 1800s found Americans and alternative practitioners also using black cohosh as a remedy for a variety of health-related maladies, including menstrual problems. The 20th century further boosted the claims of black cohosh in the form of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, a popular herbal-based elixir that strategically targeted the symptoms of menstruation and menopause.
Current Findings
How black cohosh works within the body remains a mystery. It was believed to effect estrogen receptors, but recent publications suggest this theory may not hold true, according to the Mayo Clinic. Studies have also not definitely proven whether black cohosh controls hot flashes in menopausal women. The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health compiled a summary of the major clinical studies performed for black cohosh and menopausal symptoms, and the consensus yielded mixed results. The most recent study, published in the 2009 November/December issue of "Menopause," found that black cohosh in combination with red clover failed to relieve hot flashes.
Considerations
A potential problem researchers may encounter during the testing of black cohosh is the purity of the product. When Fredi Kronenbeg, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Physiology and Director of the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, began her study of black cohosh, she faced a dilemma. "The initial problem is that it takes some knowledge of the field to find high quality products (to test)," she says . Forty percent of the products she purchased for study contained a Chinese variety of black cohosh, a type not traditionally used for hot flashes.
Adverse Reactions
Historically, very few women report side effects while taking black cohosh, although some have experienced headache and stomach discomfort. Discontinue black cohosh if any signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction develop, such as abdominal pain, jaundice or dark urine. Any studies for safety issues associated with a history of breast cancer or pregnancy will be in the future.
No Definitive Answer
No definitive answer exists as to whether or not black cohosh helps prevent hot flashes in menopausal women. Because most studies lasted for less than six months, the effects of long-term use of black cohosh remain undocumented at this time. As of November 2008, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that it is funding further studies to understand the potential effects of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms.
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