Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial plant that's native to North America. Black cohosh is sometimes used in place of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal hot flashes. The Office of Dietary Supplements says precisely how black cohosh works remains unclear. Existing research on the effectiveness of black cohosh to ease hot flashes remains inconclusive.
Considerations
The use of black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms is nothing new. As early as the 1800's, Native Americans used the root of the plant to ease menstrual pain and improve some of the common complaints of menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Today black cohosh is used in both the United States and Europe to relieve hot flashes and night sweats.
Evidence
A number of clinical studies confirm that black cohosh may ease hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and insomnia, while others have found it to be of little value, according to UMMC.
Researchers who review six pertinent studies concluded that the evidence does not consistently support black cohosh as a an effective remedy for menopausal-related ailments. The findings of the review were published in July 2008 in the journal "Pharmacological Research."
Remifemin
One commercial standardized black cohosh preparation called remifemin is often used to treat menopausal hot flashes and night sweats. Remifemin has been more thoroughly researched than other black cohosh preparations, according to the National Institutes of Health.
A Hungarian study, published in March 2005 in the journal "Advanced Therapy" found remifermin reduced hot flashes in menopausal women.
Safety & Precautions
Possible side effects of black cohosh include diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach. These symptoms are most often reported in individuals who take this herb in high doses.
Women with a history of hormone-receptive cancers such as breast cancer, uterine or ovarian cancers should not take black cohosh. Black cohosh should not be used if you have liver damage or drink large amounts of alcohol.
Outlook
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes the value of black cohosh for hot flashes and other common menopausal symptoms.
Nevertheless, doctors caution that this herb should be taken for no longer than six months until further studies are conducted, reports UMMC.
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