Derived from the root of the Actaea racemosa plant, black cohosh has a 200-year history as a medicinal herb, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. First used by Native Americans to combat menstrual and menopausal symptoms, this supplement has gained popularity in the field of alternative medicine for its phytoestrogen content and anti-inflammatory properties. Although some uses of black cohosh lack conclusive clinical research, this herb may be effective for treating an array of ailments and symptoms.
Menopausal Symptoms
Centuries after its discovery as a medicinal herb, black cohosh remains popular for treating symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, heart palpitations, headaches, excessive sweating, depression, insomnia and irritability. In a pilot evaluation published in the June 2004 issue of "Cancer Investigation," menopausal women taking Remifemin, a commercial drug containing black cohosh, experienced a reduction in daily hot flashes, relief from insomnia, less fatigue and reduced sweating. Despite several studies indicating black cohosh may relieve menopausal symptoms, the Office of Dietary Supplements states that research remains inconclusive. Most clinical studies have been too short in duration or poorly designed to determine the true effectiveness of black cohosh in treating menopausal symptoms.
Arthritis
Black cohosh may potentially relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In clinical settings, an herbal combination consisting of black cohosh, willow bark, guaiacum resin, sarsaparilla and poplar bark reduces arthritis-related inflammation, alleviating pain and stiffness. However, researchers have not studied black cohosh in isolation as an arthritis remedy, and the University of Maryland Medical Center states that more research in humans is necessary before determining the role of black cohosh in arthritis relief.
Migraines
For women suffering from menstrual-related migraines, black cohosh may provide relief. As the Mayo Clinic explains, hormonal changes during menstruation can trigger migraines in up to 30 percent of female migraine sufferers, and the hormone-regulating properties of black cohosh may keep these severe headaches at bay. While this herb appears promising as a potential migraine reliever, too few studies exist to draw conclusions about the effect of black cohosh on headaches, the Mayo Clinic states.
Osteoporosis
Although research examining the impact of black cohosh on osteoporosis is still in its infancy, this herb may boost bone health due to its phytoestrogen content, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. According to a study published in the November 2005 issue of the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research," an isopropanolic extract derived from black cohosh had a positive effect on bone formation in humans, suggesting the herb may be helpful for combating osteoporosis.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Cancer Investigation: Pilot Evaluation of Black Cohosh for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women
- Mayo Clinic: Black Cohosh
- "Journal of Bone and Mineral Research": Isopropanolic Extract of Black Cohosh Stimulates Osteoprotegerin Production by Human Osteoblasts
Member Comments