Black cohosh, also called bugbane, is a wild flowering plant that grows naturally in North America. A member of the buttercup family, black cohosh has the botanical names Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. As an herbal supplement, black cohosh root is mainly used by women to relieve some effects of perimenopause and menopause. However, black cohosh can cause side effects, including problems in the digestive system. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking black cohosh under the supervision of a health care provider.
Decreasing Vasomotor Symptoms
Black cohosh appears to help relieve hot flashes associated with menopause, although research results are mixed, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the use of black cohosh for women experiencing vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes and flushing, when taken for six months or less. Interpretation of research results is difficult because of flaws in study design, short duration and use of different amounts from different sources, explains the ODS.
Potential
Preliminary research indicates other possible benefits for black cohosh use, as noted by the UMMC. Black cohosh appears to decrease bone loss, including bone loss from osteoporosis, a common condition in women after menopause. The herb also may help decrease inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Digestive Effects
Black cohosh may cause relatively minor digestive side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some people taking this herbal remedy experience upset stomach, intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting. A major concern about use of black cohosh supplements is the link to rare but serious liver problems in some users. The liver produces bile that helps the body digest fats, and it detoxifies blood from the intestines. People with liver problems, who drink large amounts of alcohol or who take medications that have negative effects on the liver should not use black cohosh. Signs of liver problems include abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue and jaundice.
Warning on Liver Issues
After analyzing 30 reports on liver damage occurring after black cohosh use, the U.S. Pharmacopeia recommended in 2008 that black cohosh products include a statement about the possibility of liver toxicity. The agency explains that all reports were categorized as possible causality rather than probable or certain causality. The U.S. National Institutes of Health notes that millions of people have taken black cohosh without negative effects. Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom also recommend or require cautionary labels on black cohosh products.
Types
Black cohosh is available in tinctures and liquid extract to be mixed with a beverage; as well as dried extract in capsule format. Tea also is available commercially or can be prepared from dried black cohosh root, but it may not be as effective at relieving menopausal symptoms as a standardized extract, explains the UMMC.
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