If you are one of the many women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, you may have come across black cohosh in your search. Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is native to North America, and can be found growing in woody areas, states Botanical.com. It is purported to help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, although some study results are mixed. This herb is not regulated by the FDA; therefore, discuss its use with your doctor before using it.
Botanical Information
Black cohosh has been used in the U.S. for gynecologic complaints for more than100 years, states an article by GB Mahady entitled "Black Cohosh: An Alternative Therapy for Menopause?" published in Nutrition in Clinical Care in November 2002. Its common name is black snake root, and, according to Botanical.com, it was once used as an antidote to snakebites. It is a tall plant, growing 1 to 3 feet high, with feathery white blooms. Its creeping underground root, called a rhizome, is black and is harvested in the fall. It is dried and cut into pieces to be used in medicinal remedies.
Historical Uses
Because black cohosh is native to North America, it was used by the Native Americans for many ailments. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements website, they used it for malaise, gynecological disorders, malaria and rheumatism. It was also utilized for colds, coughs and sore throats and to induce lactation. The site also claims that in the 19th century it was used as a diuretic and for lung conditions and neurological disorders.
Menopause
Menopause may be the most well-known use for black cohosh. Many herbal menopause relief remedies include this herb, although studies show its results to be mixed. An article by F. Borelli,"Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Menopause," published in Maturitas in June 2010, states that black cohosh appears to be an "effective therapy for relieving menopausal symptoms, primarily hot flashes, in early menopause." Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine in January 2010 featured an article by T. Shams that states that black cohosh improved menopausal symptoms by 26 percent in 288 study groups polled. However, this article, "Efficacy of Black Cohosh-Containing Preparations on Menopausal Symptoms: a Meta-Analysis," also states that the methods of the studies differed; therefore, more data is needed to determine black cohosh's effects on menopausal symptoms.
Infertility
A study performed at Assiut University in Egypt attempted to determine black cohosh's effects on the cervix and endometrium in women with unexplained infertility. Published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online in October 2009, the study by AY Shahin compared black cohosh supplementation to the use of ethinyl oestradiol, a typical compound given to women to increase follicle growth. The results showed that the women given black cohosh took fewer days for follicular maturation, had thicker endometrium linings, higher serum progesterone and higher estradiol concentrations. These improvements did not influence pregnancy rates however, and more data is needed before black cohosh can be considered a strong candidate for infertility treatments.
Labor Induction
Black cohosh is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can stimulate contractions. Therefore, it may be a possible alternative to induction medications. "Safety and Efficacy of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) During Pregnancy and Lactation," an article published by JJ Dugoua in the Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in November 2006, says that midwives use black cohosh as a uterine stimulant and labor-inducing aid. The article also says that black cohosh may have anovulatory effects, or can possibly cause a woman to skip ovulation during her cycle. The hormonal effects of black cohosh are not fully known; therefore, it is also not recommended during breastfeeding.
Cautions
The FDA does not regulate the use of this herb, and the Mayo Clinic recommends caution for those women at high risk for breast cancer. Do not use if your are pregnant or nursing, and always discuss any new supplements with your physician before beginning use.
References
- "Nutrition in Clinical Care"; Black cohosh: an alternative therapy for menopause?; Mahady, GB et al; November 2002
- "Maturitas"; Alternative and complementary therapies for the menopause; Borrelli, F and Ernst, E; published June 2010
- "Reproductive Biomedicine Online"; Supplementation of clomiphene citrate cycles with Cimicifuga racemosa or ethinyl oestradiol--a randomized trial; Shahin, AY, Ismail, AM, and Shaaban, OM; October 2009
- Botanical.com: Black Cohosh Information
- Office of Dietary Supplements Website: Black Cohosh Historical Uses
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