As of 2010, there were no official recommendations for using black cohosh as an alternative to hormone replacement treatments for reducing menopause symptoms. At the same time, the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements reports that there is some scientific evidence that the herb helps relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in some people. It is important to speak to a doctor before taking black cohosh supplements, since the herb may not be appropriate or safe for everyone.
Reduce Hot Flashes
A hot flash, sometimes called a hot flush, is a vasomotor symptom of menopause that causes sudden, intense heating up of the body that sometimes results in facial flushing and profuse sweating. In menopause, hot flashes are associated with decreased estrogen production. Studies that measure the effects of black cohosh on hot flashes have yielded conflicting results, but a review of 32 different studies, published in a 2008 issue of the Polish professional journal, Ginekologia Polska, found a significant amount of evidence proving that black coshosh reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes. A comprehensive review by Canadian researchers, published in a 2010 edition of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine," also found that black cohosh reportedly reduced vasomotor symptoms by 26 percent.
Reduce Night Sweats
Like hot flashes, night sweats are a vasomotor symptom of menopause. An Israeli study published in a 2007 issue of "Gynecological Endocrinoloy," the official journal of the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology, found that women who took an herbal supplement that included a standardized extract of black cohosh experienced a 69 percent reduction in night sweats. The severity of night sweats was reportedly reduced and quality of sleep improved.
Stabilize Mood Swings
A large German study published in a 2007 issue of the European menopause journal, "Maturitas," found that black cohosh helped relieve mood disturbances. The effect on mood symptoms was even greater when black cohosh was taken in combination with another herb, St. John's Wort. For both black cohosh alone and the combination supplement, mood improvement continued for the 12 months of testing and follow-up.
Improve Bone Health
Osteoporosis, or bone loss, is a health problem for some post-menopausal women. A German study published in a 2006 issue of the journal "Menopause" found that black cohosh helps rebuild bone by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts, or bone-forming cells in the body.
References
- National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- PubMed.gov: Black Cohosh with or without St. John's Wort for Symptom-Specific Climacteric Treatment
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy and Safety of Black Cohosh in the Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms---Review of Clinical Trials
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of Black Cohosh-Containing Preparations on Menopausal Symptoms--A Meta-Analysis
- PubMed.gov: Phyto-Female Complex for the Relief of Hot Flushes, Night Sweats and Quality of Sleep
- PubMed.gov: Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) on Bone Turnover, Vaginal Mucosa, and Various Blood Parameters in Postmenopausal Women.
