Black Cohosh for Tinnitus

Tinnitus is characterized by the sensation of hearing a "ringing" in the ears when no corresponding sound is made. This is not a disease or psychosomatic disorder, but a symptom of an underlying cause, most commonly hearing loss due to chronic exposure to loud noise. At best, the periodic buzzing sound is distracting, but chronic tinnitus can impair your ability to recognize "real" sounds. Natural therapies, such as black cohosh, might help to reduce symptoms. However, since tinnitus can signal a vascular, metabolic or neurological disorder, see your doctor for a full evaluation.

Description

Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot and rattleweed, is a native North American perennial herb related to the common buttercup. Since it allegedly repels various species of insects, it has earned the additional nicknames bugwort and bugbane. However, flies, gnats and some species of beetles are attracted to the plant's flower clusters. As a flowering perennial, the herb makes an attractive addition to the garden.

Historical Use

Native Americans used black cohosh for a variety of medical purposes. Traditionally, black cohosh preparations have been used to treat inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Modern herbalists advocate the use of the herb to treat menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Black cohosh is also used to treat tinnitus, although evidence of its effectiveness is more anecdotal than clinical.

Pharmacological Actions

One suspected cause of tinnitus is low serotonin levels. Black cohosh, according to researchers at the University of Illinois, contains chemical compounds that bind to and stimulate serotonin receptors. In fact, the scientists reported in the Sept. 10, 2003, issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" that the relief of menopausal hot flashes, for which black cohosh is best known, may be due to serotonin influence rather than estrogenic effects.

A different team of researchers from the same university submitted evidence to the same medical journal in 2008 that the serotonergic effects of black cohosh may be due to the presence of a serotonin derivative identified as N(omega)-methylserotonin.

Evidence of Efficacy

There is conflicting evidence to support the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including black cohosh extracts, to treat tinnitus. For instance, in a paper published in the February 2004 edition of "Ear, Nose and Throat Journal," Robert L. Folmer and Yong-Bing Shi of Oregon Health and Science University reported that a retrospective study involving patients at a large tinnitus clinic, a subgroup of which also demonstrated clinical depression, showed that the use of SSRIs helps to reduce symptoms of chronic tinnitus as well as depression.

However, according to Shannon K. Robinson, M.D., lead author of a study published in the Nov.-Dec. 2005 issue of "Psychosomatic Medicine," the administration of the antidepressant drug paroxetine in 120 tinnitus patients was no more effective at reducing symptoms than a placebo.

Beyond these studies, research on the direct effects of black cohosh compounds on tinnitus is lacking.

Safety Considerations

According to MayoClinic.com, black cohosh is generally well tolerated, but high doses may cause stomach upset, headache, blurred vision and dizziness. Due to potential estrogenic effects, this herb should not be used during pregnancy or while undergoing treatment for a hormone-driven cancer. Do not use this herb if you have high blood pressure, epilepsy or a history of blood clots. Before using black cohosh to treat your tinnitus symptoms, consult a health care practitioner or certified herbalist experienced in the use of this herb.