Black cohosh is an herbal supplement known for its estrogen-like properties used to treat women's health problems. Early scientific evidence shows that black cohosh can improve menopause and premenstrual symptoms, according to National Institutes of Health. Concerns about liver toxicity and black cohosh's effect on breast tissue is being investigated further to determine safety of this herb.
Then and Now
According to a review published in the July 2009 issue of "Nutrition Today," black cohosh was used for women's health problems and overall illness dating back to early Native Americans and European settlers. The use of black cohosh as a "female tonic" was added in 1926 to the U.S. Pharmacopeia. It was approved as such in 1989 by The German Commission, in 2002 by The World Health Organization, and in 2003 by the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Today it is sold worldwide as an herbal supplement for menopause or menstruation. There is a lack of rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials, however.
Side Effects
According to "Nutrition Today," several clinical and non-clinical studies reported side effects involving the liver associated with black cohosh. As a result, in 2007 the federal government mandated that warning labels involving the liver appear on all products containing black cohosh. Also noted of major concern is a possible link to changes in breast tissue that can lead to cancer. These major concerns about the safety and benefits of black cohosh have been and will continue to be investigated by National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements and other federal institutes, agencies and centers.
Clinical Trials
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements review of clinical studies, black cohosh can significantly decrease hot flashes and excessive sweating and improved women's overall quality of life. However, these studies only lasted for up to 12 weeks. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding a 12-month clinical study to investigate the effect of black cohosh on the frequency, intensity and duration of menopausal symptoms.
Hormone Levels
When you go through menopause, your estrogen levels begin to decline and other hormone levels increase, including luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, black cohosh contains estrogen-like substances that are still being investigated by the scientific community. The studies done so far on black cohosh show positive and negative effects on hormone levels. Therefore, more studies need to be done and no recommendations can be made yet.
Black Cohosh Products
Black cohosh is sold in the United States as a dietary or herbal supplement alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients. Black cohosh supplement is considered a food and not a drug so manufacturers do not have to provide any evidence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of how they made it, when they harvested the plant, what part of the plant they used, how much they used or any standardized methods. Therefore, consult a medical doctor before taking this supplement.
Warnings
Headaches, upset stomach, weight problems and were the most common side effects reported from clinical trials according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Also noted were a few cases of liver damage and liver toxicity but that is still under investigation. The Office of Dietary Supplements warns that pregnant women, women with breast cancer or women with a high risk of breast cancer, anyone with a history of liver disease or liver problems should not take black cohosh.
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