Much controversy often surrounds the safety of herbal supplements. Because the FDA does not regulate the safety, purity and efficacy of these supplements, the products vary widely with respect to quality standards. Herbalists have used black cohosh for thousands of years to treat menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms. Nevertheless, there have been reports of liver damage following use of products containing black cohosh. You should always consult your physician before using black cohosh or any herbal remedy.
Black Cohosh
Actaea racemosa, or black cohosh, is a member of the buttercup family and grows in the woods of eastern North America. Black cohosh contains chemicals such as isoferulic acids and phytoestrogens. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that isoferulic acids purportedly have anti-inflammatory properties and phytoestrogens may act in a manner similar to the estrogen your body creates naturally. These chemical properties in black cohosh may help with premenstrual syndrome as well as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness associated with menopause.
Hepatitis and Liver Damage
Black cohosh may cause hepatitis, liver damage and liver failure. Symptoms of liver damage may include dark urine, pale or clay-colored stools, jaundice, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, unintended weight loss, itching and breast development in men, according to the National Institutes of Health. Physicians will often run liver function tests, perform an abdominal ultrasound or collect fluid from the abdomen if present. In some cases, physicians may biopsy a small sample of the liver to determine liver damage. If liver damage is left untreated, liver failure or liver cancer may occur, as well as bacterial infections or significant bleeding caused by esophageal varices.
Scientific Evidence
Patients have suffered liver damage and liver failure following the use of products containing black cohosh, according to MayoClinic.com. Some patients required a liver transplant due to damage possibly caused by black cohosh. Though government agencies and researchers have documented the cases, there is still insufficient evidence to draw a firm conclusion as to whether or not liver damage was actually caused by products containing black cohosh in these cases. The claims remain controversial.
Warnings
You should not use black cohosh if you have a history of cirrhosis, liver damage, hepatitis or any condition that affects your liver. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that black cohosh may exacerbate hormone-related illnesses such as prostate, breast, ovarian or uterine cancers as well as endometriosis, and you should consult your physician before use if you have these conditions.
Considerations
Black cohosh goes by several common names including bugbane, bugwort, black snakeroot and squawroot. Read labels carefully to avoid accidentally ingesting black cohosh by other names. Always use a certified herbalist or holistic practitioner for the purest product.
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