Black cohosh has been around for over two centuries, dating back to the Native Americans who used this herb to treat menstrual cramps and pre- and postmenopausal issues. Today, this herb is still being used as an herbal remedy for menstrual and menopausal conditions, including premenstrual syndrome, but scientific evidence is falling short on showing its effectiveness.
About Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, medicinally known as Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial plant that is found in North America. The herb that is used for medicinal remedies comes from the rhizomes and the roots of the plant. The active compounds black cohosh contains that have been thought to be effective for menopause and menstrual issues are phytoestrogens, glycosides and isoferulic acids. Black cohosh can be found in tablet, capsule, tincture, extract and tea form.
Proposed Medicinal Uses
Although black cohosh has been touted as a menopausal treatment, this herb has also been used to help alleviate kidney disorders, malaise, rheumatism, colds, coughs, hives, constipation and backaches, states the Office of Dietary Supplements. According to a study published in the 2002 issue of "American Herbal Pharmacopoeia," black cohosh has also been used to treat fevers, lung conditions, neurological conditions and inflammation to the uterus and ovaries and to relieve labor pains.
Scientific Evidence
The scientific evidence that has been done shows that black cohosh is not an effective treatment for menstrual or menopausal issues. A few studies have provided some positive results, but the majority of them come to same conclusion: that black cohosh does not work.
In a study published in the June 2006 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Oncology," black cohosh was used to treat hot flashes for postmenopausal patients who were either undergoing or had just finished breast cancer treatment. Those participants who received the placebo saw a larger decrease in their hot flash score than those participants who actually used black cohosh, and over 66 percent of the patients preferred either the placebo or no treatment at all.
In another study published in the January/February 2008 of "Menopause," researchers attempted to prove that black cohosh was an effective herbal remedy for hormone therapy. However, the results failed, showing no effect on vaginal, endometrium or reproductive hormones. A year later in the November/December issue of "Menopause," black cohosh again was tested to see how effective it was for treating menopausal vasomotor symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. The placebo was 63 percent more effective.
Then in February 2010, yet another study was published in "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" that investigated if a 75 percent ethanol extract of black cohosh, the maximum tolerated dose, would positively impact menopausal women's hormones. It showed absolutely no estrogenic hormone effects.
Side Effects
If you decide to try black cohosh, despite the scientific evidence, and after you consult a physician, beware of the side effects. Black cohosh may cause stomach discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, heaviness in the legs, joint pains, slow heart rate, tremors, visual dimness and possible weight gain. In severe cases, black cohosh may adversely affect your liver, uterus and breast tissue. Since black cohosh has never been tested for long-term use, no known information of long-term effects is available.
References
- "Menopause"; Vaginal, Endometrial and Reproductive Hormone Findings: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Black Cohosh, Multibotanical Herbs and Dietary Soy for Vasomotor Symptoms: The Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) Study; S.D. Reed, et al.; January/February 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Phase III Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Black Cohosh in the Management of Hot Flashes: NCCTG Trial N01CC1; B.A. Pockaj, et al.; June 2006
- "Clinical Pharmacology and Theurapeutics"; Pharmacokinetics of 23-epi-26-deoxyactein in Women After Oral Administration of a Standardized Extract of Black Cohosh; R.B. Van Breemen, et al.; February 2010
- "Menopause"; Safety and Efficacy of Black Cohosh and Red Clover for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial; S.E. Geller, et al.; November/December 2009
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
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